CD REVIEW - RATATOUILLE


Ratatouille
Music by Michael Giacchino
Walt Disney Records 397 1962 (EU)
24 Tracks 62:36 mins

Director Brad Bird and composer Michael Giacchino are reunited on this latest Pixar production, following their great success on The Incredibles, and apparently it was all a bit last minute, though you'd never know it, either by the quality of the film, by all accounts, or that of the music.
This generous album commences in fine style with the main theme, presented initially as a delightful, lilting song, performed in French by Camille. Giacchino threads this theme subtly throughout subsequent score tracks, giving it all kinds of treatments, sometimes mixing it in with his action music, at others letting it sing on violin. But this is but one of several themes he plays with in his score, which also boasts some foot-tapping latin flavoured moments, and some "with it" jazz, as well as more straight-ahead orchestral music. In fact, it's a rare album where every track has something to offer and will surely prove to be one of the scores of the year.
A fine "End Creditouilles" suite brings the score to an end, reprising and developing a lot of the material that has gone before, with a lovely straight instrumental playing of the gorgeous main theme to close.
The accompanying booklet features colour stills, full music credits plus a note from Brad Bird. This is an album every self-respecting film music fan should have in their collection. I can't wait to see the film.

CD REVIEW - NATI CON LA CAMICIA


Nati con la Camicia
Music by Franco Micalizzi
Beat Records CDCR 77 (Italy)
14 Tracks 41:29 mins

Beat Records continues to champion the work of Franco Micalizzi with the release of his music for this 1983 instalment in the series of popular buddy movies starring Terence Hill and Bud Spencer who, in this adventure, find themselves mistaken for CIA agents and given a dangerous assignment which, in their inimitable way, they of course successfully undertake.
Micalizzi provides a highly tuneful accompaniment, with many variations on the upbeat main theme, first heard as an uptempo country song "In the Middle of that Trouble Again," performed by A.D. Meakin and then reprised many times instrumentally, either with saxophone or flute lead, mostly enhanced by synths, and sometimes heard in tandem with the "Spies in Action" theme, a tense and slightly menacing motif. Apart from these themes, Micalizzi gives a suitably tropical feel to "Caribeena Women" and provides laid-back, sunny instrumentals in "Shining day" and "Flying to Miami." A shorter version of the opening song brings this entertaining disc to a close.
The CD is accompanied by an attractive booklet, featuring colour stills and artwork from the film, together with notes in Italian and English byFabio Babini.
Next up from Beat is Cinecocktail 3, which I look forward to covering soon. In the meantime, visit their site at www.beatrecords.it

CD REVIEWS - AS YOU LIKE IT & IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH + News from Screen Archives Entertainment


As You Like It
Music by Patrick Doyle
Varese Sarabande VSD-6830 (EU)
19 tracks 59:26 mins

Patrick Doyle's latest Shakespearean collaboration with Kenneth Branagh is a Japan-set adaptation of As You Like It, and as such Doyle provides something of an Oriental flavour, utilising flutes and koto, along with more conventional orchestra (The LSO), and featuring some exquisite violin solos from Carmine Lauri. Indeed, in his liner notes, Doyle talks of adapting the main thematic material, presented in the final track "Violin Romance" for a forthcoming violin concerto.
This is one of those albums that starts off OK, with variations on the main theme, first heard of flute in the opening "Kabuki Attack," cropping up on a pretty regular basis, amongst the dramatic scoring, which is pretty varied, from some lightly comedic material, hints of romance and some action and resulting tragedy, but then takes a turn for the better when the main theme really takes over from track 13 "Fake Wedding" and the violin comes into its own, leading the orchestra through most of the remaining tracks and culminating in the aforementioned concluding track.
Along the way, Doyle gets the chance to show his vocal prowess, singing a couple of original Shakespeare lyrics, and there is also a joyous choral, "A Lover & His Lass," where many of the cast leant there vocal talents.
Along with Doyle's aforementioned notes, Branagh also provides a note on the score, and there are plenty of colour stills in the accompanying booklet as well.
Patrick Doyle continues to show that he is one of the best composers in contemporary film.


