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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 25, 2021 19:32:13 GMT
I noticed there are a few threads already made, of famous or well known composers, posted in here. But I thought it would be fun, to have somewhere to post, discuss and maybe recommend or share some of your very favorite movie scores, soundtracks, film themes and so on.
I really love movie scores and soundtracks, but the one I usually prefer, is those rare ones, that includes little or no "fillers", and which not only works well within the films they were made for, but those you could still get a whole lot out of, by hearing it by itself, either through just relaxing in your own apartment, or when you workout, driving the car, or pretty much in all kind of daily situations.
Right now, I am enjoying the 2013 Deluxe CD edition of Tangerine Dream, along with their classic pulsating and dreamy electronic rhythms, that really made Michael Mann and his crime-thriller Thief (1981), such a joy and stand out, within that kind of movies at the time. And while I have another copy (much older version) of the soundtrack, the 2013 seems to really be the ultimate, not only in the great tracklisting, but the sound is pure quality, all the way through.
This is one of those rare ones, which goes so well, even by its own, and you just sits all alone and enjoy it, but as with so many of Tangerine Dream's movie scores, I sure do prefer to listen to their music during night time, as it kind of has that motivating and mysterious build up going very strong, and oozes lots of atmosphere and class, and I doubt they have ever come close to disappoining me, once.
As seeing their name popping up, during the opening titles of any film, you kind of get the sense that something special is coming up next.
Anyway, instead of just adding a bunch of "random" Tangerine Dream scores/themes, I decided to pick out or focus on a couple of those, that I believe are among the real stand out cuts, and not just from the movie score itself, but of any of the music I have heard or come across of Tangerine.
Thief (1981), which is a fantastic movie, surely benefitted a lot by having such a truly great and tight movie score to go with it. Incredible to think that it was once nominated to an Razzie award back in the day.
Diamond Diary
Dr. Destructo
Beach Scene
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 25, 2021 20:31:49 GMT
While the film Moonraker (1979) might never end up as one of the more critical acclaimed Bond titles, it has always been a favorite of mine. Sure, sweet childhood memories of watching it as kid, back in the early 90s, probably has a thing or two, to do with that. But the more I browse through and look up all these clips and videos of either scenes from the film itself, or some of John Barry's outstanding work, I am always taken back at how great that movie sounded and how big impact the score really had on me.
Some of the tunes, even the very short one, comes with so much nostalgia and is really powerful stuff, gives me the chills at times, and where a few of my favorites from Moonraker and Barry surely is:
Flight Into Space
Damn, I kind of used to think Space March (from You Only Live Twice) were my favorite of these haunting and just HUGE and majestic, upbuilding space themes from the Bond franchise. But Flight Into Space is really one of those that just takes you places, and never once comes close to getting "boring". Could go on for hours, and yeah, I really need to get my hands on a copy of this soundtrack.
Corrine put down
I only wished the Corrine put down cut, had gotten a bit longer.
As this underrated little John Barry theme, is heavily used in what is probably among some of the darkest and most nightmarish, yet visually stunning scenes, of the Roger Moore Bond era. Looked like it belonged in a horror movie, but then again, so did Jaws, specially the scene where he makes short use of an unlucky victim in the Egypt pyramids at night time.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 25, 2021 20:49:36 GMT
As a kid, I kind of got a bit confused by all these similar named composers, as you had Trevor Horn, Trevor Rabin (both did pretty good back in the 80s with Yes) and then probably the one, at least when it comes to delivering great movie scores, I would later on find out how much I truly enjoyed re-discovering the work to the South-African composer, Trevor Jones.
When I meant, similar named, I of course thought of their first name. But I believe there was in fact another Trevor Jones composer, but who changed his name, to something quite different.
He often seemed to go for a very romantic and playful, still exotic and adventurous sound, even when he did a few darker themed films, like the horror-adventure 90s film, Arachnophobia (1990), that one has always stood out for me.
Main Title
The Casket Arrives
The Gael /Promentory
But his work with Randy Edelman and Dougie MaClean in Michael Mann and his visually stunning The Last of the Mohicans (1992), now that was really something else, and where not just a few cuts and themes stands out, but the entire soundtrack is just really great all together.
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Post by politicidal on Feb 26, 2021 18:44:25 GMT
I love the music from Last of the Mohicans too. Such a good score. Arachnophobia's pretty good;not one of my favorites but better than it has any right to be. As for my choices, I know that STAR WARS may be the cliche answer but it's always what I think of when I imagine what a big grand movie theme should sound like. I liked all the different themes from each film.
Others include:
There's certainly more out there but I can't think of them right now. 
