I was watching one of my favourite films on dvd this weekend, and even in the confines of my living room, even with my small TV and serious lack of surround sound going on, I still managed to be moved by this particular movie's soundtrack.

You know what I mean? When the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, or you sometimes get a lump in your throat due to the power in the music, or maybe even a tear in your eye. It all adds to the emotion of the movie; the plot, the characters, the tension. If it weren't for soundtracks, you wouldn't be able to feel the movie as much.

So, in line with my lists a while ago about my top 10 villains and heroes (and stalling on my list of top 10 rogues - which I'm finding difficult to compile), herewith a list of my top 10 soundtracks, along with some of those that nearly made it, some worthy of mention, and some to despise.

Before I show you, let me first explain that not all of these soundtracks come from my favourite films. Some do, some don't. All of the films I like, but some of the films I like more may come under the almost-rans, or even the lists of bad soundtracks. Goodfellas is close to being my favourite movie of all time, but not because of its soundtrack.

Why? I decided that there may be a movie with only a half-decent score, but maybe a really good song, but does that one decent song make it a must-listen to? In my opinion - not always. For example, in the original Italian Job, I absolutely love the song "Get a Bloomin' Move On" - but the rest of the soundtrack doesn't appeal to me all that well.

Another factor I used in compiling these lists is whether I would buy the soundtrack CD. I only own 8 or 9 soundtracks, and 7 of those are Star Wars ones. But sometimes, I really want to own one, but never get around to it. So, I've considered whether or not I'd go out and buy it.

Also, there are some great films out there, with good tunes in them, but when a soundtrack comes out with commentary in-between the tracks, that doesn't really work for me, not always anyway. Do you know what I mean? For example, the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack has some great tracks, but when I hear Robin Williams yelling his funniest lines throughout, I'm not impressed. Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and Apocalypse Now are prime examples of this. I've tended to avoid these soundtracks.

And lastly, despite the fact that I like many musicals, I tried to stay away from them. Musicals are after all, full of music and that's why we watch them, but for me, they are mostly not great soundtracks, just great musicals. They get a mention though.

So, without further ado (and with classic quotes inter-mingled throughout just like in those soundtracks that I detest, cue the music...


10. Kelly's Heroes. Performed by the Kelly's Heroes Orchestra, giving the movie a real classic western feel at times, but the real star of this movie soundtrack is the Mike Curb Congregation's Burning Bridges that plays merrily on throughout, making me feel that somehow, I'm part of the platoon. Altogether now..."friends all tried to warn me, but I held my head up high..."

Big Joe: ...There's no booze, there's no broads, there's no action!
Captain Maitland: That's another thing - don't fool around with the women. Their husbands carry guns. And don't forget, the penalty for looting is death.
Big Joe: Loot what? There's nothing here to loot!

9. Flash Gordon. Love them or loathe them, you have to admit that Queen made this film into something half-watchable. Mostly instrumental, apart from the title track and final track Hero, this is very 80s, and thoroughly enjoyable. Even Public Enemy ripped off the intro for 'Flash' in Terminator X To The Edge of Panic. Despite having movie commentary throughout - 'awesome' is the word I'm looking for.

Klytus: Who are you?
Flash: Flash Gordon: Quarterback, New York Jets.

8. Conan the Barbarian. Basil Poledouris set the standard for fantasy scores with this operatic epic, and is a classical masterpiece that makes you forget that Arnie can't act. Lord of the Rings, take note.

Valeria: All the gods, they cannot sever us. If I were dead and you were still fighting for life, I'd come back from the darkness. Back from the pit of hell to fight at your side.

7. Jaws. Spielberg has often said that the music was the shark that he never had. Who are we to argue? If a piece of music can keep a very young Rogueish out of the water for a very long time, making holidays by the beach hell for my family, then it has to be good.

Chief Brody: You're gonna need a bigger boat.

6. The Omen. As scary as the movie itself. Jerry Goldsmith's score for the 1976 version is a must-have to accompany your Halloween night when you want to scare the trick-or-treaters. I've seen adults even panic at the door when you suddenly hit the play button at the right moment as the haunting, chanting choral theme blasts out at full whack. (Come on, you've all done it, admit it, or is it just me?) No other horror movie has ever come close to having as good a soundtrack as this.

Nanny: Look at me, Damien! It's all for you.

5. Last of the Mohicans. Composed by Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman, conducted by Joel McNeely (who did the Shadows of the Empire soundtrack), accompanied by Clannad's I Will Find You, this is a beautiful array of music, that fits perfectly with the beautiful countryside and filmography. Makes me want to go and run up mountains.

Chingachgook: Great Spirit, Maker of All Life. A warrior goes to you swift and straight as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome him and let him take his place at the council fire of my people. He is Uncas, my son. Tell them to be patient and ask death for speed; for they are all there but one - I, Chingachgook - Last of the Mohicans.

4. Indiana Jones trilogy. Unforgettable, and John Williams at his best - you can't argue with that.

Marcus Brody: The Bible speaks of the Ark leveling mountains and laying waste in entire regions. An Army that carries the Ark before it... is invincible.

