There are so many things to like about our celluloid bible, The Big Lebowski, but one aspect that doesn’t get mentioned often enough is the soundtrack. The music behind the movie is laudable not only for its taste and diversity, but because it plays such an integral part in framing each character and also in suggesting philosophies and themes.
Verily, could any song be more perfect to introduce the Dude than Dylan’s “The Man in Me?”; could any song provide a more goofily nefarious backdrop for The Jesus than the Gypsy Kings’ version of “Hotel California?"; and could any retro psychadelic cheerfully cheeseball tune work better than Kenny Rogers’ “Just Dropped in to See What Condition My Condition Was In”?
Mark it “no” dude.
Are we wrong? It’s hard to note a movie in which the music was so deeply entwined with the story as in The Big Lebowski. Hats of to the man responsible, T-Bone Burnett. The “Bone” practically deserves a screenwriting credit for adding so much to the story.
In this article in the music blog Consequence of Sound, Adam Kivel joyfully celebrates the soundtrack of our sacred source. He’s really throwing rock tonight!