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 12:51:18 GMT
Some all time iconic and legendary classics you posted there  , and a few where I believe even those who might not really have much of a close "relationship" to the films it self, but where the music is so damn melodic or just iressistible charming or familiar, that they seem to live a life of their own, which is quite impressive. Even now, I guess many of those themes end up in everything from commercials, tv-shows, other films, video games, or is being brought back as references, and also because the days with so huge and famous movie themes, that almost everybody know, even if they have not seen the film, I guess those days are kind of gone. As modern movie music/themes just seems to lack some of that old magic, but not saying every new movie score is bad, but yeah, something is missing, and very few big movies, specially the popcorn/summer franchises, I cannot remember many of those themes, like the ones during the 80s and 90s. Anywyay, I am glad you picked a few, lesser known and kind of underrated movie scores as well, as I really enjoyed Cutthroat Island, never one that is anywhere near being a "worst movie" title, lots of fun and the score was a big part of why it just won me over. Of the more well known, I guess I have to say, the Jurassic Park theme, now that was really one of those that just really hit me so hard, when I first saw the film. Adventurous, exciting and thrilling, like how I would prefer my favorite movie themes to be, at least when it comes to big summer movies. While I still do prefer the Danny Elfman's Batman Theme, something about the pulsating and constantly on-the-move, sounds of the Hans Zimmer Batman scores, I have kind of eased up a bit there, over time. Anyway, thanks for bringing along so many classic and great/underrated movie themes/scores. |
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 13:13:54 GMT
Speaking of Batman and Danny Elfman, here's a few of those I believe stands among as not only the better or more memorable of his work for the two Tim Burton films, but also where I think of them as some of his finest work:
Selina Transforms Part: 2
I have always loved this sad or tragic, yet powerful rollercoaster of music, complete with all the emotional feelings, and then turn it into complete madness.
Michelle Pfeiffer did a great job in this film, and the part where she completely breaks down, after, well I guess who wouldn't have a bad day, after being thrown out of the top building window, by your own boss, right?
But, yeah, this one is classic Elfman, and surely one of my favorites from any of the Batman films.
Childhood Remembered
A very eerie or chilling, atmospheric little theme, that I have always thought of as one of the real gems of the original 1989 soundtrack.
Love Theme
Another beautiful and little theme, which I just wished could go on for a few more minutes or so.
Up the Cathedral
One of the more epic sounding tracks, that kind of blends in everything I love about the film and its atmosphere. From the mystery, romance, action, suspense, comedy and also its dark gothic influence, on both the style and look of the film.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 13:32:48 GMT
Having brought up both the Batman scores to Danny Elfman, but also Randy Edelman earlier, I thought his stellar work on a similar superhero themed 90s movie, with The Mask (1994) was worth to be brought up as well. While the film is among the more famous and comical of Jim Carrey's comedy classics, there is something very dark or "menacing", if you will, about some of the melodies, themes and sound the soundtrack brings with it:
Origins of the Mask
Hard not get the chills, when listening to the opening theme, which kind of brings with a few hints of what to come, but in adding a big and adventurous theme to it, but also make room for something more darker or different, and I really loved re-watching this film, and hearing the thundering opening theme, over and over again, as a kid during the 90s.
Tina
Then not much later on, we go straight into one of the most infamous introduction to any female actress during that decade, when a 20 (something) year old Cameron Diaz arrives, and the score brings with it, this seductive and big fitting theme.
A Dark Night
One of my favorite cuts, especially the part where it return to the main theme, halfway through. Again, one of those rare moments when I get almost goosebumps, no matter how many times I have heard it before.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 13:49:07 GMT
Damn, I seem to be kind of "stuck", all these memorable and fun filled movie scores, there is no end. But then I guess it could be way worse places to be stuck at, than in your favorite movie soundtracks.
Harold Faltermeyer is another favorite, where his work on the Arnold Schwarzenegger film, The Running Man (1987) brings along with it, a truly uplifting and very fun synthesizer dominated score (no surprise there) and I really want that one in my music collection:
Mick's Broadcast Attack
Maybe the very best of the soundtrack?
Love this atmospheric and slowly upbuilding track, that later on, goes almost into an "explosion" of sounds, that is the perfect way to use, if one needs a bit of extra motivation or spark, when running low on steam during a hard workout. This one really makes my blood pump, only by listening to it.
Captain Freedom's Workout
Speaking of workout and motivation. No what could be more motivatin than this incredibly catchy and cheesy synth-theme, along with Jesse Ventura as the mighty Captain Freedom:
"ARE YOU READY FOR PAIN? ARE YOU READING FOR SUFFERING? If the answer is YES, Then you’re ready for Captain Freedom’s workout!"
Should have been a way more well known Faltermeyer theme, I believe also it has a vocal version going on during the film. Anyway, this one should be played 24/7 in every gym studio, with Ventura screaming and shouting his lungs out:
"NO PAIN, NO GAIN, HAAAAAH!"