In The Valley of Elah
Music by Mark Isham
Varese Sarabande VSD 6853 (EU)
18 Tracks 46:16 mins

Having collaborated so successfully on the acclaimed Crash, composer Isham and director Paul Haggis have a new film out, which is one of a numebr of pictures appearing that deal with the current Middle-East troubles.
For Crash, Isham provided an effective, electronic score, which played a major part in the film, but which I found less than satisfying to listen to on disc. It may well be the same case here, for I found the music for In The Valley of Elah a pretty dull and gloomy listen overall, with just a few bright moments.
Rather than go solely for electronics again, whilst they are present, he largely writes for chamber orchestra, as well as featuring guitar, mandolin, ukele and piano. It is however the former that dominate, with much heartfelt string writing, but they largely move me, save for the odd passionate moment.
Only two tracks really stand out for me, the purposeful strings of "Bobby Ortiz," which move excitingly to a crescendo, and the final cue "Upside Down," which actually leaves one on an untypically hopeful note.
I'm sure, when I finally get to see the film, Isham well have done his usual capable job with this music, but I don't expect to be returning to this album much in the future.

From: "SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT"

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND and FAHRENHEIT 451/TWILIGHT ZONE:WALKING DISTANCE by Tribute Film Classics now available for PRE-ORDER!

For more detailed information, click on this URL:

http://www.screenarchives.com/email.cfm?eid=8

Back with a Bang!

You've not heard from me for some days, but I haven't been idle and, in an effort to start catching up, here's (for me) a monster post of CD reviews:-

King of California
Music by David Robbins
Silva Screen SILCD1252 (UK)
19 Tracks 39:07 mins

David Robbins is the composer for this new Michael Douglas comedy, which also stars the ever-lovely Evan Rachel Wood, and has furnished us with one of the most enjoyable scores I've heard recently, as evidenced by this album from Silva Screen which, in addition to Robbins' score, also features a track by the Lileh Choir of Dmanisi, together with Jolie Holland's vocal of one of the composer's principal themes.
It's just a delightful , melodic score, composed for a small ensemble, including ukulele, banjo, guitars, pump organ, accordion, acoustic bass, glass armonica, shakers, hand drums, trumpet, a duo of cellos, musical saw (now that's something I haven't heard for a while) and even a Alessandroni-styled whistler. Every track has something to offer and the music covers a range of moods and styles, at times folksy, at others quirky, with that haunting musical saw. There's warmth and whimsy, slow dances and even a little mariachi. As I say, it's just delightful.
The accompanying booklet features a brief synopsis of the film, together with notes by the composer and writer/director Mike Cahill.


The Jane Austen Book Club
Music by Aaron Zigman
Varese Sarabande VSD 6856 (EU)
29 Tracks 33:10 mins

You may recall that I reviewed a promotional copy of this disc back on 21st September, so you can go there to catch my full opinions of this new score by the busy Aaron Zigman, but basically it's a typically Thomas Newmanesque score, which takes us through the whole gamut of emotions, from purposeful to sad and poignant, to quirky, as it leads us through the interwoven adventures of six book club members.


Preparati La Bara!
Music by Gianfranco & Gian Piero Reverberi
Digitmovies CDDM092 (Italy)
27 Tracks 52:48 mins

