the original movie trailer itself is hilarious!
..and this scene from "The Return..."
Monday, January 27, 2014
Henry Mancini:The Pink Panther and The Return of the Pink Panther Soundtrack
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Fried Green Tomatoes At the Whistle Stop Cafe: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The score by Thomas Newman to this film is almost superior to the film itself. It truly captures the sweet melancholy of the Fall. Try listening to it with headphones and you'll hear a highly dimensional sound, delicate and subtle. Reflective and spiritual. The tracks " Visiting Ruth" and "Ghost Train" really make you think about the meaning of the film and what it says.
The real gem here is Grayson Hugh's cover and re-arrangement of Bob Dylan's, "I'll Remember You". Truly one of pop music's great voices. So soulful, so bluesy and rich in harmony.Every song on this soundtrack has so much character, especially the instrumentals by Thomas Newman!
1. I'll Remember You - Grayson Hugh
2. What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted - Paul Young
3. Cherish (Hip Hop Version) - Jodeci
4. Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead - Taylor Dayne
5. Rooster Blues - Peter Wolf
6. Barbeque Bess - Patti LaBelle
7. If I Can Help Somebody - Aaron Hall
8. Cool Down Yonder - Marion Williams
9. Cherish (Movie Version) - Jodeci
10. Ghost Train (Main Title) - Thomas Newman
11. Visiting Ruth - Thomas Newman
12. A Charge To Keep I Have - Thomas Newman
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Leap Of Faith: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
This was a rare occasion where Hollywood put out a movie with a great gospel soundtrack. If you haven't seen the film, you're missing out on a special treat. It's about a man who loses faith and finds it again. Steve Martin stars as a burned-out charlatan evangelist who comes to a town that hasn't had rain in a long time. Martin finds his own faith throughout the course of the plot.
The highlight is the music though. Cliff Eidelman did a great job of putting this soundtrack together. All the music is upbeat and heartening, and it will have you up and singing from the first track. Whether you are one of the faithful or not, these gospel sounds will put a smile on your face and a bright note in your day.
1. Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat - Don Henley
2. Ready For A Miracle - Patti Labelle
3. Change In My Life - John Pagano
4. Stones Throw From Hurtin' - Wynonna
5. King Of Sin Medley: (Lord Will Make A Way (Somehow)/God Said He Would See You Through/God Will... - Angels Of Mercy
6. Pass Me Not - Lyle Lovett
7. Rain Celebration: (Jesus On The Mainline/Ready For A Mircale/It's A Highway To Heaven) - Angels Of Mercy
8. Blessed Assurance - Albertina Walker
9. Paradise By The Dashboard Light - Meat Loaf
Saturday, December 21, 2013
The Lover....original soundtrack..music by Gabriel Yared
Gabriel Yared is a master of cinematic soundscapes. From Betty Blue to The English Patient, he has created unforgettable (film) music with real emotional depth. The Lover soundtrack is no exception. From the paso doble scene with Helene, to the nightclubs, to the beautiful tango of Habanera, he has successfully evoked colonial Saigon with the sense of loss, memory, and displacement present in the Duras text. The recurring theme is as haunting and evocative as any work he has done.
The music gives the film life and is very powerful. This soundtrack is very meticulous and is an unforgettable masterpiece.
1. A Kiss On The Window
2. Blue Zoon
3. One Day On The Mekong
4. One Step Dance
5. Promenade
6. A Man From Cholon
7. Helene
8. Valse A L'Etage
9. The Problems Of Life
10. Foxtrot Dance
11. The Lover
12. Habanera
13. The Barricades
14. Nocturne
15. La Marseillaise
16. The Departure
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The Passion of the Christ...original soundtrack score...music by John Debney
Amazon.com review:
Mel Gibson staked $30 million and his superstar reputation on this painstakingly bloody interpretation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all the while dodging charges of anti-semitism and fostering excruciating cinematic gore at the expense of Christ's message (a notion that also begs some uncomfortable questions about this version's S&M undertones). But because the film's dialog plays out in ancient authentic language dialects, John Debney's musical score takes on an even more central dramatic role. In some ways an unlikely choice as composer (having cut his teeth on many a lightweight comedy and kidflick) Debney nonetheless rises to the challenge, first conjuring up a synth-laden soundscape whose gothic moodiness should be familiar to admirers of the work of Lisa Gerrard, then seasoning it with indigenous instruments, booming percussion and ancient modalities that give the score an almost palpable sense of time and place.
