TB Ep. 9 - Contemporary Sound and Star Trek

Track Bits Episode 9: Contemporary Sound and Star Trek

High Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Clip
2. Mystery Clip 1
3. Mystery Clip 2
4. "Lachrymosa", Benjamin Britten, Sinfonia de Requiem
5. "Death Dance", Eliot Goldenthal, Alien 3
6. "Lamia", Christopher Young, Drag Me To Hell
7. "Aggressive Expansion", Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight
8. "Why So Serious?", ", "
9. "Hull Breach", Christopher Young, The Core
10-11. "Star Trek Theme", Alexander Courage, Star Trek the Original Series
12. "End Titles", Michael Giacchino, Star Trek (2009)
13. "The Enterprise", Jerry Goldsmith, Star Trek: The Motion Picture
14. "Main Titles", ", "
15. "Star Trek, The Next Generation Theme", Jerry Goldsmith, Star Trek: TNG
16. "End Credits", Jerry Goldsmith, Star Trek: First Contact
17. "Main Title", James Horner, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
18. "Overture", Cliff Eidelman, Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country
19. "Star Trek VI Suite", ", "
20. "End Credits", Michael Giacchino, Star Trek (2009)
21. Outro Clip

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

The Impending End of Track Bits

Currently in Earphones: "Flow Like Water" by James Newton Howard, from The Last Airbender

In case you all haven't noticed already, I'm about a month behind with posting new Track of the Weeks. To be truthful, most of this is due to laziness, but considering that I'm ramping up for grad school, this will be the way things are for the foreseeable future.

Episode 9 is (and has been for a while, sorry) about 75% done, so I should be getting that out before the end of July at the latest.  I'm hoping to at least get a nice round 10 episodes completed before I have to give up all my time to work and school.

I've had a lot of wonderful feedback from folks concerning ideas for future podcasts, but the fact is that I've run out of interesting things to say that are currently in my memory banks. I could scrounge around for new ideas, but it would be a lot of work and research and would take away time I need for other things.

I've had a lot of fun doing these podcasts (and definitely learned a few things from experience about audio editing), but I'd rather have a concrete finish than a slow dying away as evidenced by my current output. The whole shebang should be done by the end of 2010.

Thanks to all of you who expressed interest and feedback for Track Bits, without you I would have spun out around Episode 2 :). So don't be sad, there's still a few more things to come!

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 6/13/2010

Track of the Week: "Angels in America (Main Title)" by Thomas Newman, from Angels in America



Newman's signeture plinkety style and plaintive oboe line serve these main titles well, giving a sense of sadness that's in line with the work as a whole. Normally his eclectic percussion is along the lightly kooky side, think a toned down Elfman or Goldenthal trying to write listenable tunes (zing!), but it's innate gentleness is another point in it's favor. Newman's work may not be my kind of high energy, but it has a pensive quality that I really enjoy.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 6/6/2010

Track of the Week: "The Sand Volcano" by Jerry Goldsmith, from The Mummy



Jerry Goldsmith, the man who could write memorable melodies in his sleep, gives us a middle-eastern sounding adventure score. While not as free-wheeling as 13th Warrior, it still manages a handful of rousing action cues, this one being one of the best. Like the movie it accompanies, the music may not be terribly nourishing, but it is most definitely a lot of fun.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 5/30/2010

(Apologies for the lateness of the post, I was in LA at the time and only just remembered!)

Track of the Week: "The River" by Patrick Doyle, from East-West

Cross Pollination 2

Sorry for the lack of ToTW this week, I've been busy finishing the second episode of Cinematic Swordplay!

http://foolishtouchstone.blogspot.com/2010/06/cinematic-swordplay-episode-2.html

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Track Bits 9 in the works

I've finally gotten off my butt and started scripting and recording the next episode of Track Bits. I really should make more of an effort to get them out on a schedule, as they always end up being somewhat easier to think up/write than I initially realize. Look to see this one by the end of the month/beginning of June.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 5/23/2010

Track of the Week: "Hard Rain (Main Titles)" by Christopher Young, from Hard Rain



Christopher Young tries his hand at Media Ventures/Remote Control, and does a damn fine job! Young's taste for the melodramatic fits well with the overblown sensibilities of Zimmer et al., and he even throws in some harmonica solos for good measure. While it may be a few steps away from the harmonic horror scores one is used to Young creating, it succeeds admirably in providing a fun action score with great brass layering.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 5/16/2010

Track of the Week: "Recapitulation" by John Morris, from The Elephant Man



Possibly the most un-Lynchian film by David Lynch, The Elephant Man not only is a soulful yarn on human decency, but also has wonderfully good music. While the Main Title features a sad little circus-like tune that encapsulates the mood of the film well, there's also a redemptive theme on the strings first heard in "John Merrick and Psalm," but brought to fruition in the final track "Recapitulation." It's a bit reminiscent of Vaughn-Williams' Tallis Fantasia or Barber's Adagio for Strings (the latter also a tune found in the movie), but fares better for not being as overplayed as said classical pieces.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 5/9/2010

