tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81173281725513034552024-02-07T20:28:27.148-08:00Soundtrack SnippetsJhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-8148885829222616592015-01-28T11:58:00.004-08:002015-03-05T07:31:49.351-08:00Best Scores of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqQqiy12vR1yQO1du32l94hbUUpMB3w5XSD_Wb4bFV8DdzMcO_QySGzV0EKHr7nPCg2U1fVzoLgz_EKwXRBImOKyO5eHLxEiDeRmmSYZ1tOLz9jTm-0iz2nCwwyUP5QbZPTJsGgkbYM-j/s1600/Best+Scores+of+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqQqiy12vR1yQO1du32l94hbUUpMB3w5XSD_Wb4bFV8DdzMcO_QySGzV0EKHr7nPCg2U1fVzoLgz_EKwXRBImOKyO5eHLxEiDeRmmSYZ1tOLz9jTm-0iz2nCwwyUP5QbZPTJsGgkbYM-j/s1600/Best+Scores+of+2014.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
So we come to it at last. The Best Scores of 2014.<br />
This year has been a fantastic year folks, much better than last to be perfectly honest. I had such a difficult time narrowing down the list (More than last year), and ultimately picking the top ten best out of the many awesome scores released. In fact it was so close that it came to a tie for tenth place.<br />
It was also really cool to see many breakout composers this year (Gustavo Dudamel, Tomas Kantelinen, and Alberto Iglesias to name a few), and many veteran composers returning after a hiatus (David Newman and John Powell for example). All of which provided me with several pleasant surprises throughout the year.<br />
So without further ado here are the ten best scores of my choosing for 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VpPt3fxaW3Rc-bcUt98HVDOY3SEL2f15VQ3pJxkHEoS2E6107k1QP-es4S-NZ7fCokNxQu1A-QJwBVeQyNJjjOrVLaF7GRcM6s8Cvg7D_ssb2QlmmrCjL3bFac-SnDQkUTgwslz6ZrWz/s1600/Tarzan+(2014).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VpPt3fxaW3Rc-bcUt98HVDOY3SEL2f15VQ3pJxkHEoS2E6107k1QP-es4S-NZ7fCokNxQu1A-QJwBVeQyNJjjOrVLaF7GRcM6s8Cvg7D_ssb2QlmmrCjL3bFac-SnDQkUTgwslz6ZrWz/s1600/Tarzan+(2014).jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
10. <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/05/newmans-tarzan.html" target="_blank"><i>Tarzan </i>by David Newman</a>-Tie<br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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I've already reviewed this gem of a score previously, so I'll be brief. Newman is a seriously underrated composer to be sure. The scores that he's composed are amazing, and yet they don't get enough exposure and this one is no exception. He uses a blend of synth layered with strings, brass, and a choir making this score have an epic feel to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-OaDZ3xYhwXIcwAWeZ3tqbmR8aPnA6XR9mgfgZbdByWo9v72ihfbtysSf0Sa7PFHEFI-LIDomp7Q01KsJZ8dFxONysSQ1iWixbcvplGs5heaofvwTdVu9QhH9XUz6o8gFNNx7IXWqGVV/s1600/The+Book+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-OaDZ3xYhwXIcwAWeZ3tqbmR8aPnA6XR9mgfgZbdByWo9v72ihfbtysSf0Sa7PFHEFI-LIDomp7Q01KsJZ8dFxONysSQ1iWixbcvplGs5heaofvwTdVu9QhH9XUz6o8gFNNx7IXWqGVV/s1600/The+Book+of+Life.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
10. <i>Book of Life </i>by Gustavo Santaollala-Tie<br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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This score was the pleasant surprise of the year. The album has a strong latin influence, given the theme of the film, but also goes from soothing vocals to fast paced action music with guitar riffs and fast paced percussion. I didn't expect such a wide range of music styles coming from this film score and overall I thought this score was different and fun to listen through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVdvmm0UEyyx-B25bdWbc9dC7yW6Vn9cwIjExfNLmeJIssWgYPhmV7Ulckds2v_f7XaOAS3VzbteF6bqIv53_WfFWoEqD5Es01As4PPx30ILKl5E4EXBxsCXGi2ZJiIvu59e2lfJ9nnnm/s1600/Hidden+Kingdoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVdvmm0UEyyx-B25bdWbc9dC7yW6Vn9cwIjExfNLmeJIssWgYPhmV7Ulckds2v_f7XaOAS3VzbteF6bqIv53_WfFWoEqD5Es01As4PPx30ILKl5E4EXBxsCXGi2ZJiIvu59e2lfJ9nnnm/s1600/Hidden+Kingdoms.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
9. <i>Hidden Kingdoms </i>by Ben Foster<br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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There are many amazing animal themed documentary scores out there that are grandiose, beautiful, and big. But this one is somewhat different. British composer, Ben Foster was told to create a score that was similar to that of a charming Pixar film but with the same amount of awe of a classic BBC documentary score. Foster pulled it off. The score ranged from lighthearted to intense styled cues covering various genres like spaghetti western, to latin, to bond-esq, to african, to just plain old orchestral epicness. This one may just be the best BBC documentary score that I have heard out there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqn0XLsdOReOo4WSuaz6YNioWwJ_jshu7yoi3KJ2EPHhnZ7sPJo4bwpAVM_sn36_4JTF9bRaT89oN2GeYPaqBDQNQQhiKE4uvrPXDJ___ufQ6HtC6m7ZU5D9S4oZ4vcuK4rqEKnazbdTgv/s1600/Pompeii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqn0XLsdOReOo4WSuaz6YNioWwJ_jshu7yoi3KJ2EPHhnZ7sPJo4bwpAVM_sn36_4JTF9bRaT89oN2GeYPaqBDQNQQhiKE4uvrPXDJ___ufQ6HtC6m7ZU5D9S4oZ4vcuK4rqEKnazbdTgv/s1600/Pompeii.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
8. <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/03/pompeii.html" target="_blank"><i>Pompeii </i>by Clinton Shorter</a><br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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Anyone who read my previous review can't say their "surprised to see this one on the list, right?" This was my guilty pleasure of the year hands down. I love trailer music and I love period epic scores. The soundtrack is both. While not intellectually stimulating, the music is blatantly heroic, epic, action-filled, and <i>fun. </i>Period epics don't get much better than this, folks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKHIS6sjYwizioGJpmtHk5nAl4UwekScEOr00JGAh0m0IWzo-BrMwuySAJ2dWTe4TD5RKKHJqbhvDR-cfRIN-RDgUswGeov_B_k5jBUnEQV7oZeA6-jVggqQfc2EJfUdfcFfmJmeOhsHx/s1600/Hercules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKHIS6sjYwizioGJpmtHk5nAl4UwekScEOr00JGAh0m0IWzo-BrMwuySAJ2dWTe4TD5RKKHJqbhvDR-cfRIN-RDgUswGeov_B_k5jBUnEQV7oZeA6-jVggqQfc2EJfUdfcFfmJmeOhsHx/s1600/Hercules.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
7.<i> Hercules </i>by Fernando Velasquez<br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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While we are on the subject of guilty pleasures of the year, this particular score has to come up. While still very similar to the media ventures style of soundtracks, Spanish composer, Fernando Velesquez delivers a solid action score. The music is brassy, epic, and bold with a catchy and heroic main theme. While many preferred Velasquez's other scores saying that "Hercules was a departure from his normal classic orchestral composing", I disagree. This score is a blast to listen to all the way though and boasts of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT_NPndipg4A2ltETMU-g837p5IUBi6ePRvoZTmM7ntnKjTp8_Xd22h0zY5vBTqWV_xVl_7sQvk8P7qnrjjFvubR0uRdXUwbXm_Ya72pQZD3IpawuM98tENaE4mFWo4fRnWs9w-2hkJN3/s1600/Maleficent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT_NPndipg4A2ltETMU-g837p5IUBi6ePRvoZTmM7ntnKjTp8_Xd22h0zY5vBTqWV_xVl_7sQvk8P7qnrjjFvubR0uRdXUwbXm_Ya72pQZD3IpawuM98tENaE4mFWo4fRnWs9w-2hkJN3/s1600/Maleficent.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
6. <i>Malificent </i>by James Newton Howard<br />
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
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<i>Malificent </i>brings Disney scores back to her golden age; A time when synth in music was virtually unheard of and composers had to rely on creating wonderful themes instead of computers doing it for them (Not that synth is bad, I love a good mixture of synth in scores, but sometimes composers rely on them a bit too much). Composer, James Newton Howard, hearkens us back to that time with this magnificent composition. His themes are dark, but hopeful; broody, but melodic as he utilizes a full choir and orchestra throughout the album. This is what used to make a great fantasy score and it is absolutely wonderful to relive that once again! The movie may be a new twist on a old story, but the score is an old twist on a refreshing musical journey. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BYNyuFPt18VxOKrlXP0RFkoblY7kAxg6pOHH-0FHYzqPv4ml9B6uou2gqFGgwhzU4HVWR5o5vDFofTZyzsWR1jFH0Flj17gva_l_KBFEUMDYNM7bGbo3Ka6eLMS-7BRrTscrnilMnM5f/s1600/Planes+Fire+and+Rescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BYNyuFPt18VxOKrlXP0RFkoblY7kAxg6pOHH-0FHYzqPv4ml9B6uou2gqFGgwhzU4HVWR5o5vDFofTZyzsWR1jFH0Flj17gva_l_KBFEUMDYNM7bGbo3Ka6eLMS-7BRrTscrnilMnM5f/s1600/Planes+Fire+and+Rescue.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
5. <i>Planes: Fire and Rescue </i>by Mark Mancina<br />
<b>Rating *****</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>By now, you all probably know how much I enjoy composer Mark Mancina, his first score for Planes, and this one. Although I can't totally pinpoint it, there is just a certain amount of charm that comes from listening to this score. It's a pleasant mix of nostalgia that brings me back to the classic heroic themed scores of the past. Maybe I have scared you all away at this point. Don't worry. It get's better. Seriously, keep reading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIz-TU2XGnCl0fu-PEhl02IdBOzlLm6U2dudTPxe_QEAd1UkeCbBUeuAVMFNKE3Jy5LbctkTBGk68_GQO-MxZUVcpl9bXUHbLL3cITrKknco5KB-WothGmxh8orW2gQSWhojXExVV7T8k/s1600/The+Liberator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIz-TU2XGnCl0fu-PEhl02IdBOzlLm6U2dudTPxe_QEAd1UkeCbBUeuAVMFNKE3Jy5LbctkTBGk68_GQO-MxZUVcpl9bXUHbLL3cITrKknco5KB-WothGmxh8orW2gQSWhojXExVV7T8k/s1600/The+Liberator.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
4. <i>Liberatdor (The Liberator) </i>by Gustavo Dudamel<br />
<b>Rating *****</b><br />
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Originally released in South America, this Venezuelan film follows the military campaigns of Simon Bolivar who never once conquered, but instead liberated. The music itself is an epic battle score of sorts. It's has gorgeous woodwinds, ethnic percussion, and solemn choral themes. Venezualian composer, Gustavo Dudamel outdid himself with this masterpiece. It's heroic, epic, tender, and reminiscent of Italian composer, Ennio Morricone's Latin themed scores.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQd9YD7OtT2dWhA4pQTgJg6FyZ014fl2ccn8ZsUWrfHhaVmH81cz73S-_CeWKKaxC1TiQm8m2sbOHlIVJ8yRGcBHLuoocaV_J47PIz39tgI_xbUbnnKE8XWuc7lX8KYLlCOAZv4_kqrJE/s1600/The+Giver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQd9YD7OtT2dWhA4pQTgJg6FyZ014fl2ccn8ZsUWrfHhaVmH81cz73S-_CeWKKaxC1TiQm8m2sbOHlIVJ8yRGcBHLuoocaV_J47PIz39tgI_xbUbnnKE8XWuc7lX8KYLlCOAZv4_kqrJE/s1600/The+Giver.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
3. <i>The Giver </i>by Marco Beltrami<br />
<b>Rating *****</b><br />
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I had mentioned to keep an eye out for this one in one of my previous 2014 awards post, didn't I? Well, here it is, listed as the third best score of 2014. The whole score, composed by Marco Beltrami, is just amazing. The choral themes are tender, the action material, (albeit somewhat lacking), is engaging, and the main theme is inspiring. Having seen the film and heard the soundtrack, I can say without a doubt that this is Beltrami's best score. If you haven't heard it, check it out for yourself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr3lPbwwc83epaPco36sH3KQy42rkdGpsl4oI-pc4YLBZyjXtDiFK7AQ4Te0-fdJH_3nWEoUV5gY6NbPXOZ-FS0SfItdwfNxUX3TnQcKi6KC07inIwhvPcuNEnVse1AS2udQKktu4C8ad/s1600/HTTYD+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr3lPbwwc83epaPco36sH3KQy42rkdGpsl4oI-pc4YLBZyjXtDiFK7AQ4Te0-fdJH_3nWEoUV5gY6NbPXOZ-FS0SfItdwfNxUX3TnQcKi6KC07inIwhvPcuNEnVse1AS2udQKktu4C8ad/s1600/HTTYD+II.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
2. <i>How To Train Your Dragon 2 </i>by John Powell<br />
<b>Rating *****</b><br />
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How can I say this? HTTYD 2 is just plain awesome. I have listened to this score numerous times and haven't been bored by a single track. The writing put into this music is definitely a work of love on Powell's part and although I'm disappointed that he will be taking another hiatus this year, I seriously doubt he can create a better score than this one. I'm pretty skeptical, but a hopeful skeptic at that! The music boast of being epic, and takes themes from his work with the first film and matures them a great deal. I can't say that I am surprised to see this as the second best score of 2014. There is only one score that is better, and that score is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO-Ex4ENut3oXTP2soZ48BgDzxnUxSH6nWCapVORiIF323j4wpXlHQC2qwIQ6-VQTDW9cV7gaLBKCjXv_fNWid3_sog-BNMpyWz7DfyHCl4j71rfwO4LuDR8WD4KZWMxRPDrV_c5jBG_n/s1600/Field+of+Lost+Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZO-Ex4ENut3oXTP2soZ48BgDzxnUxSH6nWCapVORiIF323j4wpXlHQC2qwIQ6-VQTDW9cV7gaLBKCjXv_fNWid3_sog-BNMpyWz7DfyHCl4j71rfwO4LuDR8WD4KZWMxRPDrV_c5jBG_n/s1600/Field+of+Lost+Shoes.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
1. <i>Field of Lost Shoes </i>by Frederick Wiedmann<br />
<b>Rating *****</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="55" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V3esStcF-0s" width="200"></iframe>
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(Unfortunately the only online streaming audio I could find for this score was on YouTube, and the cues are only samples.)<br />
The film is based on a true story and follows a group of teenage cadets fighting during the Civil War. The title itself is based on the fact that the battlefield became so muddy that the cadets would lose their boots in it leaving behind a "field of lost shoes."<br />
German composer, Frederick Wiedmann describes his work on the film as "an epic trip down memory lane" with the music being a "sweeping, epic, orchestral work". <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB9zzbu6hmyFmnykKLzYjLhGMzykSCSRHBVSIue58D6G5_rn_bYrVnKEMR7p6F21v_Nz_7Am2L6DhyphenhyphenB-EjkTMaIQ-Qw2fi4EH3q_0yHGm0pindcGvQhD17bLBRQjLfQEaEDaMsLoV1ALF/s1600/Field+of+Lost+Shoes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB9zzbu6hmyFmnykKLzYjLhGMzykSCSRHBVSIue58D6G5_rn_bYrVnKEMR7p6F21v_Nz_7Am2L6DhyphenhyphenB-EjkTMaIQ-Qw2fi4EH3q_0yHGm0pindcGvQhD17bLBRQjLfQEaEDaMsLoV1ALF/s1600/Field+of+Lost+Shoes+3.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
It's obvious when a composer puts heart and soul into his work and this is such an occasion. When listening to score I never listen through more than once. I listen through than stir over the music and listen to it a second time on a later date. But upon the album's completion, I felt like I had to hear it all over again it was so good.<br />
Unfortunately the score is not widely distributed and only available on LaLa Land Records with a few available on Amazon.com. It's definitely worth picking up your own copy as the music, although not entirely a new style, transcends other war film scores with not just gorgeous themes, but with heart.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mentions </b><br />
<b><br /></b><i>Big Hero 6 </i>by Henry Jackman<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><i>America </i>by Bryan E. Miller<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="55" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PdotYhOAK-Y" width="200"></iframe>
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<i>The Legend of Hercules </i>by Tuomas Kantelinen<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="55" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1kPMLlrcZwA" width="200"></iframe>
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<i>The Monument's Men </i>by Alexandre Desplat<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
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<i>Refracted Glory </i>by Gabriel Hudelson and Bradley Jamrozic<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="90" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/148768440&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="55%"></iframe>
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I hope you enjoyed discovering perhaps, some new scores and finding out my favorites for the year. Be sure to let me know what your favorites were in the comments section and be sure to stay tuned for upcoming reviews for scores releasing this year, 2015!Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-26844881822032624152015-01-18T19:17:00.002-08:002015-01-18T19:25:08.172-08:00Best Scores for Animated Films of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhOaBjLDK7wVOLYr8Xan0lPiFdLj2Lc8bBl_jCm94oHpr5B6YqZ16TaZWWbRoxb7YZp4I9hDrA-ageW3lCQiIhOcb-gHK6tn8Evt0GiFkyysAXl5A-ap7dgt4EJek8la7SRLvBKKDVYua/s1600/Best+Animated+Score+of+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhOaBjLDK7wVOLYr8Xan0lPiFdLj2Lc8bBl_jCm94oHpr5B6YqZ16TaZWWbRoxb7YZp4I9hDrA-ageW3lCQiIhOcb-gHK6tn8Evt0GiFkyysAXl5A-ap7dgt4EJek8la7SRLvBKKDVYua/s1600/Best+Animated+Score+of+2014.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The animation genre of film scores was, like last year, very strong with music styles ranging from classic orchestral to epic choral, to 1980's inspired cues. Every album was unique and I had a difficult time deciding on the best one.<br />
The animation genre has always been really different giving the composer a chance at scoring bright and vivid stories told through computer rendered graphics. The common cliche is for the composer to rely on "Mickey Mousing" (Synchronized, mirrored, or parallel scoring is a film technique that syncs
the accompanying music with the actions on screen), which usually detracts from the listening experience. I am always on the lookout for a decent and engaging animated score which avoids that common pitfall. With that being said, here is my list of 2014's best animated film scores.<br />
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4. <i>Big Hero 6 </i>by Henry Jackman<br />
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This score is solid. And very unique. Jackman utilizes retro 1980's styled percussion and a heroic, brassy main theme. This is a classic superhero score folks with <i>fun </i>written all over it. Seriously. Jackman must have had a blast writing it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxwVK9Lw0UKYyLMtebwiKYd60-6qUwvWg86KoeqzmXygX-Ko-o5mDxp75_gFL3r7guqLo1jeV91AXP-9Bue1Udu3LvK3HKgClWZ3o_fHClG7rgcGs927SgHo0A_8wv5xAgOcR7zT49-DA/s1600/The+Book+of+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxwVK9Lw0UKYyLMtebwiKYd60-6qUwvWg86KoeqzmXygX-Ko-o5mDxp75_gFL3r7guqLo1jeV91AXP-9Bue1Udu3LvK3HKgClWZ3o_fHClG7rgcGs927SgHo0A_8wv5xAgOcR7zT49-DA/s1600/The+Book+of+Life.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
3. <i>The Book of Life </i>by Gustavo Santaolalla<br />
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I love a good latin flavored score, and <i>The Book of Life </i>by Gustavo Santaolalla is one of the best I've heard in a while. The score has a mix of thematic material ranging from the classic flaminco guitar and "clacking" castanets to soothing violin and vocal solos. This score is a lot of fun with a good blend of different and entertaining cues.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUxv-SNr464zvBuNEWDTt07J2Dzg7GqhJCDXqr2AYcGDjwc6FKAWHueMkj8-2VCvUtg-DhSjtLMzykwhyFere6er36-bNGuLFn8zBcj5sxyGSKFR9DBI0LGr0nVgjl1HSEkzpvFfOEhgx/s1600/Planes+Fire+and+Rescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUxv-SNr464zvBuNEWDTt07J2Dzg7GqhJCDXqr2AYcGDjwc6FKAWHueMkj8-2VCvUtg-DhSjtLMzykwhyFere6er36-bNGuLFn8zBcj5sxyGSKFR9DBI0LGr0nVgjl1HSEkzpvFfOEhgx/s1600/Planes+Fire+and+Rescue.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
2. <i>Planes: Fire and Rescue </i>by Mark Mancina<br />
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I loved the first Planes score by Mancina and I didn't at all expect him to surpass it, but Mancina did. This score doesn't have as much thematic material as the first, but the music is more of a solid orchestral action score. Mancina reprises his classic main theme only adding some new string arpeggios and more percussion to make it somewhat different than his first version. But this score, instead of relying on songs from the film and upbeat, contemporary styled music goes old school with soaring orchestral cues, brassy jazz, and even a subtle nod to the <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-monuments-men.html" target="_blank">Monuments Men</a> main theme by Alexandre Desplat, and to several 80's themed TV show main titles. The album is an all-around solid orchestral score with engaging, heroic, and exciting cues that don't disappoint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRzC9pL8QioMLo5TlwgqZ4oP4QxNdC8LqY5D_K6I-hJLNH-mSttXYac1-wW4BQMMfkgPQkHrT5-xYGbQL1pEhCUgs-ykLZYNH5-b70UN2pG7q5UBof_eq35QAKRhpXceNMQfQSjwL7x_M/s1600/HTTYD+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRzC9pL8QioMLo5TlwgqZ4oP4QxNdC8LqY5D_K6I-hJLNH-mSttXYac1-wW4BQMMfkgPQkHrT5-xYGbQL1pEhCUgs-ykLZYNH5-b70UN2pG7q5UBof_eq35QAKRhpXceNMQfQSjwL7x_M/s1600/HTTYD+II.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
1. <i>How To Train Your Dragon 2 </i>by John Powell<br />
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No surprises here, right? It's great to see composer John Powell back in the game, if not briefly for 2014. I loved this score from start to finish without there ever being a dull moment (That's really saying something coming from me since I tend to be so picky). There are no words really to describe this soundtrack except as being blatantly epic. Take my word for it and check it out yourself.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mentions</b><br />
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<i>The Penguins of Madagascar </i>by Lorne Balfe<br />
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<i>The Lego Movie </i>by Mark Mothersbough<br />
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Any favorites of your's that I didn't include? Comment and let know!<br />
Be sure to stay tuned for the Best Scores of 2014 which I'll be posting withing the next few days.<br />
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Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-15120517033807901582015-01-09T09:02:00.000-08:002015-01-18T16:41:34.632-08:00Best Television and Video Game Score of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuN6czV0C7GLXjmTcernO-eX90UDtxgBu5Se9vg0XdSFIY7Kxo9iMEK26eBJPM71AZQSiCvnyGkaFB20AFQB3Doih-cbaamrKoAbtywKECzH0az0qX4SFTnJZjvtsehZmXOuprZTRPgvV/s1600/Best+TV+and+Video+Game+Score+of+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuN6czV0C7GLXjmTcernO-eX90UDtxgBu5Se9vg0XdSFIY7Kxo9iMEK26eBJPM71AZQSiCvnyGkaFB20AFQB3Doih-cbaamrKoAbtywKECzH0az0qX4SFTnJZjvtsehZmXOuprZTRPgvV/s1600/Best+TV+and+Video+Game+Score+of+2014.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Best Television Score of 2014</span></b><br />
The scores for television were somewhat disappointing this year save for the two mentioned here. That being said, however, a lot of pressure is put on composers for television. Not only do they have hours and hours of material to compose but they have a very limited time in which to do so (Less time than what most feature length film composers are given). Much respect given to the composers who have overtaken that endevour and succeeded in creating a decent soundtrack that makes for an entertaining listening experience.<br />
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2. <i>Black Sails</i> by Bear McCreary<br />
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While somewhat mundane to listen all the way through, kudos have to be given to this extremely talented and creative composer! Black Sails is a pirate themed television show but instead of tasking the traditional route of swashbuckling, action-centered, music, McCreary wanted to create music that sounded "gritty and raw like sea salt". So, with the music he incorporates several very unique instruments; an out of tune Hurdy Gurdy, a dilapidated and broken piano, a small men's ensemble, and various percussion including the Bodhran and animal bones. Sounds unique, doesn't it? Check out the main theme which utilizes all of the aforementioned instruments.<br />
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1. <i>Sherlock Season 3</i> by Dave Arnold and Michael Price<br />
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The album runs a bit too long and some of the music a bit repetitive, but this makes the best TV score of 2014 regardless. The music ranges from dubstep electronic to beautiful orchestral cues, creating quite a quirky score. But since the show is just that, it fits perfectly and I wouldn't want <i>Sherlock</i> to sound any other way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Best Video Game Score of 2014</b></span><br />
This was a good year for video game scores. 2014 provided some really stellar albums but I managed to narrow it down to the best two. Video games have become basically interactive movies and provide the composer with lots of material to cover. But that's good for us soundtrack fans, because that means more score to enjoy!<br />
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2. <i>Dragon Age: Inqusition </i>by Trevor Morris<br />
