Rockin the movies goes Back To The Future

 

"Back to the Future," released in 1985, is a quintessential film of the 1980s that has since become a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie masterfully blends science fiction, comedy, and adventure, creating a timeless story that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film's success sparked a trilogy that continues to be beloved by fans worldwide.

The movie follows the adventures of a teenager named Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, who is accidentally sent back in time from 1985 to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. Stranded in the past, Marty encounters younger versions of his parents, George McFly (Crispin Glover) and Lorraine Baines (Lea Thompson), and must ensure they fall in love, or he risks altering the future and erasing his own existence. With the help of the younger Doc Brown, Marty attempts to return to his own time while navigating the complex and often humorous situations of 1955.

Movie trailer

No time to explain Marty, get in!

Main Characters

- **Marty McFly**: Played by Michael J. Fox, Marty is a high school student who inadvertently travels back in time and must fix the past to save his future.

- **Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown**: Played by Christopher Lloyd, Doc is the quirky scientist who invents the time-traveling DeLorean.

- **George McFly**: Played by Crispin Glover, George is Marty’s meek father, who must gain confidence to win Lorraine’s heart.

- **Lorraine Baines**: Played by Lea Thompson, Lorraine is Marty’s mother in both 1955 and 1985, who unexpectedly falls for her own son in the past.

- **Biff Tannen**: Played by Thomas F. Wilson, Biff is the bully who torments George and becomes an antagonist in Marty's time-traveling adventures.

Director and Producer

**Robert Zemeckis**, the director of "Back to the Future," was already an established filmmaker with a knack for blending humor with innovative storytelling. His collaboration with **Steven Spielberg**, one of Hollywood's most successful producers, was crucial in bringing the film to life. Spielberg's influence ensured the movie had the resources and creative freedom it needed, while Zemeckis' direction crafted a story that was both heartwarming and thrilling.

That Iconic Scene: Marty and Doc's Amplifier

One of the most iconic scenes from "Back to the Future" occurs early in the film when Marty visits Doc Brown's home and plugs his electric guitar into Doc's massive amplifier. Marty cranks all the dials up to maximum and strums a single chord, which sends a shockwave through the room, blowing Marty off his feet and destroying the amplifier. This scene not only sets the tone for the film's humor but also establishes Marty's character as a passionate, yet impulsive, teenager. The scene’s blend of comedy and spectacle has made it one of the most memorable moments in the movie.

Watch on YouTube 

Songs Featured in the Movie

See

"Back to the Future" features a memorable soundtrack that complements the film’s energetic and nostalgic atmosphere. Key songs featured in the movie include:

- **"The Power of Love"** by Huey Lewis and the News: This upbeat track became the film's unofficial anthem and is heard when Marty skateboards to school.

- **"Back in Time"** by Huey Lewis and the News: This song plays during the closing credits, thematically tying into the movie's concept of time travel.

- **"Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)"** by The Penguins: A classic 1950s ballad performed during the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, which plays a crucial role in George and Lorraine’s romance.

- **"Johnny B. Goode"** by Chuck Berry: Performed by Marty during the dance, this rock and roll classic symbolizes Marty’s influence on the past.

Soundtrack Album and Singles

The soundtrack album for "Back to the Future" includes several key songs from the film, as well as Alan Silvestri’s energetic and memorable score. The most notable singles from the soundtrack are "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time," both performed by Huey Lewis and the News. "The Power of Love" was released as a single and became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985. The song's success was instrumental in promoting the film and remains one of the band's most recognized tracks.

Full track list:

• The Power of Love
  Performed by Huey Lewis & The News (as Huey Lewis and The News)
  Courtesy of Chrysalis Records, Inc.
  Written by Huey Lewis, Johnny Colla and Chris Hayes
  Published by Hulex Music
  Administered by Red Admiral Music Inc.
  
