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REVIEW
The original motion picture soundtrack for THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is almost an oddity in the film music world, which is appropriate given the predilection towards oddness shown by the composer throughout his career. I call it an oddity because it is rare that a film's music, separated from the film, can tell a story so eloquently and completely by itself.
Now perhaps that doesn't shock anyone, after all, 13 of the 20 tracks on the album are songs. The lyrics leave very little, if any, of the plot unrevealed. The true magic is in the 7 tracks of pure score; here lies Elfman's excellence. When I was a child, I saw the Peter and the Wolf cartoon that was created to accompany Prokofiev's music. Years later I listened to the music alone, and was struck by its sheer story-telling ability. It doesn't need the animation; the music is illustration enough. Elfman's music for The NmBC is the first score I've heard for which I can say the same thing. And while I wouldn't urge anyone not to see Burton's magnificent film, Elfman's score is a powerful storyteller in its own right. Combined with the songs, the cd could, and does, stand on its own easily.
With the possible exception of Sally's Song (Track 14. . . Catherine O'Hara's high, reedy voice grates on me occasionally), there isn't a track on the album that I would be inclined to skip over. Elfman employs his wonderful sense of theme (from which he has lately departed), making the whole score more cohesive. The main characters and primary scenes are strongly defined by memorable, particular themes. A quick run down on my personal favorites:
"This is Halloween" (track 3) sets the tone for all future references to the citizens of Halloween. It's a little creepy, a little relentless, and a lot appealing. It's dark without being terrifying ("That's our job, but we're not mean/ In our town of Halloween"), and it's joyful without being annoying (listen to the repetition of "Halloween", and the ending la la la's).
"What's This?" (track 6) is just purely delightful. Bright and exciting, the music is happy, the lyrics are sweet and humorous. The breathtaking speed of the lyrics and the perfect inflections of Elfman's voice invoke the absolute awe and excitement of a new discovery. I especially like the ferocious "What is this?!" at about 2:53, it's the not-so-subtle reminder of the nature of the Pumpkin King. If there is a one song I like more than any other on this soundtrack, it is this.
"Kidnap the Sandy Claws" (track 10) is devious and clever. The lyrics appeal to me more than the music here. "Oogie Boogie's Song" (track 13) reminds me of some old Fats Waller recordings I have, what with the dramatic vocalizations and the down-n-dirty piano. It's definitely reminiscent of seedy piano bars, smoky clubs, and dangerous (boogie) men.
"Poor Jack" (track 16) is beautifully melancholy at the beginning, and then cymbals crash as Jack rediscovers himself. At that point it sounds slightly Russian (I could be imagining it, or maybe NmBC reminds me of Peter and the Wolf for a definite reason).
On a side note, the cd's Opening (track 2) and Closing (track19) aren't included in the movie in their totality (I believe that part of the Opening was included, but I don't remember any of the Closing in the film). And on another side note, for an interesting insight into Elfman's technique, listen to the last track of the second disc of Music For A Darkened Theatre Vol. 2; he included a demo version of "This is Halloween". It's a fascinating peek at the skeleton of a finished piece.
Over all, this soundtrack/score is a wonderful example of the kind of magic of which Elfman is capable. I loved this score immediately, and consider it to be one of his best.
Very special thanks to Maure Luke
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