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What's this? Trevor Morris composing for video games now? Bring it on.<br />
This score is massive. I mean, the amount of cues, the scope of the music, it all just reeks of epic. Full orchestral themes with pounding percussion, bombastic brass, and a full choir. There's not much in this album not to like. I'm glad to see Morris jump out of his comfort zone and can't wait to see him compose another video game score!<br />
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1. <i>Assassin's Creed IV: Freedom's Cry</i><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:5x1uxvrkqoxISesWnWFPb6" width="200"></iframe>
<i><br /></i><br />
Olivier Deriviere is fantastic at composing. Really. He just is. From his scores <i>Alone in the Dark, Remember Me, </i>to this one, he provides entertaining and original video game scores. This one is no exception. This game is a DLC from the Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag franchise, but thank goodness Deriviere was allowed to create his own completely different theme to fit this mini-game. He integrates several traditional Haitian medleys into this action based score which doesn't become at all repetitive but truly the unique highlight of the year.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mention</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>The Banner Saga </i>by Austin Wintory<br />
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I couldn't help but mention this gem of a score. You may recognize the composer, Austin Wintory from my soundtrack awards two years ago. He truly delivers. This sequel to the best video game score of 2012, <i>The Journey, </i>takes us through another adventurous but different soundscape. This game focus' on Vikings and so Wintory brings us a historically accurate soundtrack utilizing several midieval instruments, a small manly sounding choir, and solo violin. The ensemble is small but Wintory uses every last bit of it and it becomes a cold and bitter, but hopeful and driving score.<br />
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Any personal favorites? What albums did you just hear about from reading this? Comment and let me know and be sure to stay tuned for the best animated films of the year next!Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-35869054952997367182015-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:002015-01-06T12:08:37.396-08:00Top 6 Best Original Songs As Written for a 2014 Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuo4CnOOaEH6Z-30oTLy77dPOeYl8TySyZDXzo0rPUHaeGxxDV_-TMgyJ2boz_FI4eq-SJAgGqmz-ZFtlM5wP-8BuA1u0MJejOIAKzzeQKtzxVtJRSVbk3h2AZTJwWFfx6M4v1DOpN7FX/s1600/Best+Original+Song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuo4CnOOaEH6Z-30oTLy77dPOeYl8TySyZDXzo0rPUHaeGxxDV_-TMgyJ2boz_FI4eq-SJAgGqmz-ZFtlM5wP-8BuA1u0MJejOIAKzzeQKtzxVtJRSVbk3h2AZTJwWFfx6M4v1DOpN7FX/s1600/Best+Original+Song.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Whether it's used to bring the message of the film home, showcase during the end credits, or used as filler music during a montage (A diologue-less and word-less scene), a song originally written for a film stands out. Sometimes the composer is given the opportunity to write the music for it and other times another music artist is hired on. In any case, it's what the mainstream audience remembers and takes from the score and what can make or break a film.<br />
So without further ado here are the top six best original songs as written for a 2014 film and/or score.<br />
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<b>Top 6 Best Original Songs</b><br />
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6. Malificent, <i>Once Upon A Dream </i>by Lana Del Rey<br />
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A semi-depressing song takes the list for number five. This underscore is dark and broody, but Lana Del Rey's sweet sounding voice deeply contrasts the style of the song.<br />
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5. Bound, <i>Chains </i>by Nathan Jacobson, Anna Stoyeff, and Breanna Buckhout<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4APM07BJfUA118zq7uywTk" width="200"></iframe><br />
This addition was pretty last minute given the album released so close to the end of 2014 but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. The lyrics are powerful and the vocalist's tender performance blend perfectly with the swelling strings, pounding snare, and solo piano ( My apologies to non-Spotify users, this song could only be streamed there).<br />
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4. Penguins of Madagascar, <i>He's Dave </i>by Antony Genn<br />
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I love spy-esq scores and this one is just that. A total blast. This song keeps with the fun James Bond-esq style with the closing song written about the villain of this movie. It's a whole bunch of fun and reminiscent of the brassy spy film scores from the past.<br />
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3. Dragon Age: Inqusition, <i>The Dawn Will Come </i>by Various Chorus. Arranged by Trevor Morris<br />
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I love acapella songs. Especially when used in film. It's just so rare. The funny thing is, this particular song was used in a video game score. Even better. The composer, Trevor Morris, creates this sober choral anthem giving the feels of calm during the storm. I haven't played the game, nor do I know of the storyline, however, I imagine this scene was nothing less than epic.<br />
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2. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, <i>The Hanging Tree, </i>performed by Jennifer Lawrence<br />
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This song sprung up to Billboard's top 100 list. That is amazing considering Jennifer Lawrence isn't a singer; she's an actress. Yet, this song is profound and inspirational as it becomes a rallying cry to action for the character's in the film. Play it loud and sing along. Really, just do it. It's that awesome.<br />
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1. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, <i>The Last Goodbye </i>performed by Billy Boyd<br />
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Celtic singer and veteran actor from The trilogy, <i>The Lord of the Rings, </i>Billy Boyd performs this tender and retrospective song used in the end credits of this film. It's a powerful send-off for Howard Shore's last entry in the Hobbit trilogy and is indeed a last and final goodbye to Middle Earth. I couldn't think of a better song from 2014 than this one. It's a powerhouse to be sure.<br />
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Here are some others that didn't make the list, but I thought were worth at last mentioning.<br />
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<b>Honorable Mentions</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Coliseum, <i>Rudis </i>by Priscilla Hernandez<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="100" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:6VIGaVha7U3exWwYfQz9MA" width="200"></iframe>>>
This song would have been number six on the list, except I didn't count it, since it wasn't composed for a film. It was composed for a show, <i>Coliseum, </i>which is a historical performance of the games from ancient Rome. (Once again, my apologies to non-Spotify users, this song could only be streamed there.)<br />
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<a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/05/noah.html" target="_blank">Noah</a>, <i>Mercy Is </i>performed by Patti Smith<br />
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How To Train Your Dragon 2, <i>Where No One Goes </i>performed by Jonsi<br />
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Unbroken, <i>Miracles </i>performed<i> </i>by Coldplay<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4187936883" name="gsSong4187936883" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=41879368&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=41879368&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Cold%20Play%20Miracles" title="Miracles by Cold Play on Grooveshark">Miracles by Cold Play on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-89331643886737297732015-01-01T20:30:00.000-08:002015-01-02T10:25:54.022-08:00Ten Best Cues of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ8ebAoK2MZUOe67BfUBQbDU2H41O-H_PsDeppD8QzY-oUsyhJZll57vFBQxj1njFS60-7u5BjW1mNTU-5UqQ5d_945_EALHcSKpsctX97xl84IKK5LeZj45dPdXUMZ0F0Aqlq8GYKaRB/s1600/Best+Cues+of+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ8ebAoK2MZUOe67BfUBQbDU2H41O-H_PsDeppD8QzY-oUsyhJZll57vFBQxj1njFS60-7u5BjW1mNTU-5UqQ5d_945_EALHcSKpsctX97xl84IKK5LeZj45dPdXUMZ0F0Aqlq8GYKaRB/s1600/Best+Cues+of+2014.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
It's that time of year again! That time to go through the best scores of 2014 and pick some of my personal favorites of the year. Once again, like last year, I'm starting with one of my favorite awards: The Ten Best Cues of 2014. The music in soundtrack albums is used to assist in driving a story and sometimes the music takes over the wheel and <i>drives </i>the story. That is when specific cues in albums shine. These are just a few that I listened to countless times throughout the year so without further ado, here are the top ten best cues of the year based on enjoyability, number of times listened, and awesomeness!<br />
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<b>Best Cues of 2014</b><br />
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10. Belle<i>-Let Justice Be Done </i>by Rachel Portman<br />
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Portman has always been known for her simplistic, romantic style in composing and underscoring and this score is no exception. Most of her scores have never on any level appealed to me. It may just be her style that I don't care for. However, this one cue from 2014 historical romance, <i>Belle, </i>has a harmonious and lovely melody. The main theme included in the cue doesn't come forth too often until the end of this album found in this particular cue.<br />
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9. Big Hero 6-<i>Microbots </i>by Henry Jackman<br />
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This score is just downright <i>fun. </i>And this cue is the epitome of it all. Classic 1980's synth is the backdrop to this upbeat, brassy, and happy tune. The whole cue is very nostalgic and delivers a catchy ditty superbly.<br />
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8. Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier-<i>End of the Line </i>by Henry Jackman<br />
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Another Jackman cue? Splendid. This score itself was probably the biggest disappointment for me in all of 2014's releases, however there were a few shining stars amongst this gritty, abrasive, electronic score. This is one of those moments. The most touching scene in the movie condensed into this simplistic piano solo. Less is more my friends. <i>Way</i> more.<br />
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7. The Giver-<i>Rosebud </i>by Marco Beltrami<br />
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You will probably be seeing this score pop up throughout the 2014 awards to come, just saying. This score was amazing and this cue, being the climax in the film, delivers a powerful emotional punch. The inspirational background percussion spurs this protagonist on in the film, and spurs the brass main theme into it's glorious entirety. The strings take it away as the choir softly chants in the background. What a wonderful feeling this cue brings.<br />
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6. America: Imagine a World Without Her-<i>Washington Lost </i>by Bryan E. Miller<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="55" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Rx0UN7vsA8g" width="200"></iframe>
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This controversial docudrama dropped the thought provoking question, "What if there was no America? Imagine a world without her." This cue brings all of that to reality as the scene depics George Washing getting shot in the Revolutionary War. Now, I'm a history buff, so this premise excited me and this cue delivers a powerful wallop. Heroic brass, fast paced percussion, and ecstatic choir announces Washington taking his stance on the battlefield against the Redcoats then drops to dramatic but mournful choir as the General is tragically shot. This cue, Ladies and Gentlemen, is a masterpiece.<br />
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5. <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/03/pompeii.html" target="_blank">Pompeii-<i>Pompeii </i>by Clinton Shorter</a><br />
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Have you heard of this film or score? Probably not. The movie was a major flop in theatres and most people thought the score was just trailer music. Well I like trailer music in the right kind of films. And I think "trailer music" should be used more often in big historical epics like this. This main theme is just that. Big. Brassy. Massive Choir. Fast paced percussion.<i> Epic. </i>Sheer joy.<br />
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4. How To Train Your Dragon 2-<i>Flying With Mother</i> by John Powell.<br />
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John Powell is not dead! He returns shortly this year to bring us two scores, <i>Rio 2 </i>and this gem; <i>How To Train Your Dragon 2. </i>This cue has a funky beat and off kilter women's vocals which add to the charm. The cue drops off to a nice waltz-like style as the Celeste and various other percussion intones. This cue is exactly what I hoped for: <i>blatant Powell. </i>The percussion, the music, everything boast of classic John Powell. And oh, how I love it!<br />
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3. Big Hero 6-<i>First Flight </i>by Henry Jackman<br />
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We're back to this score. Although this cue isn't quite as happy as the last, it's even better: blatantly heroic. The main theme comes out full-force in all of it's brassy and synthy glory and I can't help but wish to....fly.<br />
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2. How To Train Your Dragon 2-<i>Stoick's Ship </i>by John Powell<br />
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The emotional climax of the film comes to a thundering halt in this tribute to the Protagonist's dad, Stoic. This cue starts off with his theme, a soft celtic variation of the folk song, <i>For the Dancing and Dreaming, </i>and cuts off to glorious choir and bold bagpipes. It's a glorious send off and no doubt the second best cue of the year.<br />
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1. <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/03/pompeii.html" target="_blank">Pompeii-<i>Praying for Help </i>by Clinton Shorter</a><br />
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This cue was used as the film's opening credits and is a heroic, all-out men's anthem. The theme is catchy, and I wish I knew the lyrics to belt it out (Is that weird? Maybe just a bit. But not <i>too </i>weird).<br />
This is definitely my most listened to and most enjoyed cue of the year. While I'm not a fan of the composer, this score has given me hope for other historical epic scores.<br />
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That being all said, here are a few that didn't quite make the list so I'll just list them as "Honorable Mentions".<br />
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<b>Honorable Mentions</b><br />
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The Hobbit 3: The Battle of the Five Armies-<i>Ironfoot </i>by Howard Shore<br />
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Sherlock Season 3-<i>How It Was Done </i>by Dave Arnold and Michael Price<br />
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What were your favorites? Comment to let me know and stay tuned for the next few Best of 2014 Awards in the weeks to come.Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-85641403731485357462014-05-13T11:28:00.001-07:002014-05-13T15:25:56.012-07:00Noah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRfw6NkBaqIihF1IUhUVWqZHCSt4B7cw99JouQkasPM9TIX9TY9Tu7phbEz_r-UFqM8P7uaWO7jDfATphypGyevpOJH2qBaB4AjyvdK3b5lWFwlU8Gs0fi7cPF7CHadeVQOb5dU4O4IKn/s1600/Noah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRfw6NkBaqIihF1IUhUVWqZHCSt4B7cw99JouQkasPM9TIX9TY9Tu7phbEz_r-UFqM8P7uaWO7jDfATphypGyevpOJH2qBaB4AjyvdK3b5lWFwlU8Gs0fi7cPF7CHadeVQOb5dU4O4IKn/s1600/Noah.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4082930032" name="gsSong4082930032" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40829300&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40829300&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Clint%20Mansell%20In%20the%20Beginning%2C%20There%20Was%20Nothing" title="In the Beginning, There Was Nothing by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark">In the Beginning, There Was Nothing by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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The new biblical epic, <i>Noah, </i>released earlier this year and caused quite a stir of controversy. The film was directed by the eccentric, Darren Aronofsky, and the story seems to follow his particular style. It's quite....unique. Not at all an accurate representation of the Noah we know of in the Bible and is most definitely different in it's style and storytelling. The score had to likewise, follow suite.<br />
I had high hopes for the score upon hearing about the film and was somewhat interested when I heard the composer for the film: Clint Mansell. Apparently, Mansell and Aronofsky had worked together on a previous film, <i>The Fountain, </i>the score of which I hadn't heard. I honestly didn't know what to expect from him.<br />
If you have read my previous biblical epic score reviews then you know what I think constitutes a great biblical epic score. Big, epic, and with memorable themes, full orchestra, and full choir, etc. Needless to say, the score for <i>Noah, </i>did fall under that category by description, but stylistically......?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzb1e2FCIk8lFOXs-kEJpOkyfKLvnU6L0GHyKE-jJqyWWikXa_jFWSlO_tYUGRrzS1tjak6gD2DMNEIR-v7lO0Pas_2MCTiDm4JVvupnDvUdY0nWt4o43hOAYZwxtmTuNmV4aI5c3N5jQ/s1600/Noah+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzb1e2FCIk8lFOXs-kEJpOkyfKLvnU6L0GHyKE-jJqyWWikXa_jFWSlO_tYUGRrzS1tjak6gD2DMNEIR-v7lO0Pas_2MCTiDm4JVvupnDvUdY0nWt4o43hOAYZwxtmTuNmV4aI5c3N5jQ/s1600/Noah+3.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong408307053" name="gsSong408307053" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40830705&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40830705&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Clint%20Mansell%20Day%20and%20Night%20Shall%20Not%20Cease" title="Day and Night Shall Not Cease by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark">Day and Night Shall Not Cease by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Mansell has a unique style. It makes sense since the movie itself was eccentric. The music had to flow with the story, and it seems to have worked rather well. However, for that standalone listen I found some of the music to be grating and hard to listen to. Don't get me wrong, some of the cues are pretty decent in which some reviewers are calling the new style of epic known as 'slow epic' (<a href="http://www.soundtrackgeek.com/v2/soundtrack-review-noah/" target="_blank">Click here to read that review</a>).<br />
This score could be easily described as sounding, "raw and gritty with a mix of classical (Like I said, unique). Some of the cues utilize bombastic percussion and wailing synth (<i>The Wickedness of Man </i>for example), while other cues have beautiful violin melody's (<i>The Fallen One's </i>for example).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSeDZIKOcIXLN3AvBPJwD3UyFbYnyKekp2OjfsB1gdRwwtYDlg4OfWBEG0UE5c36-yooGf2kRg0RmqLFJVOPQbrj3dA0_1FtUe87_O1RRlTg-Jep_VzUQLZ6MfP6ZL7QVO-wmJkZDxmqR/s1600/Noah+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSeDZIKOcIXLN3AvBPJwD3UyFbYnyKekp2OjfsB1gdRwwtYDlg4OfWBEG0UE5c36-yooGf2kRg0RmqLFJVOPQbrj3dA0_1FtUe87_O1RRlTg-Jep_VzUQLZ6MfP6ZL7QVO-wmJkZDxmqR/s1600/Noah+4.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
Like my previous review,<a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/05/newmans-tarzan.html" target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2014/05/newmans-tarzan.html" target="_blank">Tarzan</a>, </i>the music can mostly be enjoyed by listening to the score as a whole. No single cue stands out except for one.<br />
The closing cue of the album, <i>Mercy Is, </i>is a haunting performance by singer, Patti Smith and makes for a perfect ending to the album.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4083071684" name="gsSong4083071684" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40830716&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40830716&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Clint%20Mansell%20Mercy%20Is%20-%20Patti%20Smith" title="Mercy Is - Patti Smith by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark">Mercy Is - Patti Smith by Clint Mansell on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Overall, the score is ethereal, haunting, somewhat epic, and definitely unique. It's a lengthy experience since the score is 78 minutes approximately but stands out from it's biblical epic predecessors as something different and worth listening to.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39-T5-p9k6xyku0QkqVEE-s6E6liFhB3QotHwXi8y3fWr2vKU4AuFmJwUE2BD_U7YoObuwKOLENU0ZSUXvVBPUdwNNisXYen8dDyuWUZUMUtXa4dSgLGs1OTYOny9Jjv0MEJGV6roTi22/s1600/Noah+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39-T5-p9k6xyku0QkqVEE-s6E6liFhB3QotHwXi8y3fWr2vKU4AuFmJwUE2BD_U7YoObuwKOLENU0ZSUXvVBPUdwNNisXYen8dDyuWUZUMUtXa4dSgLGs1OTYOny9Jjv0MEJGV6roTi22/s1600/Noah+2.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><i>"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in
the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only
evil continually.</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth,
and it grieved him at his heart.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created
from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and
the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>-Genesis 5:5-8</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p>Rating ***1/2</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Best Cues: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Not able to decide on one single cue. Each cue is awesome
but the experience is best heard with the cues all together.</li>
</ul>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-53839072697285149742014-05-12T18:58:00.000-07:002014-05-13T12:47:24.838-07:00Newman's Tarzan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJN4unKfGamuGLCloNbZxCMFFL7wsFrpmaRhgmnn4Q4B3Hyz30_f3ye7xGDrvaFX3tQMi4CLzclGmSaP2dzmHP-az9wy3DWyNXXPTAlbQOSDuYdY5BpyG0_hDiWP_IhTM13vDp5WcK4NO/s1600/Tarzan+(2014).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJN4unKfGamuGLCloNbZxCMFFL7wsFrpmaRhgmnn4Q4B3Hyz30_f3ye7xGDrvaFX3tQMi4CLzclGmSaP2dzmHP-az9wy3DWyNXXPTAlbQOSDuYdY5BpyG0_hDiWP_IhTM13vDp5WcK4NO/s1600/Tarzan+(2014).jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4062976056" name="gsSong4062976056" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629760&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629760&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=David%20Newman%20Prologue" title="Prologue by David Newman on Grooveshark">Prologue by David Newman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
David Newman has returned in a glorious comeback!<br />
The film <i>Tarzan</i>, boasted of a better remake in 3D and more realistic animation as opposed to Disney's 1999 version. Surprisingly enough, the filmmakers went with veteran composer, David Newman who already has had experience working in children's animated movies (<i>Ice Age, The Brave Little Toaster, </i>and <i>Anastasia </i>for example).<br />
Newman, son of the golden age film composer, Alfred Newman, has a way with touching your heart through the scores listed above and creating a simplistic but heartwarming score. It had been several years since Newman has had any films to score and his return is a welcome one indeed!<br />
The general mass of the score is action cues especially near the end. The main theme a simple but soaring brass statement backed up by warm strings and doesn't reappear in the score much but when it does; it's in all of it's brassy glory. Newman also rely's somewhat, on some synth here and there but doesn't detract much from the quality of the score (Heard in the cue,<i> Kayla and Kerchak</i>, for example).<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4062983880" name="gsSong4062983880" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629838&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629838&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=David%20Newman%20Tarzan%20Fight" title="Tarzan Fight by David Newman on Grooveshark">Tarzan Fight by David Newman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Choir is also a prevalent factor throughout the score reminiscent of his score <i>Anastasia</i>. The wordless vocals seem to add wonder and beauty to Tarzan's world in a musical sense.<br />
