‘The World’s End’ Soundtrack Rocks: Here’s some info on the best 90’s bands on the track list.
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Recently I reviewed ‘The World’s End’ for Examiner.com It’s an excellent final entry in the Cornetto trilogy from director Edgar Wright, and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
It also boasts a stellar soundtrack featuring 90’s Britpop and Alternative tunes, perfectly capturing the film’s nostalgic middle-aged Gen-X tone.
For younger moviegoers unfamiliar with the music in ‘The World’s End’, here’s some info on the most notably featured artists.
You can order ‘The World’s End’ soundtrack on iTunes below:
Primal Scream-Loaded
Primal Scream’s groovy psychedelic tune was a huge hit in 1990.
The song’s opening soundbite features prominently in the film:
We wanna be free
We wanna be free to do what we wanna do
And we wanna get loaded
And we wanna have a good time!
Current Status: The Scream are still going strong, recently releasing the album ‘More Light’.
Click here for my ‘More Light’ review.
Blur-There’s No Other Way
Long before Blur hit it big with ‘Song 2’ (aka Whoo Hoo!) , they released this catchy tune from their début album.
Current status: Reformed and working on a new album for release later this year.
The Happy Mondays –Step On
This Manchester band helped start the UK’s ‘ baggy scene’, which combined psychedelia with dance beats. They also had a band member named Bez who danced like a loon while shaking maracas. Ah, the 90’s.
Current Status: Planning a fall tour.
Suede –So Young
Suede were one of the first bands identified as Britpop. ‘So Young’s’ hedonistic tone perfectly encapsulates 90’s nostalgia.
Current status: Suede made a fantastic comeback with their recent album ‘Bloodsports.’ Click here for my review.
The Stone Roses –Fool’s Gold
The Stone Roses were the biggest of the ‘baggy’ bands, and their début album remains iconic. They were a major influence on Oasis.
Current Status: They’ve recently reformed. But after their disastrous tone-deaf Coachella gig , perhaps it’s best to remember them in their prime…
Inspiral Carpets- This is How It Feels
This remains the biggest hit for this neo-psychedelic band.
James-Come Home
This was an early single for this tuneful band who would go on to bigger success with their single (and self-titled album) ‘Laid’.
Currently status: reunited and performed at Coachella 2012.
Pulp-Do You Remember The First Time
This awkward ode to losing one’s virginity, was from Pulp’s breakthrough album ‘His’N’Hers’. Their biggest claim to fame was their hit single ‘Common People.’
Current status; reformed for a handful of dates in 2012 , but future is shaky. Frontman Jarvis Cocker continues a fruitful solo career.
The Sundays-Here’s Where The Story Ends
This was the biggest hit for the jangle-pop band fronted by soothing vocalist Harriet Wheeler.
The Sundays called it quits in 1997 but influenced The Cranberries and The Cardigans.
The Sisters Of Mercy-This Corrosion
Simon Pegg’s character wears a Sisters Of Mercy T-shirt in the film, because Pegg is a fan in real life.
The Sisters Of Mercy are an Goth band fronted by singer Andrew Eldritch. ‘This Corrosion’ was the first single from their excellent darkwave album ‘Floodland’. The multilayered choir vocals and shimmering dance beats have made it a Goth staple ever since its 1987 release.
Current status: The last Sisters Of Mercy album came out in 1990!
They still tour, but due to label issues, Eldritch refuses to release new material. Here’s hoping their newfound exposure will prompt them back into the studio.
You can see the full track listing of ‘The World’s End Soundtrack’ from iTunes (via the link up top) or Amazon via the link below:
And click here to read about Edgar Wright’s song selection process for the soundtrack.