John Hughes
I haven’t had much to say about the passing of 80s teen movie legend John Hughes. For one reason, it seemed like so many other people had so much to say that I didn’t feel there was much I could add. For another, it was starting to feel borderline creepy/annoying, what with all the tribute videos, photo montages (though some were pretty cool) and lengthy posts dedicated to someone most people had never met.
But hey, I’m a child of the 80s, so I get it. I loved those movies, too. So I figured, why not throw my hat in the ring? After all, John Hughes could curate a soundtrack like no one else. Teen soundtracks since Hughes have turned into wastelands for lower tier acts that labels don’t know how to market. There are a few exceptions, obviously, but what soundtrack today would have The Smiths, New Order, INXS and The Psychedelic Furs? Placed with care, mind you, not just randomly assigned. Not many.
So how to do this without simply posting a bunch of songs from Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink? I’m normally not a covers man, but there are a few Hughes-era tunes that have received pretty respectful treatment. The National’s cover of ‘Pretty In Pink’ is a little dirge-y at first, but is actually quite good. And I’ve always admired Nada Surf’s cover of OMD. Hopefully you’ll feel the same!
Tags: john hughes, nada surf, omd, pretty in pink, the national, the psychedelic furs
I remember buying the OMD CD and thinking that I was soo ahead of the curve for my small town life. Regardless of it not being so, it was one of the greatest moments of my life realizing that music can define (or contribute strongly) to one’s sense of being.
“If You Leave” – FANTASTIC.
I follow you, Sandy. I grew up in a small town as well and felt that way about a lot of musical discoveries.