Friend of the show John Lynch riffs on the the soundtrack from the motion picture “The Crow” from August of 1994 (“Burn” by the Cure / “Golgotha Tenement Blues” by Machines of Loving Grace / “Color Me Once” by Violent Femmes / “Slip Slide Melting” by For Love Not Lisa). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main theme from the NFL on FOX. STAFF PICKS: “New Age Girl” by Deadeye Dick — Wayne. “Breathe” by Collective Soul — Rob. “Come to My Window” by Melissa Etheridge — Brian. “Don't Turn Around” by Ace of Base — John. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: Main Theme from the motion picture “The Little Rascals.” **(NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.)
The superhero movie “The Crow,” released in 1994, will forever be known for two events. First, the tragic death of lead actor Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, during production of the film would cast a pall over the movie from then on. Second, the outstanding music of The Crow: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack would result in a chart-topping album. This soundtrack is a veritable who's who of alternative rock at the time, including artists like The Cure, Violent Femmes, Nine Inch Nails, and Stone Temple Pilots.
The Crow is based on a comic book series of the same name, written in 1989. The protagonist is brutally killed by a gang along with his fiancée, and is brought back to life by a crow to wreak vengeance on the murderers.
This soundtrack would hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts in 1994.
Friend of the show John Lynch leads the commentary on this album.
Burn by The Cure
The Cure was an inspiration for James O'Barr, the creator of the comic series, and lead man Robert Smith wrote this song specifically for the film. Burn leads off the album.
Golgotha Tenement Blues by Machines of Loving Grace
This song was also written specifically for the film. The name of the song takes Christian imagery and reflects it on the dark mood set by the movie. Golgotha was the place where Jesus was crucified, and Tenement reflects the ghetto where the protagonist originated. The song appears only on the soundtrack, not on any MOLG album.
Color Me Once by Violent Femmes
This track would significantly enhance the popularity of the Violent Femmes. The song depicts disappointment in relationships when hard realities dash hopes.
Slip Slide Melting by For Love Not Lisa
A rocking track from an underrated group. KISS alum Ace Frehley wrote songs and made guest appearances with For Love Not Lisa. Slip Slide Melting appears on their first album entitled “Melting,” which was released in 1993. They would release one other album before disbanding in 1996.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main Theme from NFL on FOX
Newcomer network FOX debuts its first NFL game in August of 1994.
STAFF PICKS:
New Age Girl by Deadeye Dick
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a song from the soundtrack of “Dumb and Dumber.” The song describes Mary Moon, a new age vegetarian. It generated some controversy with its lyrics, “she don't eat meat, but she sure likes the bone.” Some radio stations would edit out the word "bone."
Breathe by Collective Soul
Rob features a song off Collective Soul's 1993 album “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid.” Hailing from Stockbridge, Georgia, Collective Soul would have a number of hits beginning in the 1990s, particularly “Shine” and “The World I Know.”
Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
Brian brings us the second single from Etheridge's breakout fourth album “Yes I Am.” The song remained in the Billboard Hot 100 for 44 weeks. Etheridge would win a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Don't Turn Around by Ace of Base
John Lynch closes out the staff picks with Swedish reggae group Ace of Base, performing a remastered song originally performed by Tina Turner in 1986. Ace of Base would take their version to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture “The Little Rascals”
A movie version of the of the old Our Gang comedy short films from 1922 was released in this month.