‘Angus’ soundtrack to be released on vinyl for 20th anniversary

NewsSeptember 4, 2015Death and Taxes

Angus came out when I was 10 years old. I don’t remember the first time I saw it — definitely not until it was out on video — but I remember grabbing its tattered VHS case from the shelf at Mr. Movies at least a dozen times as a young teen.

If you haven’t seen the movie (check out the trailer here), it’s an above par coming-of-age tale about a smart, fat, unpopular kid named Angus and his friend Troy (played by the guy who would later go on to be the Shermanator in the American Pie movies) as they navigate the major suck that is high school. The film also stars James Van Der Beek in his first role (playing a jock bully who repeatedly gets his nose broken by Angus), the girl from Jurassic Park, Kathy Bates, George C. Scott — even E from Entourage.

The impact this movie had on me, especially from ages 11 to 18, is likely incalculable. I remember entering junior high and being told by a friend it was not cool that I was wearing a flannel tied around my waist but knowing he was full of shit because Troy in Angus always wore his like that.

But more importantly than fashion choices, by way of its soundtrack, Angus introduced me to a collection of 12 songs that would have an incredibly significant influence on my music sensibility.

The Angus soundtrack is turning 20 this year, and in honor of its anniversary, SRCvinyl is releasing the album on vinyl for the first time ever. You can click here to preorder it and read all the mastering and gram details (it comes in both blue and clear!) but I just want to spend a few brief moments here geeking out about the songs on the record because I am very excited.

This soundtrack was great because it had some big names (Green Day! Weezer! Goo Goo Dolls!) and some not so big — at least to me as an 11-year-old (Dance Hall Crashers! The Muffs! The Riverdales!). While the movie’s fashion was shaped by grunge’s stronghold over the early 90s, the music here was definitely more upbeat. Less self-indulgent and egotistic, more goofy. It’s poppy. It’s punky. There’s two (!) Ash songs. Its got what might be the best song Green Day ever recorded. It’s got what is definitely the best song the Goo Goo Dolls ever recorded. It’s got my favorite song by The Muffs. It’s got a version of “Am I Wrong” by Love Split Love that’s even more moving than the original because they mixed in marching band horns and percussion from a scene in the movie. It’s got Tilt! Smoking Popes! Did I mention there’s two (!) Ash songs?

As previously mentioned, you can preorder the vinyl here. It’ll be out November 3. Check out the whole track listing below, and if you haven’t already, figure out a way to see the movie. Last I checked Warner Bros. hadn’t released it on DVD, but if we’re friends you can come over to my place and watch the crappy version I ripped off of VHS years ago.

Track listing:

SIDE A
Green Day – J.A.R.
Ash – Jack Names The Planets
Dance Hall Crashers – Enough
Ash – Kung Fu
The Riverdales – Back To You
Smoking Popes – Mrs. You And Me

SIDE B
Weezer – You Gave Your Love To Me Softly
Goo Goo Dolls – Ain’t That Unusual
The Muffs – Funny Face
Tilt – White Homes
Pansy Division – Deep Water
Love Spit Love – Am I Wrong

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