Each month or so I'll update my Playlist with around ten film scores that I am currently listening, addicted to or just trying out.  I'll try to include a short capsule review and sound file, but can't do so for each CD.  Instead I'll focus on the generally ignored-by-larger-soundtrack-website scores if possible. Just click on the imagemap and CD title to download the Real Audio clip.

 

THE MASK OF ZORRO By James Horner, SK 60627 [Clip 1:05] "The Plaza Of Execution" Columbia Tri-Star, 1998 After the hot and cold reception to TITANIC, Horner followed with another teary-eyed disaster film DEEP IMPACT. While that score made nary a ripple in the filmmusic enthusiast world (I like it better than TITANIC), ZORRO was probably the reason. This is the anticipated score of the summer for those who adore Horner and while it does give listeners something fresh - flamenco and mariachi influenced themes, the moments of action seem like typical Horner. This time, instead of the usual percussive effects and anvil blasting used previously in "Al Bathra" from COURAGE UNDER FIRE and "Hard To Starboard" from TITANIC (two very similiar action cues from James), clapping and stomping (think LORD OF THE DANCE) are added. The most successful cues are those which breath some life into the score - "The Plaza Of Execution" (used in the film's theatrical trailers, "The Ride" and "Stealing The Map". The thematic material is somewhat similiar to that of TITANIC and a blatent chunk of "The Secret Wedding" from BRAVEHEART is in a later track, but entertainment value is high enough to warrant purchasing the disc.

BACKDRAFT By Hans Zimmer, BMG/Milan 3141-2-R (Clip 0:47) "Burn It All", Universal Pictures 1991 [Edited] The Zimmer Sound is always interesting - but BACKDRAFT is especially so. Probably because it is more "musical" than other efforts like CRIMSON TIDE and BROKEN ARROW. An addition of a child's choir adds an authentic touch in an otherwise synth laden score. There is an orchestra and they do play most of the music, but it's the overlay of beats, sampled strings and percussion that dominate. A solo trumpet plays one of the score's themes, but it's the least interesting part to me. Instead it's the last four tracks, which form a suite around 17 minutes long. "Burn It All" is familiar to those from trailers to THE LOST WORLD and MIGHTY JOE YOUNG. The last two tracks are of the resolution variety, are upbeat and highly enjoyable. You've probably heard people rave about "Show Me Your Firetruck" and they're right. There are two shortcomings to the disc - 1) Those lame Bruce Hornsby songs and 2) The sound quality. I hear it as too much high end hiss and lacking in low end bass - but that's my ears. Though that's certainly not a big enough reason to pass up this score. MULAN By Jerry Goldsmith, Walt Disney Records 60631-7 (Clip 1:03) "Mulan's Decision", Walt Disney Pictures 1998 [Edited] Probably my most anticipated score of the summer was Jerry Goldsmith's MULAN. Well probably MULAN and Jerry's SMALL SOLDIERS. Rarely has Jerry been given such material to score but as usual he comes through. MULAN as a score is terrific - it's heroic, appropriate and stirring. Jerry's high standard percussion propels tracks like "Mulan's Decision" (which was replaced regretably in the film version) and his memorable theme pops up in every track. The songs however are a big more difficult to love, but with time they are passable. "I'll Make A Man Out Of You", performed by Donny Osmond is the lone "highlight", while the pop song misplaced in the middle of the disc is the lowlight. Unfortunately making room for the songs and two pop variants has scuttled some score, so Goldsmithians end up light - with under 30 minutes. The "Suite From MULAN" doesn't count, because it's basically an overture of the film's songs. It would be nice to have more. WATERWORLD By James Newton Howard, MCA Records MCA 11282 (Clip 1:20) "The Skyboat", Universal Pictures 1995 [Edited] WATERWORLD was a recent addition to the playlist, and I try not to pass judgements or comment on CD's until I've listened to them several times over. But my initial impressions are positive. I like percussion and WATERWORLD has percussion. I like choral and WATERWORLD has a chorus. I also like exciting action cues and WATERWORLD also has those. But I'm disturbed by the likeness to temp tracks and James Newton Howard's propensity for sounding like he's trying to be Jerry Goldsmith with his writing for brass. One note: The SIX DAYS, SEVEN NIGHTS trailer music is from WATERWORLD. I was surprised to learn this while listening. Hopefully this is a candidate for a full review soon. G.I. JANE By Trevor Jones, Hollywood Records HR-62109-2 (Clip 1:25) "Conspiracy", Hollywood Pictures 1997 [Edited] Certainly a different direction for Trevor Jones than his 1998 work, G.I. JANE is really a child of temp tracking and directorial influence. I firmly believe that Ridley Scott is the absolute worst director to work for as a composer. Ask Jerry Goldsmith or Vangelis why. So it's no surprise that Trevor Jones is forced to ape Hans Zimmer with his score for G.I. JANE. Jones never lets it become someone elses score however, as it's clear he's the same composer behind THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (some of the synth undertones are similiar and the theme is along the same lines). What G.I. JANE really boils down to is a pop/rock drum beat and wailing electric guitar flanked with strings. It's amazing how well it works, because I've never been a fan of electric guitar or drum machines. Jones' score is much longer than the represented 20 odd minutes on the soundtrack disc. Instead forgettable songs from unknown artists clamor at the beginning of the disc and the last three tracks are saved for score. "Conspiracy" and "Endurance" are the two heavyweights ("Endurance" was used in the second theatrical trailer for ARMAGEDDON) with glowering brass, heavy drum beats and strings. Although you're not going to get alot of music for your dollars, G.I. JANE is definitely an addition for those who crave Zimmer and have jones' for Jones. Past Playlist: Desperate Measures, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Amistad and more...

[Last Page Update: Sat/July/10/99] Inclusion of copywritten material on this site is for informational purposes only. Questions or comments can be emailed to Elfmaniac.