Being a story which takes place in the jungle, Newman also utilizes a mix of percussion with Taiko drums, bongo's, among others thus creating a classic "adventurous jungle atmosphere".<br />
Some of the dramatic material surfaces in the cue, <i>Tarzan Helps Jane</i>, with stirring strings and a tender ethereal piano solo. The melody is quite evocative and gorgeous.<br />
The later half of the score is filled to the brim with action material with brass themes ranging from heroic to bombastic and even to epic stopping once or twice to take a break. One of the cues, <i>Tarzan and Jane at the Lake, </i>is reminiscent of some of the dramatic material from his score for <i>Ice Age.</i> It's got a simple string melody backed by woodwinds and eventually joined by an acoustic guitar.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4062987021" name="gsSong4062987021" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629870&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40629870&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=David%20Newman%20Tarzan%20Mourns%20For%20Kala" title="Tarzan Mourns For Kala by David Newman on Grooveshark">Tarzan Mourns For Kala by David Newman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Overall this score makes for a really solid action score and starting this year off with a bang. Boy, is it good to have David Newman back!<br />
<br />
<b>Rating: ****1/2</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Cues:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Not able to decide on one single cue. Each cue is awesome but the experience is best heard with the cues all together. Yeah, it's that good.</li>
</ul>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-37182087862250523592014-03-06T09:46:00.002-08:002014-05-13T10:43:08.028-07:00Pompeii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEHSlTQh3QVIhFuS4_8DUzbSeCTMT2VEclH9BzubdZfyrdzjU4h29_4nE2kLnvGNvBImKhSCtuLRmXeJiGTfJ27x9NIgKJ2hXO4YQ36wrPFEhOQKpY7qBhpywPG0R9QIWxojQS9uXc_PZ/s1600/Pompeii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEHSlTQh3QVIhFuS4_8DUzbSeCTMT2VEclH9BzubdZfyrdzjU4h29_4nE2kLnvGNvBImKhSCtuLRmXeJiGTfJ27x9NIgKJ2hXO4YQ36wrPFEhOQKpY7qBhpywPG0R9QIWxojQS9uXc_PZ/s1600/Pompeii.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4068372234" name="gsSong4068372234" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40683722&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40683722&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Clinton%20Shorter%20Pompeii" title="Pompeii by Clinton Shorter on Grooveshark">Pompeii by Clinton Shorter on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
It's when film's 'rain their terror', that scores 'rain their glorious splendor'. This score is no exceptional.<br />
Pompeii. The ill-fated city of the Romans.<br />
Mount Vesuvius. A live volcano that threatens to erupt any minute.<br />
Lot's of people are aware of this ancient historical event. Pliny the Younger in a letter to Tactucus writes this about the eruption:<br />
<i>"Ashes were already falling, not as yet very thickly. I
looked round: a dense black cloud was coming up behind us, spreading over the
earth like a flood.'Let us leave the road while we can still see,'I said,'or we
shall be knocked down and trampled underfoot in the dark by the crowd
behind."</i><br />
<i>Pompeii, </i>focus's on; Chaos, destruction, action, sword fights, and groundbreaking effects. Yet, amongst <i>all</i> that, the story of, love? Yes of course, a romance. The film has been getting a lot of criticism for be un-original and very cliche story-wise. Apparently, so is the score.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO6mbXvPRw6YEKIpK5o4yy_lpUPBTNm-w0K3bSaMXFfalikzofgp6rQmmVx8oPBZ-J6JOcxltLi3WBhrg-Eug5K0mnNva6CaH93EdRn8IaEh-ACtG-ovdgHbcWe4I2d2j5RnTCw4lJrgp/s1600/pompeii+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDO6mbXvPRw6YEKIpK5o4yy_lpUPBTNm-w0K3bSaMXFfalikzofgp6rQmmVx8oPBZ-J6JOcxltLi3WBhrg-Eug5K0mnNva6CaH93EdRn8IaEh-ACtG-ovdgHbcWe4I2d2j5RnTCw4lJrgp/s1600/pompeii+4.jpg" height="132" width="320" /></a></div>
That exact description is what the 2014 film, <br />
The album, composed by Clinton Shorter, has been described fittingly as 'trailer music'. And trailer music it is. The score is big, brassy, and epic. The main theme appears in all of it's glory, in the opening cue, <i>Pompeii.</i> The theme is a powerful, choral chant.<br />
Most of the music is pure, epic-action music, heavy on the vocals and percussion.<br />
The music takes a drastic change near the end of the album in the cue,<i> I Won't Leave You</i>. The cue starts off with synthetic vocals reminiscent of James Horner's <i>Titanic</i>. It transitions as slow strings play a mellow tune and female vocals take over. The cue is gorgeous and ethereal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqQGPego8k4BJ1sU7-7ffKywGT3aYORfbUVSz4oi1rFTw4hYVerlIRO0GrL-l-rwXAO-vpvo5ysRpZ8wIfz7QRAf7ebBdiWmkTOqVrmU9qwcoHomRgX5lknWe64NYaQXrN57bQvxoDe4d/s1600/Pompeii+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqQGPego8k4BJ1sU7-7ffKywGT3aYORfbUVSz4oi1rFTw4hYVerlIRO0GrL-l-rwXAO-vpvo5ysRpZ8wIfz7QRAf7ebBdiWmkTOqVrmU9qwcoHomRgX5lknWe64NYaQXrN57bQvxoDe4d/s1600/Pompeii+3.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
The main theme re-appears in the form of an all-men choir heard in the final powerhouse cue of the album, <i>Praying For Help.</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>
So, does trailer music belong in a movie score? Most critics agree that, 'no, trailer music doesn't belong in a film score' (<a href="http://www.movie-wave.net/pompeii/" target="_blank">Click here to read that particular review</a>). I tend to agree however, it depends on the film. I believe that an epic film deserves an epic score. Is Pompeii an 'epic film'? Yes, it is and thus needs an appropriate score to follow suit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2c-XRX5wJZZbXv-SYxQmdHXuqmBiI909_jC6n9rBjsCgIinXLDWkwNhn3y-Qr0B6kQw63bGnLttadepTjlBA1Jb0fvEmoMpnIyGx9udRM8VQIBsTbut_AITx4wGpAMcURWp1hpaambyg/s1600/Pompeii+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2c-XRX5wJZZbXv-SYxQmdHXuqmBiI909_jC6n9rBjsCgIinXLDWkwNhn3y-Qr0B6kQw63bGnLttadepTjlBA1Jb0fvEmoMpnIyGx9udRM8VQIBsTbut_AITx4wGpAMcURWp1hpaambyg/s1600/Pompeii+5.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
I absolutely loved Shorter's score. It's breathtaking, beautiful, and very listenable. The music isn't chaotic for the most part and though it lacks a healthy helping of thematic material, the score grabbed my attention and kept it throughout the entire album. Maybe it's because I enjoyed the movie or due to the fact that I love trailer music, but this score will probably be a guilty favorite of mine.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rating ****1/2</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Cues</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Pompeii</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Away From You</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>My Gods</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>I Won't Leave You</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Praying For Help</i></b></li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-81063343340482138552014-03-03T16:07:00.000-08:002015-01-02T10:27:09.017-08:00The Monuments Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccVVWB1Z8kVyLlrMf7L3o0jQ0Gn6Mc_GdJpKav9aRls7U0V2v9qWK_FOeB37OzTYtEnvOJDq4ionFi9xVfsGB7-uowNDwoHmdfPTr_19bQDkkHSBEB5BuSIG2D_uDqK3pfZHPy8DPoaiE/s1600/The+Monument's+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccVVWB1Z8kVyLlrMf7L3o0jQ0Gn6Mc_GdJpKav9aRls7U0V2v9qWK_FOeB37OzTYtEnvOJDq4ionFi9xVfsGB7-uowNDwoHmdfPTr_19bQDkkHSBEB5BuSIG2D_uDqK3pfZHPy8DPoaiE/s1600/The+Monument's+Men.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
This is a score to be listened to on multiple occasions. It's classic and very nostalgic by every definition of the word.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4085827680" name="gsSong4085827680" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40858276&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40858276&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alexandre%20Desplat%20Normandy" title="Normandy by Alexandre Desplat on Grooveshark">Normandy by Alexandre Desplat on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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<div>
The film is about a group of men during World War II that were dispatched to rescue and protect various famous monuments when the Nazi invasion was inevitable. Starring George Clooney and Mat Damon, the film boasts of both action and drama as well as a good amount of comedy. </div>
<div>
The composer, Alexandre Desplat, constructed good old fashioned score. The album is scored in a 'tongue and cheek' style while perfectly balanced with action material.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_xOcjDmUfGc89shJ-vHzR05fK8LybhUxvPC9JyOQQ_AtpxtyIUMLTsrj_4qLidoW3PvYUunBMGICk6QvMk11BNf6at5pMx8-Yg2o30s_EpxYvTjQ7hwISsFq-RSs8g0RKcCdRrKo5bt8/s1600/The+Monument's+Men+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_xOcjDmUfGc89shJ-vHzR05fK8LybhUxvPC9JyOQQ_AtpxtyIUMLTsrj_4qLidoW3PvYUunBMGICk6QvMk11BNf6at5pMx8-Yg2o30s_EpxYvTjQ7hwISsFq-RSs8g0RKcCdRrKo5bt8/s1600/The+Monument's+Men+2.jpg" height="100" width="200" /></a></div>
The main theme is an upbeat, optimistic, and quirky marching tune comperable to that of Elmer Bernstein's score for <i>The Great Escape. </i>It's a wonderful reminder of the golden age of film music. The main theme is heard most notably in the cue, <i>Opening Titles, </i>and returns briefly in the form of whistling heard in final album cue, <i>End Credits. </i>A variation on the theme is reprised throughout the score as well. <i> </i><br />
The action material is classic orchestral music with suspenseful strings, muted trumpet, and surreal woodwinds supported by a militaristic snare heard in the cues, <i>Champagne, </i>and <i>Ghent Alterpiece.</i><br />
Other militaristic cues appear throughout the score like, for example the mysterious and suspenseful cue, <i>Deauville.</i><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4059472964" name="gsSong4059472964" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40594729&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40594729&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alexandre%20Desplat%20Opening%20Titles" title="Opening Titles by Alexandre Desplat on Grooveshark">Opening Titles by Alexandre Desplat on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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A mournful solo piano makes up a good amount of the dramatic material supported with a solo Cello. However, melancholic strings also appear (<i>The Letter). </i>Despite that, the score remains hopelessly optimistic.<br />
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A carnival-esq cue, <i>Stahl's Chalet, </i>makes a surprise appearance as does a temp track playing the Christmas carol, <i>Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. </i><br />
Overall, this score is a pleasant surprise reminding us of the golden age of film music when monumental scores were made and still loved to this day. Like those, I'm sure this one will remain a constant favorite through the years. It is nostalgia at it's best!<br />
<b>Rating ****</b><br />
<br />
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Opening Titles</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Basic Training</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Normandy</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>End Credits</i></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-40535491970523409252014-02-24T16:57:00.000-08:002014-02-27T22:36:32.842-08:00Top 10 Best Scores of 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most anticipated award of the year is now here. I chose each score based on how much the listen was enjoyable, how many times I listened through it, how much thematic material was included in the album's release, and based on the rating I gave the scores individually. Some of them may come as a shock while others, not as much. Leave a comment if you if you agree are disagree and be sure to let me know which ones <i>you </i>thought were the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we get into the main award I will try to briefly announce the honorable mentions. While each score ended with the same rating save one, the are listed in no particular order. To be quite frank I couldn't decide which one was better than the other. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, enjoyable cues, and un-enjoyable cues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></span><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Saving Mr Banks </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Thomas Newman<i> </i><b>Rating ****</b></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Copperhead </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">by
Laurent Eyquem <b>Rating ***1/2</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">(You can read my review </span><a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/10/copperhead.html" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">.)</span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937197798" name="gsSong3937197798" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371977&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371977&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Laurent%20Eyquem%20Track%207" title="Track 7 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark">Track 7 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Man of Steel </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Hans Zimmer <b>Rating ***1/2</b></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3915328498" name="gsSong3915328498" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39153284&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39153284&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20What%20Are%20You%20Going%20to%20Do%20When%20You%20Are%20Not%20Saving%20the%20World%3F" title="What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World? by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World? by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Exit Marrakech </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">by
Niki Reiser</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i> </i><b>Rating </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>***1/2</b></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="95" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OVHf9sI_pys" width="200"></iframe>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Ultimate Life </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Mark McKenzie <b>Rating ***1/2</b></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="95" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qGV7hJKNCNY" width="200"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now, here are the ten best scores of the year: </span><br />
(Individually numbered with one being the greatest.)<br />
<br />
<b>Best Scores of 2013</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
10. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Bible </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by
Hans Zimmer </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Rating:</b>****</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-bible.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3856790293" name="gsSong3856790293" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38567902&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38567902&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20%26%20Lorne%20Balfe%20The%20Nativity" title="The Nativity by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark">The Nativity by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This score didn't get enough credit. Many Balfe, Zimmer, and Lisa Gerrard fans were disappointed in this album because of the lack of originality on their part. True, however the score was easy for me to enjoy. It's epic, </span>eerie, and gorgeous.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I won't go any further because I realize that this album has already been discussed this one a prior post.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">9. <i>Pacific Rim </i>by Ramin Djawadi </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Rating ****</b></span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3995567258" name="gsSong3995567258" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39955672&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39955672&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Ramin%20Djawadi%20For%20My%20Family" title="For My Family by Ramin Djawadi on Grooveshark">For My Family by Ramin Djawadi on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Male choral </span>ostinatos, brass stings, and synthesized loops make up the marrow of this amazing action score. This score has a powerful anthem as the main theme, and although the score utilizes Djawadi's stereotypical guitar riffs, the music soars. The acoustic riffs are also kind of old but despite that, the album stands out as one of the best action scores and 9th best score of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">8. </span><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Mortal Instruments: City of Dead Bones </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">by Atli Orvarsson <b>Rating ****</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4037495641" name="gsSong4037495641" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40374956&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40374956&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Atli%20%C3%96rvarsson%20Your%20Secret%20Is%20Safe" title="Your Secret Is Safe by Atli Örvarsson on Grooveshark">Your Secret Is Safe by Atli Örvarsson on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">.....And another media ventures composer makes the list! Most of Orvasson's scores have been </span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">disappointing recently save, for this soundtrack.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The music has the make of a perfect epic score. There are vocals (full choir and solo), emotional violin solos, pounding percussion, and fast </span></span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">heart-pounding</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> orchestral numbers. This was the pleasant surprise of the year! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFn3TmpDyr_SdFug6MYWtNkFNjvpgBsMDB2WMVz980-UFvMw3c9ngV_05RaLWB5d-h2um_kNSuDV5FOlhDX0nO_56kuiowErJ620ofweUdIe0F5ZFln6R0nxmsvh3UBfTejsFQsLcoB4q/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFn3TmpDyr_SdFug6MYWtNkFNjvpgBsMDB2WMVz980-UFvMw3c9ngV_05RaLWB5d-h2um_kNSuDV5FOlhDX0nO_56kuiowErJ620ofweUdIe0F5ZFln6R0nxmsvh3UBfTejsFQsLcoB4q/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">7. </span><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Lone Ranger </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Hans Zimmer<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Rating ****</b></span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">(You can read my original review </span><a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/09/zimmers-lone-ranger.html" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">.)</span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong393707259" name="gsSong393707259" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370725&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370725&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20Home" title="Home by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">Home by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">This score came across as a nice surprise to me. The music has wonderful violin solos, classical western themes (with a bit of spaghetti western in the mix), and heart-pounding action material. Zimmer breaks from his overbearing, percussion based scoring and focus's on the beauty contrasting it to the gritty aspect of the film.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">6. <i>Iron Man 3 </i>by Bryan Tyler </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><b>Rating ****1/2</b></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3883276161" name="gsSong3883276161" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38832761&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38832761&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Iron%20Man%203%20Iron%20Man%203" title="Iron Man 3 by Iron Man 3 on Grooveshark">Iron Man 3 by Iron Man 3 on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">Tyler had a prolific year. Composing the scores for <i>Thor 2: The Dark World, Assassin's Creed V, Now You See Me, </i>and this amazing album, <i>Iron Man 3. </i>The theme is what makes this score. It's blatantly heroic, fast-paced, and very catchy. If I had an award for "best theme" and "best action score of the year" this soundtrack would win them both.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">5. <i>Beyond Two Souls </i>by Lorne Balfe </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><b>Rating ****1/2</b></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3991649359" name="gsSong3991649359" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916493&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916493&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20%26%20Lorne%20Balfe%20Dawkins'%20Suite" title="Dawkins' Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark">Dawkins' Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><b><br /></b></span>
So, Balfe makes it into the list once again! This video game score as I have stated in a post prior, is absolutely amazing! Instead of focusing on the action material in the game, Balfe creates several beautiful themes and focus's his thematic material mainly on the drama and the main character, Jodie Holmes', emotions.<br />
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4. <i>Romeo and Juliet </i>by <span style="font-family: inherit;">Abel K<span style="line-height: 115%;">orzeniowski </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Rating ****1/2</b></span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4010778394" name="gsSong4010778394" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40107783&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40107783&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Abel%20Korzeniowski%20First%20Kiss" title="First Kiss by Abel Korzeniowski on Grooveshark">First Kiss by Abel Korzeniowski on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">(You can read my original review </span><a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/10/romeo-and-juliet-love-at-first-listen.html" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">.)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">This score was love at first listen. Heartrending themes are intertwined by melodramatic action material as Polish composer, Korzenioski weaves together a high quality score. This film was originally meant to be scored by veteran composer James Horner, who had plenty of experience writing romantic music. Horner had apparently written most of the music but, for whatever reason he was dropped and Korzenioski was called upon and given a short time to completely re-write this score. And what a masterpiece he wrote. Initially, I was very disappointed when Horner was dropped, but it didn't last for long (My apologies to Mr. Horner). </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><i>This </i>is what a romance flavored score should sound like folks!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugfJP5dluQisulHWkCCzzIxLo1zgNIpw-E39oI47KlXp5FcmCC40hQtrLcCsf9ORCK6coOQpd70Yb-mgqL07K1lMI8hDtcjCE5tNrBIVYxfq3OObjB-6KAoTu57lDU1JzaXcAo10w5nJ_/s1600/Frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugfJP5dluQisulHWkCCzzIxLo1zgNIpw-E39oI47KlXp5FcmCC40hQtrLcCsf9ORCK6coOQpd70Yb-mgqL07K1lMI8hDtcjCE5tNrBIVYxfq3OObjB-6KAoTu57lDU1JzaXcAo10w5nJ_/s1600/Frozen.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">3. <i>Frozen </i>by Christophe Beck</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><b>Rating *****</b></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022375785" name="gsSong4022375785" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223757&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223757&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Christophe%20Beck%20Wolves" title="Wolves by Christophe Beck on Grooveshark">Wolves by Christophe Beck on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/12/music-that-melts-even-coldest-heart.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">Yes, once again this score wins another award of the year. Clearly, this score is a spectacle that dazzles the ears! Like I mentioned earlier in a prior post, this music is chilling, gorgeous, and spectacular. Hats off to Mr. Becke.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">2. <i>Planes </i>by Mark Mancina</span><br />
