Kenny Loggins: Blake Shelton’s ‘Footloose’ sounds overly produced
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During the 1980s, Kenny Loggins wrote hits for so many popular films that many began referring to him as the ‘King of the Movie Soundtrack.’
The musician penned tunes for movies ranging from ‘Caddyshack’ to ‘Top Gun,’ though his most recognizable song arguably remains ‘Footloose,’ the catchy theme to the Kevin Bacon dance flick.
On Oct. 14, Paramount is releasing a remake of ‘Footloose’ -- one whose soundtrack includes a re-tooled version of Loggins’ song from country artist Blake Shelton.
At the premiere of the new film Monday evening, Loggins said he thought Shelton did ‘a good job’ with the updated song, though he took issue with the way the tune was produced.
‘They paid a lot of attention to the original version, you can tell. I just think they went a little bit crazy with the Pro Tools,’ he told Pop & Hiss on the red carpet in Westwood. (You can watch the interview below.)
Loggins said he’s proud of how the ‘Footloose’ theme has endured over the years, saying it’s ‘become more like [Chuck Berry’s] ‘Johnny B. Goode.’ It’s like a classic rock staple.’
Nowadays, Loggins has been keeping busy on the oldies circuit: in February, he’ll play a gig with the Glendale Pops Orchestra, and will make a stop at a casino in Indiana a few nights later.
‘It was the only song that actually went to No. 1 and stayed there a while. And the tickets followed,’ he recalled. ‘Because really, I’ve been more of a performing act than a recording act, so to have a No. 1 song really lifted that cachet.’
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--Amy Kaufman