  
  Heaven is One Step Away
  Performed by Eric Clapton
  Produced by Phil Collins
  Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.
  By arrangement with Warner Special Products
  Written by Eric Clapton (uncredited)
  
  
  Time Bomb Town
  Performed by Lindsey Buckingham
  Produced by Lindsey Buckingham and Richard Dashut
  Courtesy of Elektra Records
  Written by Lindsey Buckingham (uncredited)
  
  
  Mr. Sandman
  Performed by The Four Aces (as Four Aces)
  Courtesy of MCA Records, Inc.
  Written by Pat Ballard (uncredited)
  
  
  The Ballad of Davy Crockett
  Performed by Fess Parker
  Courtesy of Disneyland-Vista Records
  Music by George Bruns (uncredited)
  Lyrics by Thomas W. Blackburn (uncredited)
  
  
  The Wallflower (Dance with Me, Henry)
  Performed by Etta James
  Produced by Maxwell Davis
  Courtesy of Kent Records
  Written by Johnny Otis (uncredited), Hank Ballard(uncredited) and Etta James(uncredited)
  
  
  Night Train
  Performed by Harry Waters Jr. (as Marvin Berry) (with The Starlighters), Tommy Thomas, Granville 'Danny' Young,
  David Harold Brown and Lloyd L. Tolbert
  Produced by Bones Howe
  Written by Oscar Washington (uncredited), Lewis Simpkins (uncredited) and Jimmy Forrest(uncredited)
  
  
  Pledging My Love
  Performed by Johnny Ace
  Courtesy of MCA Records, Inc.
  Written by Fats Washington (uncredited) and Don D. Robey (uncredited)
  
  
  Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)
  Performed by Harry Waters Jr. (as Marvin Berry) (with The Starlighters), Tommy Thomas, Granville 'Danny' Young, David Harold Brown and Lloyd L. Tolbert
  Produced by Bones Howe
  Written by Curtis Williams (uncredited), Jesse Belvin, (uncredited) and Gaynel Hodge(uncredited)
  
  
  Johnny B. Goode
  Performed by Mark Campbell (as Marty McFly) (with The Starlighters), Tommy Thomas, Granville 'Danny' Young, David Harold Brown and Lloyd L. Tolbert
  Produced by Bones Howe
  Written by Chuck Berry (uncredited)
  
  
  Back in Time
  Performed by Huey Lewis & The News (as Huey Lewis and The News)
  Courtesy of Chrysalis Records, Inc.
  Written by Huey Lewis and Chris Hayes
  Published by Hulex Music
  Administered by Red Admiral Music Inc.
  
  
  Out the Window
  (uncredited)
  Written and Performed by Edward Van Halen(uncredited)
  [Played at scene Marty to George when he is pretending to be Darth Vader from Planet Vulcan]
  
  The real guitarist on Johnny B. Goode, Mark Campbell

Johnny B. Goode" is a song by American musician Chuck Berry, written and sung by Berry in 1958. Released as a single in 1958, it peaked at number two on the Hot R&B Sides chart and number eight on its pre-Hot 100 chart.The song remains a staple of rock music.

Johnny B. Goode" is considered one of the most recognizable songs in the history of popular music. Credited as "the first rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom",it has been covered by various other artists and has received several honors and accolades. These include being ranked 33rd and 7th, respectively on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2021 and 2004 versions of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time"It was also included as one of the 27 songs on the Voyager Golden Record, a collection of music, images, and sounds designed to serve as an introduction and record of global humanity’s achievement and culture, to alien/otherworldly inhabitants.

Out The Window" is a short (but epic!) piece of music ... or rather, guitar squealing ... written by Eddie Van Halen. This is from the musical score from the movie, 'The Wild Life', released in 1984. Eddie wrote the entire musical score. Eddie on guitar and electronic drums. We named this piece “Out The Window” because the main character has to jump out of his girlfriend’s bedroom window to escape detection by her parents.

This piece was also used in Back To The Future", when Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) travels back in time and pays a visit to his sleeping father (Crispin Glover). Marty McFly, wearing a radiation suit, pulls out a cassette tape labeled "Edward Van Halen." He places it into a Sony Walkman, straps the headphones onto the unknowing ears of his science fiction loving Dad, and cranks it up, effectively scaring the living daylights out of his father, who upon seeing the young McFly is convinced he is a space traveler from a far off galaxy.

Marty McFly travels back in the time to 1955 to shred faces at a high school dance – but the Gibson ES-345 wasn't introduced until 1958!

Guitar geeks; here’s a look at the gear from the movie….