<b style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">Rating *****</b><br />
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<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/08/planes.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">"Why?" You may ask. "Why in the world is this album #2?"</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">For me it is due to taste. I <i>enjoyed </i>this music to death. That was just me. I enjoyed Mancina's contributions to the 1990's and I still enjoy his 90's style today. The theme in this score is big, powerful, and the thematic material, (including a blatant ripoff of one of my favorite scores last year; <i>The Life of Pi,)</i> is plentiful. I didn't dislike the film as the critics did and I most certainly didn't dislike this score as much as critics did!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">What can I say? Haters gonna hate......</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDwE5LQDmBr3ZseMAMo7s1QHIVD712mnwrvnUTYQhUmxFF4q-xKnWoXY1MhH3HAhaVbyelsI3HX5v2hH-bC8ioZ_XILP7pSdemA3-Cl2Y6jTxSudnmGXxr9z05K0Mn6eLRP6SWiV4ovPu/s1600/Winnie+Mandela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDwE5LQDmBr3ZseMAMo7s1QHIVD712mnwrvnUTYQhUmxFF4q-xKnWoXY1MhH3HAhaVbyelsI3HX5v2hH-bC8ioZ_XILP7pSdemA3-Cl2Y6jTxSudnmGXxr9z05K0Mn6eLRP6SWiV4ovPu/s1600/Winnie+Mandela.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Winnie Mandela </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">by Laurent Eyquem<i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><b>Rating:</b>*****</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="95" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yTtSoBrdf18" width="200"></iframe>
<span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This score was probably the biggest surprise of the year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Composed by French newcomer, Laurent Eyquem, the album is mixed with source cues and cues from the score. </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Appropriately</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> enough, the music has African-American vocals throughout the score material creating a semi-African feel to the album. He also utilizes a solo piano for several cues making the score range from almost epic at times, to </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">minimalistic</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> drama. I enjoyed every minute of this soundtrack, and though it's </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">unfortunately</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> only available for digital download only, it's totally worth it!</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">It's been a great year for film scores. Be sure to stay tuned as I continue to follow up and coming scores for the year 2014. I'm only two months in and it's beginning to show a lot of promise!</span>Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-91305132034019959622014-01-10T11:55:00.001-08:002014-03-10T13:48:15.971-07:00Best of 2013 Various AwardsIn this post I will announce several miscellaneous awards for the year including best video game score, best TV score, best song, and best animated film score. (In numerical order with number one being the greatest.)<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Best Television Score of 2013</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were several amazing TV scores to choose from this year </span>including <i>Africa </i>by Sarah Class and two by the amazing Frederik Wiedmann. However it came down to these two amazing scores:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOWhdXVXHy0UdXyR4cGGU_B5m3vNHTqiWs0OhQGI0K6bQRYPlT4Au79weOYnR9FdD-ZFFoI2HMoXBNYs_YflpSLvAMpM2SJd4ivg4IPwy6dbIiVbd6vgZ8uVDBROwyLcJctojKEKxh_yu/s1600/Dr+Who+Series+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOWhdXVXHy0UdXyR4cGGU_B5m3vNHTqiWs0OhQGI0K6bQRYPlT4Au79weOYnR9FdD-ZFFoI2HMoXBNYs_YflpSLvAMpM2SJd4ivg4IPwy6dbIiVbd6vgZ8uVDBROwyLcJctojKEKxh_yu/s200/Dr+Who+Series+7.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dr Who: Series</i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
7 by Murray Gold</span></span><br />
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I came close to choosing another score by Gold, the Christmas Specials from Series 7, but this score from all of Series 7 takes the cake. The music is classic Dr Who with his bond-esq/jazzy theme and iconic action music. It isn't quite as good as the first four scores (Dr Who Series 1-4), but remains up to par with Gold's standards. Honestly, you can't find any other television music this good unless it's.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDLXrj978JvJavNCarrBsdFLc3So6W-by7Zy1FPUb1A8NswhE0AlV75barkCYlPBjJ61dpS-meU4NSPz-5SydP1pkrMGR2ne_ZDwKXLXAkUzHEZx39-1u5BK50WkCXVDw2NABbiB4e2xg/s1600/The+Bible+Series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDLXrj978JvJavNCarrBsdFLc3So6W-by7Zy1FPUb1A8NswhE0AlV75barkCYlPBjJ61dpS-meU4NSPz-5SydP1pkrMGR2ne_ZDwKXLXAkUzHEZx39-1u5BK50WkCXVDw2NABbiB4e2xg/s200/The+Bible+Series.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
1. <i>The Bible </i>by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe<br />
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(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-bible.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
I can just hear some people steaming over my choice! I understand this score is not Zimmer and Balfes most <i>original </i>score. I understand, that Lisa Gerrard's vocals are nothing different, but I <i>enjoyed</i> this score immensely. I couldn't help it. The music is epic, big, and bold. I was disappointed with the score in that the music wasn't quite as epic as it should be for a biblical epic, but it grew on me, and now I love this score to death. I'm sorry haters, you're simply missing out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Best Video Game Scores of 2013</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There </span>weren't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> many outstanding video game scores to choose from this year, but the two chosen for this award, are solid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRvO_VgNeRkVUaqFCQ2PPDp8ExitD9XmDfAef3PvroC9qtdP9GoVcf9vEZw-z7xcgllOoHRylNHE4kVT4_IbrnEoEv6FC7pwLh3QGppvnovc6_DZ1lpWDUzVjacez1u_LUVYguL13iRHu/s1600/Puppeteer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRvO_VgNeRkVUaqFCQ2PPDp8ExitD9XmDfAef3PvroC9qtdP9GoVcf9vEZw-z7xcgllOoHRylNHE4kVT4_IbrnEoEv6FC7pwLh3QGppvnovc6_DZ1lpWDUzVjacez1u_LUVYguL13iRHu/s200/Puppeteer.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Puppeteer </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Patrick Doyle</span></span></div>
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"Since when does Doyle compose scores for video games?" you may ask. Since 2013 and since this game came out. I was surprised and quite happy to find this little gem, the score itself is quite eclectic and entertaining. The music is mixed with comedy, western, heroic, and action material. The cues styles at times range from broadway-esq to Renaissance flavored, to militaristic. Doyle even gives the listener a little bit of swashbuckling and spaghetti western styled cues! Overall this is a hard album to listen to and not smile and if anything, it's definitely the most entertaining score of the year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYfMPJdJ9DYdIvwuHcvRPul8P5RnG55QCp28FeWWT0W8CCH2ju6nh3ipE5X84Rj4zF6frKoGBfNaKm50CRAaKOhE_JZiRmJHrhjvFCi5pSIkzffMPsYJrY6LfBCI3V6RMkdFW2iQYz8eV/s1600/Beyond+Two+Souls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYfMPJdJ9DYdIvwuHcvRPul8P5RnG55QCp28FeWWT0W8CCH2ju6nh3ipE5X84Rj4zF6frKoGBfNaKm50CRAaKOhE_JZiRmJHrhjvFCi5pSIkzffMPsYJrY6LfBCI3V6RMkdFW2iQYz8eV/s200/Beyond+Two+Souls.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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1. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Beyond Two Souls</i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> by Loren Balfe</span></span></div>
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3991649376" name="gsSong3991649376" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916493&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916493&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20%26%20Lorne%20Balfe%20Dawkins'%20Suite" title="Dawkins' Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark">Dawkins' Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hands down. Best Video Game score. Of the year. In this score Balfe really focused on the emotional aspect of the game and created an evocative vocal/</span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">orchestral</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> atmosphere. The highlight of the score is at the beginning of the album with the two first cues, </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Jodie's Suite </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">and </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dawkin's Suite. </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">The album becomes a little uninspired and dull near the end with Balfe's classic action material, but honestly, this is video game music at it's best! Hopefully this score will get an expanded </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">commercial</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> release.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Best Animated Scores of 2013</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D8RFTH5UBbtoGtSy0jYSg8KsGwmBYUZfnlal2nBGQw0Bl3Xlb4HWYk84Yb-fVe20O2m4lkI5Q6T39klKgRPJCDPOnwQw-ehC7zhDam-1vBcmsBaDkML26flXuRibKsVFHeUNhku_Bwgu/s1600/Turbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D8RFTH5UBbtoGtSy0jYSg8KsGwmBYUZfnlal2nBGQw0Bl3Xlb4HWYk84Yb-fVe20O2m4lkI5Q6T39klKgRPJCDPOnwQw-ehC7zhDam-1vBcmsBaDkML26flXuRibKsVFHeUNhku_Bwgu/s200/Turbo.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Turbo </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">by Henry Jackman</span></span></div>
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong395604807" name="gsSong395604807" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39560480&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39560480&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Henry%20Jackman%20Indianapolis" title="Indianapolis by Henry Jackman on Grooveshark">Indianapolis by Henry Jackman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/10/three-heart-racing-scores-for-2013.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
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Yes, there are very few cues in included in the album from Jackman but, the few that are there are inspirational cues. Using classic orchestra and a little dubstep, Jackman creates a really unique racing movie score, and who can forget that amazing main theme?! This is an animation film score that stands out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmrLS3-W_chx1ofvMIUzAJH6Tbnd52VXkeM5u4XlXD5-UBGQoSlkYN-a9LI6PlUSPlKYz-x554Vc7J-ZB-PWLgx0HQLfQTPiFR0U6yWxfckcoKlVnSq-oYWufcC-36BZSk0QAbcBmka8o/s1600/Frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmrLS3-W_chx1ofvMIUzAJH6Tbnd52VXkeM5u4XlXD5-UBGQoSlkYN-a9LI6PlUSPlKYz-x554Vc7J-ZB-PWLgx0HQLfQTPiFR0U6yWxfckcoKlVnSq-oYWufcC-36BZSk0QAbcBmka8o/s200/Frozen.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
2. <i>Frozen </i>by Christophe Beck<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022369797" name="gsSong4022369797" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223697&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223697&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Frode%20Fjellheim%20Vuelie%20%5Bfeat.%20Cantus%5D" title="Vuelie [feat. Cantus] by Frode Fjellheim on Grooveshark">Vuelie [feat. Cantus] by Frode Fjellheim on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/12/music-that-melts-even-coldest-heart.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
This score is original. The musical <i>feels </i>like a wintry blast of fresh air. The score is a good balance of action, drama, and song material. Becke avoids mickey mousing for the most part and focuses on the emotional aspect of the film using vocals singing acapella in old Norse. The songs are fun, inspirational, comedic, and also quite original. Here's to hoping that Becke will get to score another big film like this in 2014!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL2shOOaGmbtkbdJfKmnFlJ8mD9V-CVey66ol2PTYsxXDaISGvBdP7OF4irebEqkp58cIzkULqQr54HCcUTZ6clAKfwjScpzut1SYlWOQWStLP4_96BEqTFFZFvsTZMDhyphenhyphendBFLud9zQDV/s1600/Planes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBL2shOOaGmbtkbdJfKmnFlJ8mD9V-CVey66ol2PTYsxXDaISGvBdP7OF4irebEqkp58cIzkULqQr54HCcUTZ6clAKfwjScpzut1SYlWOQWStLP4_96BEqTFFZFvsTZMDhyphenhyphendBFLud9zQDV/s200/Planes.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
1. <i>Planes </i>by Mark Mancina</div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3952679327" name="gsSong3952679327" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526793&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526793&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mark%20Mancina%20Leg%202%20%2F%20Bulldog%20Thanks%20Dusty" title="Leg 2 / Bulldog Thanks Dusty by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark">Leg 2 / Bulldog Thanks Dusty by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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(You can read my original review <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/08/planes.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
Mancina makes a triumphant return with his stellar 90's styled action music, powerful themes, brilliant drama, and his heart-pounding paced racing music. He even utilizes acapella vocals for a side character's theme and it's powerful to the core. The uniqueness of this album lies within Mancina's ability to transition from one genre of music to another so quickly, but smoothly. The score includes a wide variety of music ranging from western to Indian to Americana to Mexican flavored cues. This is probably the best animated score with the largest amount of thematic material that I have heard from in a while!<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Top 6 Songs of 2013</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKe20K5EQGR1ZqJaN-1HNZXkH7RdPn70RDf3X6S6rEmq2aWZawMsK9zgmr5uP5VteTCNvqzbOiO_80113xZ9S4QdXV6KrQPPhz5d4g-5ZXfOiFgZT_SsYBqt2rraC2fEYi0qfpR0EUIsT/s1600/Best+Songs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKe20K5EQGR1ZqJaN-1HNZXkH7RdPn70RDf3X6S6rEmq2aWZawMsK9zgmr5uP5VteTCNvqzbOiO_80113xZ9S4QdXV6KrQPPhz5d4g-5ZXfOiFgZT_SsYBqt2rraC2fEYi0qfpR0EUIsT/s200/Best+Songs.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">6. <i>Monster’s University- Monster’s University </i></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">performed by<i> </i>Various
Cast Members</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3922978012" name="gsSong3922978012" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39229780&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39229780&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Randy%20Newman%20Monsters%20University" title="Monsters University by Randy Newman on Grooveshark">Monsters University by Randy Newman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
The score for this Pixar animated film was composed by veteran Randy Newman. Instead of a jazz flavored song that he used in the first <i>Monsters Inc </i>film, he uses a traditional acapella method used by most modern college campuses for their anthem. The lyrics are creative and clever, while the performance remains a bit droll, but fun to listen to regardless.<br />
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5. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters- To Feel Alive </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">performed by Lameve</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong39660213100" name="gsSong39660213100" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39660213&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39660213&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Andrew%20Lockington%20-%20www.musicasparabaixar.org%20To%20Feel%20Alive%20by%20Iameve" title="To Feel Alive by Iameve by Andrew Lockington - www.musicasparabaixar.org on Grooveshark">To Feel Alive by Iameve by Andrew Lockington - www.musicasparabaixar.org on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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While composer Andrew Lockington's score for this film was disappointing (given how Lockington raised the bar super high last year for himself with his score for <i>Journey 2: The Mysterious Islands), </i>this score ends with a beautiful song. The vocals are haunting but perfect for the song and the harmonies are quite chilling.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Jobs-Scarborough Fair</i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> performed by Dylan McDonald & Cassidy Cooper</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3965583382" name="gsSong3965583382" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39655833&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39655833&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=John%20Debney%20%7C%20www.CdsParaBaixar.Org%2006.%20Scarborough%20Fair%20-%20www.CdsParaBaixar.Org" title="06. Scarborough Fair - www.CdsParaBaixar.Org by John Debney | www.CdsParaBaixar.Org on Grooveshark">06. Scarborough Fair - www.CdsParaBaixar.Org by John Debney | www.CdsParaBaixar.Org on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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This song isn't the most original nor was John Debney's score for this film, but it's the harmonies that make this song, amazing. Granted, I have a soft spot for any version of this particular song, but this performance is really stellar by Dylan McDonald and Cassidy Cooper. The song is a tad bit repetitive and the acoustics simple, but it's the simple instrumentation that makes the vocals soar wonderfully.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Oblivion-Oblivion </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">performed by M83 and Susanne Sundfør</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3872730829" name="gsSong3872730829" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38727308&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38727308&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=M83%20Oblivion%20(feat.%20Susanne%20Sundf%C3%B8r)" title="Oblivion (feat. Susanne Sundfør) by M83 on Grooveshark">Oblivion (feat. Susanne Sundfør) by M83 on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></span>This is a classic retro 80's styled song, but so beautifully orchestrated that it stands out, especially the powerful chorus. I don't normally enjoy this type of song, but honestly, it grew on me. M83, having scored the entire film finally get to do what they do best, create a song with words, and <span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">Susanne Sundfør's haunting vocals is topping on the cake.</span><br />
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2. <i>Winnie Mandela-Bleed For Love </i>performed by Jennifer Hudson<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="72" scrolling="no" src="//mycloudplayers.com/track/?u=http://soundcloud.com/hhc-dirty-soundz/jennifer-hudson-bleed-for-love&theme=d" width="100%"></iframe>
This gospel/R&B styled song is a powerful representation of true love. The lyrics are powerful and bring to mind the Bible verse, "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay his life down for his friends." -John 15:13. The song is inspirational and the instrumentation, evocative. Jennifer Hudson, an American Idol finalist, tenderly performs this song.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Despicable Me 2-I Swear </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">performed by the Minions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">(Not a band <i>called</i> "The Minions, but characters from the film <i>known </i>as "the Minions")</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3933039659" name="gsSong3933039659" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39330396&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39330396&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Minions%20I%20Swear" title="I Swear by Minions on Grooveshark">I Swear by Minions on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, I'm not quite sure how this song got up there to the top of the list. I just kinda played the song so much that it </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">had </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">to be there. No excuses here, </span></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;">I actually enjoyed it that much.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> This song is absolutely </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">beautiful </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">and </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>hilarious</i><i style="font-family: inherit;">! </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is not to like? The vocals are completely </span>nonsensical but still harmonious and the song is based off of a popular love ballad from the ninety's. The song is cute, outstanding, and just beautiful! Now, where are the Golden Globe Award Nominee's for this performance? <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-35662188278545601582014-01-02T09:23:00.002-08:002014-01-02T11:07:00.288-08:00Ten Best Cues of 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again when soundtrack collectors all over the world take inventory of the scores released in the past year and decide on their favorites for the year. For <i>Soundtrack Snippets, </i>the first article posted was<i> </i>the best of 2012. It's been a whole year now, and time to release the best of awards for 2013.<br />
To kick this off I've decided to continue the B<i>est Cues Award of 2013</i>. For this award I base my decision on how much I enjoyed the cue, the amount of thematic content in the cue, but most importantly how often I clicked play on the particular track. Brace yourselves, there was a lot in this category for the year!<br />
(In numerical order with the number one being the greatest.)<br />
Before we get into the top ten, here are a few honorable mentions:<br />
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4. <i>Epic-Pursuit </i>by Danny Elfman<br />
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For being a score called <i>Epic, </i>the music wasn't<i>. </i>However, that didn't stop me from enjoying Elfman's newest score. The music is acoustic, heroic, fast paced and exciting. <br />
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3. <i>Gravity-Gravity</i> by Steven Price<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3991471925" name="gsSong3991471925" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39914719&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39914719&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Steven%20Price%20-%20www.musicasparabaixar.org%20Gravity" title="Gravity by Steven Price - www.musicasparabaixar.org on Grooveshark">Gravity by Steven Price - www.musicasparabaixar.org on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Up and coming new film composer Price, employs the use of gorgeous female vocals ranging from delicate to wailing. Most of the score unfortunately is heavily atmospheric, so it makes for a boring listen by itself, but given the title of the album, I'm sure it works perfectly with the film.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<i> Jack The Giant Slayer-Chase To Cloister </i></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">by John Ottman</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3850063234" name="gsSong3850063234" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38500632&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38500632&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=John%20Ottman%20Chase%20to%20Cloister" title="Chase to Cloister by John Ottman on Grooveshark">Chase to Cloister by John Ottman on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
The music by Ottoman is massive and horrifying at times. This particular cue utilizes both and includes a heroic theme. Typically, I don't enjoy music with large amount of cacophony, but Ottoman pulled this one off alright!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Ender’s
Game-The Battle Room</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> by Steve
Jablonsky</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4001920175" name="gsSong4001920175" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40019201&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40019201&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Steve%20Jablonsky%20The%20Battle%20Room" title="The Battle Room by Steve Jablonsky on Grooveshark">The Battle Room by Steve Jablonsky on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
