By Null
When I first heard there was going to be a John Hughes box set, I pictured a set containing all of his original movie soundtracks in their original forms. I had always loved the soundtracks for the films Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club. I then had a series of questions: Would they be in little facsimiles of the original LPs? How cool would that be? How many movies did John Hughes even make?
My immediate impression was shattered, however, when I learned that the box set was a series of four CDs, or “mixed tapes,” compiling selected tracks from his film made in the 1980s. I looked at the track list and was disgruntled by the fact that, not only were songs not in chronological order, but none of the great instrumental tracks from The Breakfast Club were present. I’m not even sure if they’re “great,” but I am used to them being there. These instrumental tracks are a major part of the listening experience of that album. I then pulled out The Breakfast Club soundtrack and was reminded of the weaker tracks that I often forget even appear on the record. It’s true, not all of John Hughes soundtracks were as solid as Pretty in Pink. As a matter of fact, I only have the two aforementioned soundtracks. Maybe most of them are awful. Do I even want to hear the soundtrack for She’s Having a Baby?
Once I finally got my hands on the box set and started listening, I realized that the people who put this collection together had the right idea. It is a great listen that never really reaches a moment of fatigue, which would undoubtedly happen if one had to sit through the entire litany of soundtracks in their entirety. As far as “mixed tapes” go, each disc has a flow that twists and turns with recognizable favorites and unknown, buried gems that span decades of music.
This box set is highly recommended.
And don’t worry, the original Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club soundtracks are both still in print for your listening pleasure.
Finally, I have a physical copy of that song from National Lampoon’s Vacation. It’s the small things; life moves pretty fast.
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