This 1968 Italian western saw the popular Terence Hill having a stab at the Django character, first portrayed by France Nero.
The score was provided by the brothers Reverberi, but no album was forthcoming at the time of the film's release. Instead RCA put out 11 tracks, coupled with Carlo Rustichelli's music for Un Minuto per Pregare, Un Istante per Morire, in 1998. This disc reissues those stereo tracks, but supplements them with a further 16 tracks in mono, taken from the original masters.
Of course, if for nothing else, the Reverberi brothers will be remembered for their simply beautiful score for the 1964 TV series Robinson Crusoe, and their gift for melody is again revealed in this score, which is largely based on the one theme, first heard at the opening of the disc as a strong ballad to a galloping rhythm, entitled "You'd Better Smile," and sung in English by Nicola Di Bari. The song turns up again at the end of the original album tracks in a shorter Italian version and is reprised a couple more times in both English and Italian later on in the bonus material.
Following the initial vocal performance though, it is reprised instrumentally in virtually all the original album selections (save for the obligatory barroom piano track), performed in a variety of forms, slower and faster, and intensely dramatic in the deguello-styled tracks, with of course trumpet featured, but also electric and acoustic guitars, and even ethereal organ taking the lead, with choir often adding their support.
The bonus selections do have a little more variety, with some atonal suspense and some more barroom music, plus some cues strip down the main theme to provide dramatic solos for trumpet and guitar. But all in all, it's a one-themed score, but of course it's a fine theme and therefore it never outstays its welcome. Another fine addition to the Italian Western scores catalogue.
The disc is of course accompanied by the usual colourful booklet, with stills and artwork from the film, together with notes by Claudio Fuiano and Luca Di Silverio.


La Polizia Accusa: Il Servizio Segreto Uccide
Music by Luciano Michelini
Digitmovies CDDM091 (Italy)
25 Tracks 56:40 mins

Another Digitmovies release features Luciano Michelini's score for this 1975 cop thriller, which is this time largely based on two themes, the first a dark and propulsive theme, the second an easy-listening love theme. Both feature in the first couple of tracks on this disc and thereafter crop up in a variety of arrangements. There is a little more variety in this score however and some cues provide a deal of mystery and suspense, as well as some exciting action and a somewhat comical march theme.
In addition to the complete score, presented over the first 15 tracks, there are also another ten bonus cues, which include music not used in the movie, more suspense, original source dance music and more variations of the love theme.
Again, a coloufrul booklet accompanies the disc, feeaturing stills, artwork and notes by Claudio Fuiano and Pierluigi Valentini.


Directors Cuts: Dark Drama 2
Music by Various Composers
Extreme Music DCD029 (UK)
30 Tracks 47:56 mins

This latest addition to Extreme Music's Directors Cuts production music library features music by a variety of composers, the best known probably being Geoff Zanelli, James S. Levine, Phil Marshall, Mike Shapiro and Jim Dooley. As one would expect, the subject matter dictates that much of the music is of the "dark" variety, with some pretty ominous, eerie, threatening and downright menacing music on display, all achieved with synths and samplers. Best cues for me are the increasingly menacing dark march for "Evil Genius;" and the big and bad techno mover "Black Art," both of which Zanelli had a hand in, as well as the same composer's rocking "Talk of the Devil."

NEW RELEASES FROM FILM SCORE MONTHLY + NEW ISSUE OF FILM MUSIC WEEKLY

From: "FILM SCORE MONTHLY"

Screen Archives Entertainment Announces 2 New CD Releases from FILM SCORE MONTHLY - THE SILVER CHALICE by Franz Waxman on 2 cds and HOTEL/KALEIDOSCOPE by Johnny Keating and Stanley Myers on 1 cd.

For more detailed information, click on this URL:

