There we go. Now let's talk about the theme from A Summer Place.
A Summer Place is a romantic drama starring two star-crossed lovers and their journeys apart and together. It's also a movie that nobody remembers unless you're talking about its theme. So screw it, let's get right into it.
This movie theme was actually the biggest Billboard hit of 1960, eclipsing the movie's success significantly. Percy Faith even won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Hey, remember when the Grammys still mattered? Okay, let's not open up that can of worms again.
But why? Why does the song endure and the movie does not? Well, when you have a really good movie song, it can eclipse the movie it's on because it not only applies to the movie, but it also can have a broader significance. Look at Flashdance. That movie spawned two singles that were far bigger than the movie ever was, because the singles could stand on their own as songs. Damn good songs, if I might add. Is the same true with "The Theme from a Summer Place"?
I'd say, unequivocally, yes. "The Theme from a Summer Place" has done more than eclipse the movie it's in and become single of the year. It's become a staple in popular culture for the idea of peaceful, happy music. There's a reason there's so many instances of it used: the melody is so far lodged in our brains that we won't be able to get it out, and more importantly, we wouldn't want to. Jasper Beardley's version will always have a special place in my heart, but as for the original? Yeah, it deserves its godly status. IT'S THE THEEEEEME FROM A SUUUUMMER PLAAAAAACE... hmm, maybe it can only be pulled off by crotchety old men on The Simpsons.
No comments:
Post a Comment