Track of the Week: "Cleopatra" by Trevor Jones, from Cleopatra



Easily one of the best TV scores by Trevor Jones. This one wins out over Dinotopia for me (though I still consider the latter good score on it's own merits), being more raucous, more epic, more everything. It's got the usual Trevor Jones melody: a broad, mostly major key affair (see also Cliffhanger, Loch Ness, The Last of the Mohicans), but it stands out for me because of it's leanings toward a minor key. I am nothing if not a slavering supporter of the minor mode, and the score for Cleopatra satisfies my itch without deviating too far from Jones' comfort range. Definitely worth a listen.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 5/2/2010

Track of the Week: "Long, Long Time Ago" by Javier Navarrete, from Pan's Labyrinth



This was my first taste of Navarrete's work, and I was very impressed. He captures the sweet, sad and forbidding mood of the film perfectly, and while I found his later work for Inkheart a bit hit-or-miss, the entirety of his score for Pan's Labyrinth is solid. It would almost feel at home in a Tim Burton film, were it not for the lack of Elfman's zany mannerisms and it's more weighty feel. Definitely worth a listen, if you don't mind getting your spirits depressed a bit.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 4/25/2010

Track of the Week: "Insomnia" by Christophe Beck, from Elektra



Most of you might recognize the kick-ass section in the middle of this cue from it's usage in the official trailer for "The Island" way back in 2005. Sadly, it's the only really rocking thing about this score, as the rest is mostly dissonant, experimental percussion. Beck has done more symphonic work, most notably the more recent Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. However, most of his output are comedies, so don't expect a laundry list of action and adventure scores, apart from The Seeker: The Dark is Rising. The score to Elektra is an interesting diversion, and worth at least a passing mention.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 4/18/2010

Track of the Week: "Training Montage" by Edward Shearmur, from The Count of Monte Cristo



One of my absolute favorites (and used for temp tracks all to heck, I'm sure) is Shearmur's score to the 2002 incarnation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Introducing a swashbuckling cello rhythm a full year before Jack Sparrow swaggered on to the silver screen, "Training Montage" features just the right amount of fun, just the right amount of adventure, and just the right amount of suspense for the scene it illustrates. If you like your adventure scores with elegance and a flourish, Shearmur's effort is not to be missed!

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 4/11/2010

Track of the Week: "The Gravel Road" by James Newton Howard, from The Village



While James Newton Howard can deliver on the grand, sweeping side of things (see Waterworld, Snow Falling on Cedars, etc.), he can also deliver soft and lyrical as well. The Village is a case in point: though featuring some eerie suspense and horror cues, it also has this lovely rolling violin theme played by Hilary Hahn. It's incredibly sweet and gentle, and a welcome relief from the more atmospheric music that peppers the album.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 8 - Theme Usage and Elfman's Alice

Track Bits Episode 8: Theme Useage and Elfman's Alice



High Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Clip
2. "The Name's Bond...James Bond", David Arnold, Casino Royale
3. "Evey Kidnapped", Alan Silvestri, The Mummy Returns
4. "Birth of a Penguin, Part II", Danny Elfman, Batman Returns
5. "The Raider's March", John Williams, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
6. "Tales of a Jedi Knight", John Williams, Star Wars
7. "Ben Kenobi's Death/TIE Fighter Attack", ", "
8. "The Battle of Yavin", ", "
9. "Binary Sunset", ", "
10. "The Rebel Fleet", John Williams, The Empire Strikes Back
11. "The Battle of Endor II", John Williams, The Return of the Jedi
12. "Main Title", Jerry Goldsmith, Star Trek The Motion Picture
13. "The Great Eye", Howard Shore, The Fellowship of the Ring
14. "The Grace of Undomiel", Howard Shore, The Return of the King
15. "Alice's Theme", Danny Elfman, Alice in Wonderland
16. "Main Titles", Danny Elfman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
17. (Alice's Theme)
18. "Main Titles", Danny Elfman, Black Beauty
19. (Alice's Theme)
20. "V. 'I Forget'", Danny Elfman, Serenada Schizophrana
21. Outro Clip


 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Cross Pollination

For those of you who may be interested, I've started another video feature over at my old blog. I hope to be maintaining this series about Cinematic Swordplay along with TrackBits, so if such a topic piques your interest, give it a shot!

http://foolishtouchstone.blogspot.com/2010/04/cinematic-swordplay-episode-1.html

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 4/4/2010

Track of the Week: "One Speed" by Graeme Revell, from The Chronicles of Riddick



While Graeme Revell may not be known for bold themes or ripping action music, he puts forth an admirable effort with this chase cue from the second Riddick move. A heroic horn theme for the title character was  only partially explored in Revell's score for Pitch Black (see the cue "Race Against the Sun") but makes it's presence known in a grand way about 1:46 into this cue for The Chronicles of Riddick (1:56 into the video). The more heavily orchestral treatment for the music in this second movie (as opposed to more percussive and electronic in the earlier effort) gives it a high mark in my book.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 3/28/2010