http://www.screenarchives.com/email.cfm?eid=6

>
NEWS FROM FILM MUSIC
> October 17, 2007
> ==========================================
>
> THIS WEEK IN FILM MUSIC WEEKLY
>
> Download your free copy at:
> http://www.filmmusicweekly.com/issues/FM_Weekly_101607.pdf
>
> Get Your Free Subscription at:
> http://www.filmmusicweekly.com
>
>
> ** Composer Victory? Songs No Longer Automatic Feature Performances at BMI
>
> ** Fi-Core Musicians Allowed to Rehearse at Local 47 Thursday
>
> ** Court Conditionally Certifies Class Status in 'Santa Barbara' Case
>
> ** MusicBox Names Robbins Director of Film & TV Music
>
> ** Garritan Releases Personal Orchestra ReFill for Reason
>
> ** Signings and Projects by John Powell, John Debney, David Arnold,
> Christophe Beck, Carter Burwell and Richard Harvey
>
> ** Music Technology and You - by Peter Lawrence Alexander
> "PDF Output and More For Notation Programs"
>
> ** The Chart Doctor - by Ron Hess
> "The Devil (and The Salvation) Is In The Details"
>
> ** Soundtrack Review - By Daniel Schweiger
> "Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter" by Laurie Johnson
>
> ** The Scoreboard: Hundreds of composers and what they're scoring
>
> PLUS
>
> FILM MUSIC RADIO
>
> ** INSIDE THE BUSINESS: LOCAL 47 RESPONDS TO NES
> Listen to Mark Northam's exclusive audio interview
> with composer and union activist Charles Fernandez and recording
> artist and Local 47 Board member Dr. Bobby Rodriguez including
> discussing Local 47's reaction to NES, the RMA, and more.
> LISTEN NOW: http://www.filmmusicmag.com/itb/
>
> ** ON THE SCORE: COMPOSER CHARLIE CLOUSER
> Film music journalist Daniel Schweiger interviews
> composer CHARLIE CLOUSER, who gives an industrial rock shock to the
> zombies of RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION
> LISTEN NOW: http://www.filmmusicmag.com/ots/
>
>
> FILM & TV MUSIC INDUSTRY BLOGS
>
> ** INSIDE THE BUSINESS by Mark Northam
> "The Business of Buyouts"
> http://www.marknortham.com
>
>
> Film Music Weekly is a publication of Global Media Development Group
> Editor: Mikael Carlsson | Publisher: Mark Northam

NEWS FROM TOP DOLLAR PR + SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT

FROM TOP DOLLAR PR

MEDIA RELEASE

SUMTHING ELSE MUSIC WORKS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF THE HALO 3
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK FROM THE BLOCKBUSTER XBOX 360 VIDEO GAME

FROM THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCH IN HISTORY,
COMES THE MOST ANTICIPATED VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK OF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

New York - October 17th, 2007 - Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with Microsoft Game Studios, proudly presents Halo® 3 Original Soundtrack. The highly anticipated original soundtrack comes in a 2-CD set featuring the game’s original music score and will be released on November 20th to US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label www.sumthing.com and via digital download at Sumthing Digital www.sumthingdigital.com.

Halo 3 is the conclusion to the epic trilogy and picks up where Halo 2 left off, answering questions about the fates of the beloved protagonist Master Chief™ and his artificial intelligence sidekick Cortana as they struggle to save humankind from destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant.

The official Halo 3 Original Soundtrack features the new symphonic compositions by Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori, the award-winning composers behind the best-selling Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 Volume One and Halo 2 Volume Two soundtracks. In addition to new original tracks written for the Halo 3 video game, the Halo 3 Original Soundtrack also includes new arrangements of the game’s musical themes that Bungie’s audio director and composer Martin O’Donnell recorded with a full live orchestra and chorus. The 2-CD set amounts to two hours of original music from the game Halo 3.

Developed by Bungie Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios, the critically acclaimed Xbox 360® exclusive, which was released worldwide on Tuesday, Sept. 25, is the fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. The Xbox 360 title beat previous U.S. sales records set by blockbuster openings for entertainment events such as the release of “Spider-Man 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Halo 3 was released in 37 countries and 17 languages. To date, more than 20 million copies of the games in the Halo trilogy have been sold worldwide. For more information visit www.halo3.com.

About Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc.

Nile Rodgers started Sumthing Else Music Works (SEMW) as a nationwide record label and creative outlet for independent artists and unique musical projects. Through its affiliated company, Sumthing Distribution, SEMW prides itself on its ability to rapidly and effectively deliver to the marketplace many innovative products. In view of the successes of its previous game soundtrack releases, the company is now recognized as the leader in this newly emerging musical genre. Accordingly, SEMW has bolstered its commitment to enhancing gamers’ overall experience by acquiring many new titles to complement its current catalog of releases. For more information visit www.sumthing.com and www.sumthingdigital.com.