Paula's Theme
I guess the title or name of this unreleased track, is a reference to Paula Abdul and her coreography routine, during the dancing scenes in the film. Still, I always loved this melody and theme, so incredibly late 80s sounding, but why the hell were it not included on the soundtrack?
And then as a bonus, you get the awesome power rock ballad (seemed for a while, that every 80s action film, with any self respect, would finish off with a big sounding ballad at the end).
John Parr - Restless Heart
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Post by politicidal on Feb 27, 2021 17:16:10 GMT
stefancrosscoe don't mention it. I actually forgot something else that I know for like a solid six, seven year period it seems like every trailer used a piece of its soundtrack. Randy Edelman's bit from Dragonheart 'To the Stars' which is still a fantastic score.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 17:21:16 GMT
stefancrosscoe don't mention it. I actually forgot something else that I know for like a solid six, seven year period it seems like every trailer used a piece of its soundtrack. Randy Edelman's bit from Dragonheart 'To the Stars' which is still a fantastic score. Dragonheart always were a favorite of mine back then, but seems like it has kind of gotten a bit "forgotten". Loved hearing the voice of Sean Connery as Draco, and Dennis Quaid in the lead did a good job, the soundtrack, or at least the one you bring up, sure has hold up very well, not that there was too many good fantasy films during the 90s, but Dragonheart surely belongs in the top tier.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 18:05:00 GMT
I guess, since we have already brought up quite a few Randy Edelman pieces, it could not hurt with a few more, and this time from one of my favorite Arnold comedies, Kindergarten Cop (1990):
Children's Montage
Always loved this film, and another hit comedy between Arnie and director Ivan Reitman, and which once again helped showcase Arnold and his talent for delivering charming yet hard hitting comedy and combining them into more family themed films, but one that never felt like it went to "soft" or forgot it featured a lethal action hero, as the nasty and evil character of Cullen Crisp (Richard Tyson), was a "nice" reminder, that even though he moved away of the big bad city and towards a nice little peaceful place, the criminal minds and their ways, would surely not disappear that easily.
Anyway, the music by Edelman is often sweet, playful, melodic and very touching, but again, lots of emotions and still he manages to include a bit of the more "darker" or serious themed moments in there as well. Surely one of my favorite childhood soundtracks, and hard to pick out a few, but they all sure has the feel-good factor, going very strong.
Rain Ride
Love Theme (Joyce)
Closing
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Feb 27, 2021 18:21:35 GMT
Sometimes, it is fun and in a surprising way as well, when you watch a certain type of genre movie, or that is what you kind of go in and expect, and the soundtrack or main theme, ends up sounding very different, that the usual movie scores, that is often made to these kind of films.
In this case, I am thinking of the 70s and 80s gangster/mobster genre, and where I first I saw the gritty and hard hitting classic british gangster/crime film, The Long Good Friday (1980), and I was taken back right away, at how different, yet still fitting the more upbeat, disco/jazzy main theme sounded, than the usual laidback and elegant approach to a lot of the american gangster films of that time.
Part of the theme/score, felt like it came straight out of a disco, or some unreleased ABBA or Alan Parsons Project song, that or a sleazy italian giallo film, but it just worked so damn well, and now, I think it might be one of my all time favorite 80s themes.
"SPOILER ALERT"
(The music video includes, lots and lots of spoilers, so if one has not seen the film and do not want to be spoiled, the track is called Taken by Francis Monkman)
I guess I should also mention, another british gangster/crime gem of that era, once again showcasing the talent of Bob Hoskins, and again where a rather pleasant but different musical score/song, suddenly arrived, with bit of Phil Collins and Genesis and:
In To Deep
I guess most people of today will think of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000), when hearing this tune. But for me, I always return to this film, where of an former inmate, is trying to make up for lost time with his family, but still struggles to come to terms with not knowing if all his time away in jail, was all for nothing. So he returns to his old "playground", where his old boss (Michael Caine) "rewards" the loyality, by making him into a private driver for a stuck up luxerurious call girl, and before he knows it, he is back into the old game, and way too deep.
And the last video I will post of today, or so think that is. Is the incredibly beautiful, calm and just, soothing sounds of the hidden gem that is:
Arabella's Theme
Which turned up in the usual sleazy and violent Charles Bronson b-movie adventure Murphy's Law (1986), and while a fun and fast paced ride, I was really surprised at how this stunning tune, all of a sudden went into this film, but I am glad, as I have loved it ever since I first heard it.
Not sure why, but it just oozes of a certain calming and sweet feel to it, that just reminds me of my childhood, while watching old western movies at my grandparents house during the early 90s.
Well, me not posting anymore videos? That was not gonna happen, as the memories just comes up with one gem (or so I believe) after another.
