There are more songs about Superman than almost any other topic I can think of, except maybe California, or driving/cars. Some are good, some are terrible, some you can’t help but love. But rather than rank them, I just present them in seriously no particular order except what came into my head as I brainstormed.

Spin Doctors – Jimmy Olsen’s Blues

“>httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrQCro68sRU

I love this song for its interesting and fresh take on this, that Jimmy is pining for Lois and so has a “pocket full of kryptonite” to keep Superman away. Also, a little funky, a little poppy. Spin Doctors!

3 Doors Down – Kryptonite

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPU8OAjjS4k

A song about obsession, maybe being a little overbearing and overprotective, but all wrapped up in a Superman metaphor.

Donovan – Sunshine Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge5Gv7kJGUw

A “classic” if you’re into mid-60’s pop. Me? Not so much. But it’s hard to ignore a song that is an actual, legitimate hit song instead of some obscure track, like…

Stone Temple Pilots – Silvergun Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKQknGhcCkY

I’ll admit it. I really like this song. No idea how it relates to Superman except for the name. Of course, this is on an album with an opening track called “Meatplow” that is supposedly about. . . nevermind. There might be kids reading this.

Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out for a Hero

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVtaVrUAPK0

Ok, technically not about Superman, but here’s why– not only does she proclaim, “I’m gonna need a superman to sweep me off my feet,” this song was also featured in the pilot episode of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Granted, it was during a fashion montage of Dean Cain trying on different superhero outfits and it was dreadful, but, it was a connection nonetheless.

Crash Test Dummies – Superman’s Song

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihUIPlLw2ZE

I already wrote about why I love this song, but to recapitulate, Superman never made any money/ saving the world from Solomon Grundy/ and sometimes I despair the world will never see another man like him.

Five for Fighting – It’s Not Easy

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRz4FY0ZcwI

This is either the best song about Superman or the absolute worst. I can’t decide. It trades Crash Test Dummies’ sweet subtlety for just telling you straight up that “It’s not easy” to be Superman. Well duh. But it was on the first season of Smallville, an obvious tie-in. Speaking of:

Remy Zero – Save Me

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYdCzs5uPrI

There are exactly 30 seconds of this song that are listenable, and it’s the part of the chorus that’s in the opening Smallville credits. The rest of the song is as uneven and a patchwork of styles as Superman II.  I mean, you just don’t change tempo AND time signature between chorus and verse. Really guys. Remember when they showed up to play the Smallville High Prom in Season One? And Pete was all excited? “Yay! Remy Zero!!” And that was literally the last time anyone was excited about them as a band.

Lazlo Bane – I’m no Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1wtyW__5O8

A much superior tv theme song in my opinion (and one of my favorite shows, truth be told) and this one is actually a cohesive song that deserves to be heard all the way through. And my son loves it. As I was writing this, he told me, “Dad, that’s the I’m no Superman song!” Smart kid. Who has sat with his mom and dad through too many reruns of Scrubs.

Goldfinger – Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfwsxoo_FL8

Not a tv theme song , and a song I’d certainly loved before 1999’s Tony Hawk Pro Skater came out on Playstation, but how many hours I listened to this song while playing that game I have no idea. And I’m so confused, about what to do, sometimes I want to throw it all away. . . .  Now I want to go listen to more Goldfinger.  Here in your bedroom. . .

Frank Black – Man of Steel

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzc4jBqh90w

The former lead singer of The Pixies contributed this song to the X Files movie soundtrack. Not sure how much more it is related to Superman. I guess you could argue he’s singing about Fox Mulder. In either case, it’s about some guy who is lonely, carries a burden, and is a man of steel. Sounds like Supes to me.

Zoom – Lois Lane

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Skf0NYKTE

I had a roommate who loved Superman who really liked this song. Coincidentally, a few years later, he came out to everyone as gay.  Really? We kind of knew already. Lois Lane by Zoom was a big clue. If you’re looking for a song to play about Superman in a Eurodisco some place, this is for you.

Eminem – Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kYkciD9VjU

Also uncensored NSFW version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPUSG9feE6k

Yeah. Not your typical Superman song. But Eminem claims he can leap tall ‘hoes in a single bound. Ok. Yeah, maybe this is the Superman under the influence of tar-infused kryptonite from Superman III. This is his jam, yo.