Sumthing Else Music Works and Sumthing Distribution logos are copyright of their respective companies. All other names of products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

From: "SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT"

Screen Archives Entertainment Announces New limited Intrada CD release of John Williams score to Monsignor

For more detailed information, click on this URL:

http://www.screenarchives.com/email.cfm?eid=7

CD REVIEW - MICHAEL CLAYTON


Michael Clayton
Music by James Newton Howard
Varese Sarabande VSD 6850 (EU)
13 Tracks 38:42 mins

This new George Clooney thriller receives a modernistic score by James Newton Howard that is largely realised by sythns and percussion, though the final track finds strings taking up the main theme in what is largely a 'calm after the storm' cue, though it does turn more sinister at the end. Before that we have a score that is largely an exercise in rhythm and tension, with many of the cues moving rhythmically, either nervously, purposefully or more subdued. Around track 7 "U North," the score takes a decidedly more menacing turn, with some good climactic builds. A few times the score takes time out from the rhythm for a little poignancy, probably underlining the plight of the Tom Wilkinson character, from what few clips I have seen of the film.
A good, workmanlike score by Howard then, but one which is not likely to longer long in the memory.

THE HEARTBREAK KID + NEWS FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS



On October 29th, EMI Music will release the soundtrack from the new Ben Stiller comedy The Heartbreak Kid, a film that sees the comic actor reunited with the Farrelly Brothers, who of course directed him triumphantly in There's Something About Mary.
Unfortunately, there's no underscore featured on the album, just numbers by a largely unfamiliar list of artists (to this writer). I've actually only heard of David Bowie, Brian Hyland and Susanna Hoffs, but others featured include The Flaming Lips, Buva, World Party, John Alagia, The Weepies, Amy LeVere, Julieta Vanegas, The Flaming Lipe, Ozomatli and Matthew Sweet.

From Costa Communications

MARC STREITENFELD
SCORES RIDLEY SCOTT'S
"AMERICAN GANGSTER"
Universal Pictures Release Nov 6th.

(Hollywood, CA) German-born film composer Marc Streitenfeld scores director Ridley Scott's "American Gangster." This marks Streitenfeld's seventh consecutive music collaboration and second score with Scott. Universal Pictures releases "American Gangster" November 2nd. Island Def Jam releases the soundtrack album November 6th with tracks by Streitenfeld. Set in the Seventies, the crime drama follows a detective (Russell Crowe) who works to bring down the drug empire of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), a Harlem kingpin who smuggles heroin into the country by hiding it in the coffins of American soldiers returning from the Vietnam War.

The dark film required a score to support the tension and drama, and Streitenfeld's approach was to use an 80-piece orchestra as well as numerous acoustic pre-records, mostly performed by Streitenfeld himself. "The orchestra is only one element of many," explained Streitenfeld at a scoring session at the Sony Scoring Stage in Culver City, CA.

Born in Munich, Germany, Streitenfeld relocated to Los Angeles at the age of 19, first working for composer Hans Zimmer as his assistant, then as a freelance music editor and music supervisor on numerous blockbusters. Streitenfeld was nominated for a Golden Reel Award for his work on Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven." Streitenfeld had a long relationship with Scott and the award-winning filmmaker then asked Streitenfeld to be the composer on "A Good Year." Prior to his work as a composer, Streitenfeld had collaborated with Scott as music supervisor, technical score advisor, and music editor on several projects, including "Matchstick Men," "Black Hawk Down" and "Gladiator."

CD REVIEW - DRANGO


Drango
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Sepia 6000 (UK)
12 Tracks 43:16 mins