Track of the Week: "Concerto to Hell" by Christopher Young, from Drag Me To Hell



It should be readily apparent how much a Christopher Young fan I am, as a quick look through past ToTWs will attest. The totality of Drag Me To Hell may not be the most listenable of Young's output, but what harmonic beauty there is is top notch, as in the realm of Species or The Fly II. As I mentioned in my recent Vlog, the gypsy fiddle theme has a wonderful, unresolved feeling that adds to the uncomfortable atmosphere that horror scores strive for, yet remains wonderfully smooth. Definitely one of Young's best efforts.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Vlog 03/23/2010 - New CD's for March

ToTW 3/21/2010

Track of the Week: "Lost in the Wild" by Jerry Goldsmith, from The Edge



Ahh, Jerry Goldsmith. Is there ever a theme you can write that I won't find lovely and engaging? His effort for the  1997 survival film The Edge has it all: foreboding, hopefulness, majesty; all in a wonderfully smooth package. While the underscore kinda peters along, the moments in the movie where the main theme gets to shine through are always highlights. Having the beautiful Alaskan wilderness as a backdrop helps too :P

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Late ToTW this Week...

I'm spending a long weekend in Mendocino with family, so expect to see this weeks ToTW Tuesday evening at the latest.

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 3/14/2010

Track of the Week: "Plasma Pool" by Howard Shore, from The Fly



Having already paid tribute to Christopher Young's score to The Fly II, I thought I'd post something from Howard Shore's equally fantastic score to the first film, Cronenberg's The Fly. Having finally gone off the deep end, Goldblum's character Seth Brundle gives an impassioned speech on the wonders of his new teleportation device, while an incredulous Ronnie (Gina Davis) looks on in horror. I love the forbidding, slurred ostinato phrase in the strings that begins the cue, along with the faint hint of Seth's tragic theme in the high strings shortly afterward, finishing out with a more evil rendition of the theme with thudding low brass. My favorite cue of the album.

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 3/7/2010

Track of the Week: "The Creation" by John Ottman, from Incognito



Proving once again that he can write stunning and captivating scores, John Ottman captures a certain baroque elegance in his score to Incognito, as befits a movie concerning renaissance paintings. The fluidity heard in the main title to his earlier score for The Usual Suspects carries over to his work here. I personally like the intrigue that his music engenders simply in it's style. A damn fine score.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Vlog 03/07/2010 - Oscar Noms

TB Episode 7: The Golden Age and New Music Terms

Track Bits Episode 7: The Golden Age and New Music Terms

High Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Clip
2. "Main Titles", Victor Young, Scaramouche
3. "Prelude", Miklos Rosza, Ben-Hur
4. "Tara's Theme", Max Steiner, Gone with the Wind
5. "The Sea Hawk - Suite", Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Warriors of the Silver Screen
6. "Main Title", Alfred Newman, The Prisoner of Zenda
7. "Main Title", The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Bernard Hermann
8. "Prelude", Miklos Rosza, El Cid
9. "Main Title", Maurice Jarre, Lawrence of Arabia
10. "Antony and Cleopatra Suite", John Scott, Warriors of the Silver Screen
11. "Main Titles", John Williams, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
12. "Prince Valiant Suite", Franz Waxman, Warriors of the Silver Screen
13. "The Ecstacy of Gold", Ennio Morricone (arr. Michael Kamen), Metallica S&M
14. "Back to the Future", Alan Silvestri, Back to the Future
15. "Back to the Future", Alan Silvestri (arr. John Debney), The Back to the Future Trilogy
16. Outro Clip

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Something new: Vlog

So you know, that airplane engine noise you hear is the fan on my laptop. It's 6 years old, give it a break :P

Also, I apologize for looking like Jabba the Hutt in the screenshot blip.tv chose for the placeholder.

Please let me know you'd like more stuff like this!

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans

ToTW 2/28/2010

Track of the Week: "S.O.P. Theme #1: Standard Operating Procedure" by Danny Elfman, from Standard Operating Procedure



If there is anyone who can do melancholy well, it's Danny Elfman. If you can forget for a moment that Standard Operating Procedure is about the Abu-Ghraib atrocities, Elfman's music is reminiscent of his work on Wanted in being menacing, weighty, and mysterious. Much like Debney's Passion of Christ, however, the subject material is forever associated with the music, which can be annoying when the emotional response to the score runs contrary to the movie. Whatever you're opinion of film, Elfman's work is still worth a listen, even if you have to conjure up something more pleasant in you're imagination to go with this music.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Additional Delay

Having contracted a nasty bug, my voice has been out of commission and will be so for the next few days. I've got most of the script done for TB7, so I'll start recording as soon as my vocal cords no longer feel like they've been worked over with coarse-grade sandpaper.

