For more than five decades Spider-Man has been a prominent figure in print, film and television. He’s brought joy to millions, and his likeness earns truckloads of money. To paraphrase Jay Z: he’s not just a Spider-Man, he’s a business, man. Spider-Man has also made some notable appearances in music. Everyone’s favorite web slinger may be an unlikely muse, but Spidey has inspired some exceptional, or at least interesting, music.
Disclaimer: The actual Spider-Man musical is still bad.
1. The Ramones- “Spider-Man”: This is a faithful cover of the iconic 1967 Spider-Man cartoon’s theme song. It’s performed with The Ramones’ trademark sneer and relentless speed. It rules.
2. Black Lips- “Spidey’s Curse”: This song from the raucous Atlanta lo-fi rockers draws its inspiration from a dark Spider-Man story about molestation. It’s a perversely funny song and catchy to boot.
3. Los Campesinos!- “Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Break Beats”: A standout cut from the amazing, unapologetically twee album “Hold On Now Youngster”. The song’s chorus contains an admonishment from the female half of a dysfunctional couple, “You know he’s so much more like Spiderman[sic] than you will ever, ever be.”If high-energy, twee-pop-punk sounds appealing this is worth a listen.
4. Weird Al- “Ode to a Superhero”: This song is a straightforward parody of Billy Joel’s piano man, and it details the plot of the first Spider-Man film. It’s a joke song built around the punchline, “Sling us a web, you’re the Spider-Man.”
5.Wu-Tang Clan- “Protect Ya Neck”: Calling this classic off of “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” a song about Spider-Man might be a stretch, but the song does give him a shout out. Peter Parker is a New York resident, and has probably spent some time in the Shaolin Land.
The Ear Regular 