Notablog

Song of the Day: Twisters (“Nature’s Masterpiece”), composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, is a pensive cue from the 2024 standalone sequel to “Twister” (1996). The flick is a fun addition to the disaster film genre and Wallfisch’s soundtrack captures the rollercoaster ride of nature’s masterpiece—and wrath.

Song of the Day: The Godfather (“Manhattan Serenade”), music by Louis Alter, lyrics by Howard Johnson, with alternate lyrics by Harold Adamson, was first recorded in 1942 by both the Harry James Orchestra, with vocalist Helen Forrest and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with vocalist Jo Stafford. It has shown up…

Song of the Day: The Subteranneans (“Soundtrack Suite”), composed, arranged, and conducted by Andre Previn, is a key part of the 1960 film based on the 1958 novel by Jack Kerouac. The score is a jazzfest featuring trumpeters Art Farmer and Jack Sheldon, valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, alto saxophonist Art…

Song of the Day: Being the Ricardos (“The End of a Dream”) [YouTube link], composed by Daniel Pemberton, closes out this Aaron Sorkin-directed 2021 film, starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz. Each was Oscar-nominated in their respective lead categories. This lovely cue is a…

Song of the Day: The Gentle Rain (“Chuva Delicado”), music by Luis Bonfa and lyrics by Matt Dubey, is the central theme to this 1966 American-Brazilian film, starring Christopher George and Lynda Day George. The song has become a bossa nova jazz standard and has been recorded by many wonderful…

Song of the Day: The Go-Between (“Theme and Variations”), composed by Michel Legrand, was first heard in this 1971 historical drama, starring Julie Christie, Alan Bates, and Michael Redgrave. It was later re-worked by Marcelo Zarvos for the 2023 Todd Haynes film, “May December“, starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore.…

Song of the Day: Darling Lili (“Whistling Away the Dark”), music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, is a singular musical moment for Julie Andrews in this 1970 film, co-written by Blake Edwards and William Peter Blatty (yes, the novelist who wrote “The Exorcist“). The film also starred Rock…

Song of the Day: The Party (“Nothing to Lose”), music by Henry Mancini, lyrics by Don Black, is heard in this 1968 improvisational comedy, directed by Blake Edwards, and starring Peter Sellers. This melodic song is delivered by Claudine Longet in the film, but with the hilarious antics going on…