 - 'Till Next time, Soundtrack Fans!

Virtual Composition

I found this article immensely fascinating, and do read to the end if you click...

http://www.miller-mccune.com/culture-society/triumph-of-the-cyborg-composer-8507/

When I think about breaking down music into algorithms, I immediately think of Zimmer and Co, who seem to have "formula" down pat. I wonder how easily Emily Howell could replicate the Remote Control Sound, given the right input?

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 2/21/2010

Track of the Week: "Rjuken Sabotage" by Michael Giacchino, from Medal of Honor



I've always liked Giacchino's music to Lost, and was happy to find nearly all of his work for the first Medal of Honor game entirely to my liking. Though some would argue that the score to the first game was too derivative of John Williams, and that Giacchino would later mature into his own sound for the subsequent games, it's still enjoyable and an achievement in it's own right. Too bad it's become rather rare on the secondary market, as it's a very solid effort.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 2/14/2010

Track of the Week: "Main Title" by Jerry Goldsmith, from Night Crossing



Night Crossing has the distinction of being the most expensive soundtrack I've ever paid for. I won't tell you the exact amount, but suffice to say that Intrada Records (a soundtrack specialist based out of Oakland, of all places!) continues to suck money out of my wallet with their limited releases, which sell out quickly and fetch high prices on the secondary market. Thankfully, the above album is the last of their back catalog that I was interested in tracking down, and it's spirited and menacing theme should give you an idea of why I was desirous of a copy. It manages to be both dangerous sounding but also upbeat, and from Jerry Goldsmith I would expect no less.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Brief Thoughts on the Avatar Soundtrack

I finally saw Avatar in IMAX yesterday and had a chance to bend ear to Horner's score. In a phrase, it is the best and worst of Horner I've heard in a while. On one hand, it was pure orchestral bliss, with the action cues and ethnic instrumentation taking center stage and just rocking it. On the other hand, GOOD LORD, THE FOUR NOTE MOTIF. I'd love to play a drinking game for every time I heard that tired old chestnut, though I imagine things would get really hairy around "The Destruction of Hometree." If you've never heard a James Horner score before, you'll be blown away. For the rest of us, if you can get around the (sometimes inordinate amount of) self-plagiarism, you'll find the occasional stellar cue.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW: 2/7/2010

Track of the Week: "Waters of Irrawaddy" by Hans Zimmer, from Beyond Rangoon



This'll be the last of Zimmer and Media Ventures for a while (I know it seems like I've been on a kick, I'll be mixing it up as the weeks go on). I don't normally associate the descriptor "quiet" with any of Hans' stuff, but it's very fitting for his work on the score to Beyond Rangoon (with Nick Glennie-Smith lending a hand here and there). It's a nice change of pace from the usual bombast, and I like the pulsating gong lines that keep time in the background, along with the female vocals. Very Pretty.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

In the Works: Track Bits 7

I'm working my way towards getting the next episode of Track Bits off the ground. For once I'm having to do some research on stuff I never knew in the first place, and after some correspondence and (eventual) equipment upgrades, things should be looking pretty good. Expect it Mid- to Late-February!

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 1/31/2010

Track of the Week: "Prologue / The Car Jacking" by Mark Mancina, from Bad Boys



'90's action music ahoy! I told you this weeks ToTW would be different. What particularly separates this main theme from the rest of the Media Ventures fare is reggae-flavored style of the beat, injecting a bit more variation that is usually found in such a score. And that's saying something, given that this was made during the height of popularity of Zimmer-inspired works, thanks to folks like Jerry Bruckheimer. While the rest of the album sticks fairly close to the now famous formula, the main theme stands out for the reasons mentioned above.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Notes on Industry Awards for Soundtracks

The always caustic Christian Clemmensen of Filmtracks explains why his site will no longer be covering the big industry awards for soundtracks. Though I haven't done a lot of research into the subject myself, I usually find that I agree with Clemmensen's views, and this is no different.

http://www.filmtracks.com/news/updates.cgi?read=27

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW 1/24/2010

Track of the Week: "It Takes a Woman" by Hans Zimmer & The Jigs, from An Everlasting Piece



As Zimmer has shown more recently in Sherlock Holmes, he can do quirky and interesting when he feels like it. I absolutely fell in love with this Irish-soaked score: one part traditional jigs and one part rock'n'roll. I particularly like the rolling drumline in this cue, really gets my feet tapping. If you're not a fan of this type of music, well, just tune in next week: I promise I have something from the other end of the spectrum for you.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 1/17/2010

Track of the Week: "Gabby Shuffle" by Trevor Rabin, from National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets



While Rabin's work on the first National Treasure stuck close to the Media Ventures formula, his score for the second started to show some more variation around the standard electronic thumping and synth. While "Gabby Shuffle" might not showcase the breadth of differences between the two scores, I like the reprise and variations on the old themes from the original. The whole album is definitely worth a listen.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 1/10/2010

Track of the Week: "The Riddle of the Sands" by Howard Blake, from The Riddle of the Sands



This one came on a double album of soundtrack music by Howard Blake, which I was originally getting for the score to The Duellists. I was quickly intrigued by the music to The Riddle of the Sands (one of the very first espionage thrillers), with mysterious female vocals and ethereal strings. The occasional horn figures add a more dangerous feeling into the mix, making this a very potent piece. (By the way, I apologize for the occasional clicking noise in the recording, my laptop and the CD didn't get along very well).

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 6: Standard Terms and Appropriation

Track Bits Episode 6: Standard Terms and Appropriation
(Original Completion Date: 1/17/10)

High Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Clip

2. "Spybreak! (Short One)", Propellerheads, The Matrix From and Inspired By

3. "Main Titles", Danny Elfman, Mars Attacks!

4. "Johnny B. Goode", Marty McFly and The Starlighters, Back to the Future From and Inspired By

5. "Rekall Rekall Rekall" (Secret track in "A New Life"), Jerry Goldsmith, Total Recall Deluxe Edition

6. "Veni, Veni Emanuel", Mychael Danna, The Nativity Story

7. "Is there a Place for Us?", Mychael Danna, The Nativity Story

8. "Battle Montage", Basil Poledouris, Farewell to the King

9. "The Orange and the Green", The Grehan Sisters

10. "Johnny Comes Marching Home", Jay Unger et al., Ken Burns Civil War Series

11. "Farewell to a Slav", Patrick Doyle, East-West

12. "Roll Call", Jerry Goldsmith, Small Soldiers

13. "The Gael", Dougie Maclean, The Search

14. "The Kiss", Trevor Jones, The Last of the Mohicans

15. "If I Had Words", Nigel Westlake, Babe

16. "Finale: Maestoso", Camille Saint-Saens, Symphony No. 3 <>

17. "That'll Do, Pig, That'll Do", Nigel Westlake, Babe

18. "Couplets de Folies, 1701", Marin Marais, performed by Jordi Savall

19. "Conquest of Paradise", Vangelis, 1492: Conquest of Paradise

20. Outro Clip

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 01/03/2010

Track of the Week: "The County Line" by David Arnold, from Last of the Dogmen



No-one quite does bombast like David Arnold (see The Musketeer), and he doesn't disappoint with the large scale Last of the Dogmen. Sure, there are plenty of quiet and lyrical moments in the score as well, but also plenty of large sound to go along with them. "The County Line" is one of the best cues that's elegant in addition to loud. Fine, fine, I promise to do something quiet and introspective to balance things out later.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 12/27/2009

Track of the Week: "Escape from Uruks" by Georges Delerue, from The Black Stallion Returns



I'd heard a bit about Delerue's score to the sequel to The Black Stallion, and so when Intrada announced a limited special edition, I snapped it up immediately. This track features an extended take of the main theme, a very stately piece that seems at odds with the adventurous nature of the story. There's adventure to be had with the rest of the score, mind you, but the elegance of the main theme isn't one to be missed.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 12/20/2009

Track of the Week: "Main Titles" by Bruce Broughton, from The Master of Ballantrae



I stumbled upon this one when looking for a review of Tombstone over at Filmtracks, and am happy that I did so. I love swashbuckling scores of all kinds, and the Scottish flair that Broughton gave this one is just icing on the cake for me. The only quibble is the "archival" (i.e., blowing the cobwebs and dust off) sound quality. A fine, adventurous score for a very tragic tale.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 12/13/2009

Track of the Week: "The Joust" by Rob Lane, from Merlin Series 2



Like many soundtracks I own, I've never seen the current BBC TV series Merlin. But I was intrigued by the music when Movie Score Media started putting out the soundtracks. The first album had some surprisingly high quality cues that I really enjoyed, though there seemed to be less of them in the second. "The Joust" easily makes up for the rest of the Series 2 album, and remains one of my favorites.


 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 5: Top 10 Awesome Scores to Crappy Movies

Track Bits Episode 5: Top 10 Awesome Scores to Crappy Movies
(Original Completion Date:  12/12/09)

Higher Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Clip

2. "The Warriors", Jerry Goldsmith, 13th Warrior (expanded)

3. "Land Yacht", Clint Mansell, Sahara

4. "The Train", James Horner, The Legend of Zorro

5. "Crystal Balls", John Powell, Paycheck

6. "The Bubble", James Newton Howard, Waterworld

7. "The Hunt", Jerry Goldsmith, The Final Conflict

8. "Main Title", David Arnold, The Musketeer

9. "A Hero's Welcome, Epilogue", Cliff Eidelman, Christopher Columbus: The Discovery