A huge disapointment of the year was removing James Horner from this film project and sticking composer Steve Jablonsky to score this film. This cue, is the highlight of the album shining like a gem. This cue has beautiful violin arpeggios supported by the classic Jablonsky percussion and instrumentations.<br />
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And now, here are the <b><i>Best Cues of 2013:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
10. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon-Blood Dragon Theme </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">by Power Glove</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3886136928" name="gsSong3886136928" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38861369&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38861369&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Power%20Glove%2002%20-%20Blood%20Dragon%20Theme" title="02 - Blood Dragon Theme by Power Glove on Grooveshark">02 - Blood Dragon Theme by Power Glove on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
The score for this video game is extremely retro 1980's, and I love it. OK, so it's a little more upbeat than I like, however the throwback-ness of this score is very cool to hear and quite brave on the composer team, Power Glove's part. It's definitely one of the most unique scores of the year.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">9. </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Man of Steel-Goodbye My Son </i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Hans Zimmer</span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3914420596" name="gsSong3914420596" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39144205&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39144205&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20Goodbye%20My%20Son" title="Goodbye My Son by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">Goodbye My Son by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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This score was probably the most anticipated score of the year and many people, upon listening to it, cried bloody murder or just fell in love with it. This cue is like a lullaby with soothing female vocals humming then the cue transitions to an beautiful powerhouse anthem. Classic Zimmer.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">8. </span><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">After Earth-After Earth </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by James Newton Howard</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3905417896" name="gsSong3905417896" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39054178&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39054178&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=James%20Newton%20Howard%20After%20Earth" title="After Earth by James Newton Howard on Grooveshark">After Earth by James Newton Howard on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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This is another powerhouse anthem for the books. This cue utilizes the main theme Howard created for the score and maximizes it to beyond its potential!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">7. <i>The Lone Ranger-Silver </i></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Hans Zimmer</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937055258" name="gsSong3937055258" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370552&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370552&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20Silver" title="Silver by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">Silver by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Like I stated in <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/09/zimmers-lone-ranger.html" target="_blank">my review</a> for this score, Zimmer uses an Irish folk song, "<i>After the Battle of Aughrim" </i>in the theme for Silver who is.....well....a horse. If there were any epic themes for a horse then this cue is it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">6. <i>Beyond Two Souls-Jodie’s Suite </i></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Lorne Balfe</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3991649484" name="gsSong3991649484" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916494&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39916494&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20%26%20Lorne%20Balfe%20Jodie's%20Suite" title="Jodie's Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark">Jodie's Suite by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Another video game cue makes it into the list! This cue composed by Balfe, is another emotional powerhouse. It has mournful female vocals and a wonderful choral and orchestral accompaniment.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">5.</span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Iron Man 3-Iron Man 3 </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Bryan Tyler</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong388327619" name="gsSong388327619" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38832761&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38832761&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Iron%20Man%203%20Iron%20Man%203" title="Iron Man 3 by Iron Man 3 on Grooveshark">Iron Man 3 by Iron Man 3 on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
There is no denying it, Tyler is good at powerful superhero themes. This one is hands-down, his best. It's exciting, tense, and most importantly; blatantly heroic!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">4. <i>Winnie Mandela-Sunrise</i></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> by Laurent Eyquem</span></span><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="80" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:4OcDek9URPQt0C28Ueeavw" width="200"></iframe> Eyquem is another up and coming composer that is showing real potential. This cue is full of mournful vocals, simplistic woodwind accompaniment, and powerful percussion. (My apologies to you non-Spotify users, I could only find this particular cue there.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.</span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dr Who: Series 7-The Long Song </i><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Murray Gold</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3992236523" name="gsSong3992236523" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39922365&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39922365&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Murray%20Gold%20The%20Long%20Song" title="The Long Song by Murray Gold on Grooveshark">The Long Song by Murray Gold on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Though, the score itself wasn't as great as the other Dr Who soundtracks from earlier seasons, I always manage to find a song in each score that I absolutely adore. This cue is amazing! The song has epic vocals with the solo performed by a child. The end is complex and stunning making this my 3rd favorite cue of the year.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. <i>Planes-Planes </i></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by
Mark Mancina</span></span><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3952692262" name="gsSong3952692262" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mark%20Mancina%20Planes" title="Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark">Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Yes, I admit it. Upon seeing the trailer with this cue used, I fell in love with the film and score. Mancina has added a certain amount of charm and complexity to the score different from any of his other scores.<br />
It's charm soars above its other competitors making this my 2nd favorite cue of '13.<br />
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<div style="text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Bible-Creation Choral </span></span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe</span></span></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong385679078" name="gsSong385679078" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38567907&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=38567907&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20%26%20Lorne%20Balfe%20Creation%20Choral" title="Creation Choral by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark">Creation Choral by Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Balfe and Zimmer have yet, another emotional powerhouse and it's in the form of a television score. This cue is simply powerful and intense. There is no denying it. One of Balfe's and Zimmer's best cues to be sure and definitely the most played cue of the year! Folks, this is what awesomeness is made of.Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-86723995889566027482013-12-28T11:25:00.000-08:002014-05-16T12:14:03.502-07:00Music That Melts Even the Coldest Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_VBIobcLErJhJfTFfxSRgZU7VhnCrrmn8OkI-dKwXvx3ITbKpvE61txC_JVHsjN2UwHqXZfKfNU11CAPf07reNilUcv5vnJYI1po1NNvZt1zEnKsuTrHz0-m3Luutg7H8Ao2bdacbwWJ/s1600/Frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_VBIobcLErJhJfTFfxSRgZU7VhnCrrmn8OkI-dKwXvx3ITbKpvE61txC_JVHsjN2UwHqXZfKfNU11CAPf07reNilUcv5vnJYI1po1NNvZt1zEnKsuTrHz0-m3Luutg7H8Ao2bdacbwWJ/s200/Frozen.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022361779" name="gsSong4022361779" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223617&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223617&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Cast%20-%20Frozen%20Frozen%20Heart" title="Frozen Heart by Cast - Frozen on Grooveshark">Frozen Heart by Cast - Frozen on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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From the makers of 2010's popular animated flick, <i>Tangled</i>; came another Disney movie, <i>Frozen. </i>For <i>Tangled, </i>the director had chosen the Disney composer standby, Alan Menken. Interestingly enough, a different composer was chosen to score this film.<br />
Christophe Becke, had previously scored Disney's short film <i>Paper Boy, </i>which played adjacent to the feature film, <i>Wreck-It-Ralph. </i>The music for <i>Frozen</i> is very unique.<br />
Being a classic Disney musical, Becke had to write music for a number of source cues that were interspersed throughout the movie. The husband-wife team, Robert and Kristen Anderson Lopez, hopped on board as the song writers for the source cues while Becke composed the orchestration for the cues.<br />
The first source cue which starts the movie off, is <i>Frozen Heart. </i>The music boasts of a "classic work song" style as the scene in the movie is about ice cutters working at their job. It's an Irish flavored cue with all men's vocals and the lyrics serve as a great allegory hinting at what's to come. The music starts off with the sound of ice picks then the vocals and music take over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zjalm1O2Pr8AMS5Xb_lCC_81bdvPXzSaKJK8bl3OS2XR2VlJB7fi-OpJ4Q_-nkfY_BlUlWjlvfCsz-2dTO0JkphLSbs7eWx6Wm2cegWj_qjDpGXH24xjxBso-TkUqaYgzauctac2dNZ1/s1600/Frozen+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zjalm1O2Pr8AMS5Xb_lCC_81bdvPXzSaKJK8bl3OS2XR2VlJB7fi-OpJ4Q_-nkfY_BlUlWjlvfCsz-2dTO0JkphLSbs7eWx6Wm2cegWj_qjDpGXH24xjxBso-TkUqaYgzauctac2dNZ1/s200/Frozen+5.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
The source cue, <i>Do You Want To Build a Snowman </i>is sung by one by the main character Anna (Kristen Bell), and Becke references it in several cues throughout the score to represent the two sisters, Anna and Elsa's relationship.<br />
Another staple theme is heard in the cue, <i>For the First Time In Forever, </i>which once again relies on Anna's voice heavily. The cue is lighthearted, fast-paced, and distinct and the melody is beautiful. Becke refers to it throughout the score using it as Anna's theme.<br />
A reggae styled cue, <i>Love Is An Open Door, </i>is performed by Anna and Prince Hans (Santino Fantana). The cue is an upbeat, bongo/acoustic pop song. The vocal harmonies blend perfectly making the tune really catchy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJTcuP9mwvpIZ4YBPmtEs_79yXWra-4S0Tb2EhrSTKXYxosLzH2f0dswjaABd-zQLrEw8CD3aODC59T9z_IET1zZiVBrUmAOya-roa6SubC60N872zGoqX8wAJmE12XOsW-l9t7dXmDGW/s1600/Frozen+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJTcuP9mwvpIZ4YBPmtEs_79yXWra-4S0Tb2EhrSTKXYxosLzH2f0dswjaABd-zQLrEw8CD3aODC59T9z_IET1zZiVBrUmAOya-roa6SubC60N872zGoqX8wAJmE12XOsW-l9t7dXmDGW/s200/Frozen+4.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<i>In Summer, </i>is a jazzy, happy-go-lucky cue with the snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad), singing what it would be like for a snowman to live in summer. The cue is reminiscent of the older classic jazz songs from the 1970's-80's. <br />
Another funky song is the Latin flavored cue, <i>Fixer Upper </i>performed by a number of cast members. It's a classic Broadway styled song with fast paced lyrics, snazzy brass stings, and off-kilter percussion. <br />
<i>Let It Go</i>, is the highlight of the score, performed by Elsa (Idena Menzel). It's a classic piano-laden pop song with yet, another catchy tune.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022369736" name="gsSong4022369736" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223697&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223697&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Frode%20Fjellheim%20Vuelie%20%5Bfeat.%20Cantus%5D" title="Vuelie [feat. Cantus] by Frode Fjellheim on Grooveshark">Vuelie [feat. Cantus] by Frode Fjellheim on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>The score composed by Becke is gorgeous to the core. The opening cue, <i>Vuelie, </i>is a song perfromed by Cantus, an accapella band singing in old Norse. The harmonies blend melodically and the theme is heard again in the cues, <i>Heimr Arnadalr </i>and <i>The Great Thaw.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTXVLZE616RKcgV5cVq_MASZN7UK3JdswQ76pJCCk4VCqtwbybatPSsFANgCTo8wVN2FvvuaehKkkpfbcTybA8KDKdBhU4mwx0-vbEUycMYgNZZUTGs9F_5Ll5ic7NlkhAH0ZIw-kPqqr/s1600/Frozen+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTXVLZE616RKcgV5cVq_MASZN7UK3JdswQ76pJCCk4VCqtwbybatPSsFANgCTo8wVN2FvvuaehKkkpfbcTybA8KDKdBhU4mwx0-vbEUycMYgNZZUTGs9F_5Ll5ic7NlkhAH0ZIw-kPqqr/s200/Frozen+3.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
In <i>Elsa and Anna, </i>the introduces several prominent themes including the lighthearted sister's theme<i> </i>which relies heavily on a full orchestra with pizzicato strings throughout. The cue then switches to Anna's standalone theme which is slower with tremolo strings as a single female vocalist creates an icy and dreamy atmosphere. The action material then surfaces, heavily relying on the brass and heavy percussion. The end result is a driving, heroic sounding theme that re-appears in later cues.<br />
The snowman, Olaf is given a classic bumbling theme with a trombone, pizzicato strings, harp, and clarinet. Becke does perform a bit of mickey-mousing here but the cue doesn't suffer too much because of it.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022375750" name="gsSong4022375750" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223757&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223757&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Christophe%20Beck%20Wolves" title="Wolves by Christophe Beck on Grooveshark">Wolves by Christophe Beck on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>In the cue <i>Wolves, </i>the action material resurfaces but with more intensity. Becke reverts to some of his classic acoustics to keep the cue from being overly noisy and the result is a snare-ripping, fast paced but somewhat lighthearted cue.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHgX4fX-jgb0QOdzVLr2tiuu2fsD3FerQZ3xHsdkVHAJ5K9BxV0uDa_PbT_3Yzz-tcswTv7tH00oMuUpkYRkCPhDviC0_RJIk2lrSIxD9FQyJnZvRCZNEr39_ecXL6MujZwdMREmC3Tzi/s1600/Frozen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHgX4fX-jgb0QOdzVLr2tiuu2fsD3FerQZ3xHsdkVHAJ5K9BxV0uDa_PbT_3Yzz-tcswTv7tH00oMuUpkYRkCPhDviC0_RJIk2lrSIxD9FQyJnZvRCZNEr39_ecXL6MujZwdMREmC3Tzi/s200/Frozen+2.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>A glorified version of Olaf's theme is heard in the cue, <i>Marshmallow Attack, </i>when some giant snowmen begin to assault the heroes. The brass remains intense, but still bumbly and overbearing.<br />
In the final cue, <i>Epilogue, </i>the cue refers to several of the source cue themes including two triumphant versions of, <i>For the First Time In Forever </i>and <i>Do You Want To Build A Snowman?</i><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong4022366316" name="gsSong4022366316" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223663&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=40223663&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Jonathan%20Groff%20Reindeer(s)%20Are%20Better%20Than%20People" title="Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People by Jonathan Groff on Grooveshark">Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People by Jonathan Groff on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
Overall this album is a wonderful action and drama filled score that is both intense, wintry, and beautiful. Christophe Becke really went all-out and it's a blast to listen to, there's barely a dull moment! It's definitely a step up from Alan Menken's, <i>Tangled.</i><br />
If you are the kind that enjoys more dignified, boring, scores and this album has no effect, then seriously, you need to <i>Let it Go.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Rating: *****</b><br />
<br />
<b>Best Cues:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Frozen Heart-<b>Song</b></i></li>
<li><i>Vuelie-<b>Score</b></i></li>
<li><i>Let It Go-<b>Song</b></i></li>
<li><i>Fixer Upper-<b>Song</b></i></li>
<li><i>Elsa and Anna-<b>Score</b></i></li>
<li><i>Reindeer's Are Better Than People-<b>Song</b></i></li>
<li><i><i>Heimr Arnadalr- <b>Score</b></i></i></li>
<li><i><i>Wolves-<b>Score</b></i></i></li>
<li><i><i>The Great Thaw (Vuelie Reprise)-<b>Score</b></i></i></li>
</ul>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-4753768850479813932013-11-29T09:57:00.000-08:002013-11-30T10:19:43.005-08:00A Very Silvestri Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Composer Alan Silvestri is no stranger to scoring Christmas films. He has two under his sleeve and both make for a very festive listen-through. Here's to wishing you a merry Silvestri Christmas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZVuCCGbRPqVwKU_FCpNu3aek0w1BaP6iCzcCxQO5DjIiW0hGV5bV9F9_0SjO8xY5gKXm5cBbrESKTC2a6O1aHNE20qG_H4wMhYyDvnvK4QKrzP-4BV-VqhCEDNNvQmloPqzcmz38sXJh/s1600/Polar+Express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZVuCCGbRPqVwKU_FCpNu3aek0w1BaP6iCzcCxQO5DjIiW0hGV5bV9F9_0SjO8xY5gKXm5cBbrESKTC2a6O1aHNE20qG_H4wMhYyDvnvK4QKrzP-4BV-VqhCEDNNvQmloPqzcmz38sXJh/s200/Polar+Express.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Polar Express</span></b><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3547968857" name="gsSong3547968857" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=35479688&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=35479688&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Polar%20Express%20Soundtrack%20Seeing%20Is%20Believing" title="Seeing Is Believing by Polar Express Soundtrack on Grooveshark">Seeing Is Believing by Polar Express Soundtrack on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Beautiful choral melodies, powerful brass anthems, and many sleigh-bells bring together this classic Christmas score.<br />
The film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks is the Christmas story that everybody has heard of; but told in a different style. The film boasted of breakthrough, lifelike animation and broke the Guinness World Record for the largest budget used on an animated film. Zemeckis turned to composer, Alan Silvestri, having previously worked with him on the film, <i>Cast Away. </i>What a stellar choice that was!<br />
The score starts off with a hopeful main theme, which includes a children's choir, celestial strings, and sleigh bells. The cue then turns to the train's theme which is has Russian sounding, wordless men's vocals and a mysterious melody heard on the strings. The action material is typical Silvestri style; big, bold brass, frenetic strings, and thundering percussion. That can be heard in the cue, most notibly, <i>Runaway Train. </i>It's a heroic, fast-paced, and bombastic cue.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEzW3UFUUxG6E5Vptyhk9V6cv1hnjVUet01LGDYOfkkUdaptOM6vikm3ssC-k-J-5acCW8CT_nJqtVfv9UQgQlENBUqQTsN0CK5ynfeBSc5yCoi57PkRR3_JkVXUTq-UGLdv0S1UbgBUy/s1600/Polar+Express+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEzW3UFUUxG6E5Vptyhk9V6cv1hnjVUet01LGDYOfkkUdaptOM6vikm3ssC-k-J-5acCW8CT_nJqtVfv9UQgQlENBUqQTsN0CK5ynfeBSc5yCoi57PkRR3_JkVXUTq-UGLdv0S1UbgBUy/s200/Polar+Express+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>An upbeat song, heard in the cue, <i>Hot Chocolate, </i>is a jazzy break from the intense cues and offers a light-hearted and festive melody. It's subject is most appropriate and the lyrics are quite simple: "Hot Chocolate." That's about the gist of the song!<br />
On a sidenote, the Christmas carol, <i>Jingle Bells, </i>is heard briefly in the cue, <i>Seeing is Believing. </i><br />
The score also has several source cues, the first being heard in the cue, <i>The Spirit of the Season. </i>It's a catchy, festive sounding song with ringing sleigh bells, beautiful vocal harmonies, announcing the start of the Christmas season. The second source cue, <i>Believe, </i>is a simple, but powerful song performed by Josh Groban.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2610930867" name="gsSong2610930867" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26109308&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26109308&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alan%20Silvestri%20Spirit%20of%20the%20Season" title="Spirit of the Season by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark">Spirit of the Season by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>If you enjoy lively, festive, choral, Christmas music, then this album comes highly recommended.<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>"Its the spirit of the season</i></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>filling hearts with love and care<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>like a shining star it glistens<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>everywhere feeling care like a prayer<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>where ever it is you need to share it<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>it's the spirit of the season<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>you can hear it in the air<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>it's the spirit of the season</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>you can hear it in the air."</i><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;"><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i></span><b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Spirit of the Season</i></li>
<li><i>Runaway Train</i></li>
<li><i>Seeing Is Believing</i></li>
<li><i>Suite from the Polar Express</i></li>
</ul>
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<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufJb3MTI0_dPK8sWabmbwF1jmDrEUtxjPmhptac9ARKhGCliVctHeXzO2kwvD4r_0jPSFwur255ZdU47MaW88G-slVgZXF6M1WvuvOQLHcuK5ODV9fJicQPCJvZjCHIQq393rJD0comVs/s1600/A+Christmas+Carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufJb3MTI0_dPK8sWabmbwF1jmDrEUtxjPmhptac9ARKhGCliVctHeXzO2kwvD4r_0jPSFwur255ZdU47MaW88G-slVgZXF6M1WvuvOQLHcuK5ODV9fJicQPCJvZjCHIQq393rJD0comVs/s200/A+Christmas+Carol.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A Christmas Carol</span></b><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3656334212" name="gsSong3656334212" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36563342&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36563342&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alan%20Silvestri%20God%20Bless%20Us%20Everyone%20(performed%20by%20Andrea%20Bocelli)" title="God Bless Us Everyone (performed by Andrea Bocelli) by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark">God Bless Us Everyone (performed by Andrea Bocelli) by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
The producer from the box office topping, <i>The Polar Express </i>returned to direct another well-known Christmas story with the same extremely life-like animation, but instead of starring Tom Hanks, he got Jim Carrey. Thankfully, he stuck with the same composer returning Alan Silvestri to his festive roots.<br />
Bah, festive indeed! The music croaks of all humbug and and Victorian themed cues. Ok, correction; some of it.<br />
