These days, one doesn't have to have a good memory to remember the music of the 1980s. All one has to do is turn on the local commercial "alternative" radio station for an 80s flashback, or pop into the nearest record store for an 80s compilation of some sort. Obviously, there's much money in old school memories and it was only a matter of time before Hollywood film producers cashed in on the trend.
At long last, reunion movies for those of us who came of age with John Hughes films and the Brat Pack in the form of Grosse Pointe Blank and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Both were released earlier this Spring, and although they both feature a 10 year high school reunion, they are as similar as night and day. The Class of 1986 can accompany John Cusack back to his old school and old flame in Grosse Pointe Blank. And the Class of 1987 is invited to join Mira Sorvino and her friend Lisa Kudrow as they make a fashion statement in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Since these movies about twentysomethings would be incomplete without lots of music, each has a soundtrack which captures the essence of the back to the future experiences featured therein.
The plot of Cusack using his 10th reunion to rethink his job as professional hitman is more a comment on the human condition than a chronology of decade specific events. Thus, the 13 tracks tracks on the Grosse Pointe Blank soundtrack are thematically relevant without regard to actual release date. The collection opens with the original version of the crafty "Blister in the Sun," and includes the blissful "I Can See Clearly Now" and smart "Absolute Beginners." The recurring theme of pressure surfaces here on "Under Pressure" and "Pressure Drop." And a slower, more introspective version of "Let My Love Open the Door" is followed by an acid jazz tinged update of the opening track, which is renamed "Blister 2000."
Contrast the thinking man's Grosse Pointe Blank with the bubbleheaded bleach blonde silliness of Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. While The Clash appears twice on the former soundtrack, two songs by The Go-Go's and Belinda Carlisle's "Heaven Is A Place on Earth" take center stage on this celebration of young womanhood. Flashbacks are prominently featured in the movie, and the soundtrack includes such 80's no-brainers as "I Want Candy," Venus," "Turning Japanese," and "Dance Hall Days." The only misfit on this 11 track "remember when" adventure is The Smithereens' "Blood and Roses," which seems too advanced to be in such company.
Like the main movie characters, the soundtracks from Grosse Pointe Blank and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion succeed in what they set out to do. The former takes life and music seriously while the latter celebrates adult silliness and musical youth. But that's precisely the bizarre coexistence that made high school and the music of the 1980s so special. So, whether you're preparing for your own 10th reunion or just having a get together with friends, just put both soundtracks in the cd changer, hit random and let the music play! TRACK LISTING: Grosse Pointe Blank Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes, Rudie Can't Fail - The Clash, Mirror in the Bathroom - The English Beat, Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen, I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash, Live & Let Die - Guns & Roses, We Care A Lot - Faith No More, Pressure Drop - The Specials, Absolute Beginners - The Jam, Armagideon Time - The Clash, El Matador - Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Let My Love Open the Door - Pete Townshend, Blister 2000 - Violent Femmes TRACK LISTING: Romy and Michele's High School Reunion Our Lips Are Sealed - The Go-Go's, Venus - Bananarama, (There's) Always Something There to Remind Me - Naked Eyes, Dance Hall Days - Wang Chung, Turning Japanese - The Vapors, Blood and Roses - The Smithereens, Karma Chameleon - Culture Club, I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow, Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears, Heaven Is A Place on Earth - Belinda Carlisle, We Got the Beat - The Go-Go's