This second new limited edition release from Sepia reissues the original Liberty LP of the much-missed Elmer Bernstein's score for this 1957 post-American Civil War western, which starred Jeff Chandler.
Of course Bernstein became something of a staple of western scoring following his brilliant music for 1960's The Magnificent Seven, producing particularly strong work for a series of John Wayne oaters, but this score predated those years and, whilst showing glimpses of the later style, it is a much more conventional score in finest Hollywood traditions, with a strong and noble main theme that the composer puts through a variety of variations throughout the score, starting with the opening "Prelude," together with some romantic string writing for the Chandler-Joanne Dru relationship, and some poignant flute writing, together with elegiac cello, first heard effectively in the album's second track "The hanging." A strangely, spirited, almost medieval theme appears in "The Search," which is glimpsed again in the suitably innocent scoring for "The Children's Gift." One original source track, "Ransom House Waltzes," brings a melodic interlude to Bernstein's dramatic scoring.
As with the other Sepia release, an impressive booklet accompanies the disc, with stills and artwork, plus notes on the film, its composer and music.
Please do support these initial releases from Sepia Records, available from Backtrack at www.backtrackrye.com; telephone 01797 222777 (00 44 1797 222777 if calling from overseas).

CD REVIEW - TRAPEZE/THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH


Trapeze/The Greatest Show on Earth
Music by Sir Malcolm Arnold/Music by Victor Young
Sepia 6001 (UK)
20 Tracks 51:59 mins

This is the first of two limited edition releases on the new Sepia label and brings to CD the old Columbia and RCA soundtrack releases for these two circus films from the '50s.
The 1956 Burt Lancaster starrer Trapeze was Sir Malcolm Arnold's first big international success and the first twelve tracks on the CD come from this film. To be honest, there is little dramatic scoring on display here. The opening "Prelude" mixes drama with a breezy waltz, and Arnold composed a nice love theme between the Lancaster and Gina Lollobrigida characters, first heard as a slow dance in "Lola's Theme," then reprised in "Mike and Lola's Love theme," firstly as a seductive accordion tango, then taken up by romantic strings. The theme also makes an appearance in the one really dramatic track, "Above the Ring." The rest of the soundtrack consists of circus music, some very familiar, like "Washington Post March," "Entry of the Gladiators," "Blue Danube" and "Stars and Stripes Forever," as well as a swinging "Juke Box" number.
The eight tracks that make up the programme from 1952's "The Greatest Show on Earth," are all of the source variety, circus music, made up of a variety of marches and waltzes, some very familiar, even if the titles mean little to me, some co-composed by Victor Young. It's all very melodic and enjoyable, but it's not film scoring and will not float your boat if that's what you're looking for.
Nevertheless, if you're a circus fan, this CD is a real nostalgia trip and an admittedly very enjoyable listen. The music is accompanied by an impressive and colourful booklet, featuring original artwork and stills from the films, biographies of the composers, plus notes on the films and their music. Available through Backtrack, go to their website at www.backtrackrye.com, or telepone 01797 222777, or 00 44 1797 222777), if calling from outside the UK.

CD REVIEW - THE BRAVE ONE + NEWS FROM SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT


The Brave One
Music by Dario Marianelli
Varese Sarabande VSD-6841 (EU)
18 Tracks 44:55 mins

After his excellent score for Atonement, Dario Marianelli's effort for the latest take on Death Wish, which sees Jodie Foster turn vigilante after her man is slayed, was probably always going to be a disappointment, but then the subject matter always dictates the style of score and therefore this was bound to be a gloomy affair.
Dominated by "Erica," the Foster character's theme, which is mostly voiced by piano, though also receives a guitar treatment in the opening track, plus a strings resolution in "The Aftermath," the music is largely sad and brooding, though there is some action later. The secondary theme however is a somewhat disturbing effort for anguished strings over the now cliched electronic pulse. Indeed, it seems Marianelli's hands may have been tied by the temp track once more, as his action writing is very Bourne-like, but skilfully incorporates the "Erica" theme.
Whilst no doubt effective on film, the album unfortunately makes for a very dull listening experience.

Screen Archives Entertainment Announces New CD Release by Moviescore Media ATOM NINE ADVENTURES by Robert Gulya and more!