And how about the early Ibanez shredder, the Roadster used in the audition scene. By the way in that scene look out for a cameo by Huey Lewis 

And how about that mini guitar that he plugged in to Docs amplifier?

Let’s not forget of course another big star from the movies: the DeLorien! Complete with flux capacitor!

Sequels: Part II and Part III

The success of "Back to the Future" led to two sequels: "Back to the Future Part II" (1989) and "Back to the Future Part III" (1990). In **"Back to the Future Part II,"** Marty and Doc travel to the future, the past, and an alternate 1985 to prevent disastrous changes to the timeline caused by Biff Tannen. The film is known for its depiction of the year 2015, complete with flying cars, hoverboards, and self-lacing sneakers. In **"Back to the Future Part III,"** the adventure shifts to the Old West, where Marty must save Doc from a fatal showdown with Biff's ancestor. Both sequels expanded the original's time-travel concept, introducing new settings and challenges while retaining the humor and heart of the first film.

Box Office and Chart Successes

"Back to the Future" was a massive box office success, grossing over $381 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 1985. The movie's appeal transcended demographics, resonating with audiences of all ages. The film's success was bolstered by its innovative special effects, sharp screenplay, and charismatic performances, particularly from Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

The soundtrack also enjoyed significant success, with "The Power of Love" achieving chart-topping status. The song's popularity helped drive the sales of the soundtrack album, which became a commercial hit. Huey Lewis and the News received critical acclaim and widespread recognition for their contribution to the film, solidifying their place in pop culture.

"Back to the Future" is more than just a movie; it's a cultural touchstone that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction, coupled with memorable characters and a compelling soundtrack, has made it a beloved classic. The film’s success led to two equally entertaining sequels and a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of fans. The box office success and chart-topping hits that emerged from the film underscore its enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/

https://www.discogs.com/master/74169-Various-Back-To-The-Future-Music-From-The-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack

Iconic Vinyl: Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin

 

 Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppelin: A Landmark in Rock History

"Physical Graffiti," the sixth studio album by the iconic British rock band Led Zeppelin, was released on February 24, 1975. This double album stands as one of the most ambitious and influential works in rock history, encapsulating the band's musical diversity and technical prowess. The album not only cemented Led Zeppelin’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time but also pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in a studio album.

Album Cover Design and Inspiration

The cover of "Physical Graffiti" is as iconic as the music it contains. Designed by Peter Corriston, the artwork features a photograph of a New York City tenement block at 96 and 98 St. Mark's Place in the East Village. The building's facade, with its distinct fire escapes, is shown with the windows cut out, allowing the inner sleeves to show through, creating a dynamic visual effect as the sleeves are swapped. Each window reveals different images, including members of the band and various cultural references. 

Corriston drew inspiration from the urban landscape of New York, reflecting the gritty, eclectic nature of the music. The choice of a tenement block symbolized the working-class roots of rock music, while the cut-out windows represented the idea of the album as a window into a different world. The design was a departure from the traditional album covers of the time, which often featured straightforward portraits or abstract designs. The intricate and interactive nature of the "Physical Graffiti" cover made it a groundbreaking piece of album art.

The front doorway and stoop at 96 St. Mark's Place is also the location used by the Rolling Stones for the music video promoting their single "Waiting on a Friend", from their 1981 album Tattoo You).

Eschewing the usual gatefold design in favour of a special die-cut cover, the original album jacket included four covers made up of two inners (for each disc), a middle insert cover and an outer cover. The middle insert cover is white and details all the album track listings and recording information. The outer cover has die-cut windows on the building, so when the middle cover is wrapped around the inner covers and slid into the outer cover, the title of the album is shown on the front cover, spelling out the name "Physical Graffiti".[13] Images in the windows touched upon a set of American icons and a range of Hollywood ephemera. Pictures of W. C. Fields and Buzz Aldrin alternated with the snapshots of Led Zeppelin.[33] Photographs of Lee Harvey Oswald, Marcel Duchamp and Pope Leo XIII are also featured. Per the liner notes, package concept and design was by AGI/Mike Doud (London) and Peter Corriston (New York). Photography was by Elliott Erwitt, B. P. Fallon, and Roy Harper. "Tinting Extraordinaire": Maurice Tate, and window illustration by Dave Heffernan.[35] In 1976, the album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of best album package

