To Live & Die In L.A.: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [SOUNDTRACK]

Wang Chung

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 19, 1996)
• Original Release Date: November 1, 1985
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
• ASIN: B000000OY3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #47,339 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Director William Friedkin knows a thing or two about innovative, genre-bending film scores. He commissioned edgy modern-jazz player Don Ellis for his classic The French Connection and reworked Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" into the haunting soundtrack for the blockbuster The Exorcist. But even veteran film buffs were surprised when Friedkin turned the scoring chores for his taut 1985 forgery-ring thriller To Live and Die in LA over to British pop stars Wang Chung. Though they're still best known for their perennial rock-of-the-'80s hits "Dancehall Days," "Everybody Have Fun Tonight," and "Let's Go," Friedkin's early admiration for the band's often underrated musicality paid off with a tense, rhythmic soundscape that crystallized the era and locale of the film. And, though synth-pop has gained ill repute as a cheesy 1980s cliché, this album ably proves that it could rise above its stereotype in dramatic fashion. The Jack Hues-sung title track was also a minor pop hit. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Edgy, Energetic & Lush. A Vital and Memorable Soundtrack., May 14, 2005

By	mirasreviews (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

Director William Friedkin chose Wang Chung to score "To Live and Die in L.A." on the strength of the band's debut album "Points on the Curve". Wang Chung's techno rhythms, lush interludes, and ironic lyrics turned out to be the perfect sound for Friedkin's complex, cynical neo-noir masterpiece and one of the most evocative film soundtracks of the 1980s. This CD includes 4 vocal tracks and 4 instrumental tracks.

The soundtrack kicks off with the film's title song "To Live and Die in L.A.". William Friedkin had asked Wang Chung not to use the movie's title in a song. But Jack Hues and Nick Feldman did it anyway, and the result is terrific. -And Friedkin liked it. The immediately recognizable percussive "clicking" of the second track, "Lullaby", was effective in heightening moments of relative silence in the film. "Wait"'s tentative, anxious rhythm and lyrics create palpable tension. This embodiment of the film's angst and unease may be its best vocal track. The first instrumental track, "City of Angels", is also the longest track at 9:17 minutes. "City of Angels" is an unforgettable composition for an unforgettable scene. Its energetic techno beat help make "To Live and Die in L.A."'s counterfeiting scene legendary.

I mention "To Live and Die in L.A.", "Lullaby", "Wait", and "City of Angels" because they are the most evocative of the film's tone. It would have been nice if "Dance Hall Days" were included, since it is featured briefly in the film -and that's one reason I give this soundtrack 4 stars. This is good work by Wang Chung, without which one of the most memorable films of the 1980s would not have been as memorable. The soundtrack is invaluable to the film, but well worth listening to on its own.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, November 10, 2002

By	K. M. Morris (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This soundtrack and movie together are Brilliant and well done. Wang Chung were made for doing this soundtrack. Each track on this album fits the film superbly. City of Angels and To Live and Die in LA are the best in my opinion, but all the other track fit greatly to. Even if your not a big fan of Wang Chung this cd contains songs almost everyone would enjoy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Soundtrack by a single band or artist EVER!, April 23, 2004

By	Adam Robinson (Portland, OR, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Okay, okay...I know it's Wang Chung. This soundtrack album really helps make the movie as cool as it is. Put most simply, this is absolutely my very favorite soundtrack ever performed by one band or musical artist. The first 4 songs have vocals, and the second half are instrumental. These guys are at the top of their game with this album, even if not everyone heard the soundtrack. Definitely a must own CD for musicians or movie fans. I'm a musician and EXTREMELY picky about what I do and don't like. This I love. :)