The score is a classic orchestral work as Silvestri reverts to his wonderful music personality avoiding synth and keeping the music organic in nature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58eQ0P3oNnxny8EIq6j9IPClQduHaWF4h7fluy_r3qCW1bQJgNgcV0xzqNjwwJgsftZ_vMXieD2CD8CPJl9zDYFL1vNXJJEV-HKSTfqO4aHB0j850Krq_3SnO6RhbEAUQnkpDKm5qLwml/s1600/A+Christmas+Carol+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58eQ0P3oNnxny8EIq6j9IPClQduHaWF4h7fluy_r3qCW1bQJgNgcV0xzqNjwwJgsftZ_vMXieD2CD8CPJl9zDYFL1vNXJJEV-HKSTfqO4aHB0j850Krq_3SnO6RhbEAUQnkpDKm5qLwml/s200/A+Christmas+Carol+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The main theme is based on a source cue, <i>God Bless Us, Everyone, </i>a song performed by operatic singer extraordinaire; Andrea Bocelli. It's a very jovial and festive theme. Another theme, is heard in the form of the Christmas carol; <i>God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen</i>. The theme is used to represent Victorian England in the 1800s heard mostly on the french horn-influenced brass section which appears most notably in the cue, <i>Main Titles. </i>That particular cue also relies on the classic carol, "<i>We Wish You A Merry Christmas. </i><br />
Scrooge's "bah humbug" theme is heard in the cues, <i>Scrooge Counts Money </i>and <i>Marley's Ghost Visits Scrooge. </i>The bassoon is heavily relied on creating a perfect "grumpy old man theme".<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3656321243" name="gsSong3656321243" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36563212&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=36563212&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alan%20Silvestri%20A%20Christmas%20Carol%20(Main%20Title)" title="A Christmas Carol (Main Title) by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark">A Christmas Carol (Main Title) by Alan Silvestri on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>The ghost material is handled tastefully with the darker music blended in with the beautiful. For the ghost of Christmas past, a harp is heard playing the carol "<i>Oh Come All Ye Faithful" </i>in the style of classic Victorian music. The ghost of Christmas present is presented in a jovial manner even including a brassy/choral performance of Hark the Herald Angels Sing heard in the cue, <i>Touch My Robe. </i>For the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Silvestri weaves a haunting orchestral/choral theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiRqgks-kFBDSRLDHetrbEEzaH0CiK2O2fyP8zVbaP3tmMzGEPlO-3_nz2TvKFzDutpDB1PHs6ZBVtvO8CSw7l8C-JfZunKYZKc6khiYH8gMkOFw0Fj2XOCoX3-WVRoFmdM_rm1Ty2Uw-/s1600/A+Christmas+Carol+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiRqgks-kFBDSRLDHetrbEEzaH0CiK2O2fyP8zVbaP3tmMzGEPlO-3_nz2TvKFzDutpDB1PHs6ZBVtvO8CSw7l8C-JfZunKYZKc6khiYH8gMkOFw0Fj2XOCoX3-WVRoFmdM_rm1Ty2Uw-/s200/A+Christmas+Carol+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The climax of the album is heard in the fast-paced cue, <i>Carriage Chase. </i>The orchestra plays a frenetic version of <i>God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, </i>to the bursts of brass and strings. The second part of the climax is found in the cue, <i>Who Was That Lying Dead? </i>which Silvestri re-uses the ghost of Christmas to Come's theme in an all out wordless choral performance. It's good old fashioned Silvestri at his best!<br />
The main theme is utilized in the last two cues then finally taken over by Bocelli's amazing performance.<br />
God bless Alan Silvestri, and God bless us, everyone!<br />
<br />
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Main Title</i></li>
<li><i>Flight To Fezziwigs</i></li>
<li><i>Touch My Robe</i></li>
<li><i>Carriage Chase</i></li>
<li><i>Who Was That Lying Dead</i></li>
<li><i>God Bless Us, Everyone</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-192657532811782013-11-22T11:07:00.001-08:002013-11-29T10:15:57.018-08:00Noel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_0IVQd8RkOu5KMPgS9nNA6TIkDOqJvCnzGe-hJaCP9HFedzhuAf-oyPLkhFCNR1ZWNm1e2owenF9KB-MLdWI3CUqV1TZihxym2ZTTNq-5d0p1YVUqU54oqBLt72VfhqjNUZ1091E0z5V/s1600/Noel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_0IVQd8RkOu5KMPgS9nNA6TIkDOqJvCnzGe-hJaCP9HFedzhuAf-oyPLkhFCNR1ZWNm1e2owenF9KB-MLdWI3CUqV1TZihxym2ZTTNq-5d0p1YVUqU54oqBLt72VfhqjNUZ1091E0z5V/s200/Noel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3382200981" name="gsSong3382200981" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33822009&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33822009&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alan%20Menken%20Winter%20Light%20%2F%20End%20Titles" title="Winter Light / End Titles by Alan Menken on Grooveshark">Winter Light / End Titles by Alan Menken on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
This short, but heartwarming album, is the crux of what makes a good Christmas score.<br />
The 2004 film, directed by, Chazz Palminteri is a simple drama telling the story of five New Yorkers who come together on Christmas Eve hoping for a miracle.<br />
The soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken, tells their story wonderfully. Menken uses the stereotypical instruments used in a drama score; a solo piano with supporting strings. Cliche, though it may be, the score has a happy, and simplistic style to it. The album is a short 27 minutes total, all of which, is highly enjoyable.<br />
The score has two themes heard on the piano, both of which derive from two source cues that appear in all of it's glory in two last cues. In a way, the entire score seems to be building up to those final two. The first theme, is heard most namely in the cues, <i>Winter Light/Montage </i>and <i>Winter Light/End Titles. </i>The cue is a mellow and heartwarming song performed and written by Adam Pascal which uniquely utilizes the score's second cue heard most notably in the track, <i>Lux Perpetua.</i><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3382185222" name="gsSong3382185222" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33821852&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33821852&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Alan%20Menken%20Lux%20Perpetua" title="Lux Perpetua by Alan Menken on Grooveshark">Lux Perpetua by Alan Menken on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><i>Lux Perpetua, </i>written by Alan Menken himself<i>, </i>is a gorgeous children's choir performance of an orchestral song, with the lyrics in Latin giving it a classic holiday feel.<br />
Overall, the score remains an optimistic and simple, albeit, predictable and repetitive album. It does what a wintry holiday score should do warming both the heart and soul.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>The Hospital</i></li>
<li><i>Lux Perpetua</i></li>
<li><i>Winter's Light/End Titles</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-56916072441118274902013-11-20T14:04:00.002-08:002013-11-22T09:40:25.328-08:00The Nativity Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK35fnyn4pyh4QYv_cP8Zai6vajooIGxl6h9QiFAWfECstOumEH_2wUvkk6vTe95Mr9sqtinP4S475isM3DdP9tzfCnoax_VVCpj_xwjEWJ-X76R50VaXQMNJW6SVcQdMd6sRH5bx1SR1Q/s1600/The+Nativity+Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK35fnyn4pyh4QYv_cP8Zai6vajooIGxl6h9QiFAWfECstOumEH_2wUvkk6vTe95Mr9sqtinP4S475isM3DdP9tzfCnoax_VVCpj_xwjEWJ-X76R50VaXQMNJW6SVcQdMd6sRH5bx1SR1Q/s200/The+Nativity+Story.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3332602721" name="gsSong3332602721" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326027&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326027&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mychael%20Danna%20Veni%2C%20Veni%20Emanuel" title="Veni, Veni Emanuel by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark">Veni, Veni Emanuel by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<i><br /></i>
<i>"From the rose springs up the lily</i><br />
<i>Flower in flower flourishes</i><br />
<i>According to God's plan</i><br />
<i>The true day dawns.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>From the moon shines</i><br />
<i>The sun's brightening ray;</i><br />
<i>And the star that never dims</i><br />
<i>Points out the stable."</i><br />
-From the cue <i><b>In Rosa Vernat Lilium</b></i><br />
<i>By Mychael Danna</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In preparation for the upcoming Christmas season, I decided to review one of the best scores created for the 2005 Christmas film, <i>The Nativity Story, </i>composed by Mychael Danna.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3332618564" name="gsSong3332618564" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326185&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326185&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mychael%20Danna%20A%20Star%20Shall%20Come%20Forth" title="A Star Shall Come Forth by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark">A Star Shall Come Forth by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><i>The Nativity Story </i>tells of the true Christmas story based off the Gospels; Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the Bible. Mary is divinely given a son who is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. She and her husband to-be, Joseph, make a treacherous journey to his hometown, Bethlehem. In the meantime several groups of people are desperate to find Jesus. Three Wisemen who are startled to find the stars foretelling this king's birth, and Herod, a king who will stop at nothing to ensure that his place at the throne is unchallenged.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspReHgC19OAEe__x4OfiXpv90jc9ls0YfwZeBG45QOriS0SrmjrFTUU7_AR5Vw1m5xx0aZiYityxn1yvIpz2mtxwm7P6qy4zBXJ9Vrc3nWKl1bOPr60je-MoNh18fALUAtA5ruWaikpV6/s1600/The+Nativity+Story+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspReHgC19OAEe__x4OfiXpv90jc9ls0YfwZeBG45QOriS0SrmjrFTUU7_AR5Vw1m5xx0aZiYityxn1yvIpz2mtxwm7P6qy4zBXJ9Vrc3nWKl1bOPr60je-MoNh18fALUAtA5ruWaikpV6/s200/The+Nativity+Story+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Composer, Mychael Danna was a perfect choice given his work for several films that included ethnic, middle eastern, and ancient instruments. The music for this this film remains remarkably historically accurate for the most part.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUprfxY1IG9nxpsxVT2aUglSP7SLgmcC9DvHQwQZ7jfghxHi9zNWess6Jxd_-xEIxVgWfFWfkkoE1N2p4c8EqSxvFdB3rpRNlE53QxaDIRdxf1whzAmqMPa1Dp295vdjdTu8TzaUhK1CD7/s1600/The+Nativity+Story+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUprfxY1IG9nxpsxVT2aUglSP7SLgmcC9DvHQwQZ7jfghxHi9zNWess6Jxd_-xEIxVgWfFWfkkoE1N2p4c8EqSxvFdB3rpRNlE53QxaDIRdxf1whzAmqMPa1Dp295vdjdTu8TzaUhK1CD7/s200/The+Nativity+Story+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Danna utilizes several styles in the score. The first is his use of middle eastern instruments including the Persian Ney, Oud, Gamba, and even some Roman instruments which is all used to represent the people and locations of that time period. The second, is his use of Latin text, and Gregorian chanting, which is used to symbolize the religious aspects of the film. Danna also creates a tender orchestral theme for Mary who is feeling the burden but blessed responsibility of being the mother of God. On top of that, Danna also utilized several Christmas carols in the score including, The Coventry Carol, Silent Night, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Carol of the Bells. According to Danna he, "used medieval and renaissance instruments from the age of faith, when European culture was very strictly centered on the Nativity story and what it meant in everyday life."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8G2-bJrxJ-9Z-exGjT-NNCduexMPdcpe_8P7Az6zrqi0V-guR-tZ2Zu35aUKj1VEQdHdQfgvRtccq2NAz6CXS7dA9hk4R2-fZXXKyEQDNqPGbh1pxX4xgyaMk8DjFl4Sj4VYx9OwAG5x/s1600/The+Nativity+Story+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8G2-bJrxJ-9Z-exGjT-NNCduexMPdcpe_8P7Az6zrqi0V-guR-tZ2Zu35aUKj1VEQdHdQfgvRtccq2NAz6CXS7dA9hk4R2-fZXXKyEQDNqPGbh1pxX4xgyaMk8DjFl4Sj4VYx9OwAG5x/s200/The+Nativity+Story+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The album opens up with the Gregorian-esq version of the carol <i>Veni, Veni Emanuel</i> (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) and intoning church bells Eerie roman brass suddenly cuts it off, and the cue swings into heavy percussion and ethnic instrumentation which is used for the action material throughout the score.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3332625527" name="gsSong3332625527" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326255&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=33326255&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mychael%20Danna%20Silens%20Nox" title="Silens Nox by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark">Silens Nox by Mychael Danna on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
In the cue, <i>Nazareth, </i>a solo female vocal intones what sounds like a tribute to Mary with a harp as the accompaniment. The cue transforms into a blissful melody heard on a flute. <i> </i><br />
The carol, Silent Night, is performed by female vocals in Latin which is heard in the gorgeous cue, <i>Silens Nox </i>and text from the book of Isaiah is intoned in Hebrew heard in the cue, <i>Words of the Prophet. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6X8MnPGQqp945nU7XHVtN8llTUK3BXUuUpR82wtdl0XFrZxGYiCbcuWkAi-oAKGbb4ca3DyhwKu_4CzYs3z6fAV5RtTPmxp8-nxLDJVKzvK33ObrkhCnB7cK5ns4mOBugBnNHJJnnFzX/s1600/The+Nativity+Story+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6X8MnPGQqp945nU7XHVtN8llTUK3BXUuUpR82wtdl0XFrZxGYiCbcuWkAi-oAKGbb4ca3DyhwKu_4CzYs3z6fAV5RtTPmxp8-nxLDJVKzvK33ObrkhCnB7cK5ns4mOBugBnNHJJnnFzX/s200/The+Nativity+Story+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
However, the best climatic moment in the score takes place in the frantic cue, <i>Is There a Place for Us? </i>Fast paced percussion accompanies strings in which Carol of the Bells, is the driving melody. The cue changes to a epic choral and string statement as the "solemnity" overtakes the "frenetic" in the following cue, <i>A Star Shall Come Forth. </i>A tender female vocal starts the cue off, then is overtaken with a reverent choral and orchestral statement. The effect is most powerful. The cue, <i>Rosa Aeterna Floret, (We Rose In Bloom) </i>closes the album with solo female vocals performing the song in Latin.<br />
This score is very powerful and I highly recommend that you add it to your soundtrack and Christmas music collection. The music truly proclaims: Iesus Christus est natus!<br />
<br />
<i>"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us." - Matthew 1:23</i><br />
<br />
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Veni, Veni Emmanuel</i></li>
<li><i>Nazareth</i></li>
<li><i>The Journey</i></li>
<li><i>Is There A Place For Us?</i></li>
<li><i>A Star Shall Come Forth</i></li>
<li><i>Silens Nox</i></li>
</ul>
<b>Rating: ****1/2</b>Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-25233885773155743592013-11-05T15:30:00.001-08:002013-12-02T08:36:45.992-08:00Killing Two Birds With One Stone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmelBVr58Y4eUbQRRcxu_DB4dWVD5C1_4JAaGIQtin6E1N7jpRK0zVE69QB0vH9J314sA_AYAb0TTikcMbwCpT7AWQK3cYhr0mQ__PjvAlRvF4DFN0ksHQ6voMJ8dbW-VIhzwrS5vR_9Qh/s1600/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmelBVr58Y4eUbQRRcxu_DB4dWVD5C1_4JAaGIQtin6E1N7jpRK0zVE69QB0vH9J314sA_AYAb0TTikcMbwCpT7AWQK3cYhr0mQ__PjvAlRvF4DFN0ksHQ6voMJ8dbW-VIhzwrS5vR_9Qh/s200/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2995160584" name="gsSong2995160584" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=29951605&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=29951605&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Elmer%20Bernstein%20To%20Kill%20a%20Mockingbird" title="To Kill a Mockingbird by Elmer Bernstein on Grooveshark">To Kill a Mockingbird by Elmer Bernstein on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
Nostalgia is one word that appropriately summarizes the film, <i>To Kill A Mockingbird,</i> and the score composed by Elmer Bernstein.<br />
The 1962 film was based on the Pultzer prize book written by Harper Lee. It tells the the story of the racial prejudices of a small town when an African-American man is accused of rape, a crime worthy of death. A local attorney, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), takes up the man's case causing a huge stir of controversy in the townspeople. The story is seen through the innocent eyes of a young girl, Scout (Mary Badham), adding to the charm of this classic film.<br />
The music had to maintain a distinct sound of innocence and purity throughout the film and no other composer was more fit for the job than Bernstein.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFC-tFVx-LIquD78eBaez9yNu07EIM3csn0Xa_OS-vp7UzxA7scR0HzNPMrPMwzy6vB-fy-tE4geibMPxShW09J1kNyVd99_AaqrylyIOK_47e-wscDo8s0J6Y4MtipRcmgsp_TSD8-7G/s1600/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFC-tFVx-LIquD78eBaez9yNu07EIM3csn0Xa_OS-vp7UzxA7scR0HzNPMrPMwzy6vB-fy-tE4geibMPxShW09J1kNyVd99_AaqrylyIOK_47e-wscDo8s0J6Y4MtipRcmgsp_TSD8-7G/s200/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Having just scored two westerns several projects prior, Bernstein had to have a different mindset.<br />
The opening cue, <i>To Kill A Mockingbird, </i>starts off with a tender piano and flute solo then transitions to a melancholic orchestral theme. A jaunty orchestra begins begins the cue, <i>Atticus Accepts the Case/Roll I </i>with a rollicking theme introducing us to Scout's world.<br />
Some of the scarier material is heard in several cues later on. In <i>Tree Treasure, </i>Bernstein applies a pounding piano to increase the intensity and then suddenly breaks off into a mysterious theme heard on the strings and some underlying harps. The aggressive orchestra appears in the cues, <i>Lynch Mob </i>and <i>Assault In the Shadows </i>creating a suspenseful and almost uncomfortable sound to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJLbGGVAXBk5Doq-Q74f-Be7JIfOQhIEx9DnN-W970SRpiFBrq0BUi4HY-HhcrmDspUZY8e_rqlivMYcULVDMEFNMKIqSjK2mm5Yy_ZOzL4Z8THeeZQ4Q3H0djFNsxZUZJvfWSWDY0Yhp/s1600/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJLbGGVAXBk5Doq-Q74f-Be7JIfOQhIEx9DnN-W970SRpiFBrq0BUi4HY-HhcrmDspUZY8e_rqlivMYcULVDMEFNMKIqSjK2mm5Yy_ZOzL4Z8THeeZQ4Q3H0djFNsxZUZJvfWSWDY0Yhp/s200/To+Kill+A+Mockingbird+4.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
For another mysterious character, Boo, Bernstein masterfully created a subtle theme heard on the French accordion. The theme makes its most notable appearance in the cue, <i>Boo Who? </i>which transforms into a glorious reinstatement of Boo's theme heard on a solo violin with strings backing it up. It's truly the highlight of the score!<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2767944290" name="gsSong2767944290" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27679442&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27679442&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Elmer%20Bernstein%20Boo%20Who%3F" title="Boo Who? by Elmer Bernstein on Grooveshark">Boo Who? by Elmer Bernstein on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
For this classic work, Bernstein not only achieved a child-like innocence quality to the score, but he also creates a tender, nostalgic aspect thus killing two birds with one stone; but sparing another.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>To Kill A Mockingbird</i></li>
<li><i>Atticus Accepts the Case/Roll I</i></li>
<li><i>Boo Who?</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-7077136662668191932013-10-24T08:38:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:37:18.504-08:00Copperhead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oOgiXv-m-KGGJ6wj4zT3Wsy8dJjCzy0qF05obBHE1ZA0v7P-YHvJN6hf2wC5OBbJfVlEqW7pa4ooSXkwdigwS6WuSWybOSduSy31KEKPkx7LsBJ86WtQGY0qksG7J6h3Rd5fsv6dvDP7/s1600/Copperhead.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oOgiXv-m-KGGJ6wj4zT3Wsy8dJjCzy0qF05obBHE1ZA0v7P-YHvJN6hf2wC5OBbJfVlEqW7pa4ooSXkwdigwS6WuSWybOSduSy31KEKPkx7LsBJ86WtQGY0qksG7J6h3Rd5fsv6dvDP7/s200/Copperhead.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937197866" name="gsSong3937197866" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371978&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371978&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Laurent%20Eyquem%20Track%206" title="Track 6 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark">Track 6 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Copperhead</i> is a period drama about a family who is torn apart during the Civil War when the son runs off to join the war against the pacifist family's wishes. The film was directed by Ron Maxwell, who had also directed the Civil War epics, <i>Gods and Generals</i> and <i>Gettysburg</i>. For both previous projects he choose several unknown and obscure composers.This film was no exception.<br />
Laurent Eyquem is a French-born composer who had only worked on several smaller-scale French productions. Hopefully his time of obscurity is over.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0txhUmEAx5yCmLOGFn6aaXC6d_28aoUaFxfCEobkMHNsLPOLkslIcIA_0AZ3qSgjQtQVyLjDC-HGS2zuYbBJiyQlhaE5eJJrFg55zmu9kZ824hYUKzkOL8SLacF08jLuvN8ajACzSANgZ/s1600/Copperhead+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0txhUmEAx5yCmLOGFn6aaXC6d_28aoUaFxfCEobkMHNsLPOLkslIcIA_0AZ3qSgjQtQVyLjDC-HGS2zuYbBJiyQlhaE5eJJrFg55zmu9kZ824hYUKzkOL8SLacF08jLuvN8ajACzSANgZ/s200/Copperhead+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The music for Copperhead is lush classically written concert-like score. According to Eyquem that approach was chosen because he wanted to convey "three core ideas- emotion, melody, and subtly". He successfully achieves all three. The music melodies are really emotional and don't go over-the-top, but instead remain subtle and harmonious.<br />
The main theme (<i>Copperhead- Main Title)</i> is a piano laden cue with a supporting fiddle and string accompaniment.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bjfLBIYJTt-Jv9zjgkK0NmNqBSPsabHYF7Y2E9toeuGBsKoXg0QSC66ymHN3wwjO31ZroS2XJClofA4PjnP3CtIex1860M9tgoOtSXqHJSldMXlzhxTPPuUTDoZhG7y3xqkOhjZWCRLM/s1600/Copperhead+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bjfLBIYJTt-Jv9zjgkK0NmNqBSPsabHYF7Y2E9toeuGBsKoXg0QSC66ymHN3wwjO31ZroS2XJClofA4PjnP3CtIex1860M9tgoOtSXqHJSldMXlzhxTPPuUTDoZhG7y3xqkOhjZWCRLM/s200/Copperhead+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937197799" name="gsSong3937197799" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371977&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39371977&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Laurent%20Eyquem%20Track%207" title="Track 7 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark">Track 7 by Laurent Eyquem on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object> Another cue, <i>The Enlistment, </i>takes a militaristic approach with a snare drum and trumpet then the piano and fiddle take over and the cue slows down. The cello is used in several lush cues, <i>Ni Goes South </i>and <i>The World Turned Upside Down, </i>being the two most notable. In the short cue, <i>They Are Coming Tonight, </i>a beautiful ethereal piano plays over desponding strings while in contrast, the cue; <i>Sunday Morning, </i>is driven by playful strings pushing the score along with greater tenacity.<br />
<i>The Dev'l Among The Tailors </i>is a jaunty fiddle piece performed brilliantly by the Barn Dance Musicians which adds to the period feel of the score.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8bvyztPhySNQhHTRx3Tiu_ANB_xauWXdEDxcJq843NE52dE8weNbPzIpKhNMFivlgyU9igx0QfcZt0AP8Z5wT_J8ymNyapFIU2QUBO-WMrQuhEX4D8FJPTJgaiu_fyKTkuHG_uBijzYu/s1600/Copperhead+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8bvyztPhySNQhHTRx3Tiu_ANB_xauWXdEDxcJq843NE52dE8weNbPzIpKhNMFivlgyU9igx0QfcZt0AP8Z5wT_J8ymNyapFIU2QUBO-WMrQuhEX4D8FJPTJgaiu_fyKTkuHG_uBijzYu/s200/Copperhead+3.jpg" width="200" /></a>The album ends with a contemporary song, <i>Slumber My Darling, </i>tenderly<i> </i>performed by Marcus Bently. The song is atmospheric while a fiddle appears here and there. Throughout the cue an ethereal piano and several guitars drone on as well.<br />
The score as a whole is a really mellow, albeit melody-driven score. The album may drag a bit near the end given it's lack of thematic material, but Eyquem has masterfully created a suitable period score. I'm eager to see what he comes up with in the near future.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>A Poor Beggar In This World/The Mill</i></li>
<li><i>The World Turned Upside Down</i></li>
<li><i>Reunion</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ***1/2 </b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-18686497807416400652013-10-21T16:57:00.002-07:002013-11-05T15:37:54.612-08:00Romeo and Juliet: Love At First Listen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER0jRYCoS7PbKBi0RkHOt7LoJRzyjJbZORBHuM84-w1cISq-PJ-5UOmW7TK0fWrrMVxjdngT79gTQFcsHOAi_m2l0gbNXN-2cR_KTTZf9O6XzCLJtq96M9CrsU2VPd-dSTwmDs1-2rElY/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhER0jRYCoS7PbKBi0RkHOt7LoJRzyjJbZORBHuM84-w1cISq-PJ-5UOmW7TK0fWrrMVxjdngT79gTQFcsHOAi_m2l0gbNXN-2cR_KTTZf9O6XzCLJtq96M9CrsU2VPd-dSTwmDs1-2rElY/s200/Romeo+and+Juliet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Why then, O
brawling love! O loving hate!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">O any thing,
of nothing first create!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">O heavy
lightness, serious vanity,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Misshapen
chaos of well-seeming forms,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Feather of
lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Still-waking
sleep, that is not what it is! This love feel I, that feel no love in this.”
