Original VHS Soundtracks
Music Featured in New & Unique VHS Videos From the 1980s and 1990s
The Rediscovery of VHS Soundtracks
Now Available at Bandcamp
VHS video soundtracks from the 1980s often featured popular music from the time period. Depending on the genre of the video, the soundtrack might include rock, pop, new wave, hip hop, or other styles of music. Some videos also featured original music or score specifically composed for the video.
VHS video soundtracks were typically produced in a studio, with the music recorded separately from the video footage. The music would then be synced up with the video during the editing process. Some videos, such as concert films, might be recorded live and then edited together afterwards.
Some of the most popular VHS video soundtracks from the 1980s include the soundtracks for films like “Top Gun,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Footloose.” Music videos and concert films by popular artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince were also popular and iconic.
The Beginning of Music Videos
As the 1980s unfolded, VHS video soundtracks underwent a transformation in tandem with the dynamic shifts in both the music and video landscapes. In the early part of the decade, music videos were emerging as influential cultural forces, and it became increasingly common for videos to incorporate footage from the songs themselves. As the decade progressed, concert films and movies featuring popular song-driven soundtracks gained prevalence.
VHS video soundtracks mirrored the musical tapestry of the era, akin to other soundtracks of the 1980s, featuring a melange of popular tunes from the time. However, what set VHS video soundtracks apart was their unique synergy with the visual medium. The music was thoughtfully curated to seamlessly complement and elevate the visual storytelling.
Notable Musicians & Composers
Numerous renowned musicians and composers lent their talents to crafting VHS video soundtracks during the 1980s. Notable instances include Giorgio Moroder, the composer behind the iconic “Top Gun” soundtrack, and Kenny Loggins, who delivered a captivating performance of the title track for the same film.
Richard Jan Plasko
Additionally, there were less widely recognized musicians like Richard Jan Plasko, who contributed their musical talents to crafting soundtracks for a range of distinctive videos, including “California Big Hunks,” “Massage For Relaxation,” and “Soaring in a Sailplane.”
Plasko’s “Dave the Dirty Cowboy” segment has achieved cult classic status, thanks in large part to its featured inclusion in Red Letter Media’s “Best of the Worst: Black Spine Edition #3″ on YouTube.
Buzz Barnaba
Another exceptionally talented yet relatively undiscovered composer is Anthony “Buzz” Barnaba, who contributed his musical genius to the soundtracks of productions such as “The Great Mountain Biking Video,” “Ultimate Mountain Biking,” and “Full Cycle: A World Odyssey.” His compositions skillfully blend jazzy pop elements with a rich tapestry of ethnic influences from around the globe.
The Joyful Sounds of the ’80s and ’90s
VHS video soundtracks held a prominent role in the 1980s, acting as catalysts in the simultaneous promotion of music and visual media. The triumph of cinematic gems like “Top Gun” and “Dirty Dancing” owed much of its allure to their iconic soundtracks, while music videos and concert films played a pivotal role in solidifying the popularity of numerous celebrated musicians.
Fast forward to today, soundtracks from home videos created by independent producers and filmmakers during that era are experiencing a renaissance. Driven by entrepreneurial enthusiasts, these rediscovered treasures are finding their way into the hearts of audiences through various niche platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and a multitude of podcasts.
An increasing fascination and recognition are emerging for soundtracks hailing from the 1980s and 1990s. Those who came of age during that era often harbor a deep sense of nostalgia for the music, while younger generations are encountering these melodies through streaming platforms, social media, and frequent references in contemporary popular culture.
Furthermore, the music emanating from the 1980s and 1990s has exerted a profound influence on numerous contemporary artists and genres, igniting curiosity about the origins and progression of popular music.
In essence, the resurgence of interest in soundtracks from the 1980s and 1990s appears to be an ongoing trend, steadily gathering momentum and capturing the imagination of a wider audience.
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