A soundtrack... FOR JUSTICE!

December 26, 2008 7:02 AM

GREETINGS, CITIZENS OF METAFILTER! In the noble quest for truth and justice against the forces of evil, we need ... A SOUNDTRACK. What are some good songs that are about or reference superheroes?

a few off the top of my head:
iron man, black sabbath
i am superman, rem
superman, the kinks
superman's song, crash test dummies
the songs from the dr horrible musical
surfing with the alien, satriani
the theme from batman, (the who did a cover on "who by numbers", at the very least)

what are some others? and are they awesome?

this is for a long mix for a comic book shop.

thanks!

posted by rmd1023 to media & arts (73 comments total)

The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts -- Sufjan Stevens
Waitin' for a Superman -- Flaming Lips (or Iron and Wine cover)
posted by amarynth at 7:11 AM on December 26, 2008

Superman, Lazlo Bane (used for the Scrubs theme)
Pocketful of Kryptonite, Spin Doctors
The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny, Neil Cicerega
posted by mikepop at 7:13 AM on December 26, 2008

Spider Pig, Homer Simpson
posted by mikepop at 7:15 AM on December 26, 2008

Oh, and Heroes by David Bowie!
posted by amarynth at 7:16 AM on December 26, 2008

Came in to recommend what mikepop beat me to, but it's worth repeating: The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny
posted by Grither at 7:18 AM on December 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

That's Really Super, Supergirl - XTC
Brainiac's Daughter - Dukes of Stratosphear (also XTC, under a different name)
Superman's Song - Crash Test Dummies
Magneto and Titanium Man - Paul McCartney
Tear in your hand - Tori Amos (reference to "Dream King" meaning the Sandman by Neil Gaiman)
posted by jzb at 7:19 AM on December 26, 2008

Pia Fraus, "Thank You, Peter Parker." It's on Nature Heart Software.

Skeletal Family did a nice Batman theme.

There's a Monster Magnet song, "Melt," which contains the line "And I was thinking how the world should have cried / on the day Jack Kirby died."
posted by adipocere at 7:20 AM on December 26, 2008

Superman's Dead - Our Lady Peace (90s, Canadian).
Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down
posted by Brodiggitty at 7:20 AM on December 26, 2008

The Alison Brown Quartet does an awesome (banjo) version of the Spiderman theme.
"Hang in there Superman" by Hal Ketchum
posted by jbickers at 7:24 AM on December 26, 2008

Bryan Adams - Can't Stop This Thing We Started
posted by Joe Beese at 7:25 AM on December 26, 2008

The Pixies - Tony's Theme
posted by theyexpectresults at 7:31 AM on December 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

From Wikipedia:

Geezer Butler took to writing the lyrics around the title, but was careful not to make it about the superhero of the same name so as to avoid a copyright infringement lawsuit thus making the song telling the story of a vengeful villain instead of a superhero.

So include it if you want because it was sort of an influence. There might not be better songs, but there are ones that have a more direct connection.

A quick Google search got me a few sites. But it's almost cheating because I did the same search for a radio show I did a while ago and mostly remembered where I'd been.

- Hypeful list from May
- Rhapsody List

I'll go through the CDs I made for that show and come back with anything that hasn't made it's way onto the list.
posted by theichibun at 7:32 AM on December 26, 2008

Sunshine Superman by Donavan

It's more of a cowboy thing, but Heroes and Villains by The Beach Boys (and/or Brian Wilson) always makes me think of superheroes.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 7:32 AM on December 26, 2008

Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler

And The Ramones did a pretty kickass cover of the spider-man theme.
posted by piratebowling at 7:33 AM on December 26, 2008

Superman, Dan Bern
Disarmament, Dan Bern
posted by mikepop at 7:38 AM on December 26, 2008

Super Freak, Rick James ;) :D
Super Loser, Japanther :)
Superman, Drive-By Truckers
Waitin' For Superman, Flaming Lips
posted by swlabr at 7:41 AM on December 26, 2008

"Can you read my mind?" from the Superman movie. Kind of girly, but definitely about a superhero.
posted by amtho at 7:44 AM on December 26, 2008

Theme from "The Greatest American Hero"
posted by amtho at 7:44 AM on December 26, 2008

Superman by Goldfinger
Moxy Fruvous also did a cover of the Spiderman theme
posted by specialagentwebb at 7:45 AM on December 26, 2008

Underdog Victorious by Jill Sobule
posted by hermitosis at 7:49 AM on December 26, 2008

Working Class Hero, John Lennon
Happy Hour Hero, moe.
Heroine, Blonde Redhead
Heroin, Velvet Underground ;)
War Hero, Antibalas
Cheney's Boy, James McMurtry
posted by swlabr at 7:50 AM on December 26, 2008

Five For Fighting - superman
Moxy Fruvous - spiderman
We Are scientists - The Creeper - sounds like its about a stalker, but somebody told me it's about a comic book character
posted by knile at 7:54 AM on December 26, 2008

"Kelly's Heroes," by Black Grape:

Jesus was a black man!
No, Jesus was Batman.
No, no, no, no,
That was Bruce Wayne.
posted by Iridic at 7:54 AM on December 26, 2008

Spoonman - Soundgarden, which is really about a street performer, but I've always liked to think of the song as an ode to an underappreciated superhero.

