La La Land -a tribute to the sound track



It is not often that a sound track bowls you over . So much so,  that you start to live in it . 
La La Land did that to me. 


Disclaimers:   This post has nothing to do with movie criticism. Just  pure soundtrack ogling.  I am going to wax eloquent on the lyrics and my favorite parts in each track. So, bear with the length please. 

Growing up on mainstream Indian movie music, my world view of music is small. The fascination with musical type happy/sad tracks, started from watching Julie Andrews singing "Favourite things" - to the Von Trapp kids. The confluence of beautiful lyrics, music and celebration of simple things adding to the endearment  . 

1. City of Stars

The La La Land sound track experience, started with chancing upon "City of stars".  There is a certain charm when people sing about love and dreams. "City of stars", with its minimalist background and lyrics being the champion, was an instant favorite. 




Just got to agree with Mia when she sings

"Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants It's love Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else"



2. Another Day of Sun


My favourite track of the album - loved the single take, no edits 4 minute opening video "Another day of sun". Shutting down a whole Los Angeles rampway to shoot a dance sequence with no edits - great creativity Damien Chazelle! Imagine if this could happen in daily life - if we could stop traffic , get off our cars and break into song and dance to kill time, than turn up the radio station's volume :-)
Here is a video of Damien shooting the video rehearsal in his iphone and the original movie track in the sidebar. Priceless.





The lyrics are all about hope and chasing what you want.

"Without a nickel to my name

Hopped a bus, here I came
Could be brave or just insane 

We'll have to see"  
"Climb these hills
I'm reaching for the heights
And chasing all the lights that shine
And when they let you down
You'll get up off the ground
'Cause morning rolls around
And it's another day of sun"

I've just discovered a cool new substitute for days I have to tell myself "Tomorrow is another day". Am going to play this one instead.



3. Someone in the crowd


The catchiest track in the whole album - listen to instruments between 1.30 in the link below, to 2.22. So haunting, can listen all day long.






Loved the sequence where Mia and friends dance their way to the party? Also the one where the guy falls headlong into the pool at the party and the camera travels with him? Here's how they made it. Loved the use of color in this movie.


 



4. Planetarium


This track is magical. Starts off slow and takes a dreamy turn. One the best made parts of the movie. Literally going up into the stars to dance.




5. Lovely Night


Who thought a bantering song could be this catchy?  Again, single take . Watch Ryan and Emma own the scene . The extended version of Lovely night, is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NREiXm3YgBA






This is where I listen to the whole soundtrack  .  Thanks and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 





Comments