By George & Josh Bate
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film One Battle After Another features one of the best needle drops in recent years, with Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” perfectly arriving as movie makes an important time jump. That got us thinking about the best needle drops in film and television history – the perfect injection of music to set the tone or introduce a character, the kind that gives you goosebumps and may even forever change your perception of that song.
Here’s our 10 favorite needle drops in film and television history….
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood – “Out of Time” by The Rolling Stones
A list of best needle drops has to include a Quentin Tarantino movie. For many, that would be “Stuck in the Middle With You” from Reservoir Dogs, but, for us, it has to go to “Out of Time” by The Rolling Stones in Tarantino’s last film. The needle drop arrives perfectly as Cliff and Rick’s plane lands back in California and sets the stage for a thrilling third act. Everyone is happy, but there’s a dark undercurrent to the song as we are yet to know that Sharon Tate survives the events of the film. A masterful use of music.
Fight Club – “Where Is My Mind” by The Pixies
The Pixies’ alt-rock classic is synonymous with David Fincher’s iconic psychological thriller. The visuals of the skyline collapsing before the characters’ eyes match perfectly with the music, with the drums kicking in at just the right time. The lyrics also beautifully connect to the dissociation and psychosis at the heart of Fight Club.
Rocky III – “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” will forever be synonymous with Rocky III. The song accompanies arguably the greatest training montage in cinema history and the lyrics fit perfectly with Apollo’s warning that Rocky had lost the “eye of the tiger.”
Bad Haircut – “Alone” by Heart and “In the Meantime” by Spacehog
Maybe the movie you haven’t heard of on this list, but a movie you should certainly know about. The horror comedy from Kyle Misak premiered at this year’s Fantastic Fest and is making the festival circuit now, giving audiences an introduction to one of our favorite new horror villains in years (Frankie Ray’s Mick) and a showcase in the masterful use of licensed music. “Alone” by Heart and “In the Meantime” by Spacehog are used so effectively to amplify the emotions of two of the film’s key scenes, the former giving our antagonist the perfect send off and the latter seamlessly leading into the final credits. Check this movie out when you have a chance.
Dexter: Resurrection – “Showdown” by Electric Light Orchestra
Dexter: Resurrection was great for a number of reasons, one of which was its inclusion of licensed music (albeit a tad overused). The best needle drop in the season comes as Michael C. Hall’s Dexter Morgan and David Zayas’ Angel Batista conclude an awkward and unsettling car ride with a proclamation that they are going to war. No better song to preview that showdown than ELO’s “Showdown.”
Warfare – “Call on Me” by Eric Prydz
It’s the last thing you’d expect that a war movie directed by Alex Garland would begin with Eric Prydz’s “Call on Me.” But that’s exactly what happens. And what a story it is, kicking off a nail-bitingly intense film with a point of levity that succinctly shows the soldiers’ brotherhood and personalities.
Guardians of the Galaxy – “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
What better way to signal to audiences that they’re in for an entirely different comic book film than begin with Redbone’s classic song. After a darker, tense few minutes, the abrupt cut to “Come and Get Your Love” clues viewers in on the tone we’re to expect from the film and showcasess Peter Quill’s impressive dance moves (and endearing personality).
Miami Vice – “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
The inclusion of “In the Air Tonight” in Miami Vice just exudes cool. The scene forever changed what it’s like to drive at night.
Joker – “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra
Sinatra’s classic song concludes Todd Phillips’ Joker in fitting fashion. The slow-motion of Joaquin Phoenix’s disturbed character run through the halls of Arkham Asylum creates an ethereal quality to the scene, made all the more strange when Sinatra’s tune kicks in. The lyrics gel seamlessly with the journey of Arthur Fleck and the film’s exploration of societal oppression’s effects on the individual.
Baby Driver – “Harlem Shuffle” by Bob & Earl
Edgar Wright is another filmmaker who has mastered the needle drop. While we were included to include “Don’t Stop Me Now” from Shaun of the Dead, the second song in Baby Driver makes the cut here. Baby Driver is such a cool film and “Harlem Shuffle” is the ideal song to show audiences just why it’s so cool.