Our Lady Peace – Superman’s Dead

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CBBtorFg2I

Canadian post-grunge rockers Our Lady Peace bust out onto US airwaves with this ode to the (then) recent death of Superman. While you might’ve heard their earlier songs “Starseed” and “Naveed” if you were really into alternative rock in the 90’s, this was their first legitimate hit. Aside from only a few other songs on this list, this is one of the only ones guaranteed to make me turn my stereo and scream along. Doesn’t anybody ever know. . .

Flaming Lips – Waitin’ for a Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0AOG7ciuJo

Like your alternative music a little more. . .alternative? Then Flaming Lips is for you, and so is this song. Moody, soulful, thoughtful– everything you’d expect from Flaming Lips. Cuz it’s getting heavy. . .

Also, don’t watch this video if you get sick from seeing blood. Somehow, inexplicably, there’s a lot of it in this video.

Big Head Todd and the Monsters – Resignation Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSPtTIPAW10

Really the only song by these guys that I even slightly liked, but I was never really into jam bands. But another great song about Superman being tired of fighting for good and “Guess I’ll turn my back on this world.” Did alternative bands in the 90’s have any other take on Superman?

REM – Superman

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxQS6lfn0yU

A couple of important points about this song. It was not written by REM, but rather by Texas sunshine power pop band The Clique in 1969. And also, it is the only one of REM’s hits not sung by Michael Stipe. Instead, lead vocals are done by bassist Mike Mills. Wait, unless you count Shiny Happy People where Stipe shares lead vocals with both Mills and Kate Piersen of the B-52s. But we don’t count Shiny Happy People. Mike Mills was also a studio musician on Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream, specifically adding piano tracks to Soma. It’s not that I’m full of Mike Mills trivia, that is literally all the trivia I know about him.

Anyway, it’s a great song about Superman.

“Superman Lover” – Johnny Guitar Watson

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cbvx12PC_0

Funky!! I have to admit, this was one of the only ones on this list that I didn’t know before but discovered because of the magic of googling “Songs about Superman.” And now I kind of like it. Was always a fan of a good blues song, though.

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman – The Kinks

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ql_m-4jdZE

Speaking of bringing the funk… What a great guitar riff. Probably the best of any on this list. And such a strong backbeat, but you can really tell this song came from the late 70’s. You can hear a little of disco, Kiss, Styx, but most of all The Kinks on this song. Also, coming out right after the original Superman film, I wonder how much that inspired them to write this tune.

John Williams — Superman Theme

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9vrfEoc8_g

In just 8 notes, Williams is able to define Superman. And immediately tell you that this is a Superman movie you’re watching. I know this isn’t a “song” per se, but I think it’s important, as always, to salute Williams for his work. And considering that the scoring work he did for one film (Superman the Movie) has served as either a template, a crib sheet, or just a place to borrow a few important motifs for the scores of the next 4 Superman films, it’s a stunning achievement. I’m excited to see Man of Steel and to hear what Hans Zimmer does, but ain’t nothing like a John Williams score.

And that’s that. Yes, I know I left a couple off, some of them intentionally, like Jim Croce’s You Don’t Mess Around Jim (because the song is about Jim, and just because the chorus says you don’t tug on Superman’s cape, it also says you don’t spit into the wind, or pull the mask off the Lone Ranger. It’s equally about them. Not Superman.) or the gawd-awful O Superman by avant garde artist Laurie Anderson, which seriously will give me a seizure if I listen to it for more than 30 seconds. That’s ok, I’ll leave her to the people who “get” her art, as obviously I do not. Also, no Taylor Swift. That girl gets enough press and mention without us. So that’s enough.

But this is not a fully exhaustive list– have a favorite I left off? Let us know in the comments section, and until next time, keep on watching the skies.

I love listening to vinyl. I’m totally one of those guys. I remember sitting up in front of my grandmother’s record player and listening to Star Wars soundtracks and storybooks from Disney films. I use it these days to listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra and movie soundtracks. Seriously, there’s something magical about listening to Gone With the Wind and Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia and The Third Man on vinyl.

I recently picked up a new (to me) copy of the Return of the Jedi soundtrack on vinyl and it just sounds fantastic. No, it doesn’t sound as good per se as my digital versions, but it brings a certain level of nostalgia that just can’t be discounted. Or perhaps I’m just old and like old things.

We have the classic trilogy soundtracks on vinyl and I always felt it was a shame we couldn’t get the same experience with the prequels. Whatever anyone says about them, the music is every bit as good or better than the classic trilogy soundtracks. Seriously, between Duel of the Fates, Across the Stars, and Battle of the Heroes, you’ve got three of the best Star Wars pieces ever composed.