Batman - Prince, By far the best batman song ever.
posted by miasma at 7:54 AM on December 26, 2008

We can be heroes by Wall Flowers?

Preacher by Testament. (about a graphic novel called the Preacher)
posted by Mastercheddaar at 7:54 AM on December 26, 2008

EDIT: Cheney's Toy, James McMurtry
posted by swlabr at 8:03 AM on December 26, 2008

The Jam did a pretty good version of the Batman theme.
posted by pdb at 8:04 AM on December 26, 2008

The album "Kryptonite" by Gaunt contains a few Superman/Lois Lane-themed songs, I believe (and kicks impressive ass as well).
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:10 AM on December 26, 2008

Superman (It's Not Easy) by Five For Fighting
Resignation Superman by Big Head Todd and the Monsters
posted by hungrysquirrels at 8:12 AM on December 26, 2008

The Kinks - Catch Me Now I'm Fallin.

Only the Kinks can rip off Jumpin Jack Flash and get away with it!
posted by jtoth at 8:25 AM on December 26, 2008

Bat Macumba - Os Mutantes ("Bat macumba ay ay, Bat-man") (Tenuous!)

Challengers of the Unknown - New Pornographers
posted by jessenoonan at 8:33 AM on December 26, 2008

Superwoman, by Stevie Wonder; Superwoman, by Karen White; and, Superwoman, by Alicia Keys.
posted by fuse theorem at 8:42 AM on December 26, 2008

Oookla the Mok - Superpowers. You can't miss this one!
posted by Gneisskate at 8:44 AM on December 26, 2008

some awesome suggestions so far. keep 'em coming!

thanks, hive mind!
posted by rmd1023 at 8:45 AM on December 26, 2008

Ode to a Superhero - Weird Al
posted by yeara at 8:53 AM on December 26, 2008

Wonderboy - Tenacious D
posted by Bodd at 8:56 AM on December 26, 2008

Steve Burns "Mighty Little Man" is my favorite superhero song.
posted by naju at 8:59 AM on December 26, 2008 [1 favorite]

Definitely get Resignation Superman by Big Head Todd. Great song.
posted by Ostara at 9:02 AM on December 26, 2008

Hero and Heroine - Strawbs
posted by extraheavymarcellus at 9:04 AM on December 26, 2008

Lucky by Radiohead

Pull me out of the aircrash
Pull me out of the lake
I'm your superhero
We are standing on the edge
posted by Diskeater at 9:12 AM on December 26, 2008

'The Ballad of Barry Allen' by Jim's Big Ego
posted by spamguy at 9:29 AM on December 26, 2008

You can find a few on the Saturday Morning Cartoon's Greatest Hits cd. My favorite is Underdog - Butthole Surfers.
posted by Sailormom at 9:36 AM on December 26, 2008

So Long, Superman – Firewater

So long Superman
Got a suggestion for ya
Check for kryptonite before ya
Try to break a horse
Hey, ho, here we go now
Pulling onto the freeway
Just like any other weekday
Except there's no remorse
Cause I'm gone
And now nothing seems to matter
Traded in my silver platter
For an empty plastic tray
There was nothing left worth waiting for
The kids burned down the candy store
And I'm waiting for a train

So long, Superman
I'll light a candle for ya
Say a prayer when California
Falls into the sea
L.A. I never know ya
Goodbye, good riddance to ya
Go to hell and hallelujah
You never meant much to me
posted by iamkimiam at 9:36 AM on December 26, 2008

by strange coincidence, this is what I'm listening to right now:
Cartoon Heros by Aqua
posted by cosmicbandito at 9:39 AM on December 26, 2008

Flash
The Hero
Princes of the Universe
all by Queen
posted by Oriole Adams at 9:56 AM on December 26, 2008

O Superman Laurie Anderson
posted by Bonzai at 10:03 AM on December 26, 2008

Don McLean's tribute to George Reeves, Superman's Ghost.
posted by worldswalker at 10:16 AM on December 26, 2008

the high violets: death of the lonely superhero
posted by crush-onastick at 10:30 AM on December 26, 2008

Super X-Ray Vision, by Jupiter Sunrise
posted by Solon and Thanks at 10:43 AM on December 26, 2008

Somebody Save Me by Remy Zero (aka the Smallville theme) should certainly be on there.

Don't forget the whole oeuvre of rapper MF Doom:
The Vaudeville Villain and Venomous Villain albums released as "Viktor Vaughn"
Madvillainy and Madvillainy 2 with Madlib in the form of "Madvillain"
The Mouse and the Mask produced with Dangermouse as "Danger Doom" (this album features appearances from a bunch of Adult Swim shows, and is a great place to start with ol' Metal Face.)