For more detailed information, click on this URL:

http://www.screenarchives.com/email.cfm?eid=3

CD REVIEWS - FLOOD + THE KINGDOM


The Flood
Music by Debbie Wiseman
Silva Screen SILCD1247 (UK)
18 Tracks 65:06 mins

Latest warning about the effects of global warming is The Flood, which paints a scenario of a flooded London, something that may not be too far off happening, according to some experts.
The score is provided by the ever-reliable Debbie Wiseman, who has provided a tense and relentless accompaniment to the rising floodwaters, with some poignancy thrown in, courtesy of a theme that makes use of Hayley Westenra's haunting vocals. Westenra is becoming a regular collaborator, along with the excellent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who also perform on this soundtrack, enhanced by some electronics.
Westenra's vocals make telling comment on the city's inhabitants' struggles to survive, whilst the score largely drives onward, courtesy of a theme which I would describe as influenced by Alan Silvestri's Judge Dredd theme, crossed with Michael J. Lewis' "Destruction of the Cathedral" from The Medusa Touch. Exciting stuff!
The accompanying booklet features interviews an extensive intervierw with the composer on her score for The Flood, as well as vocalist Hayley Westenra's take on her involvement.


The Kingdom
Music by Danny Elfman
Varese Sarabande VSD-6842 (EU)
13 Tracks 39:43 mins

A number of films are now making an appearance regarding events in and stemming from the middle-east troubles. This actioner sees Jamie Fox, Jennifer Garner et al journeying to Saudia Arabia to investigate a bombing. They are accompanied on their travels by composer Danny Elfman, who provides an atypical score, with some tense, driving, rhythmic action music, combining electronics, a wide variety of percussion and orchestra. Standout cues in this respect are the opening "The Kingdom - Titles," and "The Chase." Interestingly, and possibly not coincidentally, Elfman comes close at times to mimicking Michael Giacchino's approach to the action music in Garner's former show Alias.
Amongst all this fine tense action scoring, there is a electric guitars-driven theme, which speaks of camaraderie and which is given the full treatment in the closing "Finale."
A score which possibly won't appeal to the majority of Elfman's fans, but one which I found engaging and effective.

CD REVIEW - SAM SPENCE - OUR MAN IN MUNICH


Sam Spence - Our Man in Munich
Music by Sam Spence
All Score Media ASM 025 (Germany)
22 Tracks 56:44 mins

Before receiving this fine new release I was only familiar with some of the many hours of music Spence had written for the American NFL Films, this from a sampler released quite a few years ago on the Tommyboy label. Of course, since then, a comprehensive collection of his NFL work has been issued, but unfortunately, much as I would love to have the collection, it is beyond my means.
Despite knowing some of his music, I knew absolutely nothing about the man, so the booklet, in German and English, proved useful in filling me in. Amazingly, despite scoring such an American institution, Spence has for many years been based in Germany, scoring many films, TV and adverts there.
This collection presents some of Spence's best-loved NFL Films music, together with one track never before released, as well as samples from his film, TV and advertising work. Stylistically, the music is largely brassy big-band jazz, but with a rhythm section reflective of the time, whether it be the '60s, '70s or '80s. Overall, it makes for one of the most entertaining albums I've heard for some time, with plenty of catchy grooves. Occasionally, homage is paid to well-known film fare of the times, like The Magnificent Seven, Shaft and Who Dares Wins, but there are plenty of original ideas on show and, growing up in the '60s and '70s, I can really relate to this music.
Another great release from All Score Media. Visit their website at www.allscore.de, and for more informationon Sam Spence, go to www.samspencemusic.com.

NEWS FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS

You may be pleased to know that I should be back in business tomorrow with my first review in a few days. Apologies for my absence, but service could still be patchy for a few days yet. In the meantime, here's some news at least.

From Costa Communications

COMPOSER
CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ
JOINS THE TEAM FOR
"THE COMEBACKS"
Fox Atomic Release October 19, Score Now on iTunes

Composer Receives Three Film & TV Music Awards Nominations

(Los Angeles, CA) Composer Christopher Lennertz scores "The Comebacks," a new comedy from the producers of "The Wedding Crashers." The film stars David Koechner ("Talladega Nights," "Anchorman") as a college football coach with the worst record in the history of the sport on a quest to turn his team around. In addition to his score, Lennertz recorded a song he produced and arranged, performed by the film star David Koechner. Fox Atomic releases "The Comebacks" October 19. The score is available digitally on iTunes, including "Legends," co-written and scored by Lennertz and performed by "Comebacks" star David Koechner.