10. "Main Title/Morgan's Ride", John Debney, Cutthroat Island

11. Outro Clip

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 12/06/2009

Track of the Week: "The Dream" by Jerry Goldsmith, from Total Recall



I first heard the title theme to Total Recall on a compilation album conducted by the famous Erich Kunzel, and listened to it so often that by the time I got around to getting the original recording of the soundtrack, the opening track sounded downright sluggish (Kunzel conducted the re-recording a bit faster than the original)! Regardless, Goldsmith's main theme is a powerhouse of a cue, tickling my like of the bombastic. In addition, I think Jerry Goldsmith is the only one who can get away with using synth in a score and not make it feel dated, at least to my ears.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 11/29/2009

Track of the Week: "Training Montage" by Michael Kamen, from Highlander



Now I know that most folk think of all the '80's pop tunes when they think "Highlander Soundtrack," but I really enjoy the heroic theme written by Michael Kamen for the rest of the score. There's something baroque about how the theme sounds that, for me, perfectly encapsulates the idea of these centuries-old Immortals and their travails. While the '80s pop now simply make the movie feel dated, Kamen's score still remains timeless. (With apologies to Queen fans)

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 11/22/2009

Track of the Week: "Charlie's Temptation" by Michael Giacchino, from Lost: Season 2



I initially wrote off Giacchino's work on the second season of Lost, but after watching it a second time was quite taken with Charlie's Theme. Sadly, a more action oriented version of the theme was missing from the album, so this short cue is the best representation I have. I love Giacchino's ability to make memorable little melodic snippets (especially in the minor key, like the cello driven "Journey/Trek" theme that appears in all the seasons). Now if only they'd do an album release of Fringe Season 1, I'd be a real happy camper.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 11/15/2009

Track of the Week: "Main Titles" by John Ottman, from Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang



After being recommended this movie by some good friends, I was happy to hear that the soundtrack was also well worth a listen. I find John Ottman's cool, noir stylings similar to William's work for Catch Me If You Can, but less dark and more playful. The Main Titles are an excellent demonstration of the repeated three note motif that permeates the whole album. Very stylish.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 4: Trailer Music and Production Music

Track Bits Episode 4: Trailer Music and Production Music
(Original Completion Date: 11/8/09)

Higher Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film/Album

1. Intro Track

2. "The Grand Finale", Danny Elfman, Edward Scissorhands

3. "The Ludlows", James Horner, Legends of the Fall

4. "The World of the Heart - Main Titles", Randy Edelman, Dragonheart

5. "Shawshank Prison (Stoic Theme)", Thomas Newman, The Shawshank Redemption

6. "Dracula - The Beginning", Wojciech Kilar, Bram Stoker's Dracula

7. "Stargate Overture", David Arnold, Stargate

8. "Bishop's Countdown", James Horner, Aliens

9. "Dark Chest of Wonders", Nightwish, Once

10. "Pompeii", E.S. Posthumus, Unearthed

11. "Unstoppable", E.S. Posthumus, ---

12. "Door of Destiny", Klaus Badelt, Extreme Music

13. "Trinity", Jim Dooley, Position Music

14. "Gothic Power", X-Ray Dog, Sit Up and Listen

15. "Here Comes the King", X-Ray Dog, Canis Rex II

16. "Suit Up", X-Ray Dog, Mighty Dog

17. "Pirates Curse", X-Ray Dog, Mighty Dog

18. "Redrum", Immediate Music, ---

19. "Blasphemy", Immediate Music, ---

20. "Blasphemy 2.0", Immediate Music, Themes for Orchestra and Choir

21. "Blasphemous", Immediate Music, Abbey Road

22. "Orchard of Mines", Globus, Epicon

23. Outro Track

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 11/08/2009

Track of the Week: "Crime Spree" by Danny Elfman, from Dick Tracy



I loves me some Danny Elfman, so even though his score for Dick Tracy may be rather derivative of his score for Batman, I find it enjoyable nonetheless. One of the stand-out cues from this score is the swingy, jazzy "Crime Spree," full of Elfman's trademark zany-ness. The main theme isn't half bad either, along with the rest of the Gershwin-influenced album ("Tess' Theme" is also one to listen to). If you're any kind of Elfman enthusiast, don't pass this one up!

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 11/01/2009

Track of the Week: "Main Titles" by Trevor Jones, from Arachnaphobia



As I've said before about Horror, I initially shied away from this when I saw it in the bargain bin. Upon closer inspection, I was surprised to find that the score was composed by Trevor Jones, the master of the majestic. Sure enough, his sweeping orchestral trademarks are all over this Main Theme, making it an enjoyable find, aside from the usual '90s synth. I need to make a note to myself when it comes to my own tastes: stuff by Trever Jones, like stuff by Neil Gaiman, can be bought sight-unseen, and I'll like it.