</i>-William Shakespeare (From the book Romeo and Juliet)</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If thou hast
read the sprawling text above, then thou may as well knowest that they convey
my deep feelings of affection for this tragically gorgeous work of musical art.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="72" scrolling="no" src="//mycloudplayers.com/track/?u=http://soundcloud.com/scorerevolution/romeo-and-juliet-forbidden&theme=d" width="100%"></iframe>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 2013
movie was yet, another remake of the Shakespearean classic; <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Polish
composer, Abel Korzeniowski was chosen to take on this project. Korzeniowski is
still, as of yet, a somewhat obscure composer having only composed for a few
projects (<i>A Single Man</i>, <i>W.E.</i>, <i>Copernicus' Star</i>, etc.).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeH-gwQA56I02h5PHMA1iFJXvyxBv07tiSJg_vpED0f2IodEV40AlFyKNADqXvzo-usRtfY7Kag-LKGYEo1RFX-d8bfkORHP_nFX1D0McmsE-yPHZG5Wf7p_j0xveLc5yByuwmCPcGtcw/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeH-gwQA56I02h5PHMA1iFJXvyxBv07tiSJg_vpED0f2IodEV40AlFyKNADqXvzo-usRtfY7Kag-LKGYEo1RFX-d8bfkORHP_nFX1D0McmsE-yPHZG5Wf7p_j0xveLc5yByuwmCPcGtcw/s200/Romeo+and+Juliet+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The album is
infused with classical </span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">Shakespearean</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> sounding orchestra, wordless soaring female
vocals, and heartbreaking piano arpeggios heard in the cues, </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">The Cheek of Night</i><span style="line-height: 115%;">, </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">Trooping With Crows</i><span style="line-height: 115%;">, and
</span><i style="line-height: 115%;">Juliet's Dream </i><span style="line-height: 115%;">most </span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">notably</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The main
love theme heard in the cue, <i>First Kiss</i>, is a tragic piano theme with a
crescendo underscore of strings. An organic sounding violin theme comes to play
in the 6 minute cue, <i>A Thousand Times Good Night</i>, as the strings and a piano
bellows dramatically in the background. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Several cues
seem to pay composer Patrick Doyle laud, given he worked on several Shakespeare
films (<i>Henry V</i>, <i>Hamlet</i>, <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i>, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The real
moving female vocals are heard in the cue, <i>Wedding Vows</i>. After that the real
thematic material starts in the following cue, <i>Fortunes Fool.</i> Frenetic
percussion supports the fast-paced strings and wordless choir creating a sense
of foreboding while the organic sounding violin is heard once again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8XQpsE_aijZC_5qhPuUvoxV92GRDwpprXJ8PpGhCVe9EvNZB6E5EjniT3z6NGs5yvABlSYrGmx7-1r9minwcVfeKHIXg24JcoCLwC9IGs1qAcVMng_KewRTA80SKhg8-fyD5HrD0eOZ/s1600/Romeo+and+Juliet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0t8XQpsE_aijZC_5qhPuUvoxV92GRDwpprXJ8PpGhCVe9EvNZB6E5EjniT3z6NGs5yvABlSYrGmx7-1r9minwcVfeKHIXg24JcoCLwC9IGs1qAcVMng_KewRTA80SKhg8-fyD5HrD0eOZ/s200/Romeo+and+Juliet+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The darker
material is heard in the cues, <i>The Crypt Parts 1</i> and <i>2</i> <b>*spoiler alert*</b> as the love-laden couple dies together (But we already knew that was going to happen, so it isn't much of a spoiler, right?).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The theme is
then gloriously revised, choir and all, in the final cue, <i>Eternal Love</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In closing,
is this one of the best soundtracks alone? No, but it is one of the best I've
heard for any score accompanying a Shakespearean film. Korzeniowski did not
only do what he was supposed to do, but even better!</span></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="72" scrolling="no" src="//mycloudplayers.com/track/?u=http://soundcloud.com/scorerevolution/romeo-and-juliet-fortunes-fool&theme=d" width="100%"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>“Did
my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till
this night.”</i> -</span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">William Shakespeare (From the book Romeo and Juliet)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><b>Best Cue(s)</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><i>First Kiss</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><i>A Thousand Times Goodnight</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><i>Trooping With Crows</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><i>Wedding Vows</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><i>Eternal Love</i></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.5px;"><b>Rating: ****1/2</b></span></span></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-81984305809749955762013-10-14T17:32:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:39:00.688-08:00Three Heart Racing Scores for 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_AdiBr8iToLNZlmAJMZpdRhQBRaybVGPfeXC858qVEkmMjJr9tzyiXcmPzfNjV-ERHAQDRt9Ga1G3D2EYtDagiCl9V-ujqdt5-wjb9VpoUfbMy2sU7pkF5TCNmmXEpRftRJ9IloXUN9W/s1600/Racing+Scores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_AdiBr8iToLNZlmAJMZpdRhQBRaybVGPfeXC858qVEkmMjJr9tzyiXcmPzfNjV-ERHAQDRt9Ga1G3D2EYtDagiCl9V-ujqdt5-wjb9VpoUfbMy2sU7pkF5TCNmmXEpRftRJ9IloXUN9W/s200/Racing+Scores.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2013 has been the year of racing movies! One about a 1970's English man, the other about a dust-cropper Plane, and the another about....a snail.....with superpowers. Normally, rock music is associated with the racing genre, but not so much in the case of these three.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The evolution of racing scores started in some respects with George Brun's score for Disney's; <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwfIpCQ2TC0" target="_blank">The Love Bug</a></i>. The music was more of a quirky, off kilter, goofy tune (One has to wonder what caused the style of racing scores to change?).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Several other notable racing scores include; <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP1ZxypOIec&list=PL5C46DD8CF34FB426" target="_blank">Death Race</a>, </i>by Paul Haslinger which was an abrasive rock laden album, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ4-ZqnP56I" target="_blank">Speed Racer</a> </i>by Michael Giacchino which was a frenetic, brass laden score, as well as, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW-wrO84wuQ" target="_blank">Fast & Furious</a> </i>by Bryan Tyler which was a brass AND heavy rock laden score. The albums mentioned above are all OK scores but they aren't all that original. The three 2013 entries surpass them all. Here are my snippet reviews of those releases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Planes</i> - Mark Mancina</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3952692266" name="gsSong3952692266" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mark%20Mancina%20Planes" title="Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark">Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(I have already reviewed this gem of a score, composed by Mark Mancina, and it can be read, <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/08/planes.html" target="_blank">here.</a>)<br />
<b>Rating: *****</b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Rush</i> - Hans Zimmer</span></div>
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Rush is a unique score. The main theme is heard on a solo stringed instrument (Cello, I think?) with abrasive synth for the background. The theme is then transformed into a glorious triumphant brass statement (Heard in the cues, <i>1976 </i>and <i>Lost, But Won</i>). The rest of the score is contemporary rock-esq music and pounding synth percussion beats with a few 1970's style cues for the purpose of the film's setting. Despite that, the score stands out, not because of the music themes, but because it doesn't sound like a Hans Zimmer score. It actually is more of a different style and unlike any Zimmer score that I have heard in a long time. I would definitely list this as a break-out score for Zimmer fans to listen to. Is it his best? No, probably not, but it's great to hear an original score come from Zimmer for a change!</div>
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<b><br /></b><b>Best Cue(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>1976</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Lost, But Not Won</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>My Best Enemy</i></li>
</ul>
<i><b>Rating: ***1/2</b></i><div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Turbo</i> - Henry Jackman</span></div>
<div>
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I have got to wonder what the filmmakers were thinking. "Let's make a racing movie....about one of the slowest creatures on earth! How exciting would that be?!"</div>
<div>
OK, so the movie IS about a snail that has the superpower of speed....AND gets to compete in the Indy-500 racing against humans. I'll give them one thing......it's creative........I guess.</div>
<div>
The score, composed by Henry Jackman is a hybrid orchestral score with a small mix of dubstep.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6MqApYkWgE6SQgDHJ6GYmWxV1zw593eGquD1_j7ke6b1F_mrXvZu2hew007sj_P705YOfJXa51TY1df13YrEkDjkiUNAu9ikXVhw43LO4BExD_dpvcJlGYJTgmkIrdSccRiXobWp6NfV/s1600/Turbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6MqApYkWgE6SQgDHJ6GYmWxV1zw593eGquD1_j7ke6b1F_mrXvZu2hew007sj_P705YOfJXa51TY1df13YrEkDjkiUNAu9ikXVhw43LO4BExD_dpvcJlGYJTgmkIrdSccRiXobWp6NfV/s200/Turbo.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's great music albiet, rather short. Unfortunately, being a Dreamworks album, the score is mixed with a bunch of really lame pop/rock/dubstep/rap songs that are quite un-listenable. (I think I just made that word up?) </div>
<div>
What little score cues that are left in the album are a blast to listen to. Jackman created a contemporary and rather bold brass/percussion statement for the racing material, and has a soft solo piano/string theme for the more emotional content. The dubstep isn't overboard, but is done tastefully and is nicely blended with the orchestral content. The final cue may be a bit abrasive and hard to listen to, but transforms into a fabulous finale of Turbo's racing theme.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Best Cue(s)</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><i>Meet the Competition </i></li>
<li><i>Indianapolis</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With the three racing scores represented here, originality seems to be the key factor. They are all unique in their own way and (almost) never fail to inspire and entertain the listener. The scores are thrilling and all together, heart racing which, in that case, may seem a little unoriginal. However, that's a cliche that will never get old!</span></div>
</div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-71392767695404327252013-10-01T13:41:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:39:56.581-08:00Animal Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHSyYLNmz-g5VPKjTW5PAlsLA_EDabGay2ho3ivtOJG8O-yyK6MBREJ_Fy8J2nzkyunGBhjelZZtftFLkegJGGdxx-Dx6fc7-5cocbUp7kVRTWxhR6yGuExRldhR5i9T5FZ-ZoRzQqrOk/s1600/Animal+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHSyYLNmz-g5VPKjTW5PAlsLA_EDabGay2ho3ivtOJG8O-yyK6MBREJ_Fy8J2nzkyunGBhjelZZtftFLkegJGGdxx-Dx6fc7-5cocbUp7kVRTWxhR6yGuExRldhR5i9T5FZ-ZoRzQqrOk/s200/Animal+Farm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Animal Farm was a television film adapted by Hallmark
Entertainment from George Orwell's book. The story follows regular barnyard
animals who revolt against their human owners and end up in a worse tyrannical
predicament than they were before. The score was composed by underrated maestro and one of my
favorite composers, Richard Harvey.<br />
The score primarily has lots of big, over-the-top themes as only Harvey, himself could do. The main theme as heard in the cue, <i>Storm of Judgement/Main Title</i>, is a loud, courageous, and somewhat tragic sounding, brass statement backed up with powerful percussion. There is bits of synth heard as well, but doesn't lower the quality of the theme at all. The synth reappears throughout the score but is very subtle and keeps an eerie feeling to the cues.<br />
The cue <i>Dumb Animals, </i>is more of a lighthearted cue played on the woodwinds and creates and somewhat bumbly feeling balancing out the intense dramatic music to come.<br />
Harvey gives us a taste of his epic action material heard in the cue, <i>The Battle of the Barn</i>. The ferocious brass plays against intense cacophonic percussion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1EHxfQ0gJelUtLLcSL-70YNiCp9ae7Zbe8B1bhnRip76u0yw2w0Q-u-IPgN-XvPolCoPLIKSmhKSqYdyddFEl9-bLljR-P3RTp1nvsSEGr6lXYNPcQYAz76uA3FH1nab-MUlSqwA2ng4/s1600/Animal+Farm+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1EHxfQ0gJelUtLLcSL-70YNiCp9ae7Zbe8B1bhnRip76u0yw2w0Q-u-IPgN-XvPolCoPLIKSmhKSqYdyddFEl9-bLljR-P3RTp1nvsSEGr6lXYNPcQYAz76uA3FH1nab-MUlSqwA2ng4/s200/Animal+Farm+2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
Going back to the book, the story itself, was written as an allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917. The author, George Orwell took quite a crazy idea and made the unrealistic, realistic and in that way, contrast the political events taking place in Russia at the time to a group of barnyard animals that talk. It essentially, exploited the pitfalls of Communism.<br />
It's quite interesting, however, listening to some of the songs on the album with that in mind. Did I mention there are songs? In the album, there are several songs performed by the cast themselves. A bold Russian anthem is heard in the Cue, <i>Beasts of the World, </i>based on the lyrics from Orwell's novel.<i> </i>The lyrics as heard in the film, are as follows:<br />
<i>Beasts of the world we shall unite,</i><br />
<i>Rise up and ready for the fight!</i><br />
<i>Soon or late the day will be,</i><br />
<i>When men's defeated and we are free!</i><br />
<i>Soon or late the day will be,</i><br />
<i>When men's defeated and we are free!</i><br />
<i>Though our lives be as lives full of misery,</i><br />
<i>our limbs be tired of war.</i><br />
<i>Our dreams will not be broken,</i><br />
<i>and our hearts will not be torn!</i><br />
<i>Our dreams will not be broken,</i><br />
<i>and our hearts will not be torn!</i><br />
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See what I mean? Can someone say C-O-M-M-U-N-I-S-M?<br />
Several other anthems are heard cues, namely, <i>Glorious Leader Napoleon</i>, and <i>The Song of Grateful Duck. </i>The later cue reaches intense operatic levels!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCvPOnAfJZUnL2WYFObu_qX8JPcym5M8Ewe4JsbNEIDDc1JASsZw9mj8wH6sHJc-6ezcZCSNqwu3iPbBryHAw2qG7Rjn4CwQ3NCoMTYQ_kqTnS6s1TbShfFiJVKdLQBpIGUbXd66-lJJ4/s1600/Animal+Farm+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCvPOnAfJZUnL2WYFObu_qX8JPcym5M8Ewe4JsbNEIDDc1JASsZw9mj8wH6sHJc-6ezcZCSNqwu3iPbBryHAw2qG7Rjn4CwQ3NCoMTYQ_kqTnS6s1TbShfFiJVKdLQBpIGUbXd66-lJJ4/s200/Animal+Farm+3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
The two final cues on the album, <i>We Were Never Free, </i>and <i>End Titles</i> are very hopeful but have a tragic key to them as the main them is heard one final time.<br />
Can someone say T-R-A-G-E-D-Y?<br />
Harvey's score is a blatant heroic and somewhat depressing at times, orchestral work.<br />
If you can get over the idea of barnyard animals singing Russian anthems, then I highly recommend this score.<br />
It's all you ever need to know, should YOUR barnyard ever try to revolt!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Track(s)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Storm of Judgement/Main Title</i></li>
<li><i>The Battle of the Barn </i></li>
<li><i>We Were Never Free</i></li>
<li><i>Old Major's Last Words/Beasts of the World</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating:****1/2</b></div>
</div>
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Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-22464471668618127422013-09-09T10:42:00.002-07:002013-11-05T15:40:11.833-08:00Zimmer's Lone Ranger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_tE-elN5TYbKdEUzQwc84a9wmFH4PLMQEybe0RWVcntK2WB7EMQhyphenhyphenCw8URpOJEoVkjR1VAW2ELmNShwjYTFlWB-jCUMjWrpZvuabe3U255fM4x1CCziZh8i40ReGIRVjSvVcUaL5-Z1O/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_tE-elN5TYbKdEUzQwc84a9wmFH4PLMQEybe0RWVcntK2WB7EMQhyphenhyphenCw8URpOJEoVkjR1VAW2ELmNShwjYTFlWB-jCUMjWrpZvuabe3U255fM4x1CCziZh8i40ReGIRVjSvVcUaL5-Z1O/s200/The+Lone+Ranger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i>The Lone Ranger</i> score by Hans Zimmer is full of surprises. Good ones.<br />
The movie itself, is a remake of the older classic Lone Ranger TV episodes, but is more of a grittier/humorous story. It stars Johnny Depp, Arnie Hammer, Helen Bonham Carter, and....oh yeah, a horse. Moving on......<br />
Zimmer starts the album right off with blast of dramatic violin music in the cue<i>, Never Take Off The Mask, </i>which is a beautiful melody in of itself.<br />
In the following cue, <i>Absurdity, </i>the music switches to an off-kilter flute arpeggio and a quirky<i> </i>theme with several acoustic instruments including a banjo. The heroic main theme is introduced which is a heroic, big western, orchestral motif.<br />
Next, the horse, who's name is Silver, gets a theme. The cue is titled appropriately, Silver<i> </i>and the theme is hails from an Irish folk song, "<i>After the Battle of Aughrim" </i>It is played majestically on a gorgeous, soaring violin solo Immediately following is the cue, <i>Ride </i>which is a traditional "spaghetti western" cue; trumpets, guitars and all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV2zHLu8kTDbq4DtCY81YE4tMEIYd-uFVcVFTbI2h4fQmlAFhZGWvFe1rI4ZNhXNhgB24OB_p_amCbdWfzMJFOrgGKUbrXcfkUHgNnvbtc26P2iKBvaa2K28ood13lGDxzP29kQzSwqB5/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV2zHLu8kTDbq4DtCY81YE4tMEIYd-uFVcVFTbI2h4fQmlAFhZGWvFe1rI4ZNhXNhgB24OB_p_amCbdWfzMJFOrgGKUbrXcfkUHgNnvbtc26P2iKBvaa2K28ood13lGDxzP29kQzSwqB5/s200/The+Lone+Ranger+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937068651" name="gsSong3937068651" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370686&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370686&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20For%20God%20and%20for%20Country" title="For God and for Country by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">For God and for Country by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Some of the grittier material is heard in the darker cues, <i>You've Looked Better, </i>and <i>You're Just A Man In A Mask. </i>They maintain the classic "Hans Zimmer sound" with abrasive percussion and bombastic synth.<br />
