1. Casino (1995)
The colossal eclecticism of music in "Casino" warrants two-discs in one set, just like "Forrest Gump." Do you like The Rolling Stones? Good for you, because there are eight songs written by The Rolling Stones in "Casino." You got your "Long Long While," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Heart of Stone," Sweet Virginia," "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and "Gimme Shelter." That's only six, I believe. Right? Six studio songs. But you also have a live performance of "Gimme Shelter" and a cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Devo. Devo made another appearance with "Whip It." You also have "The 'In' Crowd" twice, one by Dobie Gray and the other by Ramsey Lewis. So it's not just a little of everything. There's an abundance of some. "Gimme Shelter" could be considered Nicky Santoro's (Joe Pesci) theme. A live version preludes Devo's "Satisfaction" when Nicky's crew gets stoned and some killed because they can't shut up. The other one plays over a brief montage of murders linked to Nicky. When the reporters have a field day, Nicky is able to walk free due to no witnesses. And we see arguably the best cameo in the movie. Oscar Goodman represents Nicky (and Ace) in court. But Goodman doesn't portray a character based on him. He portrays himself, a lawyer who defended mobsters. Including Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, the man Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Robert De Niro) is based on. Goodman, the man who defended the mob in Las Vegas, would later become the mayor of Sin City. And he was re-elected twice, serving the limit of three terms.
Las Vegas, once known more for its casinos and organized crime, is now known by many as Partytown, USA. Especially the 18-35 demographic, who love booze, drugs, and sex at places like the Hard Rock and the Palms. And with families going to Vegas for vacations (including mine over 10 years ago), it does look like Disneyland compared to 40 years ago. Also, senior citizens playing too many slots because it requires very little thinking. But a place that once truly was Sin City opens with Bach's "Matthäus Passion BMV," the voice of angels. But the soul of Vegas is still alive downtown at places like Fremont. Vocalists were the marquee entertainers with Liberace, the Rat Pack, and Wayne Newton. Dean Martin has his "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You." You also have Harry Nilsson's "Without You," B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone," and Tony Bennett's "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)." All of which have performed in Vegas at one point in their careers. Other vocalists on the soundtrack include Lee Dorsey ("Working in a Coalmine"), Muddy Waters ("Hoochie Coochie Man"), Dinah Washington ("What A Diff'rence a Day Made"), and The Velvetones ("The Glory of Love"). Martin Scorsese provides more rock besides The Rolling Stones. A great duo of Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart provide "I Ain't Superstitious." Roxy Music provided "Love is the Drug," soon after we meet Ginger (Sharon Stone) who, as Ace's love, nearly kills him. A great montage of Nicky switching cars to shake the FBI watching him has Cream's "Toad" playing (also during the infamous vise scene). And Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" fits with Ace and Nicky talking in a car running while still in the garage to mask their conversation from the bugs. And yet another great montage of people dying has The Animals' "The House of the Rising Sun." Before everyone can die, the movie ends with Georges Delerue's "Theme de Camille." Which wouldn't be a bad choice to play at a funeral. Perhaps the funeral for Sin City.