The Perfect Movie Soundtrack: A Life's Persuit

At an early age I was obsessed with movie music, be it the score (orchestral) or soundtrack (rock/contemporary music). My first album was a soundtrack and I was always on the lookout for soundtracks in the local music stores. It was disappointing to find out that quintessential films from my youth (like Ferris Bueller's Day Off) didn't have a soundtrack. I was even more disappointed to find that some did have soundtracks but somehow left all the good tracks out.

Studios continue to miss the boat with soundtracks today, although there are more out there than there were in the early 80's. Music is important to the flow and emotion of a film as I have stated before, and it is also a great merchandising opportunity. Not only can you enjoy old favorites but you can learn of new talent through soundtracks and they can help keep your library fresh and varied.

Common mistakes made with soundtracks:

1. No one wants to hear songs "inspired by" the movie. If they weren't good enough to put in the movie, they aren't good enough to be on the soundtrack.
2. A soundtrack composed of one band's work (such as AC/DC: Iron Man 2) is ridiculous unless it is a movie about the band.
3. Just because the band is "hot" with the demographic, it doesn't mean their music fits the film.
4. Soundtracks should reflect the film as a whole and should include all songs used whenever possible.
5. If a song is a remake, it better be a good one because most people prefer the original.

Of course I understand that politics and money play a part in song selections for films, especially the mainstream big budget ones, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Today you can find tons of websites dedicated to finding and naming songs used in movies and TV. I end up purchasing music and making my own soundtracks based on my movie experience. This a la carte strategy ends up serving my soundtrack needs and conveniently cuts out the middleman who don't seem to get it anyway.

Soundtracks I own that were practically perfect: The Lost Boys, Top Gun, Rain Man, The Crow, The Saint, The Wedding Singer, Sliding Doors, A Knight's Tale and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Are there any soundtracks you own that you feel are practically perfect?