The Best Electronic Music Movie Soundtracks

Monday, 20 June 2011

There are a handful of films that have become standards of induction into dance culture. Basically if you haven't seen these films, then you are not a serious clubber or recoverer. These movies have helped to inspire a generation of clubbers and their soundtracks have become the soundtracks of peoples lives. Below are four examples of such movies:

Human Traffic: was a low budget independent film that turned out to be a worldwide smash. The plot centers around a group of young friends who live in Cardiff, Wales, and their typical weekend routine of attending pubs, clubs and parties.

A central feature of the film is outlining how dance culture grew and thrived despite political resistance to the drugs that helped fuel it. Throughout the course of the weekend portrayed, the characters attend several events that tie in with an outstanding soundtrack that features Armand Van Helden, Fatboy Slim, Ferry Corsten, Carl Cox, Orbital, Energy 52, Underworld and Felix Da Housecat.

One Perfect Day: is an Australian film that was released in 2004. It follows the journey of a gifted musician named Tommy Matisse who leaves his classical heritage behind after discovering the freedom offered by electronic genre's. Tommy's love interest Alyssa develops a drug habit and the film climaxes with Tommy saving the day by utilising his musical talent.

The plot sounds cheesey, but this film is actually an excellent portrayal of the Australian scene at the time of production and features raves, clubs, record stores and even a massive bush doof. The characters and storyline are both engaging and the soundtrack is amazing! The resulting compilation spanned two discs and featured Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Sven Vath, Lamb and even Elton John.

Kevin & Perry Go Large: is a comedy that follows the antics of two delusional teenage boys who are on a quest to visit Ibiza, become superstar DJ's and ultimately lose their virginities.

The boys manage to make it to Ibiza and suck up to prick, superstar jock Eyeball Paul, who is played by the amazingly awesome Rhys Ifans. They then target two unfortunate girls who will get the privilege of deflowering them.

The movie is incredibly childish and cheesey, but is utterly entertaining, it also gives a good snapshot of what people can expect from party capital Ibiza. Music wise Kevin & Perry is another extensive catalogue of what was popular in clubs at the time with tracks from Fragma, Roger Sanchez, Mauro Picotto, and Samuel Barber.

Trainspotting: is perhaps gained the most mainstream popularity of any of the films featured in this article. It follows the lives of a group of friends, some of whom are heroine addicts, and their life in Edinburgh. During the film the film several characters try to shake their heroine addictions, with varying degrees of success. The film documents the effect of the characters lifestyles on their relationships, financial positions and self assessment without prettying the issues or the imagery up at all.

The soundtrack for the film was considered one of the best in history for any type of film and was pressed from 1996 until 2003. Artists on the soundtrack included Underworld, Leftfield, New Order, Primal Scream and Iggy Pop. Upon release Trainspotting was named the best british film of the last 25 years and the best film of all time for Scotland.