Billy's Holiday...Original Songs from the Australian Motion Picture Musical

This movie is all about a normal guy called Billy Apples. He is a social drinker and sometimes lead singer of a band. While he is doing all of this, he still manages to bring up his teenage daughter. One night while sitting at home Billy finds that he has a talent! He finds that he is able to sing like his idol, jazz/blues singer Billie Holiday. From there he is going places, from huge live performances to even cutting a hit record, but in the end he must make a choice between the life he has, and the life he once knew. 

The real treat of this movie is this now rare soundtrack from 1995 featuring songs that were originally done by Billie Holiday but performed in the movie by Max Cullen himself (who manages an almost perfect impersonation of her voice). The score is jazzy, uptempo and will have you bopping, singing along and dancing around the room. 

Billy's Holiday

Cabaret..Music from the Original Soundtrack Recording..1972

Cheated out of playing nightclub canary Sally Bowles on Broadway in director Hal Price's Cabaret, Liza Minnelli nevertheless delivered an Oscar-winning star turn in Bob Fosse's cinematic reinvention of the show (which had the good sense to retain perverse imp Joel Grey from the stage production). Although the 1972 film discarded several songs from the original score, the new ones sound even better: Minnelli's breast-beating "Maybe This Time," the sultry "Mein Herr," and the salaciously satirical "Money, Money." By placing almost all the pertinent musical action on the stage of the decadent Kit Kit Club, the Kurt Weill-like compositional nuances and political underpinnings bask in the spotlight...that is, when Minnelli stops eclipsing it with her no-holds-barred performance. --Kurt B. Reighley...Amazon.com review

1. Wilkommen
2. Mein Herr
3. Maybe This Time
4. Money , Money
5. Two Ladies
6. Sitting Pretty
7. Tomorrow Belongs To Me
8. Tiller Girls
9. Heiraten ( Married )
10. If You Could See Her
11. Cabaret
12. Finale

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Dueling Banjos by Eric Weissberg, Marshall Brickman and Steve Mandel from the Original Soundtrack to Deliverance

Is this a movie soundtrack or a bluegrass album? Well, it is both, actually; the soundtrack to the movie Deliverance and probably the album that introduced bluegrass music to many people who may not have heard it before. If you like guitar and banjo pickin' music, then this album will more than satisfy your needs. The fact that it was originally released back in 1972 makes it all the more interesting as it still sounds fresh today.

Amazon review:
Wonderful, exhilarating, breathtaking music, both in speed and execution. Banjoist Eric Weissberg has spent most of his career in relative obscurity as a studio musician, which is a shame as he is one of the finest banjo players to ever pick up the instrument. City born and musically educated at the University of Wisconsin and Juilliard, Weissberg was a seminal banjo picker who combined the power and taste of Earl Scruggs along with the progressive melodic banjo stylings of the 1960s.

Obviously, the album features the definitive version of "Dueling Banjos" that Weissberg recorded with Steve Mandel. The rest of the tracks come from an incredible album called "New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass," released by Elektra in 1963. Most of the tracks feature brilliant dual arrangements between Weissberg and Marshall Brickman, a banjoist who left the music world behind to write movies for Hollywood (The Bad News Bears, co-writer for Annie Hall). They are backed by guitar legend, Clarence White, who creates beautiful backup runs on songs like "Pony Express" and fine solos throughout. I think the fiddler was Gordon Terry, whose atmospheric style on "Reuben's Train" will make your hair stand on end.

The album is loaded with famous and oft-copied banjo licks, including the descending single-string work on Little Maggie, the "bumblebee break" on an insane version of "Shucking the Corn," the C-F-E-C chord sequence on "Riding the Waves," and some of the fastest (and cleanest) banjo work you'll ever hear anywhere on songs like "Rawhide" and "Hard, 'Aint it Hard".

1. Dueling Banjos
2. Little Maggie
3. Shuckin' The Corn
4. Pony Express
5. Old Joe Clark
6. Eight More Miles To Louisville
7. Farewell Blues
8. Earl's Breakdown
9. End Of A Dream
10. Buffalo Gals
11. Reuben's Train
12. Riding The Waves
13. Fire On The Mountain
14. Eighth Of January
15. Bugle Call Rag
16. Hard Ain't It Hard
17. Mountain Dew
18. Rawhide

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Bad Eggs...music from the motion picture by David Graney and Clare Moore..underrated gem

This rare soundtrack to the 2003 Australian movie crosses several genres including jazz, lounge, film noir and even some quiet soul funk. The interesting thing is that it was all done by the same composers, David Graney and Clare Moore. David and Clare have come up with a score that resembles scores to movies like Ocean's Eleven and Pulp Fiction with shades of Ry Cooder and David Holmes. Whilst essentially a soundtrack album, this is one that can be listened to on its own and still be entertaining (even with the snippets of dialogue added in, which aren't obtrusive). It reminds one of those crime thrillers from the 40s and 50s but with a contemporary sound. Possibly one of those underrated gems for soundtrack collectors. Oh, and the movie itself is one very funny black comedy.