Peter Corriston: The Designer Behind the Artwork

Peter Corriston, the mastermind behind the "Physical Graffiti" album cover, was already an established designer by the time he collaborated with Led Zeppelin. His work is characterized by a focus on architecture and urban landscapes, which is evident in the "Physical Graffiti" cover. Corriston’s other notable works include album covers for bands such as The Rolling Stones, where he designed the covers for "Some Girls" (1978), "Emotional Rescue" (1980), and "Tattoo You" (1981). Each of these covers showcased Corriston's innovative use of die-cuts and interactive elements, continuing his legacy as a pioneer in album cover design.

Recording the Album and Band Members Involved

The recording sessions for "Physical Graffiti" spanned from 1970 to 1974, with tracks being recorded at various locations, including Headley Grange in Hampshire, Olympic Studios in London, and Electric Lady Studios in New York. The album features the classic Led Zeppelin lineup: Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboards), and John Bonham (drums). 

The recording process for "Physical Graffiti" was notably extensive and experimental. The band explored various musical styles, from hard rock and blues to folk and eastern influences. Songs like "Kashmir" showcased the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of rock music, incorporating orchestral arrangements and unconventional time signatures. The album's creation was also marked by the band's use of the studio as an instrument, employing overdubs, reverse echo, and other innovative production techniques that gave the album its distinct sound.

Creation of Swan Song Records

"Physical Graffiti" was the first album released on Led Zeppelin’s own label, Swan Song Records. The label was founded by the band in 1974 as a way to gain more creative control over their music and to support other artists. Swan Song was not just a business venture; it was a reflection of the band's desire to establish a lasting legacy beyond their own recordings. The label went on to sign artists like Bad Company, Pretty Things, and Dave Edmunds, further solidifying Led Zeppelin’s influence on the rock music scene.

Track Listing

"Physical Graffiti" consists of 15 tracks spread across four sides in its original vinyl release:

**Side One:**

1. "Custard Pie"

2. "The Rover"

3. "In My Time of Dying"

**Side Two:**

4. "Houses of the Holy"

5. "Trampled Under Foot"

6. "Kashmir"

**Side Three:**

7. "In the Light"

8. "Bron-Yr-Aur"

9. "Down by the Seaside"

10. "Ten Years Gone"

**Side Four:**

11. "Night Flight"

12. "The Wanton Song"

13. "Boogie with Stu"

14. "Black Country Woman"

15. "Sick Again"

The tracks range from the bluesy rock of "Custard Pie" to the epic, orchestrated "Kashmir," showcasing the band’s versatility and mastery of different genres.

A Template for the Double Album

"Physical Graffiti" set a new standard for double albums, not just in rock music but across all genres. Its success demonstrated that a double album could be both commercially viable and artistically coherent. Led Zeppelin used the format to its fullest potential, filling each side with a diverse array of tracks that took listeners on a journey through different musical landscapes. This approach inspired future artists to experiment with the double album format, using it as a canvas for expansive artistic statements.

The Single: "Trampled Under Foot"

"Trampled Under Foot" was one of the standout tracks on "Physical Graffiti" and was released as a single in April 1975. The song is driven by a funky, clavinet riff played by John Paul Jones, with Robert Plant's lyrics drawing inspiration from Robert Johnson’s "Terraplane Blues." The song's driving beat and infectious groove made it a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live performances. "Trampled Under Foot" showcased Led Zeppelin's ability to blend rock with other genres, in this case, funk and blues, creating a sound that was both unique and accessible.

Chart Success and Legacy

Upon its release, "Physical Graffiti" was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and reached number three on the UK Albums Chart. It was certified 16x Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its status as one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album's success was not limited to sales; it has since been hailed as one of the greatest rock albums ever made, influencing countless musicians and bands.

"Physical Graffiti" remains a towering achievement in rock music, a testament to Led Zeppelin’s creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal. It represents the pinnacle of the band’s artistic evolution and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike.

https://www.discogs.com/master/4392-Led-Zeppelin-Physical-Graffiti