2009 marks the "loudest band in the world" Spinal Tap's 25th anniversary. Just this June, folk film phenom A Mighty Wind opened for them at London's Wembley Arena. (Conveniently, both bands consist of the same members.)

It's a testament to the real-world staying power and influence of ensembles that might not exist save for the script that wrote them into being.

Here are seven screen sensations who have arguably made lasting musical impressions in the movie universe and beyond...

1. Blues Brothers, Blues Brothers
"Jake" Blues (John Belushi), Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), plus a host of righteous rhythm and blues players
In the 1980 film Jake and Elwood, two brothers on a mission from God, endure all manner of perils -- Illinois Nazis, M16-firing ex-fiancées, etc. -- to reinstate their old blues band and raise enough money to save their childhood nun-run orphanage home from closure.

Belushi and Aykroyd initially created their soul revivalist alter egos in '78 for an SNL sketch. From then on, the band and its rotating crew of revered soul men proved to be a blues force to be reckoned with -- releasing albums, taking a world tour, and garnering a Grammy nom.

Smash single: A solid cover of David Porter and Isaac Hayes' "Soul Man"

2. Spinal Tap, This Is Spinal Tap
Nigel (Christopher Guest), David (Michael McKean), Derek (Harry Shearer)
Rob Reiner's legendary 1984 mockumentary of Spinal Tap's ill-fated American comeback tour (foiled by an 18-inch-high Stonehenge) is a rock 'n' roll spoof that goes above and beyond to capture the metal head zeitgeist.

Smash singles: "Hell Hole," "Sex Farm"

3. The Folksmen, A Mighty Wind
Alan (Christopher Guest), Jerry (Michael McKean), Mark (Harry Shearer)
Another irresistibly goofy musical satire that chronicles the harrowing task of organizing a reunion concert of has-been folk heroes -- The Folksmen, The New Main Street Singers, and Mitch & Mickey.

Smash single: "Old Joe's Place" - "There's a puppy in the parlor and a skillet on the stove/and a smelly old blanket that a Navajo wove"

All three faux stars truly deserve kudos, especially Mitch & Mickey (Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara) whose "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" earned an Academy Award nod for best song.

4. Munchausen by Proxy, Yes Man
Allison (Zooey Deschanel) and Von Iva
Guitarists in seahorse costumes, keytar solos, blissfully melodic and lyrically quirky love-gone-wrong ballads and electronica jams -- what's not to adore? Accomplished chanteuse/actress Deschanel and electro-soul punk veterans Von Iva generated several original songs for the group. Fingers crossed for a full-length album, or at the very least a tour.

Smash singles: "Sweet Ballad" - "Don't call me past 11 p.m."; "I'm not your late night booty call"

5. Stillwater, Almost Famous
Golden guitar god Russell (Billy Crudup), Jeff (Jason Lee), Ed (John Fedevich), Dick (Noah Taylor), and Larry (Mark Kozelek)
Rumor has it Peter Frampton helped style the '70s rock band, though the movie and its musical characters are also said to be inspired by director Cameron Crowe's experience touring with rock icons such as Led Zepplin and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Smash single: "You Had to Be There," co-written by Peter Frampton

6. School of Rock, School of Rock
Dewey Finn/Mr. S (Jack Black) and Horace Green Elementary's Fifth Grade
Unlikely substitute teacher and down-on-his-luck ex-singer for band No Vacancy, Mr. S has an extra-special project for his fifth graders -- win a Battle of the Bands contest and stick it to No Vacancy. Finally a curriculum that rocks.

Smash single: "School of Rock," one of several ditties that reflect JB's rock 'n' roll experience as Tenacious D's front man

7. Citizen Dick, Singles
Cliff, Eddie, Stone, and Jeff (respectively, Matt Dillon, Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard, and Jeff Ament )
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament reportedly whipped up a list of tune titles for the fictional band, which Soundgarden's Chris Cornell used to write songs for the movie including "Spoonman" (an acoustic version plays in one of the scenes).

Smash single: "Touch Me, I'm Dick" (based on Mudhoney's "Touch Me, I'm Sick")

Recommend (0)

|  Comments (0)

|  Email

|  Share

Share  Facebook Digg del.icio.us