Music by and/or about Mormons?

September 27, 2007 11:12 PM

For the next few months I'll be projecting a series of films by and about Mormons. I'm looking for appropriate pre-show music.

The series is very diverse - last night we showed the completely over-the-top "The Book of Mormon Movie", but next week we'll be showing an archival print of "A Mormon Maid" from 1917.

So serious stuff (so far in that category I've just got Low) is just as welcome as silly stuff (like the classic "I'm A Mormon!").

posted by bubukaba to media & arts (14 comments total)

I was coming here to suggest "I'm A Mormon," but I see of course you have that already. Perhaps something from the Angels In America soundtrack (which deals in part with Mormons)?
posted by gac at 11:17 PM on September 27, 2007

Foo Fighters: You're not the only one
posted by |n$eCur3 at 11:23 PM on September 27, 2007

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Pretty fucking stupendous music.
posted by schroedinger at 11:33 PM on September 27, 2007

The New York Dolls, of course. And some early Bowie with Mick Ronson on guitar.

(or, if you're lame, some Maroon 5 or Killers, but please don't)
posted by The World Famous at 12:00 AM on September 28, 2007

Palace of the Brine by the Pixies.

The History of Utah by Camper Van Beethoven (best lyrics evar)
posted by The World Famous at 12:18 AM on September 28, 2007

Here's a list of Famous Mormon Musicians: looks like you could juxtapose The Osmonds with Gladys Knight & even Warren Zevon.
posted by misteraitch at 3:26 AM on September 28, 2007

I give you the Mormon Rap. (Lyrics and link to mp3)
posted by lampoil at 5:08 AM on September 28, 2007

The 5 Browns are mormon and pretty darn classy.
posted by softlord at 5:38 AM on September 28, 2007

Hey, Doc Films! I'm coming next week.

And yes, I'd certainly expect to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
posted by rhoticity at 5:51 AM on September 28, 2007

"Traffic in My Mind," By the Osmonds... from their awesome freak-out 1973 Mormon concept album, The Plan (previews at amazon). The whole album is pretty amazing, but that is the standout track.
posted by activitystory at 5:58 AM on September 28, 2007

I'd go with some a cappella from Brigham Young's Vocal Point. They do contemporary and religious stuff. They're incredibly entertaining and skilled.
posted by spec80 at 7:56 AM on September 28, 2007

Check your email.
posted by SlyBevel at 9:07 AM on September 28, 2007

A track that I'd love to have--and that I think would be perfect for something like your project--is at the end of the movie "New York Doll."

As the movie credits roll, David Johansen (formerly a New York Doll rocker) performs a scratchy, rough, tender take of "A Poor, Wayfaring Man of Grief," purported to be Joseph Smith's favorite hymn.

Personally, as a Mormon with intact senses of curiosity and wonder, it's powerful.
posted by SlyBevel at 9:49 AM on September 28, 2007

You can always go with the parody band, the Moron Fishingtackle Choir. If I recall correctly, they were like the Portsmouth Symphonium of American choral music.
posted by klangklangston at 10:39 AM on September 28, 2007