 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 10/26/2009

Track of the Week: "The Fly II" by Christopher Young, from The Fly II



While Howard Shore's score for the first Fly movie holds the gold standard for "operatic" horror scores, I love the grand sense of dread that Christopher Young's score for the second film instills in me. I've been slowly warming to Young's style of music, in no small part because of the harmonious quality that he gives his Horror scores. I've always been one to shy away from horror on account of it usually being atmospheric and dissonant (Though I tend to find Goldenthal's work more pleasing, go figure). With Young, you get the horror, but you also get very listenable themes. The Fly II is a great place to start.


 - 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 3: Hans Zimmer and Media Ventures

Track Bits Episode 3: Hans Zimmer and Media Ventures
(Original Completion Date: 10/24/2009) 

Higher Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Name", Composer, Film

1. Intro Track

2. "Burn it All", Hans Zimmer, Backdraft

3. "Too Many Notes - Not Enough Rests", Hans Zimmer, Drop Zone

4. "Mutiny", Hans Zimmer, Crimson Tide

5. "Brothers", Hans Zimmer, Broken Arrow

6. "Finale/End Title", Hans Zimmer, The Peacemaker

7. "Attack", Hans Zimmer, Pearl Harbor

8. "Woad to Ruin", Hans Zimmer, King Arthur

9. "The Lagoon", Hans Zimmer, The Thin Red Line

10. "Earth", Hans Zimmer, Gladiator

11. "CheValiers de Sangreal", Hans Zimmer, The DaVinci Code

12. "Watergate", Hans Zimmer, Frost/Nixon

13. "160 BPM", Hans Zimmer, Angels and Demons

14. "Mark II", Ramin Djawadi, Iron Man

15. "Surrounded", Nick Glennie-Smith, The Man in the Iron Mask

16. "Arrival to Earth", Steve Jablonsky, Transformers

17. "Main Titles", James Dooley, Pushing Dasies

18. "Rush Hour", Mark Mancina, Speed

19. "Entering Airport", ibid.

20. "The Gorillas", Mark Mancina, Tarzan

21. "5 Words", Trevor Rabin, Armageddon

22. "Armageddon Suite", ibid.

23. "Preparation Montage", Trevor Rabin, National Treasure

24. "Growing Stronger", Trevor Rabin, The One

25. "The Rescue", Trevor Rabin, The Great Raid

26. "'We Were Never Free'", Richard Harvey, Animal Farm

27. "Kyrie for the Magdalene", Richard Harvey, The DaVinci Code

28. "He's a Pirate", Klaus Badelt, Pirates of the Caribbean

29. "Godspeed", Klaus Badelt, The Time Machine

30. "Come Back", Klaus Badelt, The Promise

31. "Bim Bam Smash", John Powell, The Bourne Supremacy

32. "Hog Chase Part 2", John Powell, Paycheck

33. "The Jump Off", John Powell, Jumper

34. "Bathroom Titles", John Powell, X-3: X-Men United

35. "Ibelin", Harry Gregson-Williams, Kingdom of Heaven

36. "Heroics", Harry Gregson-Williams, Sinbad, Legend of the Seven Seas

37. "Training Montage", Harry Gregson-Williams, Spy Game

38. "Raid on the Castle", Harry Gregson-Williams, Prince Caspian

39. "The Gravel Road", James Newton Howard, The Village

40. "The Egg Travels", James Newton Howard, Dinosaur

41. "Deacon's Speech", James Newton Howard, Waterworld

42. "The Great Eatlon", James Newton Howard, Lady in the Water

43-44. "Rock House Jail", Hans Zimmer, Nick Glennie-Smith and Harry Gregson-Williams, The Rock

45. "Coal Yard Part 2", Trevor Rabin and Harry Gregson-Williams, Enemy of the State

46. "Free Ferry", Trevor Rabin and Harry Gregson-Williams, Enemy of the State

47. "Building the Crate", John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams, Chicken Run

48. "Harvey Two-Face", Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight

49. "Like a Dog Chasing Cars", Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight

50. Outro Music

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Of all the Nerve...

So, I was planning on using Blogger's handy-dandy video uploader for my Track of the Week entries, and got two of the posts up before I realized that the videos were no longer running. Confused, I decided to wait for a day and see what happened, but still no dice when I checked back in 24 hours later.

I really had to dig through Google's/Blogger's FAQ in order to get to the bottom of things, but long story short, they've disabled video uploading. I knew something was weird when I went to the Google Video portion of my account and found that clicking on "Upload" produced an error message. It wasn't until I clicked on the link talking about "Why is my video blocked" that the "We are no longer offering uploads" message appeared.

And they annoying part? The Video Upload function still appears to "work"! I can still "upload" videos to a blog post (goes through the "processing" phase and everything), but once it's all done, no amount of clicking on any of the player buttons does anything. Admittedly, this is part of the "old" post editor (the video is missing on the new one), but still! Google could have done a better job of notifying people about the change.