In addition, Lennertz has just received three nominations at the Film & TV Music Awards. His nominations are: Best Score for a Science Fiction Television Program: "Supernatural"; Best Score for an Independent Feature Film: "Tortilla Heaven"; and The Don B. Ray Educational Achievement Award. The Film & TV Music Awards are a new peer awards program for the Film & TV music industry. Awards winners will be announced October 30.

Lennertz began his musical education at the early age of nine and quickly developed what director Joshua Butler ("Saint Sinner") calls "an incredible gift for melody." After learning to play the trumpet and guitar, he ventured out of performance to study composition, jazz arranging, and theory in high school. Soon, he made his way to the University of Southern California to continue his musical education and begin scoring films.

Lennertz has since expanded his repertoire as a composer for all types of media, from film to television and even to videogames. Among his film scores are several notable independent films, including the jazz-based gangster drama "Baby Face Nelson" featuring Academy Award winner F. Murry Abraham, the seductive thriller "Lured Innocence" starring Dennis Hopper, and the film festival favorite, "Art House." His television credits include the WB's "Supernatural," Fox's "Brimstone," the WB's "The Strip," and the theme song for the MTV series "Tough Enough," which appeared on the album for the show and put him on the Billboard top 100 charts for weeks. His powerful, full orchestral score for the Stephen Spielberg-created videogame "Medal of Honor: Rising Sun" earned an award from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and led him to score two more "Medal of Honor" games.

Most recently, Lennertz scored the Latin comedy "Tortilla Heaven." He is currently working on "Perfect Christmas," a family romance starring Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah and Gabrielle Union.

NEWS FROM TOP DOLLAR PR

MEDIA RELEASE

FROM TOP DOLLAR PR


HELLGATE™: LONDON

FEATURES ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
COMPOSED BY CRIS VELASCO and SASCHA DIKICIYAN

Acclaimed Video Game Composers Provide Dramatic
Fantasy / Sci-Fi Score for Next-Gen Action Role-Playing Game

Los Angeles, CA – October 1st, 2007 – Renowned video game composers Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan have created the original soundtrack for Hellgate: London, the premiere PC title from Flagship Studios. Furthermore, the complete original soundtrack will be made available within the Hellgate: London Collector's Edition. Both the Collector's Edition of Hellgate: London and the standard retail box will be hitting store shelves in North America on October 31, 2007.

To complement the post-apocalyptic setting of Hellgate: London, veteran game musicians Velasco and Dikiciyan merged several music styles encompassing orchestral, rock, and ambient, as well as musical sound design elements. No strangers to the action RPG genre, the duo worked closely with the audio team at Flagship Studios to deliver an original soundtrack that embraces the fantasy and sci-fi aspects of the game while infusing it with a modern edge.

"The collaborative partnership of Velasco and Dikiciyan is an ideal fit for the world of Hellgate: London," said Dave Steinwedel, Audio Manager at Flagship Studios. "By drawing on their diverse musical influences they have created an outstanding original soundtrack that will stand the test of time."

Hellgate: London represents the next evolution of the action RPG genre, combining the depth and addictive gameplay of traditional RPGs with the visceral action of first-person shooters. For more information on Hellgate: London, please visit the official website: www.hellgatelondon.com.

For more information on composers Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan, visit their respective websites at www.monarchaudio.com and www.sonicmayhem.com.

About Flagship Studios:

Flagship Studios is a creator of innovative entertainment software, designing games that focus on ease of play, replayability, and fun. The studio was formed in 2003 by former executives and developers from Blizzard North® and represents the creators of the worldwide, best-selling Diablo® franchise. With members that are renowned within the gaming industry, Flagship Studios embodies a team that has worked together for over a decade and have numerous #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards to their credit. For more information about Flagship Studios, please logon to: www.flagshipstudios.com.

Hellgate™: London is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Flagship Studios, Inc. throughout the world.