As did Jeff Danna on his earlier score for the gentler, de facto companion piece, The Gospel of John, Debney eventually gets 'round to genuflecting towards some Hollywood choral and melodic traditions (the Gospels themselves having arguably helped lay the original foundations for Tinseltown's venerable three-act structure), but there's nothing cheap about his music of triumph and redemption, rooted as ever in roiling currents of ancient spiritual mysticism. Gibson's vision of the Passion has had many second-guessing his motivations and choices, but Debney's rich, evocative score proves there's nothing wrong with his ears. -- Jerry McCulley
Sunday, December 15, 2013
reposting and uploading of dead links
Due to issues with some of my file servers, I am re-uploading some of the links within the posts. If you find a download link that does not work please either leave a comment or send a message through the contact page.
Please bear with me while these are being updated. Thanks for your patience and continued interest in the blog.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Murder On the Orient Express..Original Soundtrack..music by Richard Rodney Bennett
Not only was this 1974 movie a brilliant adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's most famous novels, but the score by Richard Rodney Bennett also scored a nomination for Best Original Dramatic Score. A moving and stirring score, this one evokes all the emotions and drama of the unfolding story on screen.
Amazon.com review
A Brilliant Score Beautifully Recorded...For MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Richard Rodney Bennett could have arranged a 1930's pastiche score and left it at that. Instead, he created an entirely original score, by turns melodious and atonal, to enhance the classic murder mystery on screen. The Overture certainly does, to quote Bennett himself, "give one the sense of excitement and anticipation that one felt in the theatre, as a child, before the curtain went up," while the main theme of "The Orient Express" combines a joyous waltz with an ominous woodwind motif that tells of dark deeds to come. "The Reenactment" and "The Murder" consist of some of the eeriest music ever heard in a film (as frightening - if not more so - as much of Bernard Herrmann's score for PSYCHO).
At other times, the score is impressionistically beautiful, as in the Puccini-esque "Stamboul Ferry." Bennett impressively handles both music under dialogue (in "The Orient Express," for example, or "Princess Dragomiroff") and leitmotifs (the nervous string motif associated with the villain of the piece, acted by Richard Widmark). In short, this is a brilliant score. But what truly raises the soundtrack to the highest level is the grandly scaled playing of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, led by Marcus Dods. The 1974 recording matches the orchestra in quality, with each instrument clearly audible. Thus, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is a remarkable original soundtrack recording in more ways than one.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Frida...music from the motion picture...composed by Elliot Goldenthal
When I first watched this movie I was not only taken aback with the story, screenplay and acting, but the soundtrack just blew me away! The music is so refreshing and diverse and gives one an insight into Mexican and Latin American music. It fits in perfectly with the movie and is a joy to listen to on its own. If you like world music then this will delight (if not, you can start liking right here).
Amazon.com review
She was famous as both artist and model, infamous as political revolutionary and social libertine, and Frida Kahlo's controversial life couldn't help but seem the stuff of great musical theater. Her story is brought to the screen by director Julie Taymor, whose musical compatriot here is also her husband; Elliot Goldenthal, student of both Copland and Corigliani, shrewdly sublimates his modernism in service of the rich, evocative music and songs of Mexico and Central America. Utilizing performers that range from the contemporary (Lila Downs) to the folk-classic (Costa Rican legend Chavela Vargas; Brazilian star Caetano Veloso) and traditional (Los Cojolites, El Poder Del Norte, Trio Huasteca, Caimanes de Tanquin, and others), Goldenthal generously displays the true breadth of Mexican folk music, while seamlessly infusing it with the minimalist corners of his own underscore and some winning songwriting of his own. The result is one of 2002's most compelling soundtracks. The enhanced CD features include musical film excerpts, as well as a video conversation between Goldenthal and star Salma Hayek and text interviews with the composer and director Taymor. --Jerry McCulley
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Sucker Punch...original soundtrack by various artists
The soundtrack to Sucker Punch not only captures the spirit and themes of the film brilliantly, it's a crusher from start to finish! Psychedelic rock tunes abound, and all have been expertly produced to fit the movie's dark mood. Though it feels more like an Emily Browning vehicle- in addition to being the star of the movie she performs three of the nine songs- it doesn't detract from anything. She's got a light, airy voice and can actually carry a note. Beyond that, every cut here is a solid groove; there's not a weak one in the bunch. This one was made for cranking up the volume!
1. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)- Emily Browning
2. Army Of Me - Bjork feat Skunk Anansie
3. White Rabbit - Emiliana Torrini
4. I Want It All / We Will Rock You Mash-Up - Queen with Armageddon
5. Search And Destroy - Skunk Anansie
6. Tomorrow Never Knows - Alison Mosshart and Carla Azar
7. Where Is My Mind? - Yoav feat Emily Browning
8. Asleep - Emily Browning
9. Love Is The Drug - Carla Gugino and Oscar Isaac
Friday, October 18, 2013
He Died With A Felafel In His Hand (Music From The Feature Film) ... various artists
2001 soundtrack release from the Australian movie starring Noah Taylor. An eclectic mix of tracks featuring Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Moby, Deborah Conway, The Stranglers, Spiderbait, Passengers, Nino Rota and The Mamas and The Papas plus choral music from the Melbourne University Choral Society. Also includes dialogue from the movie.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Empire of the Sun by John Williams...original soundtrack 1987
Williams's own music is quite a mixed grab bag. 'Jim's New Life' is a happy "bustling town" town type piece, while 'The Streets of Shanghai' is a rousing action piece along with the patriotic British march 'The British Grenadiers'
Also worthy of mention is 'Toy Planes, Home And Hearth'. This piece is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. It's simple and elegant, yet masterful, and worth the price of the album alone. This is a must have for all score fans. It's easily on the same level as Williams's other masterworks.
1. Suo Gan
2. Cadillac Of The Skies
3. Jim's New Life
4. Lost In The Crowd
5. Imaginary Air Battle
6. The Return To The City
7. Liberation : Exsultate Justi
8. The British Grenadiers
9. Toy Planes, Home, And Hearth
10. The Streets Of Shanghai
11. The Pheasant Hunt
12. No Road Home / Seeing The Bomb
13. Exsultate Justi
Monday, September 23, 2013
The Joy Luck Club...soundtrack by Rachel Portman
It is difficult to find all the right words for a film score that literally can bring you to tears. That is the result of a brilliant and moving composition of a recurring main theme throughout the soundtrack. Rarely do you find music of its kind that has the ability to tug at the heart strings in such a way as in Portman's score to give you a feeling of inner peace.
The score to THE JOY LUCK CLUB is one of those exquisite gems that you always search for but rarely find. The sweeping music is enough to bring you to the verge of tears; it speaks volumes on love, commitment, and pain. The sountrack is beautiful just as is the movie. It mirrors the Chinese culture with grace and honor. One of the best scores of the 1990s, and for the then relative unknown Rachel Portman, a true hallmark in what was the beginning of a rich career. If you're hungry for a good, dramatic score, and one with Chinese overtures, then this will not disappoint.
1. The Story Of The Swan
2. Escape From Guilin
3. Lindo's Story
4. Best Quaility Heart
5. Upturned Chairs
6. June Meets Her Twin Sisters
7. His Little Spirit Has Flown Away
8. An-Mei's Mother Returns
9. Most Important Sacrifice
10. Tiger In The Trees
11. Lindo's Last Night
12. The Babies
13. An-Mei's New Home
14. Swan Feather
15. End Titles
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run)...original soundtrack
This is one of those soundtracks that make the film a lot more interesting and valuable, providing the whole atmosphere of speed along with the dynamic images. One can virtually feel the "movement" of the body of Lola and the neccessity to run outside when the first beat of this excellent soundtrack knocks you on the head.
1. Believe - Franka Potente
2. Introduction - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
3. Running One - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
4. Supermarket - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
5. Running Two - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
6. Running Three - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
7. Casino - Tykwer/Klimek/Heil
8. Somebody Has To Pay - Susie Van Der Meer
9. Wish (Komm Zu Mir) - Franka Potente & Thomas D
10. Introduction (Remix) - Sun Electric
11. Supermarket (Super Clemek Remix) - Clemek
12. Running One (Large Mix) - Lee Spencer and Johnny Klimek
13. Running Two (Remix) - Operation Phoenix
14. Casino (Solid State Remix) - Tommi Eckart
15. (Big) Wish - Franka Potente and Thomas D
Sunday, August 11, 2013
La Femme Nikita: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack..music by Eric Serra
This is one Eric Serra soundtrack in which each track not only fits the scenes in the film perfectly but also evoke images of rich visuals and emotions for the listener. Serra is at his best with this pounding, exciting soundtrack that is a mixture of deep bass, offbeat guitar chords and the beautiful alto sax of Gilbert Dall'Anese. It makes a great listen for writing, driving, or activities where you need some adrenalin flowing!
