Monday is here again, whether we want it to be here or not…heh! But you know, since it is Monday, that of course means music! Our friend and regular MMMM participant, Sandee of Comedy-Plus chose this week’s theme: “Movie songs.” Let’s get this musical movie party started!
Let’s start by taking a little trip to the beach. This song came together when the music producer was hired to work on a song with The Beach Boys for the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail. The Beach Boys’ glory days were behind them, and they had been playing fairs and nostalgia shows. Me and my friends saw them when they played at the Puyallup Fair (now known as the Washington State Fair) in 1988. Feels like yesterday!
They were one of the most popular bands of the ’60s and had a bunch of songs dealing with recreation and fun, which is why they were asked to record for the movie. Kokomo is a city in the middle of Indiana and is also a small resort owned by Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay; the title was made up. It was supposed to represent all the tropical places and images that people think of when wishing to get away to some paradise island to escape the dreary work life.
Fun fact: This was released in July 1988, but it went nowhere until the movie came out a few months later and made it a huge hit. When The Beach Boys played it live during concerts that summer, it got no response. Pay attention! John Stamos is playing the drums in this video.
Here’s The Beach Boys with “Kokomo”:
Next up the classic English story Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves found simultaneous box office and musical success with an accent-less American actor and a power ballad by a Canadian rock star. The track became this artist’s biggest hit, spending seven weeks at Number 1.
It was written to order for the movie, the artist used a line in the movie, “I do it for you…” as the basis for the song, and they had it written in about an hour.
Give a listen to Bryan Adams with “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”:
Next up this title track plays as Jennifer Beals’ character Alex auditions for a stodgy dance conservatory board, only to wow them when the song turns from ballad into uptempo pop. It would later win an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
The artist was an accomplished dancer who not only sang the title song to Fame, but also starred in the film as an aspiring dancer. She said:
“‘What a feeling’ was a metaphor about a dancer, how she’s in control of her body when she dances and how she can be in control of her life.”
The video featured the dance sequence to Flashdance, which was the primary driver of the leg warmers trend of the ’80s.
Get ready to dance, here’s Irene Cara with “Flashdance… What A Feeling”:
Last, but certainly not least, the soundtrack to this well-loved Kevin Bacon movie featured a number of hits, including Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” and Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” but the biggest was this artist’s title track.
This was the biggest hit and the only #1 for this artist. It exposed him to an international audience when the movie did well outside of America. The artist said in 2007 that of all his soundtrack hits, this is the one he most likes performing.
“It’s such a lighthearted tune. It’s like doing a Chuck Berry song every night.”
Get up and dance, here’s Kenny Loggins with “Footloose”:
That’s a wrap for this week – see you on the dance floor!
Now on to the particulars of Monday’s Music Move’s Me:
For this new year, the 4M crew is operating a bit differently. If you have a theme idea, submit your request by email. Each person’s suggestion(s) will be credited accordingly – unless someone wants to volunteer for the monthly co-host spot, then we won’t be looking for anyone to fill it in 2023. It’s tough to commit for 4-weeks. The object is to keep things fun!
I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!
Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it and link up – don’t forget to grab Xmas Dolly…er, um, I mean her button…over at her place here. Check out Xmas Dolly’s sidebar for the random themes we sport each week – and you can always ask for a specific theme of music you like, too. Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!
Excellent choices. Always loved the Beach Boys. “What A Feeling” and “Footloose” are my favorites here. I love a good beat and a great dance number. Well played.
Stacy,
You picked some of my favorite oldies. It’s always interesting to read about the song or artist backstory. I had no clue Bryan Adams with “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I don’t believe we’ve seen it.
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your email expressing your sorrow for me with the passing of my daddy. I took comfort in your words and knowledge that God placed special friends like you in my life to lift me up. Have a blessed and boogietastic week, dear friend!
Would you believe the Beach Boys came to town and my husband didn’t even tell me? I was told we missed a great concert. However, we saw Kenny, many years ago. He went into the audience and stood right next to us! Great picks!
Great songs. I just watched Robin Hood-the other day. Love the song.
Of course, you had to have one written by Kenny Loggins, who was the King of ’80’s and ’90’s movie themes… Great selection!
You picked some really good songs today!
What a Feeling was another’s pick also. Love Kokomo and I always danced to Footloose. Actually, I danced a bit in my office and now I feel I have a hip loose…lol. I live this theme…I love movies
Love them all. Love the Beach Boys and that was one of my favorite songs. Great playlist of movie songs.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Way ta go girlfriend! Beach Boys were my favorites back in the day, but I still like them now & then to listen too! I chose “Flashdance” too! That was a cool movie for sure! Then Bryan Adams is always a favorite… way ta go!!! Have a great week!
All great songs! But I was so disappointed when Footloose ended a few seconds before its ending – not sure why. It didn’t ruin my enjoyment though. Now I just want to get up and dance.