Photos: ‘Ghostbusters’ ‘to ‘Pineapple’: Novelty numbers or songs with legs?

By Todd Martens, Times Staff Writer The big rock ‘n’ roll movie theme is a bit of a lost art. Or is it an art at all? Huey Lewis has recorded the theme for “ Pineapple Express,” and director David Gordon Green recently talked to The Times about drawing inspiration from Ray Parker Jr.’s theme to “Ghostbuster’s.” Tapping Lewis, it seems, was done with a bit of nostalgic pride for the giant soundtracks of the '80s. Lewis himself has been drafted for the role before, having recorded “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time” for 1985’s “Back to the Future.” And his hiring for “Pineapple Express” came with distinct orders. Lewis told The Times, “They said, ‘We want a track called ‘Pineapple Express.’ I said, ‘Ooh. That’s going to be tough.’ They said, ‘It’s a kind of marijuana.’ I said, ‘Like Panama Red? No problem.’” Songs that overtly make reference to the film they’re in are increasingly becoming a rarity, save for the odd “Snakes on a Plane.” But while there’s no denying the catchiness of a song such as “Ghostbusters,” does it have a life outside the film, or is it little more than a novelty number? Not counting any James Bond films, here's a look back at some self-referential rock ‘n’ roll movie songs, to try to find an answer.

By Todd Martens, Times Staff Writer

The big rock ‘n’ roll movie theme is a bit of a lost art. Or is it an art at all?

Huey Lewis has recorded the theme for “ Pineapple Express,” and director David Gordon Green recently talked to The Times about drawing inspiration from Ray Parker Jr.’s theme to “Ghostbuster’s.” Tapping Lewis, it seems, was done with a bit of nostalgic pride for the giant soundtracks of the ‘80s.

Lewis himself has been drafted for the role before, having recorded “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time” for 1985’s “Back to the Future.” And his hiring for “Pineapple Express” came with distinct orders. Lewis told The Times, “They said, ‘We want a track called ‘Pineapple Express.’ I said, ‘Ooh. That’s going to be tough.’ They said, ‘It’s a kind of marijuana.’ I said, ‘Like Panama Red? No problem.’”

Songs that overtly make reference to the film they’re in are increasingly becoming a rarity, save for the odd “Snakes on a Plane.” But while there’s no denying the catchiness of a song such as “Ghostbusters,” does it have a life outside the film, or is it little more than a novelty number? Not counting any James Bond films, here’s a look back at some self-referential rock ‘n’ roll movie songs, to try to find an answer.  (Darren Michaels / Associated Press)

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"Pineapple Express,” Huey Lewis

Song: “ Pineapple Express,” Huey Lewis

A life without the film? “Pineapple Express” has already shown it has the ability to power a song up the charts, as it has done with M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes,” looped in the film’s trailer. But Lewis’ “Pineapple Express” probably won’t be so lucky, or at least it shouldn’t, as the film title punctuates the end of the chorus with all the finesse of a pineapple to the head, and soul keys and horns mark the song as pure lounge.  (Karen Tapia / Los Angeles Times)

"9 to 5: The Muscial" Press Conference

Song: “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton

A life without the film? There was a film? OK, of course there was, but Dolly’s song has such an across-the-board, mutli-generational appeal that it fully stands on its own. It’s a song that’s as fit for a show tune (the musical opens this fall in Los Angeles) as it is happy hour. Perhaps no other song marries such a merry melody with lyrics that capture the struggle to maintain a sense of ambition while stuck with a thankless gig.  (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

“Weird Science,” Oingo Boingo

Song: “Weird Science,” Oingo Boingo

A life without the film? No offense to Danny Elfman, but many of these Oingo Boingo songs aren’t exactly aging well. “Weird Science” is no exception, as its mix of synths, horns and B-level sci-fi effects is most likely today to elicit a halfhearted smile at an ‘80s dance party.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Song: “Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now),” Phil Collins

Song: “Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now),” Phil Collins

A life without the film? A solo breakout hit for Collins, and a Grammy-winning song from the 1984 Jeff Bridges film of the same name. It’s still a scorching slow-dance number, even if the teary-eyed piano drip is a bit manipulative. Ultimately, it’s the song’s gradual build, smattering of synthy rhythms and Collins’ passionate yell that carry it.  (Samir Hussein / Getty Images)

Song: “Bring It! (Snakes On a Plane),” Cobra Starship

Song: “Bring It! (Snakes on a Plane),” Cobra Starship

A life without the film? “Snakes on a Plane” hasn’t exactly become the camp classic the world hoped it would be, and that’s probably part of the reason this song falls a little flat. While it has A-level mall-punk guitars, and some PG-13 come-ons from striking blond vocalist Maja Ivarsson, it reeks of a hyped-movie craze that just wasn’t meant to be.  (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images)