History might see ‘Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story’ (2004) as one of the greatest comedies of the 2000s. And the reasons are pretty clear. First, film audiences finally got to Justin Long getting hit with a wrench. And who can forget memorable characters like White Goodman, Ben Stiller’s hilarious Globo Gym instructor and leader of the Purple Cobras dodgeball team, and Steve the Pirate (no explanation needed)?

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the movie also has a great soundtrack, full of various musical sundries from the not-so-distant past. Here are our picks for the 5 Essential Cuts.

  • 5

    ‘Lady in Red’

    Chris de Burgh

    Straight out of the schlocky, synthesizer-heavy ’80s, Chris de Burgh’s ‘Lady in Red’ may just be one of the best worst songs of all time. And that's why it’s on the soundtrack of one of the best worst movies of all time. It’s also go the best placement in the movie. See here.

  • 4

    ‘Help Me (She’s Out of Her Mind)’

    The Stereophonics

    If you don’t know who Stereophonics are, well, you deserve to get a wrench thrown in your general direction. This killer Welsh band -- manned by lead (male) singer Kelly Jones -- and their tune ‘Help Me (She’s Out of Her Mind)’ is a nice match for the ‘Dodgeball’ soundtrack. Jones’ pipes are some of the best in the business; they’ll help soften the blow of that wrench.

  • 3

    ‘Face Off’

    Tom Morello

    Before Tom Morello, sicker-than-hell guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, decided to strap on an acoustic guitar and turn into the Nightwatchman, he apparently wanted to contribute some sick riffs to movie history. So check out this straight dope -- and very Rage-y -- instrumental Morello composed for ‘Dodgeball,’ aptly titled ‘Face Off.’

  • 2

    ‘Take It Off’

    The Donnas

    Everyone knows all-female bands have a way more difficult time making it in the music industry than all-male ones. So the fact pop-punk greats the Donnas are so popular speaks to how good they are. ‘Take It Off’ is a single from the band’s 2002 ‘Spend the Night’ album, and it’s the perfect rave-up for the dodgeball-minded.

  • 1

    ‘Different Drum’

    Me First and the Gimme Gimmes

    Me First and the Gimme Gimmes might be the best tongue-in-cheek punk covers supergroup of all time. In fact, they are probably the only one. Featuring a veritable who’s-who of punk talent -- including Fat Mike from NOFX and Foo Fighters lead guitarist Chris Shiflett -- Me First take this tune made famous by the Stone Poneys (Linda Ronstadt’s ’60s band) and written by the Monkees’ Michael Nesmith and run away with it. It’s the cut of the soundtrack, no two ways about it.

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