Well, I Am Shark has picked up the license and we’ll be getting the soundtrack to The Phantom Menace on vinyl soon. You can preorder it on their website and they have a number of different pressings for you to choose from.

I’m definitely going to be picking one of these up for myself and I hope they get into Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith as well.

From the press release:

This will be part one of three, continuing on the latest trilogy soundtracks, as well as I Am Shark’s new face as an independent label for Film/TV/Game soundtracks. The release will be in 2xLP format, with limited color versions coordinating with characters through out the movies. 

Mark Dago, rapper and all around cool guy, has put together this Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader themed song. I think it’s better than anything guys like MC Chris have done, but maybe that has more to do with the fact that I think Mark deserves more recognition than he’s getting.

This is the perfect song to get you to Star Wars Celebration VI.

You can download it free on Bandcamp, and I recommend you do so. While you’re there, check out the rest of Mark’s stuff. You’ll like it.

Listen, pally:

I’ve spent the last year rewatching every episode of Deep Space Nine from the beginning and I truly believe it’s the best Star Trek show ever made.

One thing I’d almost forgotten since the last time I watched it was Vic Fontaine. He was one of the biggest reasons, to be honest, I started getting into Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin music and, for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Since watching the show, I’ve even bought a CD James Darren put out with most of the Vic Fontaine music on it. Darren is a fantastic actor (seriously, he was a bad ass in The Guns of Navarone, holding himself up against Anthony Quayle, David Niven, and Gregory Peck) and a wonderful vocalist, taking standard lounge tunes and making them his own without seeming stale. Buy a CD here. You won’t regret it.

In any case, I just wanted to share some of the best of his moments and numbers with you guys…

Late in Season 6 (with the episode “His Way”) Vic helped Odo come to terms with his feelings with then-Major Kira. Here, Vic does a fantastic rendition of “Come Fly With Me”:

When Nog is dealing with a personal problem and takes to living with Vic in the holosuite, Vic’s version of “It’s Only a Paper Moon” isn’t quite as good as Ella Fitzgerald, but fun nonetheless…

Later in that episode, Vic belts out a truly joyous version of “I’ve Got the World on a String”:

And here’s Vic consoling Quark and Dr. Bashir with “Here’s to the Losers”:

One of my favorite moments came when Captain Sisko finally made it into the holo-suite and joined Vic for a duet of “The Best is Yet To Come” in the episode Bada-bing-bada-bang.

And the one that capped off the series:

Do you like epicness? Of course you do. (more…)

Marvel has recently announced its “Avengers Assemble” soundtrack featuring music from, and inspired by the movie. This release also confirms one very important thing: Marvel has no taste in music. Yes, I’m afraid unless you put more gel in your hair in a morning then some small countries use in a year, drink Coors Light and Mountain Dew like water, and have a large collection of Tap Out gear, this album just isn’t for you.

Yes, you are reading this correctly. Papa Roach? BuckCherry? Pusher Jones? I feel like I’ve been sent in a douchey time machine back to 1998. The only way this could be worse would be to lead the album with Nickleback.

Then of course, we have Evanesence, a band so terrible I could devote pages of my hatred to, remixed by some D-Bag named Photek. All in all, I’m pretty sure I’ll be giving this a pass on my list of things that I’ll need before The Avengers drops May 4th.

How about you? Are you reeling in confusion as I am? Or are you already getting out your wallets, covered in Ed Hardy designs, to pre-order?

Famed composer John Williams has composed “Fanfare for Fenway” as a tribute to Boston’s Fenway Park in celebration of its 100^th anniversary.

According to the press release:

 

The piece, just over three minutes long, was recorded Saturday, March 24, at Boston’s Symphony Hall, and performed by musicians from the Boston Pops Orchestra with Williams conducting.

Maestro Williams is a loyal and passionate fan of the Red Sox and Fenway Park, and his music has had a long-time connection to the team and ballpark. A portion of the 2005 Opening Day Ring Ceremony, celebrating the first Red Sox Championship in 86 years, was set to a John Williams medley that featured the “Main Theme” from Star Wars, “Raiders March” from Indiana Jones, and the “Theme” from Jurassic Park, performed by musicians from the Boston Pops. Williams’ music was also featured prominently during the 2008 Opening Day Ceremony as players received their World Series Rings and the second World Championship banner in four years was hoisted to the composers “A Hymn To New England,” performed by the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble. That opening ceremony also featured the “Main Theme” to Superman, “Throne and End Title” from Star Wars: Episode IV, and “Raiders March” from Indiana Jones.

