Now more than ever, Hollywood films (and some of their British counterparts) are employing short bursts of familiar songs in order to create a mood or a moment instantly in a scene. Finding them all can be difficult, however, hence the following list, designed as a resource for those of you who want to identify and/or purchase a song you didn't recognize in one of these movies. If you hear what sounds like an oldies song in a movie soundtrack and don't see it listed here, e-mail me and I'll add it to the list. This will be an ongoing resource here at oldies.about.com, always on the front page for your convenience.
IMPORTANT NOTES: All films listed alphabetically. If a song title has a link, you can click it and be taken to a page featuring a short sample of the song in question. You can check prices and buy the song at MySimon by clicking on the "buy" links. In the context of this site, "oldies" generally refers to popular hits between 1955-1975. "Original version" refers to whether or not the song was re-recorded specifically for the film.
Film: 21 Grams (2003)
Song: War, "Low Rider"
Is that the original version?: Yes
These Latino funksters made their biggest impression with this ode to the L.A. car scene.
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Buy The Entire Film Soundtrack Here!
Film: Big Fish (2003)
Song: Buddy Holly, "Everyday"
Is that the original version?: Yes
This simple glockenspiel and hand-percussion ballad remains one of the legendary rocker's greatest love songs.
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Song: Elvis Presley, "All Shook Up"
Is that the original version?: Yes
One of the King's finest early hits, this shuffle helped cement his place in musical history.
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Song: The Vogues, "Five O'Clock World"
Is that the original version?: Yes
A doo-wop group who turned to folkish hits, the Vogues scored one of their biggest hits with this ode to the working day.
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Song: Canned Heat, "Let's Work Together"
Is that the original version?: Yes
These boogie-rock icons had a big hit with their cover of this Wilbert Harrison standard.
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Buy The Entire Film Soundtrack Here!
Film: Love Actually (2003)
Song: The Troggs, "Love Is All Around"
Is that the original version?: No
Billy Mack performs a pointedly awful Christmastime cover of this beautiful folk-rock hit in the film. The Troggs themselves are best known for "Wild Thing."
Buy The Original Here!
Song: The Beatles, "All You Need Is Love"
Is that the original version?: No
Lynden David Hall performs a cover of this Beatles summer-of-love classic.
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Song: The Bay City Rollers, "Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)"
Is that the original version?: Yes
This cover of the Four Seasons hit was a smash for this Scottish boy band in the UK during the mid-Seventies.
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Song: Joni Mitchell, "Both Sides Now"
Is that the original version?: Yes
Although best known in its hit Judy Collins interpretation, the legendary Joni still lays claim to the best version of this singer/songwriter standard.
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Song: The Beach Boys, "God Only Knows"
Is that the original version?: Yes
One of the group's loveliest ballads, this song has been used to great dramatic effect in several films over the past few years.
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Song: Otis Redding, "White Christmas"
Is that the original version?: Yes
Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" remains one of the most-covered songs of all time, but no one injected as much pure soul into it as Otis.
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Buy The Entire Film Soundtrack Here!
Film: Love Don't Cost A Thing (2003)
Song: Al Green, "Tired of Being Alone"
Is that the original version?: Yes
This, Al Green's first big hit, is a heartbreaking plea to a distant lover, done as only the master can.
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Film: Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Song: Tori Amos, "You Belong To Me"
Is that the original version?: No
Tori covers a well-known standard that was a hit for many artists, but particularly the Duprees.
Buy The Original Here!
Buy The Entire Film Soundtrack Here!
Film: Monster (2003)
Song: Tommy James and the Shondells, "Crimson and Clover"
Is that the original version?: Yes
A masterpiece of psychedelic pop, this song lives on in countless cover versions. This is the original.
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Song: The Searchers, "Sugar and Spice"
Is that the original version?: Yes
One of England's biggest acts, the Searchers did okay with this sweet slice of Merseybeat in the US, but scored a #2 in their own country with it.
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Film: Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Song: The Flamingos, "I Only Have Eyes For You"
Is that the original version?: Yes
Quite possibly the most beautiful doo-wop song ever committed to vinyl. A true classic.
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Song: Deon Jackson, "Love Makes The World Go Round"
Is that the original version?: Yes
Sadly, this Northern Soul classic is nearly forgotten today, though its sweet soul just missed the Top Ten back in 1965.
Buy It Here!
Buy The Entire Film Soundtrack Here!