Ghostface Killer (from the Wu-Tang) has been calling himself Tony Starks and Ironman for a while now (probably best exemplified on his album Ironman)

And don't forget Spider-man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero featuring narration by Stan "The Man" Lee!
posted by sleeping bear at 10:46 AM on December 26, 2008

"Mr. Apollo" by Bonzo Dog Doodah Band
posted by Restless Day at 10:46 AM on December 26, 2008

"Superman" - Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians

In addition to their cover of the Batman theme, the Jam also had a song called Billy Hunt, which is about a guy who fantasizes about being a sort of spy/superhero. "I could be a superman / Satisfy any whim that I wanted to / I could be a human machine / I could show Steve Austin a thing or two."
posted by scody at 10:50 AM on December 26, 2008

"Superhero," by Stephen Lynch.
posted by cheapskatebay at 10:55 AM on December 26, 2008

Last Emperor - Secret Wars, Pt. 1

'What if I had the power to gather all of my favorite emcees with the illest comic-book characters, and they became archenemies?'
posted by box at 10:57 AM on December 26, 2008

Signal in the Sky, by the Apples in Stereo (from the Powerpuff Girls).
posted by bibliowench at 11:00 AM on December 26, 2008

And The Ramones did a pretty kickass cover of the spider-man theme.

The Mr. T Experience's version is way, way better.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:01 AM on December 26, 2008

Signal in the Sky, by the Apples in Stereo (from the Powerpuff Girls).

Or how about the Powerpuff Girls' theme itself?
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:03 AM on December 26, 2008

Moby's version of Verb: That's What's Happening? or from the same Schoolhouse Rocks compliation, the Lemonheads' My Hero Zero. And, even farther afield, you might check out Man or Astroman? many of whose songs feature sound clips from Japanese monster movies and old sci-fi.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 11:11 AM on December 26, 2008

One more: Particle Man by They Might Be Giants
posted by amarynth at 11:20 AM on December 26, 2008

I can't believe no one has mentioned Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots.
posted by Xurando at 11:59 AM on December 26, 2008

"Superman's a Cyborg" -- The Shame Idols, from the album "I Got Time"

We're tired of Superman
He's a panty-waisted freak.
He beats us up for the fun of it!
It's time we got him off the street!

Happy sha-la-la power pop circa 1994.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:30 PM on December 26, 2008

The Teen Titans cartoon theme, English and Japanese versions, by Puffy AmiYumi. Guaranteed to leave you grinning.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 1:39 PM on December 26, 2008

Mr. F adds "Ghost Rider," in either the Suicide version or the Rollins Band one from the original Crow soundtrack. (Other than that sort of incongruous inclusion, the closest that disc comes to a song about Eric Draven himself is "Burn" by the Cure.)

Would you be willing to unleash the power cheese that is "Batdance" by Prince on the customer base? My local would take that in good fun, yours might not.

"Tear in Your Hand" by Tori Amos references Neil Gaiman and his version of the Sandman, Dream of the Endless. The Image anthology of Amos-inspired shorts, Comic Book Tattoo, draws its name from a lyric in "Flying Dutchman."

I'm sure I know more-- I'm driving back from Vegas and not near my usual sources.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 1:53 PM on December 26, 2008

"Superman" by Stereophonics.

Superman on an aeroplane
Sitting next to Lois Lane
You gotta that woman but you want her gone
So you can sleep with a teenage blonde
You wear a mask wear an armoured suit
Can't get to you with the gun I shoot
posted by jamesonandwater at 2:44 PM on December 26, 2008

i can't believe i forgot to list "rapper's delight", what with its trash talking about superman.
posted by rmd1023 at 2:51 PM on December 26, 2008

Wonder Boy by Tenacious D
Particle Man by They Might Be Giants
posted by Ndwright at 3:08 PM on December 26, 2008

Wesley Willis - I Whipped Superman's Ass
Wesley Willis - I Wupped Batman's Ass
posted by citron at 3:24 PM on December 26, 2008

Veruca Salt - Spiderman '79
David Bowie - Supermen
!!! - All my hereos are wierdos
Liz Phair - Soap Star Joe
posted by shothotbot at 6:11 PM on December 26, 2008

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman -The Kinks
posted by kosher_jenny at 9:23 PM on December 26, 2008

Goodbye Darkness - The Scourge of the Sea
John Lee Supertaster - They Might Be Giants
posted by princelyfox at 10:01 PM on December 26, 2008

Well, there's Thor's Superhero (mp3 from this Beware of the Blog post) and Ani Difranco's Superhero.

Now there are two artists I never thought I'd mention in the same sentence...
posted by Kattullus at 5:43 AM on December 27, 2008

Aquaman's Lament by Mark Aaron James is without a doubt the greatest song about Aquaman ever written. Alas, the only place I can find to listen to it is on his Myspace page. I think that's the first time LastFM has ever failed me for something like this.
posted by Caduceus at 9:43 AM on December 27, 2008

mighty mouse by tesla (mighty mouse, superman and underdog all in one)
posted by M Edward at 7:39 PM on December 27, 2008