Guardians of the Galaxy “Awesome Mix Vol. 2”

The dazzling effects, humor and characters could be what comes to mind when thinking of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. However, it is not the first. The ultimate defining trait of these films: the soundtrack.

In the 2014 film, we were introduced to “Awesome Mix Vol. 1.” This was a mixtape that was not just a marketing ploy to sell merchandise for the film, nor was it just a regular soundtrack. This “mixtape” existed in the film’s universe as well as our own. This “Awesome Mix” was created by Peter Quill, otherwise known as Star-Lord. “Awesome Mix” was to commemorate his time on Earth after being abducted as a child. This mix consisted of songs from the 1960s and 1970s. “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede was one of the most popular songs on the tape, playing numerous times during commercials and trailers. Known songs like “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum, and “Cherry Bomb” by the 1970s all-girl rock group, The Runaways, also make appearances on this album.

Fast forward to 2017. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is only days away from its theatrical release which can only mean one thing: an “Awesome Mix Vol. 2.” It was released worldwide on April 21. Let’s take a look at the track list.  (I provided links to certain songs for a quick listen if you do not have 51 minutes of your time to spare. However, it’s worth listening to the entire album.)

1. “Mr. Blue Sky”                          Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
2. “Fox on the Run”                      Sweet
3. “Lake Shore Drive”                   Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah
4. “The Chain”                             Fleetwood Mac
5. “Bring It On Home to Me”         Sam Cooke
6. “Southern Nights”                    Glen Campbell
7. “My Sweet Lord”                      George Harrison
8. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)”      Looking Glass
9. “Come a Little Bit Closer”           Jay and the Americans
10. “Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang”       Silver
11. “Surrender”                               Cheap Trick
12. “Father and Son”                       Cat Stevens
13. “Flash Light”                              Parliament
14. “Guardians Inferno”                 The Sneepers featuring David Hasselhoff

The mixtape has a running time of 51:59.

Bringing Fleetwood Mac’s heavy hit “The Chain” really adds an extra amount of “cool” in its most recent trailer. It makes the trailer a little “vintage,” may I say, without overdoing it. You also can never go wrong with a track from Cheap Trick. I also like how they are getting super ‘70s by adding in a single from an ex-Beatle, George Harrison. While being sort of an ode to classic rock and roll, they do not forget about funk. They do this by including “Flash Light” by Parliament. Nice touch!

“Awesome Mix Vol. 2” is as fun and random as its predecessor. Hopefully the theatrical sequel will follow.

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