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Selena..Original Motion Picture Score by Dave Grusin

Selena (1997) tells the true story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a Texas-born Tejano singer who rose from cult status to performing at the Astrodome, as well as having chart topping albums on the Latin music charts. The movie was written and directed by Gregory Nava and stars Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos and Jon Seda.

The score is by jazz composer Dave Grusin. Dave has done a great job for scoring the movie and it brings out the exact moments in the movie, whether they be happy or sad, and also making sure the movie is a memorable one. See more on Dave Grusin here..

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Tango: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin

While director Carlos Saura employs the eponymous, erotically tinged ballroom dance form both as vehicle and metaphor for his film's storytelling, Argentine composer and film and TV scorer Lalo Schifrin in turn uses the film's score as framework for a rich musical tapestry that stretches from the traditionally familiar ("El Choclo") to the dark, rhythmic fury of his own classical-dance fusion ("La Represion"). 

Schifrin, a six-time Oscar nominee and winner of four Grammy Awards, spent his early career as pianist for tango composing legend Astor Piazzolla; that experience, along with his accomplished classical, film, and jazz work, has informed a score that may both surprise traditionalists with its adventurous diversity and give the rest of us a thrilling introduction to a vibrant musical form that continues to evolve. Interspersed with Schifrin's marvelous original compositions is a generous sampling of traditional tango music from composers such as Piazzolla, Canario, Salgan, and Filiberto. --Jerry McCulley..Amazon.com

1. Tango del Atardecer Orchestra Ensemble  
2. Calambre Orchestra Ensemble  
3. El Choclo Orchestra Ensemble
4. Tango Bárbaro Orchestra Ensemble  
5. Caminito Orchestra Ensemble  
6. Tango Lunaire Orchestra Ensemble  
7. La Cumparsita Orchestra Ensemble  
8. Recuerdo Orchestra Ensemble  
9. Los Inmigrantes Orchestra Ensemble
10. A Fuego Lento Quinteto Real  
11. Quejas de Bandoneón Orchestra Ensemble  
12. A Juan Carlos Copes Orchestra Ensemble  
13. Nostalgias Juanjo Dominguez  
14. A Don Augustin Bardi Orchestra Ensemble  
15. La Represión Orquesta Filarmonica De Buenos Aires  
16. Flores del alma Viviana Vigil  
17. Picante Orchestra Ensemble  
18. Tango para Percusión Orchestra Ensemble  
19. Corazón de Oro Orchestra Ensemble  
20. Zorro Gris Orchestra Ensemble  
21. La Yumba Orchestra Ensemble
22. Tango del Atardecer (II)Orchestra Ensemble

 

 TANGO

ALT LINK

https://youtu.be/sP8I8NIoAqI

Henry Mancini:The Pink Panther and The Return of the Pink Panther Soundtrack

Henry Mancini's unforgettable soundtracks to two of director Blake Edwards' 'Pink Panther' films teamed together, 1964's 'Pink Panther' & 1975's 'Return Of The Pink Panther'. A combined total of 25 tracks. This is Henry Mancini at his best. The music from these two films is first rate and very enjoyable and includes many gems. "The Greatest Gift" is a beautiful, haunting ballad and the "Return of the Pink Panther" number is a great, seductive variation on the Pink Panther theme. Of course the original "Pink Panther Theme" is included as well in all it's glory.

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the original movie trailer itself is hilarious!

                                    

..and this scene from "The Return..."

                                       

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

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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

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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

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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

The Passion of the Christ

           

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.

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.

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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

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Sucker Punch...original soundtrack by various artists

Original soundtrack to the 2011 motion picture featuring music from Bjork, Skunk Anansie, Emiliana Torrini, Emily Browning and Queen. An action fantasy set in the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality.

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

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.

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Empire of the Sun by John Williams...original soundtrack 1987

Empire of the Sun is one of the lesser known scores by John Williams. The score starts off with a wonderful choral arrangement of the Welsh folk tune, 'Suo Gan'. There are two more choral tracks as well, 'Liberation: Exsultate Justi', and 'Exsultate Justi'. They are similar, but are beautifully composed, and prove that Williams is as much a master of choral writing as he is of fanfares and sweet themes.

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

Empire of the Sun

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

                

Lola Rennt (Run Lola Run)...original soundtrack

"Lola Rennt" (Lola Runs) is a high speed chase story set on a summer midday in Berlin. It is told from three different perspectives and is driven by a pumping techno soundtrack co-composed by the film's direct Tom Tykwer. The whole album is a pulsating electronic speed trip that owes as much to Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" as to the drummers of Miles Davis' electric phase and the trip hop phantasies of Portishead and Massive Attack. It got the Berlin techno groove down to a populist point that makes it bearable to a wider audience without betraying it's roots.

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

        

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

La Femme Nikita