And anyway, here is another rather fine and very positive example of soothing and very beautiful music, coming out of a film that I guess is very far off "beautiful", with Frank Henenlotter and his rather dark themed and sad Brain Damage (1988) and where the score was done by Gus Russo:
End Credits
Always loved this little underrated 80s piece of horror theme/music, it has such a great yet sad and lonely feel to it, and I guess that is why it hit me so hard when I first heard it, as I had never expected something as nice, arriving after such a film.
The saxophone part, well, that is just so good, only wished it would last longer. But I am glad the original version is uploaded in better quality than the others.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Mar 1, 2021 16:36:13 GMT
Mark Isham and atmospheric movie scores, is something I often find lying among films that is placed in the heating desert, and often deals with themes like isolation, depression or the need of some drastic lifestyle changes, either for the better or the worse.
I guess the one that comes up first, is through the hard hitting cult-classic that is The Hitcher (1986), where Isham delivers a very dreamlike and haunting backdrop, to an intense and relentless cat and mouse story, and yet it is not the upbeat and pacy stuff cuts, but the more downbeat and calmer moments, where Isham really shines:
Main Titles
While it has a very soothing and relaxing feel to it, there is still hints of something unsettling and chilling, specially if one has seen the film, and know all the horrors the main character must go through, in order to survive, and how much this once naive and innocent young man, is forever changed by all of it, and it is the perfect theme or music, to close it off with. One of those rare themes, where I always sit by and watch the end credits, all the way through.
Another very solid and impressive soundtrack, delivered much later, came with the highly underrated drama-thriller The Cooler (2003), where beside some impressive acting performances, it was the great and atmospheric combination of big band along with melodic night jazz tunes, which set up for such a fine little film, and I am glad I stayed all the way, when I first caught hold of it, and have since re-watched it many times, but for me, the best thing, is surely the soundtrack.
It manages to contain a seductive, romantic and yet somehow sad or tragic sound, to a city full of hope but also many broken dreams and characters to go with, and yeah, it is a good film, made even better by the music of Isham and the artists who contributed.
Main Titles "SPOILER ALERT" (Yup, this one got them all, so if one has not seen the film, be sure to look up one of the alternative videos of the same theme at Youtube)
Look In My Eyes
Offers a far more downbeat and sad or lonely theme, which goes so well with the character of William H. Macy, but also portrays the lesser and not so "glamorous" sides of Las Vegas, and how it affects those working or living there, 24/7, week in week out. Still, there is some kind of hope in the end, and again I love that about this soundtrack.
It is moody and sweet, but never gives up.
Better Life Motel/Tables on Fire
Showcases how much of a varied sound, from the late night lonesome jazzy tunes, straight into the huge big band music, and again, Isham is really on fire with this one.
Shangri-La
Probably the best little "dark" theme in the film, and while coming off as very relaxing at first, still it is one which also contains a bit of suspense, and where you never quite know what fate has in store for you, at the end of the day.
Anyway, if one enjoys films like Atlantic City (1980), Casino (1995), Hard Eight (1996) or Owning Mahoney (2003), be sure to give The Cooler a chance, as it comes with some great atmosphere and music, that and great acting and story as well.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Mar 2, 2021 22:01:52 GMT
Alan Silvestri - What the Heck & End Title (1993)
Well, more like a damn fine cover version, of a very sweet and charming piano driven theme, from the big surprise comedy hit of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, in Grumpy Old Men (1993). Which I have loved ever since I saw it back in the 90s on VHS. Combines comedy, romance, drama and does so in a very fine way, solid cast and love the winter feel in the small time of Wichita, that it has going so strong as well. Sure, the sequel a few years later, might not be as good, but still watching these two legends together, that is more than enough for me. But the music by Alan Silvestri has that feel-good touch, and sadly it seems to be one those hard ones, to find lying around, so I posted this quality made cover version instead.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 12, 2022 17:41:41 GMT
A few weeks too late, but great movie music, is never out of date for my ears, and hearing again, the warm and sweet nostalgic melodies and music of the Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) soundtrack, almost make me a bit teary, specially around that time of the year. Hell, I will be watching Christmas movies far into February or March, well, as long as I feel the winter weather outside, makes up for a good Christmas movie atmosphere indoors as well.
The John Williams tracks, is surely the true highlights of the movie scores, and feels like I am going through all the emotions at once, when listening to it again, and again.
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, and a few where I believe even those who might not really have much of a close "relationship" to the films it self, but where the music is so damn melodic or just iressistible charming or familiar, that they seem to live a life of their own, which is quite impressive. Even now, I guess many of those themes end up in everything from commercials, tv-shows, other films, video games, or is being brought back as references, and also because the days with so huge and famous movie themes, that almost everybody know, even if they have not seen the film, I guess those days are kind of gone.