Theme to St. Trinian's
Encyclopedia
"Defenders of Anarchy" is a song recorded by British pop girl group Girls Aloud
for the album St. Trinian's: The Soundtrack, and subsequently released as single on 10 December 2007. Written by the film's score
composer
Charlie Mole
and Ali Thompson, the song features production from long-time collaborators Xenomania
. A music video was made to promote the track.
soundtrack by Charlie Mole, who also composed the music, with additional lyrics by Ali Thompson. The song was offered to many artists, but was eventually given to Girls Aloud
.
in the film as the St. Trinian's School Band, when they were photographed in school uniforms on the movie's set. It was later announced that aside from appearing in the film, the group would be recording the main theme for the soundtrack. In November 2007, a single release of the song, entitled "Defenders of Anarchy" was announced, and on 10 December 2007, was made available exclusively via iTunes, becoming the only Girls Aloud single never to be issued physically.
for the song was released to music video stations to promote the film and the soundtrack. The video consists of the group performing the song at the end of the movie, as well as various clips of other scenes from throughout the film.
called the song "an electro-glam-sci-fi-rock romp" and gave the song a positive review. InTheNews.co.uk, however, called it a "below-average song". The release of the single also included an exclusive song, entitled "On My Way To Satisfaction", which also appears on the film's soundtrack. Digital Spy it called "a fuzz-rockin' cousin to 'Wake Me Up'".
on 5 January 2008, due to high download sales. It rose to number fifty-one a week later. The song was then removed from the iTunes Store
, but readded in April 2008.
Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London. They were created through the ITV1 talent show Popstars The Rivals in 2002. The group consists of Cheryl Cole , Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. They are signed to Fascination Records, a Polydor...
for the album St. Trinian's: The Soundtrack, and subsequently released as single on 10 December 2007. Written by the film's score
Film score
A film score is original music written specifically to accompany a film, forming part of the film's soundtrack, which also usually includes dialogue and sound effects...
composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
Charlie Mole
Charlie Mole
Charlie Mole is a British/French film and television score composer and songwriter. His scores include An Ideal Husband, Othello, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Diary of Anne Frank and the 2007 version of St...
and Ali Thompson, the song features production from long-time collaborators Xenomania
Xenomania
Xenomania is a British songwriting and production team founded by Brian Higgins and based in Kent, England. Formed after Higgins met Miranda Cooper, Xenomania has written and produced for renowned artists such as Cher, Kylie Minogue, Dannii Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, and Sugababes...
. A music video was made to promote the track.
Background
The song was written specifically for the St. Trinian'sSt Trinian's (2007 film)
St Trinian's is the sixth in a long-running series of films based on the works of cartoonist Ronald Searle. The first five films form a series, starting with The Belles of St Trinian's in 1954, with sequels in 1957, 1960, 1966 and 1980....
soundtrack by Charlie Mole, who also composed the music, with additional lyrics by Ali Thompson. The song was offered to many artists, but was eventually given to Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud
Girls Aloud are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London. They were created through the ITV1 talent show Popstars The Rivals in 2002. The group consists of Cheryl Cole , Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. They are signed to Fascination Records, a Polydor...
.
Release
It was revealed in April 2007 that the band would make a cameo appearanceCameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
in the film as the St. Trinian's School Band, when they were photographed in school uniforms on the movie's set. It was later announced that aside from appearing in the film, the group would be recording the main theme for the soundtrack. In November 2007, a single release of the song, entitled "Defenders of Anarchy" was announced, and on 10 December 2007, was made available exclusively via iTunes, becoming the only Girls Aloud single never to be issued physically.
Music video
A music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the song was released to music video stations to promote the film and the soundtrack. The video consists of the group performing the song at the end of the movie, as well as various clips of other scenes from throughout the film.
Critical reception
Digital SpyDigital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
called the song "an electro-glam-sci-fi-rock romp" and gave the song a positive review. InTheNews.co.uk, however, called it a "below-average song". The release of the single also included an exclusive song, entitled "On My Way To Satisfaction", which also appears on the film's soundtrack. Digital Spy it called "a fuzz-rockin' cousin to 'Wake Me Up'".
Tracklisting
iTunes E.P.- "Defenders Of Anarchy" - 3:51
- "On My Way To Satisfaction" - 4:05
- "Defenders Of Anarchy" (Tony Lamezma's Classic Dance Mix) - 5:43
- "Walk This Way" (R&B Smash Mix) - 3:48
Charts
The song debuted at number ninety-six on the UK Singles ChartUK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
on 5 January 2008, due to high download sales. It rose to number fifty-one a week later. The song was then removed from the iTunes Store
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
, but readded in April 2008.
| Chart (2008) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
51 |