I subscribed to netflix this summer, which was a great decision. Around our house, we average a DVD per week through the service. Through this regular movie going I’ve found that movie soundtracks are a great place to find wedding music (duh). Among those I recently came across was Dan in Real Life. First of all, this movie is hilarious. The soundtrack was scored by Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche. The album features several mood-rich Acoustic guitar based instrumentals. Among the other tracks are whimsical, upbeat songs like “Modern Nature”, a duet which features Regina Spektor, or the love song “My Hands are Shaking”. Another standout is the cover of Pete Townshend’s “Let My Love Open the Door”

Like most married men, I have to watch “Chick Flicks” from time to time. Although I wouldn’t watch the movie again, “Just like Heaven” begins with a slow, acoustic version of the Cure song “Just like Heaven” as interpreted by Katie Melua. While searching for the song online I came across a number of other versions/covers. One, performed by Laura Cortese, which would work well at setting the mood in a wedding. On a side note, I’ve always preferred Dinosaur Jr.’s version of this song, although it’s much less romantic than others.

Perhaps you might find these a bit pedestrian, so……..got any others???

Grant

There’s just something visceral about music. Hearing a particular song can bring back memories & nostalgic feelings. Play some early Pearl Jam (Yellow Ledbetter) and I’m back in High School. It’s even more amazing what it does for video. If I take a video clip, set it to slow motion & black & white……okay. But, if I also play the right song behind the video, it creates an amazing emotional experience. Editing video has changed the way I listen to music. It seems like every other day, I’ll be driving along with my ipod on shuffle when a song causes me to edit a movie in my mind. I can picture specific content & camera angles. There are some songs that I would love to work with, that are just perfect for the right sequence or product. But enough with my issues. Here’s a short list of songs that lately have been making movies in my head.

Tuolumne,  Eddie Vedder (short acoustic instrumental perfect for credits)

Hard Sun,  Eddie Vedder

Forever, Ben Harper (I used this song once & unlike other songs I’ve edited with, I still love hearing it again & again)

Catapult, Counting Crows (Live w/out a Net version)

Smoothie Song,  Nickel Creek (another instrumental perfect for intros & credits, high energy)

Time after Time, Eva Cassidy (Another one I’d love to use again)

Nightswimming, R.E.M.

Landslide, Smashing Pumpkins

Jack Johnson, Do You Remember? (although I’m not a Jack Johnson fan, his songs have a calm fun mood)

These are just songs that have an effect in my mind. They may not be right or appropriate for your video, which is perfectly understandable. The bottom line is, I tell clients they should choose songs that resonate within their minds the same way.

Grant