It’s Thanksgiving this week in ‘Merica, all.  To tell you the truth, I’m not certain what that means anymore.  The roots exist in the whitewashed historical perspective of American colonialism though it’s also not that simplistic, either.  For many growing up, it meant turkey, stuffing (or dressing, as you will…I’m aware there’s a regional debate about what that is…), various forms of pie.  Sometimes gluttony.  Family, togetherness, or service to others are often underlying themes.  Though it always seemed to be this layover from the Halloween candy coma merely a month prior, and the subsequent winter celebrations of December and early January. 

What does this have to do with music or other pop culture for that matter?  Not a whole lot because…the music or movies that truly feature Thanksgiving are few and far between.    

Unless we’re talking about Planes, Trains, and Automobiles from the great John Hughes, that is.  This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and it happens to be the cadillac of Thanksgiving films.  John Candy and Steve Martin form an unlikely pair of travelers, destined for mishaps that would’ve likely been easily avoided in modern day times.  It’s because of that I’m so grateful it was made in the late 80s, so it had the opportunity to live as the masterpiece it is. 

The range of the musical score is diverse, between classic and 80s country features, rock and roll, and pop of the time.  Every track serves as the perfect accompaniment to each scene it exists in, like the golden french-fried onions on a green bean casserole.  Chef’s kiss.

The scene where Del Griffith, Candy’s character, takes the wheel of a shared rental car while Neal Page, Martin’s role, sleeps in the passenger seat, inspired my lifelong love for both Ray Charles and air-style performances in my vehicle.  I love Doobby and his Taxiola, listening to Balaam and the Angel, eternally making me appreciate a hard looking man who is just proud of his Midwestern town, driving a badass classic Bonneville in the middle of the night.  Try not to giggle at Back in Baby’s Arms as a backdrop to stranger man-snuggling and “Those aren’t pillows!”  The Steve Martin soundbites of “You’re messin’ with the wrong guy!” as an overlay of a chaotic 80s synth lick on repeat with some cheesy fake horns.  Literally the best.

Recent conversation with some peeps confirm the soundtrack is out there, even existing on vinyl. Sellers have it on Discogs and Ebay, you can get it new from your preferred vendor, though man, would I love to find this one living in the wild and adopt it for my own.  The chances of that may be slim, though I’ve heard it’s possible and I have hope. 

If all else fails, Paramount did release a 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray just this week on 11/22/22.  This includes a digital copy and about 75 minutes of previously deleted or extended footage, thought to be lost or destroyed.  We can relive the soundtrack through the actual film, no harm, no foul.  Unless you hate the movie, that is.  In which case, don’t be bringing that kind of energy around me. 

Have a great kick off to the traditional holiday season, friends.  Whether you’re breaking bread with fam, friends, or just yourself, there’s no wrong way to celebrate or feel this time of year. 

@siliconeandvinyl