Williams, as indicated above, is no stranger to pieces celebrating sports, though he is most often celebrated for his memorable film scores.  His “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” written for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, is still heard during Olympic Games to this day.  He also composed for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.  Several of these can be found on the Summon the Heroes CD, which I heartily recommend.

He also directed the Boston Pops as they performed the National Anthem for Game One of the 2007 World Series at Fenway Park (Boston swept the Series, winning four games)¸ and he has had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Red Sox game.

John Williams has demonstrated extreme flexibility and talent whether composing for events, celebrations, or films.  He has graced us with his music for over six decades, and he continues to entertain.  At the recent Academy Awards, he received two nominations for Best Original Score.  Though he did not win, being nominated twice is a clear indication of how his ability to embellish films with his music has continued to endure.

I’m starting this week off with a video. Why? Because one of our awesome readers (thanks Matt!) sent me this Gundam Rap album preview and I can’t get the song “White Reflection” out of my head! This was recently featured on TOKYOPOP but if you didn’t catch it you need to watch now:

Richie Branson, keep up the good work. You’ve made my week! You can find more about Branson’s album here.

And now for to the update:

This week we’ve got Hetalia: Axis Powers – the Complete Series out on DVD. What will become of my favorite characters: Japan, Germany and Italy? I suppose I’ll have to pick up the collection and find out! This is one of those series that just has to be seen to be believed, and I highly recommend the English version for the terrible accents and ridiculous translations for U.S. distribution. The release should also hopefully mean that we’ll soon see World Series on the Netflix instant streaming service, too! You can pick up the whole series now for list price $44.98 or the Amazon price at $34.99.

Excitement is mounting for the theatrical release of the Hunger Games.  We recently shared two new tv spots for the upcoming film, and tickets are now on sale for when the action-packed story hits theaters on march 23.  A friend introduced me to the book series, and I literally could not put the first one down, so I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the movie.

Maybe you think it’s a Battle Royale knock-off.  Maybe you still aren’t happy with the casting of Peeta or Gale.  But the merchandising juggernaut is now underway, and none of us will be able to escape its presence for at least the next couple of months.

Hot Topic looks to be one of the major merchandisers of Hunger Games paraphernalia, and they’ve put Katniss, her two favorite guys, and the mockingjay on everything from keychains to journals to pillow cases.  There are also about fifteen different T-shirts, including portraits of Rue and Haymitch.  Personally, I think the mockingjay is the best-looking of the bunch.

I also love these mockingjay earrings.

And, for hardcore fans, you can now purchase (inside the continental United States) an exact replica of Katniss’ hunting bow.

For music fans, the CD The Hunger Games:  Songs from District 12 and Beyond is available for pre-order from Amazon, scheduled for release on March 20. This is the soundtrack with Taylor Swift’s single Safe and Sound.  Another pre-order item is the companion book The World of the Hunger Games, containing full-color photos and new quotes from author Suzanne Collins.

From everything I’ve seen about this film, it looks to be a thrilling adaptation of the book series.  Will you be going to see it?  Does any of the merchandise interest you?

Thanks to MediaBistro GalleyCat, we learned that Lionsgate has updated the official Hunger Games YouTube channel with a song for the upcoming companion album for the March 2012 film.  Deadline Hollywood reports that the album will be released separately from the soundtrack, and James Newton Howard is composing the score.

The song is a collaboration between Taylor Swift and the musical duo The Civil Wars.  Swift recently tweeted her excitement about the release.  Within 12 hours of its release, it became one of  iTunes’ top 10 songs.  A sampling of the lyrics:

I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, I’ll never let you go
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, Don’t leave me here alone
But all that’s dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You’ll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I’ll be safe and sound

After listening to it a few times, I think it’s haunting and beautiful.  Since it looks like this is for a companion album, it’s doubtful this song will even appear in the film, but I think it would be perfect for a scene with Rue or even Peeta.  Or perhaps a great song over the final credits.  We’ll just have to wait and see what songs will be on the official soundtrack.

“Safe and Sound” is already available on iTunes for $1.29 and will be available on Amazon on January 3 for a mere $0.99.

Related:

Hunger Games Poster

Hunger Games Trailer

Peeta & Gale Cast