Movies with great soundtracks

Dirty Dancing is a period piece, set on the cusp between the innocence of the early ‘60s and the social and political tumult that would define the end of the decade. The soundtrack features ample servings from its era – “Stay” by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, “Do You Love Me” by the Contours, “Hey Baby” by Bruce Channel, “Love Is Strange” by Mickey & Sylvia and “In The Still Of The Night” by the Five Satins chief among the tunes. But it manages to incorporate some new music as well without losing the early-‘60s feeling. Eric Carmen’s “Hungry Eyes” and Patrick Swayze’s “She’s Like The Wind” are perfectly used in their particular scenes as the romance between Johnny (Swayze) and Baby (Jennifer Grey) grows. And “The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes is a triumphant closer. The infusion of original 1987 music – much of which hit the pop charts – helped pull off the impressive task of making the soundtrack simultaneously fresh and familiar.

The family of the late Ritchie Valens reportedly gave its blessings to this film only if Los Lobos was going to do the soundtrack, covering Valens’ songs. The film and the soundtrack both turned out to become surprise smashes in the summer of 1987, and Los Lobos’ immaculate musicianship was no small reason for that. Their rendition of the title cut became the first Spanish-language song to hit No. 1 in the U.S., and it helped introduce the veteran east L.A. band to new legions of fans. Los Lobos also performed “Donna,” “Come On Let’s Go,” “Framed,” “Ooh My Head,” “We Belong Together,” “Charlena” and the album-only “Goodnight My Love.” But while Los Lobos capably dominate, the raucous machismo of “Who Do You Love” by Bo Diddley and the heartrending “Sleepwalk” by Santo & Johnny are fantastic bookends to open and close the film. And Brian Setzer, Howard Huntsberry and Marshall Crenshaw turn in admirable riffs on Eddie Cochran, Jackie Wilson and Buddy Holly, respectively.

Another Los Lobos-heavy movie soundtrack? Yes, please. Robert Rodriguez's Mariachi trilogy peaked with this second entry with Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek inheriting the lead roles (and chipping in on the soundtrack). Tito Y Tarantula and Dire Straits also provide background musical flavor.

Tarantino's knowledge of pop culture and often obscure tunes are matched only by his exquisite choices for their use in his films. The director finds new life for the songs and imbues each scene with musical magic. Perhaps the coolest choice is his use of surf music at key interludes in Pulp Fiction. Altogether, it's an eclectic mix that never fails as either pure ear candy or to set the tone for the action and dialogue -- oh, what dialogue -- on screen. This soundtrack is arguably the most listenable on its own.

Madonna not only lent "Crazy For You" and "Gambler" to the soundtrack of this 1985 high school wrestling tale, she also had a cameo appearance performing in a nightclub. Journey's "Only The Young," Dio's "Hungry For Heaven," and John Waite's "Change" were made for training montages. And if Red Rider's "Lunatic Fringe" doesn't give you chills as Louden Swain (Matthew Modine) gets ready to tangle with the bad-ass Brian Shute, nothing will.