The sleeve notes give little away, besides saying that the music is performed by the mysterious RXRA, presumably a Parisian studio band. The whole soundtrack has a metallic, late 80s feel to it. There are Lyle Mays-like synthesizer flutters here and there, but it otherwise seems wonderfully disconnected from the rest of the world, in the way that so much French music is.
1. Rico's Gang Suicide
2. Playing On Saucepans
3. As Cold As Ice
4. The Sentence
5. Paradise
6. Failed Escape
7. Learning Time
8. A Smile
9. Fancy Face
10. First Night Out
11. NPOKMOP
12. The Last Time I Kiss You
13. The Free Side
14. I Am On Duty
15. Josephine And The Big Dealer
16. Mission In Venice
17. Fall
18. Let's Welcome Victor
19. Last Mission
20. We Will Miss You
21. The Dark Side Of Time
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Lilies.. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack...music by Mychael Danna
This soundtrack to the 1996 Canadian art house film should be cross-listed in the classical section. Mychael Danna has composed very convincingly within medieval modalities, ranging from chant to polyphony. The Hilliard Ensemble recorded the music, as most of the music is a cappella, but solo cello and trumpet are also used to good effect. Highlights are the ebullient Gloria, the warm and gentle Sanctus II, and especially the layered Agnus Dei which compares favorably to the 16th century setting of your choice. The combo of pure male voices and heartbreaking cello is stirring and will send chills through you.
Mychael Danna is a very versatile composer and has numerous soundtracks to his credit. Most are very different from this one but they all stand alone as CDs that you can throw on and enjoy from beginning to end. He has also released New Age compositions.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Birdy..music from the film composed by Peter Gabriel
This 1985 album is the soundtrack to the Alan Parker movie 'Birdy' with all music composed by Peter Gabriel. "This record contains re-cycled material and no lyrics" is the warning that Mr. Gabriel provides to listeners of this album when you first open its booklet...
Immaculately produced by Gabriel himself and Daniel Lanois, this album, which served as the musical background to the movie contains 12 tracks, 5 of which are instrumental versions of the songs "Family Snapshot," "Not One Of Us," "Rhythm Of The Heat," "Wallflower" and "San Jacinto," from Peter Gabriel's third and fourth albums. The remaining tracks are instrumentals of incredible beauty, where Gabriel plays alongside his long time contributors Larry Fast, Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta and David Rhodes, among others.
The music has been described as dark, haunting, moody, depressing, gloomy, beautiful, scary, adventurous and trancy. Let your senses be the judge and have a close listen to this now rare and almost forgotten masterpiece.
1. At Night
2. Floating Dogs
3. Quiet And Alone
4. Close Up (From Family Snapshot)
5. Slow Water
6. Dressing The Wound
7. Birdy's Flight (From Not One Of Us)
8. Slow Marimbas
9. The Heat (From Rhythm Of The Heat)
10. Sketch Pad With Trumpet And Voice
11. Under Lock And Key (From Wallflower)
12. Powerhouse At The Foot Of The Mountain (From San Jacinto)
Monday, June 17, 2013
Finding Forrester ...music from the motion picture featuring Miles Davis
Topnotch Miles Davis music complements Gus Van Sant's film about an urban youth (Rob Brown), torn between basketball and writing, who meets a reclusive novelist (Sean Connery). The unlikely tale is supported by a generous sampling of Davis's early 1970's work nodding to Ornette Coleman and guitarist Bill Frisell. With the help of Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams, Davis molded his second "classic" quintet into a groundbreaking mix of funk and rock that created something far beyond the reaches of fusion. Both "Recollections" and "Lonely Fire" hail from Davis's landmark Bitches Brew sessions (finally seeing release as The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions in October 1998) and offer a calming, nearly ambient effect. This combined with Davis's polyrhythmic funk--"Black Satin" from On the Corner and Ornette Coleman's own independent approach toward improvisation make for a solid sampler of jazz in a transitional age. --Rob O'Connor (Amazon review)
The "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" medley is by the late, great, Hawaiian singer, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo`ole. There are web sites dedicated to him, and other music is available, with the Makaha Sons and solo. He was born May 20, 1959 and passed away at age 38. It is always something special to hear his voice floating in the air around us.
