The Beatles. ABBA. Brooks & Dunn?
There comes a time over Christmas break, after all the Legos have been built, all the Webkinz have been registered, all the Yule log cakes have been devoured and all the Wii games have been played, that my family sits down and watches movie after movie. And this year's faves had to be the movie musicals. Specifically, Across the Universe and Mamma Mia.
They are both ordinary films that bring the extraordinary music of the Beatles and ABBA, respectively, to life.
If you haven't seen them, I highly recommend them. (Although you may want to turn the volume way down when Pierce Brosnan starts singing in Mamma Mia.) Watching these movies made me wonder why no one's made one telling a story with the country music of a legendary band. (George Strait's Pure Country doesn't count.)
I have to think the music of Brooks & Dunn would make a good backdrop for some epic film. And I don't know yet what the story could be about, but surely a listen to their catalog of hits would inspire a few screenwriters. It could open on a man singing "Cowgirls Don't Cry" to his daughter and close with him reprising it on his deathbed. And in between? God, the story could go in a million different directions. "Brand New Man," "She's Not the Cheatin' Kind" and "Ain't Nothing ‘Bout You" would be perfect for relationship montages. And "Only in America," "Believe" and "Red Dirt Road" have the kind of lyrical imagery that would make any scene about growing up with rural roots that much richer.
What other songs or artists could you see being woven into the heart of a movie?





countryiscool says:
Watched mamma mia over the weekend- movie was cute, but I like the original songs to listen to better. I have ABBA’s Greatest Hits in my car. And Alison, you’re right about muting Pierce B. lol I also like the idea of B&D “Believe” as a (Hallmark) type TV movie.
rockerbillie says:
Many Toby Keith songs come to mind, several would be terrific songs in the movies. Really love “Lost you Anyway” (this song is full of emotion and Toby’s vocals have never sounded better) on Toby’s latest CD {That Don’t make me a Bad Guy}
rockerbillie says:
Also, talking about George Strait’s “Pure Country”,it will now be a musical, it is set to make its Broadway debut in the spring. Will be interesting to see who they cast for it.
C-natural says:
Reba- but I think that’s happened once or twice, hasn’t it?
Maybe Tim or Faith… or Tim AND Faith.
Alabama would be great to hear in a movie, too.
And I know these are more bio-pics than real movie musicals, but Walk the Line and Coal Miner’s Daughter were both amazing movies that used a lot of great country music along the way.
RedMaZ says:
Haven’t seen the movie “Crazy” yet but I’ve heard it’s good. “The Road Goes on Forever” by Robert Earl Keen would make a great movie, as would “El Paso” by Marty Robbins. Many Steve Earle songs are movies in the making. “The Devils Right Hand” and “Copperhead Road”. The movie “Coyote Funeral” has some great music in it. As far as Bio-Movies…a new one on Hank Williams would be great, as would one about Bob Wills, or Bill Monroe.
countryiscool says:
Hey Red, those movies sound great just from the title, even if I’m not familiar with the music itself- know the artist names is about it though.
Chris N. says:
As an obsessive Beatles fan, I’d like to say that everyone responsible for making ‘Across the Universe’ should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
RedMaZ says:
countryiscool, You should set aside some time to check out some new music. It’s a wonderful thing, and a whole lot of fun.
countryiscool says:
Yeah Red, I’m always amazed at the different artist’s names on some of these country blogs (that I’ve never heard of).I’m not talking about the traditionals, or ones that USED to be played on Top 40, but names actually NEW (to me).
Mike K says:
Why doesn’t “Pure Country” count?
The Beatles mp3s downloads says:
Beatles - Ask Me Why…
The Beatles were a rock group from Liverpool, England that was sterted in 1960. During their period of life, the group primarily consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocal…