Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 [Soundtrack Review]

Set to be a summer smash (if recent box-office figures are any indication), Guardians of the Galaxy has united young and old audiences through its subtle wit and exhilarating dialogue, but it's not only the film itself that has audiences so excited. Oh, no. What does a every good intergalactic epic film need? An equally epic soundtrack of course! And you shall not be disappointed to know that the tape in which Peter Quill's mother gives him entitled Awesome Mix Vol. 1 is indeed available as a soundtrack to purchase on Amazon, iTunes and any other major retailer. You can also read our review of Guardians of the Galaxy, here. Awesome Mix Vol. 1, living up to its name, is undeniably awesome, and intertwines with the films 'feel good' theme quite nicely. 

If you haven't had the chance to view the latest Marvel venture, then rest assured, that you will not be disappointed by the soundtrack choices. Of course, there is an original score soundtrack (which we may review later on in the week, as well) but for now, lets take a trip back to the 70s and revel in the retro-ness that surrounds us, courtesy of the GOTG soundtrack. Now, whilst these songs are technically nothing new, GOTG reunites audiences with retro favourites, whilst also introducing such soundtracks to a younger audiences who has probably never heard of them before - and that's quite a feat. The track-listing is as follows: 

1. "Hooked on a feeling" - Blue Swede [2:52]
2. "Go All the Way" - Raspberries [3:21]
3. "Spirit in the Sky" - Norman Greenbaum [4:02]
4. "Moonage Daydream" - David Bowie [4:41]
5. "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" - Elvin Bishop [4:35]
6. "I'm Not in Love" - 10cc [6:03]
7. "I Want You Back" - The Jackson 5 [2:58]
8. "Come and Get Your Love" - Redbone [3:26]
9. "Cherry Bomb" - The Runaways [2:17]
10. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" - Rupert Holmes [4:37]
11. "O-o-h Child" - Five Stairsteps [3:13]
12. "Aint Not Mountain High Enough" - Marvin Gave and Tammi Terrell [2:29]

All of the tracks are poised at particular moments in the film, waiting to greet you with a subtle entrance or with rock-infused guitar synth or loud drum entrance beat. Blue Swede's 'Hooked on a feeling' is infectious, are really transports you back (in this case, to 1968) and you can remain confident in that this is one of the opening tracks in the movie, setting the mood for the rest of the film in a deliciously retro manner. Also one of the opening tracks is 'Come and Get Your Love' by Redbone, injecting a little bit of R&B into the power-house Awesome Mix Vol. 1. Power pop steps forward in the form of Raspberries' 'Go All the Way', which is undeniably smooth and moving (in the physical sense). 

Norman Greenbaum's 'Spirit in the Sky' is here to represent the land of psychedelic rock with its guitar riffs, and lyrics focusing on the afterlife. We'd go so far to say this soundtrack is as hard hitting as a Tarantino film soundtrack, which also likes to make notable throwbacks to past decades. It seems you can't go wrong by going back a few decades to popular songs which have had a major cultural impact. Elvin Bishops' 'Fooled Around and Fell In Love' is suitably swaying and transcendent, with beautiful piano accompaniment, whilst 10cc's 'I'm Not In Love' brings home the soft rock, with in its innovative production and airy sounds. 

Kicking in the galactic essence, is of course, David Bowie's 'Moonage Daydream' (how aptly titled), and the song itself focuses on an alien Messiah whose destiny it is to save the world - sound familiar? Yes, it is certainly an accurate track, and of course - it is Bowie. Dripping in glam rock vibes, 'Moonage Daydream' is certainly an intergalactic treasure. In case you were missing a bit of punky hard-rock influenced songs, 'Cherry Bomb' is here to cater to your needs. Widely known as The Runaways signature song, 'Cherry Bomb' brings the heat courtesy of the all-female rock group. It's sassy, it's wild, and undoubtedly the lyrics 'Hello Daddy, Hello mom/ I'm your ch ch ch ch cherry bomb/ Hello world, I'm your wild girl/ I'm your ch ch ch ch cherry bomb' will resonate with you long after you listen to the track. It's brazen, it's out there - and the song commands attention. 

Of course, it seems only fitting that we highlight 'The Pina Colada Song' that many will have probably heard of, even if you weren't around in 1979. Rupert Holmes' popular track is featured in the Guardians' soundtrack, and its lazy melody, and focuses on two individuals who meet via an ad and discover that they are actually one another's spouses, and realise that they have more in common than they first thought. The 'exotic drink' track is one of those feel-good tracks and takes its well-deserved position amongst the soundtrack of one of the most amusing and fun films of the year. 

Five Stairsteps are hear to bring a little bit of Chicago soul back into a triumphant soundtrack so far. Of course, for those who have seen the film, you may remember someone quite different singing this song - but I digress - the lyrics, seemingly like all the tracks featured on Awesome Mix Vol. 1, has an incredibly catchy chorus that you can't help but sing along to 'Ooh-oo child/ Things are gonna get easier/ Ooh-oo child. Things'll get brighter'. Marvin Gaye's and Tammi Terrell's 'Aint No Mountain High Enough' finishes off the soundtrack in a triumphant and optimistic way, choosing to leave it on a high-top ending, with its soulful chorus. 

Playing during the credits is the easily recognisable 'I Want You Back' by the Jackson 5, which gets everyone up and moving (and out of the cinema). We would be inclined to agree that Awesome Mix Vol. 1 is indeed awesome, and showcases some of the best pop, hard rock, soul and glam rock songs of that era. If you're looking to inject a bit of feel-good fun into your every day life, then Awesome Mix Vol. 1 is a pretty safe bet to do just that, and it's suitably nostalgic for everyone involved. So, put your retro headphones on, grab your mix tape and kick back to these riotous tunes.