Original Soundtrack - Times Square

All Music Guide

The soundtrack to Allan Moyle's 1980 teen runaway adventure Times Square is a rather solid mix of new wave and punk. In fact, it's a rare example of Hollywood getting things right when it comes to representing a subculture of sorts. Since we're talking about 1980, movie soundtracks had yet to become vehicles for newly signed acts in dire need of attention and promotion to sell their yet-to-be-released debuts. As the movie was produced by RSO bigwig Robert Stigwood, his record label was able to churn out this double-LP bonanza that wrangles some big names along the way. Spread across these two LPs is new wave from the likes of XTC ("Take This Town"), Gary Numan ("Down in the Park"), the Pretenders ("Talk of the Town") ,and Talking Heads ("Life During Wartime"); punkier efforts from the Ramones ("I Wanna Be Sedated") and the Ruts ("Babylon's Burning"); and some material from some of the era's innovators, including Lou Reed ("Walk on the Wild Side"), Patti Smith ("Pissing in the River"), ...and Roxy Music ("Same Old Scene"). And, yes, for those of you who saw the movie, character Nicky Marotta's (Robin Johnson) punk number "Damn Dog" is included, as is her duet with David Johansen, "Flowers of the City." Given the undying popularity for '80s compilations, it's mildly surprising that the soundtrack wasn't issued on CD when the movie was issued on DVD in late 2000. It might not be as stocked with the hits as the average compilation, but a reissue would have instant appeal to fans of this cult film, not to mention some interest from those who haven't seen it at all -- the material itself would be reason enough to buy, regardless of the tie-in to the movie. - Andy Kellman, All Music Guide Read more Less