SOUNDTRACKS
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Soundtracks are a lot more than movie music...
...or so I'm ready to argue as a 30 year devotee of this sorely under appreciated genre. So, in an effort to do my part, each week
I'll be making recommendations of soundtracks current and vintage, make a fuss over long awaited soundtrack scores finally getting
a well deserved release, and in general, make some noise about this often overlooked category. Beyond my long experience as a
listener and as a pianist and songwriter, both of which I've put to use in writing a quarterly soundtrack column for the Chicago
Tribune, I can only offer my recommendations. You'll discern my taste soon enough and upfront I'd like to make it clear that I'll
focus most heavily on SCORE soundtracks. In the end, all criticism is subjective but if I can point a listener toward a little heard
soundtrack or strongly advise you to either ORDER IMMEDIATELY or SKIP ALTOGETHER, all the better.
...or so I'm ready to argue as a 30 year devotee of this sorely under appreciated genre. So, in an effort to do my part, each week
I'll be making recommendations of soundtracks current and vintage, make a fuss over long awaited soundtrack scores finally getting
a well deserved release, and in general, make some noise about this often overlooked category. Beyond my long experience as a
listener and as a pianist and songwriter, both of which I've put to use in writing a quarterly soundtrack column for the Chicago
Tribune, I can only offer my recommendations. You'll discern my taste soon enough and upfront I'd like to make it clear that I'll
focus most heavily on SCORE soundtracks. In the end, all criticism is subjective but if I can point a listener toward a little heard
soundtrack or strongly advise you to either ORDER IMMEDIATELY or SKIP ALTOGETHER, all the better.
With the release of Ratatouille on DVD I wanted to make a quick
recommendation for the delightful score from Michael Giacchino (who got an
earlier recommendation from me for Mission Impossible 3):
A great bouncy soundtrack, good for the kids is none other than Michael
Giacchino’s faux French, very peppy score for Ratatouille (Walt Disney Records).
A series of bright action cues are interspersed with typical but melodic French
sounding cues (yes, with accordions). In addition to Giacchino’s whimsical
instrumental cues (“Anyone Can Cook” is a favorite) there is “Le Festin,” the
vintage sounding song performed by Camille he wrote for the movie which
leads off the CD.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Don't forget to check out previous soundtrack recommendations by visiting the
ARCHIVES
Next Recommendation: TBA
recommendation for the delightful score from Michael Giacchino (who got an
earlier recommendation from me for Mission Impossible 3):
A great bouncy soundtrack, good for the kids is none other than Michael
Giacchino’s faux French, very peppy score for Ratatouille (Walt Disney Records).
A series of bright action cues are interspersed with typical but melodic French
sounding cues (yes, with accordions). In addition to Giacchino’s whimsical
instrumental cues (“Anyone Can Cook” is a favorite) there is “Le Festin,” the
vintage sounding song performed by Camille he wrote for the movie which
leads off the CD.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Don't forget to check out previous soundtrack recommendations by visiting the
ARCHIVES
Next Recommendation: TBA
TV-feature film composer Michael
Giacchino at a premiere and the
soundtrack cover for two of his delightful
scores (above). I love the retro tux
jacket that Giacchino's wearing -- probably
because I have worn the EXACT same
jacket for years!
Giacchino at a premiere and the
soundtrack cover for two of his delightful
scores (above). I love the retro tux
jacket that Giacchino's wearing -- probably
because I have worn the EXACT same
jacket for years!
