CD REVIEW - LEATHERHEADS + NEWS FROM SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT AND OF A MICHAEL NYMAN BENEFIT CONCERT TO BE HELD THIS WEEKEND
Leatherheads
Music by Randy Newman
Varese Sarabande VSD-6887 (EU)
20 Tracks 43:58 mins
When I first picked up the CD and saw George Clooney and his latter-day American Football teammates staring out at me, I couldn't wait to put it in the player, thinking this might be the opportunity for another classic Americana score from Newman, like the brilliant The Natural. I was immediately disappointed to find that, rather than resemble The Natural, Newman's music was closer to his Ragtime, being a period jazz score. However, disappointment over, I gave it another spin and found that, on its own terms, it is really a rather enjoyable score, featuring strong themes, like the "Good Old Princeton" anthem that crops up proudly from time to time, an easy-going, Elmer Bernstein-styled theme, first heard in "Dodge," and a very nice, tender love theme, first heard in "Ah, Love."
Along the way, there are more conventional jazz pieces, sometimes riotous, at others more reserved and a little melancholy; there's even something of a Charleston feel to "Dan Higgins." Light comic moments can also be found, but very little conventional sporting action and triumph, more often heard in films of this nature. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable listen but, given the choice, I'd still take The Natural with me to that desert island.
Leatherheads
Music by Randy Newman
Varese Sarabande VSD-6887 (EU)
20 Tracks 43:58 mins
When I first picked up the CD and saw George Clooney and his latter-day American Football teammates staring out at me, I couldn't wait to put it in the player, thinking this might be the opportunity for another classic Americana score from Newman, like the brilliant The Natural. I was immediately disappointed to find that, rather than resemble The Natural, Newman's music was closer to his Ragtime, being a period jazz score. However, disappointment over, I gave it another spin and found that, on its own terms, it is really a rather enjoyable score, featuring strong themes, like the "Good Old Princeton" anthem that crops up proudly from time to time, an easy-going, Elmer Bernstein-styled theme, first heard in "Dodge," and a very nice, tender love theme, first heard in "Ah, Love."
Along the way, there are more conventional jazz pieces, sometimes riotous, at others more reserved and a little melancholy; there's even something of a Charleston feel to "Dan Higgins." Light comic moments can also be found, but very little conventional sporting action and triumph, more often heard in films of this nature. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable listen but, given the choice, I'd still take The Natural with me to that desert island.
From: SCREEN ARCHIVES ENTERTAINMENT
TWO NEW LIMITED RELEASES FROM MOVIESCORE MEDIA!
TRIGGER MAN and JELLYSMOKE!
Click the link for further details and information on how to order!
CELEBRATED musician and composer, Michael Nyman, is lending his support to the increasingly vociferous campaign to save London
Nyman, together with soprano Marie Angel, will perform 'I sonetti lussuriosi', a set of erotic texts by Renaissance poet Pietro Aretino, written to accompany a series of explicit engravings and set to music by Michael Nyman.
Further details from www.drillhall.co.uk / The Drill Hall, 16 Chenies St, London WC1E 7EX / Box Office: 020 7307 5060
Karen Pitchford
Publicist, Michael Nyman
posted by jeffhall | 11:27 PM
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