Which Albums Do You Think Could Be Turned Into Good Films?

[wearysmith 141]

Thinking of albums that have been turned into films, there’s been a few good ones. ‘Quadrophenia’ immediately springs to mind, as does another of Townsend’s masterworks, ‘Tommy’. Then, to a lesser extent, there’s (Floyd’s) ‘The Wall’.

 

However, for the most part, it seems that contemporary film-makers are reluctant to mine this particular well.

 

There’s been a few albums released over the years that I’ve thought could make great films (or even a tv series). An obvious one is Kate Bush’s ‘Lionheart’ album. Full of rich characters and situations that could work marvellously on the Big Screen. ABC’s ‘The Lexicon Of Love’ would also transfer well to the movie medium. Then there’s the Strawbs LP ‘Grave New World’ which tells the journey of a man’s life from birth to death.

 

I'm not thinking of musicals, but stories. I’m sure the possibilities are endless.

 

So, the floor’s open. What albums do you think would make great films?  

Edited March 17, 2021 by wearysmith

[abbeyedges 83]

A film script needs to portray the highs and lows for the protagonist.

 

The two Rod Stewart Albums Atlantic Crossing and Night on the Town I think have a slow, romantic, thoughtful side and a fast, racy, rocky, pumped up side.

 

I'm sure a script could be written using the lyrics but more importantly the track (fast or slow) could easily depict the mood of the protagonist at that moment in the film. 

[wearysmith 141]

Agreed, there's never a dull moment on a Rod album.

 

I wasn't thinking of a direct lift of lyrics, by the way (although that could often work). I was thinking more about characters, situations and their backgrounds.  But in this case, yeah. Sing it again Rod.

 

For 'Lionheart' I'd envisioned more of a Woody Allen ensemble piece. Lots of threaded shorts that pay off at the end. 

[enntee 10]

I've often thought that something could be be built around one or more of the Moody Blues creations.

[tzijlstra 11]

Blackstar by Bowie is a perfect soundtrack to a movie about his life. 

 

In a completely unbiased Sheffield focus - Things to Make and Do by Moloko contains plenty of ingredients for an awesome film.

[wearysmith 141]

2 hours ago, tzijlstra said:

Blackstar by Bowie is a perfect soundtrack to a movie about his life. 

 

In a completely unbiased Sheffield focus - Things to Make and Do by Moloko contains plenty of ingredients for an awesome film.

If you're going for local acts, then consider Mr Ben & the Ben's album 'Who Knows Jenny Jones?'  Aliens, UFOs.....visitors from other worlds. OK, 'space' has been done to death in film, but it's a good collection of songs that'd make a pretty good movie I reckon.  

[Rockers rule 673]

No-brainer 

 

Jethro Tull's  Too old to Rock 'n' Roll to young to Die.

cartoon script already on the Gate-fold.

Still got all my Leathers, turned up faded jeans and deaths head belt buckle

so playing the part of Ray wouldn't be a problem - 

( & my hairs just as long now as when the album came out in 76 thanks t' covid lock down -LOL)

 

Keep safe

[Beamish 19]

Maybe Thin Lizzy's 'Live and Dangerous' could be a kind of modern-day West Side Story.

With Johnny the Fox, Jimmy the Weed,  The Boys and Still in Love with You etc.

[wearysmith 141]

4 minutes ago, Beamish said:

Maybe Thin Lizzy's 'Live and Dangerous' could be a kind of modern-day West Side Story.

With Johnny the Fox, Jimmy the Weed,  The Boys and Still in Love with You etc.

Oh yes. Good spot. Dancing In The Moonlight indeed. Could go the 'La-La Land' way, or the 'Umbrella Academy' way.

[Longcol 604]

I tend to find albums from the USA tend to lend themselves more to cinematography. Without too much thought, for starters - 

 

Eagles - both "Hotel California" and "Desperado".

Boz Scaggs - "Silk Degrees"

Mink De Ville - "Return to Magenta"

Neil Young - "After the Goldrush"

[wearysmith 141]

7 hours ago, Longcol said:

I tend to find albums from the USA tend to lend themselves more to cinematography. Without too much thought, for starters - 

 

Eagles - both "Hotel California" and "Desperado".

Boz Scaggs - "Silk Degrees"

Mink De Ville - "Return to Magenta"

Neil Young - "After the Goldrush"

Some well-considered choices there. From Young's cannon I could also make a case for 'Hawks and Doves' (although it'd be a very short film) and 'Freedom' (a hard-edged political thriller about how the starving masses are kept down  by a ruling corporate class all across planet Earth). 

[Rockers rule 673]

A  - side  of the most excellent Steppenwolf's 'Monster' LP.

would make one epic film.

 

the words and sentiments are probably as relevant today as back in 1969.

 

read & enjoy (sing a long if you want) -- Keep Safe. 

 

Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches

But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light

And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And 'til the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought our a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man

But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light

The blue and grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war over
They stuffed it just like a hog

And though the past has it's share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But it's protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it's a monster and will not obey

(Suicide)
The spirit was freedom and justice
And it's keepers seem generous and kind
It's leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won't pay it no mind
'Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
And now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it's all just an echo of what they've been told
Yeah, there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin'

Our cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin' the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can't understand
We don't know how to mind our own business
'Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who's the winner
We can't pay the cost
'Cause there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching

(America)
America where are you now?
Don't you care about your sons and daughters?
Don't you know we need you now
We can't fight alone against the monster.

Edited March 19, 2021 by Rockers rule
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