The cue, <i>Red's Theatre of the Absurd, </i>is a mischevious and goofy theme backed up by trumpets, plucked acoustics, and the unmistakable honky-tonk piano. It's another fun, off-kilter theme and may be annoying to some, while enjoyable to others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp6lLAFjKjcQZJh2PwnLL7_3tTzAX3XHGMuk3cfirgGcF0RgIbil8iweRVg2k2t05NyU1K9RfgxsNXCmo3JuGK93yRwLBq5kwc4eWWOgCfLnvQqe7VzNHolGRIYbzJ_qLaqRp1lX2TvSf/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsp6lLAFjKjcQZJh2PwnLL7_3tTzAX3XHGMuk3cfirgGcF0RgIbil8iweRVg2k2t05NyU1K9RfgxsNXCmo3JuGK93yRwLBq5kwc4eWWOgCfLnvQqe7VzNHolGRIYbzJ_qLaqRp1lX2TvSf/s200/The+Lone+Ranger+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The action material is heard in several of the cues namely, <i>The Railroad Waits For No One, </i>and most impressively in, <i>For God and Country. </i>The motif is a heroic orchestral frenzy with Zimmer's typical banging percussion. The cue bursts into a glorious choral theme bringing the track from amazing to epic! (Yes, I love choral music, is it <i>that</i> obvious?) Something interesting of note is that in the cue, <i>For God and Country, </i>Zimmer actually adds a subtle sound effect from an old locomotive chugging. Given the movie is somewhat about trains, it was a brilliant move on the composers part. Listen closely to the track and you will hear it. Sheer genius!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJSf6GvlsVSAvAz9xjm7-9VMp7RkWMLc1KJX-AyA4Dwli_hA9XNzbmTd9MvO-TF6kfYg9POnSIEVFhXm9q1hyphenhyphenKRmTOaJ5lIre9FTOPp7sDr-7KavBeFUQvWFrwtJiVzsR6wjRTCAITrKE/s1600/The+Lone+Ranger+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJSf6GvlsVSAvAz9xjm7-9VMp7RkWMLc1KJX-AyA4Dwli_hA9XNzbmTd9MvO-TF6kfYg9POnSIEVFhXm9q1hyphenhyphenKRmTOaJ5lIre9FTOPp7sDr-7KavBeFUQvWFrwtJiVzsR6wjRTCAITrKE/s200/The+Lone+Ranger+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3937071080" name="gsSong3937071080" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370710&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39370710&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Hans%20Zimmer%20Finale" title="Finale by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark">Finale by Hans Zimmer on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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The cue, <i>Finale </i>is the grand climax of the score and it isn't Zimmer's music. Instead, Zimmer had fellow media ventures composer, Geoff Zanelli re-arranged a 9 minute version of the <i>William Tell Overture. </i>It isn't identical to the original piece, and has some of Zimmer's and Zanelli's own special quality in it. The style is more of a grittier, grander, western romp. The main theme and Silver's theme is incorporated into the cue in all it's grandeur and is worth listening to in it's entirety.<br />
The final cue which is titled, <i>Home, </i>which has a melancholic, nostalgic, and satisfying feeling to it.<br />
This score is definitely one of Zimmer's better recent projects and comes highly recommended. <br />
<br />
<b>Best Track(s)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>For God and Country </b>(Ok, so maybe it is obvious that I'm partial to choral music...)</i></li>
<li><i><b>Silver (</b>Yes, definitely my all time favorite horse theme!)</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ****</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-17062480136385924562013-09-05T12:53:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:40:50.872-08:00Trinity Score Is The Bomb!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUwjQLLDwK6-efp_Y9KxwlYmD8iATJnfEH3UnJP4pHOk5wba73J6xE9qXa8kTlySwRpMHEr7IKygOIEs3945kSsqr2c3dvI0jf0DAhPUY66FavN0gOOSZ_qedCN8hq-UqKc7uH0L-bPLW/s1600/Trinity+and+Beyond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUwjQLLDwK6-efp_Y9KxwlYmD8iATJnfEH3UnJP4pHOk5wba73J6xE9qXa8kTlySwRpMHEr7IKygOIEs3945kSsqr2c3dvI0jf0DAhPUY66FavN0gOOSZ_qedCN8hq-UqKc7uH0L-bPLW/s200/Trinity+and+Beyond.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2696697490" name="gsSong2696697490" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26966974&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26966974&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=William%20Stromberg%20China%20Gets%20the%20Bomb" title="China Gets the Bomb by William Stromberg on Grooveshark">China Gets the Bomb by William Stromberg on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Trinity and Beyond</i> is the bomb. No, really......it is.<br />
<i>Trinity and Beyond </i>was a fascinating documentary made in 1995 about the history of the atomic bomb. The film garnered some immediate attention by hiring William Shatner (One of the main characters from the Star Trek series), to do the narrating.<br />
The music is composed by William Stromberg, a conductor who hailed from a family of filmmakers.<br />
This score is what I call a hidden gem. The score and even the composer himself are both pretty obscure but are totally worth the search in the end. It's like hitting a gold mine! (Get it? "Gold mine" and "Hidden Gem"? Ok, Ok moving on....)<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2696689329" name="gsSong2696689329" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26966893&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=26966893&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=William%20Stromberg%20Monument%20Site%20%2F%20100%20Tons%20of%20TNT" title="Monument Site / 100 Tons of TNT by William Stromberg on Grooveshark">Monument Site / 100 Tons of TNT by William Stromberg on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FVIo6ABVs532BBvITWLw2aDiywXpPd1ykofYD8Mb71nnrZOLHi97FaGaPUYdj5HGi8YBfLZQvDw8iMJ1ZX6Z39WjXGJEKrAXgrOeQORqcv6WNTZaZEqyo4yxoQ0fbkFJQn5vXZojOerk/s1600/Trinity+and+Beyond+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FVIo6ABVs532BBvITWLw2aDiywXpPd1ykofYD8Mb71nnrZOLHi97FaGaPUYdj5HGi8YBfLZQvDw8iMJ1ZX6Z39WjXGJEKrAXgrOeQORqcv6WNTZaZEqyo4yxoQ0fbkFJQn5vXZojOerk/s200/Trinity+and+Beyond+5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTLcTCztw24qmEb4ptnUIOLWeouLCpf3SNFxyMbZBI5S1Y3KKnitF_VEx5Fir0EyFG2TlLlmJYgd3MTweBtR_uj7AhOyQIJe8b9weeHhbbrwCobrnUN4NkgG_W_KRpW1Isrwd3K6rrLT3/s1600/Trinity+and+Beyond+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTLcTCztw24qmEb4ptnUIOLWeouLCpf3SNFxyMbZBI5S1Y3KKnitF_VEx5Fir0EyFG2TlLlmJYgd3MTweBtR_uj7AhOyQIJe8b9weeHhbbrwCobrnUN4NkgG_W_KRpW1Isrwd3K6rrLT3/s200/Trinity+and+Beyond+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Since the movie is about atomic bombs, Stromberg need to create a massive, foreboding, armageddon-esq sound. One need only listen through the first track, <i>Monument Site/100 Tons of TNT</i>, to realize that it was accomplished. The first cue is haunting with subtle underlying purcussion, when all brass breaks lose in almost a siren-like motif and then suddenly stops and a Russian sounding choirs starts up. Their tune is solemn, reverant, and pays homage to the entire film. It's a spectacular way to begin this atomic score!<br />
The entire album sounds like a a golden age score with classic orchestral sounding cues, and "choir intonings" here and there.<br />
The highlight of the album is found in the two cues, <i>Hiroshima/Nagasaki Requiem </i>and the final cue, <i>China Gets The Bomb. </i>Both cues start off with an oriental motif then suddenly breaks off into a furious choral/brass theme.<br />
Overall, Stromberg really blew this project through the roof (See what I did there?) with his suspenseful, bombastic (And there?) score. It's plain old-fashioned action.....and it's a total blast........literally........!<br />
<br />
<b>Best Track(s)</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Monument Site/100 Tons of TNT</i></b></li>
<li><i><b>China Gets The Bomb</b></i></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: ***1/2</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-36275858129058156582013-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:41:15.412-08:00Planes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjQ-dhYzfhoXahjpepQzLADqhylBA0zSRsfLgCnT5qtcGBU8HuAPsc_YmovkIUwFgyGFfkLnNnisE3BCSzGyze7i0jryK-oV8BsJdJvv6l-AvyNR89wWJ7pfkhkwUaPJ8KLgXFgTyHBhN/s1600/Planes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjQ-dhYzfhoXahjpepQzLADqhylBA0zSRsfLgCnT5qtcGBU8HuAPsc_YmovkIUwFgyGFfkLnNnisE3BCSzGyze7i0jryK-oV8BsJdJvv6l-AvyNR89wWJ7pfkhkwUaPJ8KLgXFgTyHBhN/s200/Planes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong395269225" name="gsSong395269225" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526922&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mark%20Mancina%20Planes" title="Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark">Planes by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Composer, Mark Mancina returns! After an extended hiatus, he returns to score an.......animated planes film?!<br />
To set the record straight, <i>Planes</i> is not a Pixar film. It's from above the world of Pixar's film Cars, but is a Disney flick, not Pixar's. However, <i>Planes</i> boasted of having the same humor, wit, and creativity of a Pixar film, but having seen the film, it falls short of that unfortunately.<br />
Mark Mancina, has been a long time composer and was especially popular in the 90s for his fast paced synthy thriller scores.<br />
For <i>Planes</i>, Mancina composes a classic Americana style score which is reminiscent of his past works but with a little more good old-fashioned fun.<br />
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</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qxP9GR5kiKYzYX5P_vxSZ7yXux-W_TATCts3edrPSlaB_IfHyRkYYJQNBJC5ZBjr1ovxnj5Dse-lFCrGABAsu18MepgC1SeswCVCovBPIrTDPmjfUo5nbpUq_svy-63vlrBO8Elfk_YD/s1600/Planes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qxP9GR5kiKYzYX5P_vxSZ7yXux-W_TATCts3edrPSlaB_IfHyRkYYJQNBJC5ZBjr1ovxnj5Dse-lFCrGABAsu18MepgC1SeswCVCovBPIrTDPmjfUo5nbpUq_svy-63vlrBO8Elfk_YD/s200/Planes+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>The album opens with three contemporary pop/rock songs. They are skip-able unless you enjoyed them in the film itself. They are followed by the main titles in the cue, <i>Planes </i>as heard on the popular trailer<i>. </i>It's a triumphant brass themed tune heavily influence by the heavy percussion although it's still obvious that Mancina relies on his synth and still maintains his 1990s method of scoring.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRusrtDzrZruxDlDu_YGg1pBuJKCSOlbizz9a9AuSFRqGe_proY9NEMrPXPnfnmsn7-i78u7PcAH1fpqw7mBoe4U2wi6OUMrPobZ3tlFbCnGUM6k7eJj81_SYJXGRfnNes9fUS9nCBjyS/s1600/Planes+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRusrtDzrZruxDlDu_YGg1pBuJKCSOlbizz9a9AuSFRqGe_proY9NEMrPXPnfnmsn7-i78u7PcAH1fpqw7mBoe4U2wi6OUMrPobZ3tlFbCnGUM6k7eJj81_SYJXGRfnNes9fUS9nCBjyS/s200/Planes+5.jpg" width="200" /></a>There are also various ethnic influences throughout the score. For the character Ishani, Mancina uses Indian tinged music which sound remarkably similar to Mychael Danna's score for <i>The Life of Pi. </i>It's heard most notably in the cue, <i>Dusty & Ishani</i>. For the character, El Chupicabra, Manicina reverts to Latin themed songs. The Spanish guitar is used in several of those cues. Near the end of the album there is a song titled,<i>Love Machine, </i>which starts out as a typical pop song but sunddenly transitions to a Spanish mariachi band styled song. That is because during that time, El Chupicabra is trying to win the heart of a Canadian racer, Rochelle as the actor of El Chupercabra (<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carlos
Alazraqui),</span></span> performs it. It's serious fun to listen to!<br />
Also among those are several other characters which have great themes.<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong3952683391" name="gsSong3952683391" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526833&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="45"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=39526833&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Mark%20Mancina%20Skipper's%20Story" title="Skipper's Story by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark">Skipper's Story by Mark Mancina on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object> The antagonist, Ripslinger is given a hybrid theme mingled with orchestra and electric guitars while Skipper, a war hero in the film, is given a full choral treatment (Although his theme is known in the album as Volo Pro Veritas). Skipper is also given a simple orchestra war theme, which is heard in the cue, <i>Skipper's Story.</i> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExpoczQm5fi9h9KjZB-9mktAQq6Xr5j8RrHZo9bZwjnFnttAMAijOwdupXkF1Qynw21Zm4sB3UwEHm9iwxO5ypzqa4dADblyisSGx6K_hYq8n50x-nR2UKnthyphenhyphenLA5ryy4krs_As42h04d/s1600/Planes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExpoczQm5fi9h9KjZB-9mktAQq6Xr5j8RrHZo9bZwjnFnttAMAijOwdupXkF1Qynw21Zm4sB3UwEHm9iwxO5ypzqa4dADblyisSGx6K_hYq8n50x-nR2UKnthyphenhyphenLA5ryy4krs_As42h04d/s200/Planes+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The main character, Dusty is given a classic soaring orchestra/acoustic theme which contrasts Ripslinger's theme and has the perfect "bad guy vs good guy" sound to it.<br />
Another German band themed song performed by some of the Planes cast is clever, but repetitive<i> </i>(Titled, <i>Ein Crop Duster Can Race</i>). Also as an extra bonus, there is a short western styled cue titled, <i>Armadillo.</i><br />
In the end, Mancina has created a very fun album full of thematic material. It ranges from heroic to ethnic, to intense, to suspense, to Americana. The main theme and score is probably my favorite of the year thus far and I highly recommend looking into it!<br />
Ein Mark Mancina can still compose! <i>Wunderbar</i>!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Best Track(s)</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Planes</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Skipper's Theme (Volo Pro Veritas)</i></b></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Rating: *****</b></div>
Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8117328172551303455.post-61145819482589641452013-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:002013-11-05T15:41:40.892-08:00101 Dalmatians <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VFRj6M49VgfX0V636wgtnYv8xGkbhTN-JgYd5rnNaXKQBP1G0S9CS_wawPmFrLwi9B-bHuwpYhDQPqKMBLRU7Ai1TOtMtnXni36C-AariyQXVy9pYxeSuoCDWh7h3jJ43tk2ZCAtPJE6/s1600/101+Dalmatians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VFRj6M49VgfX0V636wgtnYv8xGkbhTN-JgYd5rnNaXKQBP1G0S9CS_wawPmFrLwi9B-bHuwpYhDQPqKMBLRU7Ai1TOtMtnXni36C-AariyQXVy9pYxeSuoCDWh7h3jJ43tk2ZCAtPJE6/s200/101+Dalmatians.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="45" id="gsSong2737370864" name="gsSong2737370864" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27373708&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="200" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27373708&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Michael%20Kamen%20One%20Hundred%20and%20One%20Dalmatians%20%5BMain%20Titles%5D%2FGood%20Morning%2C%20Pongo%2FWalk" title="One Hundred and One Dalmatians [Main Titles]/Good Morning, Pongo/Walk by Michael Kamen on Grooveshark">One Hundred and One Dalmatians [Main Titles]/Good Morning, Pongo/Walk by Michael Kamen on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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I honestly wasn't expecting this much fun from a score. A score from Michael Kamen much less! Michael Kamen is a brilliant composer but lets face it, his style of composing tends to be a little on the serious side. Yes, <a href="http://soundtracksnippets.blogspot.com/2013/01/robin-hood-prince-of-scores.html" target="_blank"><i>Robin Hood Prince of Thieves</i></a> was a fun album, but for the most part, his music is pretty sober stuff.<br />
This is one of the exceptions.<br />
The 1996 film, <i>101 Dalmatians</i> was supposed to be a remake of the 1961 Disney animated classic. The film starred Glen Close and Jeff Daniels but wasn't stellar enough to make enough in the box office or capture any major fans. The score itself, composed by Michael Kamen, faded into obscurity.<br />
I recently found this gem of a score and enjoyed all 57 minutes of it. This score is pure joy!<br />
Each track contained pleasant surprises for me. Granted, Kamen falls into the trap of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mousing" target="_blank">"mickey mousing" </a>that many other composers have fallen into, but it's limited, and enjoyable nonetheless.<br />
Kamen avoided recycling material from the 1961 score by George Bruns.<br />
The opening theme, <i>Main Title</i> (In the music player above), is a clever brassy, fast-paced orchestral track with a "bluesy" feeling. In fact, lots of the cues have an upbeat "bluesy" feeling reminiscent of classic film scores from the 60s. It's in that way, that I believe, Kamen pays tribute to Brunn's score.<br />
The "bad guy's" theme is introduced in the second cue<i>. </i>The cue is reminiscent of Golden Age composer, Henry Mancini, with its brassy/jazzy-esq style.<br />
In the cue, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2qjNTc5eJ8&list=PL7450AF81A8D9691F&index=4" target="_blank">Daisy, Daisy</a></i>, Kamen actually transitions to a public domain kids song in the end known as <i>A Bicycle Built For Two. </i>It's a fun, albeit short, orchestral romp!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl3yJhL0nh7hN314aPyyroVdcxWwvG4C7gHnraFKUzYQMl4752SYg1jvqqNcWdPf2UqHUhl11ud4Nm0LmeXGnsMbxUr-SGAI3W_vnJ9whH-oXeCQSPZclyddLx1XJ90uzbbnL3hbzYtwv/s1600/101+Dalmatians+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl3yJhL0nh7hN314aPyyroVdcxWwvG4C7gHnraFKUzYQMl4752SYg1jvqqNcWdPf2UqHUhl11ud4Nm0LmeXGnsMbxUr-SGAI3W_vnJ9whH-oXeCQSPZclyddLx1XJ90uzbbnL3hbzYtwv/s320/101+Dalmatians+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>A noble sounding trumpet melody is used for the theme of Kipper and is heard most notably in the cue, <i>Kipper, the Die Hard Dog.</i><br />
The cue, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQXb4SvYeng&list=PL7450AF81A8D9691F&index=9" target="_blank">Woof on the Roof</a>, </i>is a cute and heroic march/action cue. Once, again, a lot of fun!<br />
<i>Pup, Pup, Puppies</i> is a frenetically paced orchestral cue that includes fast paced piano notes that are obviously synth for two reasons. One, the music sounds somewhat fake at that point. Second, there is no way a pianist could play that fast!<br />
The music in the cue, <i>Reunion in the Barn, </i>intensifies an obvious showdown. (Although, I haven't seen the film myself, it's kind of obvious what's happening!)<br />
The final cue is a tender revision of the main theme and ends on a very satisfying note.<br />
One of my favorite albums, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what happiness is made of!<br />
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<b>Rating:****</b>Jhoppsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18018314094293721413noreply@blogger.com1