3. The Lost Boys. No score with this one, but the pop/rock tracks fit perfectly with the movie; from the Echo and the Bunnymen cover of People Are Strange as Michael's family are entering Santa Carla for the first time, to the cheesy (but good) 80's feel-good rock anthem of I Still Believe. Best of all though, is Cry Little Sister, with it's child-chorus of "Thou Shall Not Fall" beautifully interspersed throughout the movie, and at the right times. It's near the top of my fave soundtracks, and near the top of my fave movies, with one of my all-time fave quotes contained therein (see below). Makes me wanna nail Jamie Gertz too.

Sam - Death by stereo!

2. Zulu. Also one of my favourite movies, and partly because of the score. Notwithstanding the amazing Zulu chants and the British Army's 24th Foot singing during battle, John Barry's score turns the film into a resounding, energetic epic.

Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead: Sixty! We dropped at least 60, wouldn't you say?
Adendorff: That leaves only 3,940.

1. Star Wars. Pretty obvious really. But which parts of it really gives me the shivers, really puts it up 'there', higher than all the others? Well, let me tell you...

Duel of the Fates - an absolute pulsing, rollercoaster cacophony of breathless rhythm mainly heard during the duel between Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon and Darth Maul. Forever etched into my soul on first viewing The Phantom Menace.

Shmi Skywalker: You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

Love Theme from Attack of the Clones, sometimes referred to as Across the Stars. Probably the best bit about Attack of the Clones is this piece of music, and ironically, always heard during the worst bits of the film.

Obi-Wan: Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?
Anakin: Don't say that, master. You're the closest thing I have to a father.

Battle of the Heroes - a thrilling ride, akin to many Star Wars themes. Fits beautifully with the video of the same name, if you're fortunate to own the Revenge of the Sith CD that has the music dvd to accompany it.

Padme's Ruminations - a haunting melody that makes me want to yell at the screen "Don't do it Anakin" every time I watch it. One of the most pivotal moments in all six episodes.

Anakin Skywalker: Something's happening. I'm not the Jedi I should be. I want more. And I know I shouldn't.

The Hologram/Binary Sunset. A New Hope's bit of calm amongst the thrills. Beautiful.

Tarkin: If you're right, he must not be allowed to escape.
Darth Vader: Escape is not his plan. I must face him. Alone.

The Asteroid Field - The Empire Strikes Back gives us another fantastic thrill-ride that almost makes you tip from side to side as the Falcon cuts through the field and defies the odds.

The Imperial March. The epitome of the Empire's might, sends a shudder through me every time I hear it as the Super Star Destroyer's shadow passes over Vader's fleet.

Darth Vader: The force is with you young Skywalker, but you are not a Jedi yet.

(I'd just like to throw in The Battle of Gall from the soundtrack to Shadows of the Empire. Although not a John Williams or the London Symphony Orchestra production, Joel McNeely and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra do a grand job.

The Battle of Endor, all three parts - a complete masterpiece of work, as thrilling to listen to as the battles themselves, and culminating in Darth Vader's death. Sublime.

Luke: No, you're coming with me. I'll not leave you here. I've got to save you.
Anakin: You already have, Luke. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister... you were right.

Phew, that was hard work, and I still haven't mentioned the almost made its, so if you can just hang on for a few more moments, I'll divulge that information as we have a look at the other movies I considered that are all worthy of mention:

The Harry Potter movies, by John Williams and lately Patrick Doyle. Something wicked this way comes.
Ennio Morricone for his Untouchables and Once Upon a Time in America themes.
Highlander - Queen again. Who wants to live forever? Beautiful.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Remember that I tried to stay away from musicals, but the Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite are classics. Other musicals that have a special place in my heart are: Grease (my first ever vinyl album), Bugsy Malone, Whistle Down the Wind and Guys and Dolls, especially Luck be a Lady and the Oldest Craps Game in New York.

Then there's Danny Elfman's Nightmare Before Christmas, with kudos to This is Halloween.

And where would a list of movie soundtracks be without mention of James Bond. My personal favourites are:

Live and Let Die - Paul McCartney and Wings
A View to a Kill - Duran Duran
Diamonds are Forever - Shirley Bassey
You Only Live Twice - Nancy Sinatra

There is just time to mention before you all drop off to sleep, the soundtracks that I despise. Maybe despise is too strong a word, but there are definitely no place for them in my collection, ever. The offending perpetrators are:

Interview with a Vampire. Although I love the old Guns n Roses, and the Rolling Stones, was there ever a need to cover Sympathy for the Devil so badly?

Rocky. Almost so bad it's good, but not quite. Respect to James Brown though, RIP.
Top Gun. Too cheesy.


Well blimey, I've reached 5 pages of a word document typing this, that must equate to about 4% of blog space, space which I'm fast running out of. Anyway, I'm sorry if I've wasted some of your time, it is quite a long blog, but hey, it's me. Thanks for plodding on through, if you did. Before I go and celebrate Rivet-Head's transformation into torture droid with a cool glass of water (marathon training, remember?), let me add that if you should feel free to share your views and favourite movie tunes with me or the blogging fraternity, please do so. As Anakin would say:

I'd like to know.

This blog was to brought to you in superb Rogue-A-Vision.