Somebody asked me about the lesbian kiss mentioned in the “I’ve Kissed” post a little while back. That story will come. But it got me to thinking about other kisses and what, if any, music accompanied them. Then I thought about the use of particular songs in films. Not necessarily for kissing scenes – just in general. There are those well-known ones (“Sister Christian” in Boogie Nights, etc.) but I’ve focused on what are believe are lesser-known gems. My rule is the song had to play a particular role in the film. It could not just be on the soundtrack. It can’t be a musical. The character(s) know it’s there. They could hear it. They played it. So with a little commentary, here’s the Dodgy list.

“Everybody Knows” – Leonard Cohen ‘Exotica’

Before she wreaked havoc on The L Word, Mia Kirshner was “a sassy little schoolgirl” stripper in Atom Egoyan’s classic film. The first time she enters the stage to the opening strains of Cohen’s masterpiece is instantly memorable.

“Dreams” – Cranberries ‘Sound of My Voice’

Brit Marling’s creepy cult leader Maggie says its a song from the future and gets the somewhat confused gang to sing along in one of the many inimitable scenes in this indie gem of a flick.

“Another Night” – Real McCoy ‘Damsels in Distress’

Maybe I’m just surprised Whit Stillman used this 90s dance song in his flick. But should I be? It’s a great song and a fine one to watch the damsels dance to.

“Stripped” – Depeche Mode ‘Say Anything’

Screw “In Your Eyes” and the boombox. The best use of a song in this film is when some wondrous human being played this cut at that party.

“Armies of The Night” – Sparks Fright Night

If you’re gonna get down with a vampire on the dance floor, what better choice of a song? From the original film.

“Rhythm of Time” – Front 242 Single White Female

I think it makes being tied to a chair a little more tolerable. Industrial music represented. On film. Rare.

“Don’t Fear the Reaper” – Blue Oyster Cult Halloween

A good car song when the Shape is a-followin’ you.

“Relax” – Frankie Goes to Hollywood Body Double

Frankie say “Let’s show up in this movie, during the porn scene.”

“Pocket Full of Sunshine” – Natasha Bedingfield Easy A

Not one of my favorites but it’s kinda cool to watch Emma Stone prance around singing it.