1. Recollections - Miles Davis
2. Little Church - Miles Davis
3. Black Satin - Miles Davis
4. Under A Golden Sky - Bill Frisell
5. Happy House - Ornette Coleman
6. Over The Rainbow (Photo Book) - Bill Frisell
7. Lonely Fire (Excerpt) - Miles Davis
8. Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World - Israel "Iz" Kamakwiwo'ole
9. Vonetta - Miles Davis
10. Coffaro's Theme - Bill Frisell/Ron Miles/Curtis Fowlkes/Eyvind Kang
11. Foreigner In A Free Land - Ornette Coleman
12. Beautiful - Bill Frisell/Hank Roberts/Kermit Driscoll/Joey Baron
13. In A Silent Way (DJ Cam Remix) - Miles Davis
Thursday, June 13, 2013
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button..music from the motion picture
Whether or not you have seen the movie, which is also beautiful, this soundtrack must be heard. It is delicious and splendid with delicate, yet powerful, tones on each instrument. You will find yourself softly humming the haunting theme over and over. This is a masterpiece.
Disc 2 contains music from the different eras of the movie with includes classic music by Louis Armstrong, The Platters and Bix Beiderbecke, plus dialogue from several scenes.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Cinema Paradiso...original soundtrack
This 1988 classic from director Guiseppe Tornatore is certainly one of the greatest movies about movies ever made, and features a rich score by Ennio Morricone.
The initial effort in what's become an ongoing collaboration between filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore and composer Ennio Morricone (in this instance assisted by his son Andrea) remains one of the Italian musician's most internationally beloved works. The bittersweet tale of a young boy's friendship with the local cinema projectionist and the profound, almost magical influence the movies have on both their lives won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes and the Best Foreign Film Oscar, and netted Morricone a BAFTA (U.K. equivalent of the Oscar) for Best Score. In the late '90s, the music also received one of America's other great "honors"--it was adapted for a car commercial! The score is among Morricone's most elegant and memorably melodic, effectively evoking a rich cinematic legacy; it's a virtual musical love letter to the power of films and their music. --Jerry McCulley (Amazon review)
This is the limited edition soundtrack version with bonus track
1. Cinema Paradiso
2. Maturity
3. While Thinking About Her Again
4. Childhood And Manhood
5. Cinema On Fire
6. Love Theme
7. After The Destruction
8. First Youth
9. Love Theme For Nata
10. Visit To The Cinema
11. Four Interludes
12. Runaway, Search And Return
13. Project For Two
14. From American Sex Appeal To The First Fellini
15. Toto And Alfredo
16. For Elena
17. Cinema Paradiso (bonus track..String Version)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Big Night...original soundtrack
The great acting by Campbell Scott, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossolini and Tony Shalhoub explains only some of the magic of Big Night, for the trio share the screen with shot after shot of mouthwatering food and a lively Italian-American score featuring Louis Prima, Rosemary Clooney, Claudio Villa, and Keely Smith. The appearance of Prima himself at a restaurant opening plays a crucial role in the film's plot, but his music included here tells a different, much more joyous and carefree, story. This is one of the few retro soundtracks that don't resort to kitsch or lounge clichés, and all the Italian-American tracks work together well. --Jason Verlinde (Amazon review)
This collection of music gives you a wide range of what is considered popular Italian music. From the traditional troubadour songs of Claudio Villa to the diletto songs like 'Muntagna',to the swingin' jazz style of Prima, Big Night gives you a tasty sampling that echoes the tasty samplings of musical style much the same way the movie itself gives you samples of Italian cuisine. It's all about spice and flavor and passion! A lot of the songs on this soundtrack mention food or have food themes in them. Very enjoyable, whether you understand the language or not. You can feel the passion of the people in the music, and that's what popular songs are all about.
The music is joyful, emotional, funny, melancholy; it will make you laugh and cry (while smiling). The Louis Prima cuts are superb. Rosemary Clooney's "Mambo Italiano" is a classic. The whole collection of songs makes you long for more like them. Play it while you're cooking - play it loud!
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