Every time I hear a unique song (or more likely) an old song I've always thought would be good to skate to and I haven't heard in a long time, I try to make a mental note.
That note: Songs someone should skate to.
And If you haven't seen Jessica May's excellent and exhaustive posts: Suggestions for Skating Music, Part I & II – Music In the (Warhorse) Danger Zone on the most overused music in figure skating, please read it!
So, continuing with my list from Part I: I give you my choices for movie and Broadway soundtracks.
Top 3 selections from Movie Soundtracks: I'm going to have to divide this into two parts - old and new:
Old
Soundtrack from Das Boot (pronounced das boat, in German) - Hey, if my memory serves, this was skated to by none other than the hottest coach in the game, Brian Orser. Sir Brian Orser. I think this was one of the earliest programs I ever saw him do. It would be an awesome shout out for someone. After listening to different versions of this on You Tube, I realize someone will have to listen to the entire album and pick the best 4-5 minutes. But I'll give you this clip of snippits of the most moving parts of the score. I see this as best for mens' singles.
Soundtrack from Out of Africa - This is another old movie with a great instrumental soundtrack. Again, one needs to listen to the entire album before putting together the right cuts. Honorable mention: (even by a different composer) The Mission - if you want to add that Latin flair to your soundtrack.
Soundtrack from Ragtime - This is another personal favorite from growing up. I'm sure there are dozens of other deserving soundtracks like the three (four) I've mentioned, but you have to tell me what they are. Ragtime is Randy Newman in his orchestral glory. If you wanted to hit a nostalgic note (especially ice dancers, this could be good.)
New - these are going to be quirky picks as well. You can Google the best movie soundtracks and get the standard list of standard films, so I'm off-roading here. Indulge me, please.
Soundtrack from Loving Vincent - this is an odd choice, to be sure, and a personal favorite because I really loved the movie. I'm giving you the opening track, which may be the best for skating. I also think it could work well if the skater starts with any of the instrumental tracks and ends with Don McLean's version of Starry, Starry Night. P.S., if you watch Loving Vincent and then listen to this song, you WILL cry. No doubt.
Various selections from the soundtrack of Secret Life of Walter Mitty - this is the first of my picks that is mostly vocals. Again, this movie was a personal favorite, so it makes the list. Personally, I'd go for tracks #1, 5, and 6 - Lake Michigan by Rogue Wave. But if you're a Bowie fan or just really liked the song, Space Oddity, you could add this to the second half of the program. It would have a hip, rock vibe I think. Pair teams possibly?
For a third movie soundtrack - I'm going to wimp out and give you this list of The 25 most underrated film of the 2000s and leave it there. Looking over that list makes me want to revisit of few of these films. How about you? Donnie Darko anyone?
And just as there is an infinite number of movie soundtracks to chose from, there is a very small supply of Broadway musicals and the good ones have been tapped out. I recently saw Dear Evan Hasen on Broadway - it was amazing! - and the music is amazing - but I don't think it's skateable. The play is intense, and at times, very depressing.
But if you want Broadway that's not overdone, check out this compilation of Steven Magenheim's the 10 best Stephen Schwartz songs. I think he's been overlooked by the skating community. This list would give any choreographer a lot to chew on. Hello - Pippin, Wicked, plus the movies - The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas? Good stuff in there, I think.
Okay, I'll stop there, because I need a little more time to come up with pop songs. I welcome your comments. Even if you think these are crazy, we're getting a list going, right?
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