So, I ended up creating a new YouTube account in order to host all my videos. Things should be running smoothly in the next day or two.

 - 'Till Next Time Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 2: Hornerisms and Rejected Scores

Track Bits Episode 2: Hornerisms and Rejected Scores
(Original Completion Date: 10/20/2009)

Higher Quality Link

Track List

Order in Episode. "Track Title", Composer, Movie

1. Intro Clip

2. "Main Titles", James Horner, Aliens

3. "The Mine (Montero's Vision)", James Horner, The Mask of Zorro

4. "The Train", James Horner, The Legend of Zorro

5. "Coast Guard Rescue", James Horner, The Perfect Storm

6. "Futile Escape", James Horner, Aliens

7. "Kirk's Explosive Reply", James Horner, Star Trek II

8. "Wolfen on Wall Street", James Horner, Wolfen

9. "Surprise Attack", James Horner, Star Trek II

10. "The Rescue/Discovery of the Great Valley", James Horner, The Land Before Time

11. "Elora Dannon", James Horner, Willow

12. "Coast Guard Rescue", James Horner, The Perfect Storm

13. "A Change of Heart", James Horner, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

14. "Achilles Leads the Myrmidons", James Horner, Troy

15. "D-Day Battle", Gabriel Yared, Troy

16. "Hector's Death", James Horner, Troy

17. "Achilles & Hector Fight", Gabriel Yared, Troy

18. "Main Titles", Danny Elfman, Planet of the Apes

19. "The 13th Warrior", Graeme Revell, 13th Warrior/Eaters of the Dead

20. "Old Bagdad", Jerry Goldsmith, The 13th Warrior

21. "The Fire Dragon", Graeme Revell, 13th Warrior/Eaters of the Dead

22. "The Fire Dragon", Jerry Goldsmith, The 13th Warrior

23. "The Wendol's Revenge", Graeme Revell, 13th Warrior/Eaters of the Dead

24. "Viking Victory", Jerry Goldsmith, 13th Warrior

25. Outro Clip

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 10/19/2009

Track of the Week: "Riding Contest (Butch Meets Sundance)" by Basil Poledouris, from The Legend of Butch and Sundance



One of Basil Poledouris' last scores, I particularly like the the Wild West sensibility about this one, in the vein of Deadwood, Tombstone, and Firefly. This track is just the rambunctious theme in all it's playful glory. If you happen to like a very traditional sound, be sure to seek this one out.

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

ToTW Catch Up: 10/12/2009

Track of the Week: "Stand By Your Man," Marco Beltrami, Hellboy



This track manages to encapsulate all you need to know about the soundtrack to the first Hellboy Movie. It starts out with a spooky melody on the Theremin (a rarity these days), launches into an awesome heroic march and variation on the main theme, and finishes with a quiet rendition of the theme with an electronic bass plunking out the rhythm. Exotic oddity, epic orchestral, and "cool" undertones: "Hellboy" distilled.

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

TB Ep. 1: Plagiarism and Temp Tracks

Track Bits Episode 1: Plagiarism and Temp Tracks
(Original Completion Date: Mid-October, 2009)



Higher Quality Link

Track List:

Order in episode. "Track Title", Composer, Movie

(Note, "ibid." means "same as the previous")

1. Intro Clip
2. "Revenge Wheel", Eliot Goldenthal, Titus
3. "Swing Rave", ibid.
4. "Pickled Heads", ibid.
5. "Victorius Titus", ibid.
6. "Finale", ibid.
7. "Returns a King", Tyler Bates, 300
8. "Victorius Titus", Eliot Goldenthal, Titus
9. Overlay 1
10. "Remember Us", Tyler Bates, 300
11. "Finale", Eliot Goldenthal, Titus
12. Overlay 2
13. "Crusaders", Harry Gregson-Williams, Kingdom of Heaven
14. "Rise a Knight", ibid.
15. "Valhalla", Jerry Goldsmith, 13th Warrior
16. Audio Mix from Kingdom of Heaven
17. Outro Clip


- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!

Hello, Good Evening, and Welcome!

Greetings, Everyone!

So here it is, a separate site for Track Bits and any other soundtrack-related thing that may be of interest. For the moment, there are two things I want to do here:

1. Track Bits: the main attraction. My podcasts that attempt to be informative and interesting at the same time, hopefully you'll walk away from them entertained and a little bit more knowledgeable.

2. Track of the Week: the in-betweens. I collect soundtracks on a fairly regular basis, so I figure I can fill in the time between podcasts with tracks that I'm currently listening to, plus a small smattering of text commentary.

For the rest of January and some of February, I plan on doing a "Catch Up" series of TotW covering the time between the first episode of Track Bits and the present. It shouldn't be too long, as Track Bits began in October. Hopefully TotW will be easier to do than TB, but we'll see how it goes.

- 'Till Next Time, Soundtrack Fans!