This site was conceived as a side project by a "tekkie" friend of mine who suggested I use my journalistic experience to write about something I love. We bandied about some ideas before settling on this one - largely because I had collected movie soundtracks for much of my life and thought I could write about them. We wanted the site to be user friendly, well-written and reliable.
Over time, I hope to attract other writers keen to contribute to the site, who don't mind foregoing the financial benefits they may be used to in the short-term for something that may, or may not, be profitable further down the line.
The gradual demise of the cd format, re-emergence of vinyl, along with the expansion of blu-ray dvd and downloads translate to an ever-changing market place; despite this, most of us still buy cd's and dvd's and I hope that you will use the Amazon links on this site to buy online.
We have also included mini YouTube video links that accompany the reviews, so that you can listen to your favourite theme music while watching a related trailer or clip from the movie; because film is a visual medium, there seems no better way of presenting it.
Finally, a note on the type of soundtracks featured. Though purists generally view albums such as "Top Gun", "Flashdance" and others like them, as unworthy of coverage on a film soundtrack site, preferring instead to focus on orchestral scores, we have taken the view that these albums have earned their place based on their continued saleability and affection with a large section of cinema-goers. We wanted to reach as broad an audience as possible and have developed the site with this in mind, without forgetting those fans for whom composers such as Bernard Herrmann and Jerry Goldsmith, among many others, are considered on a par with the master composers. We hope you can find your best movie soundtracks on this site.
Battle Of The Planets.
1979, Sandy Frank Entertainment.
Hoyt Curtin/Bob Sakuma.
Silva Screen, CD, 2004, SILCD1167. Rating:
This Japanese animated action series, first produced in 1972, aired on British children’s afternoon television back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming an immediate hit. Translated for American audiences – much of the ‘violent’ content was removed – the score was also adapted and new material written, drawing from popular musical styles of the day, such as disco and Japanese pop. This double CD edition includes most of the original material written for the Japanese version of the show by Bob Sakuma, plus all of Hoyt Curtin’s compositions added to the U.S. edition. It is an oddball concoction, veering from mainstream disco to action to strange noises, percussive and electronic effects but it’s rather endearing and certainly never dull. Collectors and fans of the show will love it; everyone else will probably be amused and puzzled in equal measure. Battle Of The Planets Television Soundtrack. Review: Tim Mowbray.
Batman Movie Soundtrack.
1989, Warner Bros.
Danny Elfman.
Warner, CD, 1989, 259 7722 Rating:
Though director Christopher Nolan’s recent ‘Batman’ films have to some degree distracted from Tim Burton’s original, Danny Elfman’s impressively dark score reminds us that at least certain aspects of the franchise were best the first time around. An effective ‘Main Title’ featuring a powerful four note ascent, used to represent the two sides of the Dark Knight, is pitted against the Joker’s schizophrenic waltz that builds to a fantastic climax in ‘Waltz To The Death’. Action cues, ‘Charge Of The Bat Mobile’ and ‘Attack Of The Batwing’ utilise the main theme with choirs, heavy percussion (a highlight of this score) and brass, while ‘Final Confrontation’ is a full throttle fight to the death, including a new motif accompanying the Joker’s fateful fall from the rooftop. While Elfman’s expanding canon of work continually demonstrates both his creativity and commercial awareness, ‘Batman’ remains one of his strongest scores to date, packed full of high points and plenty of gothic atmosphere. Batman Movie Soundtrack. Review: Tim Mowbray.
Track Listing:
1. Batman.
2. First Confrontation.
3. Clown Attack.
4. Roasted Dude.
5. Descent Into Mystery.
6. Joker’s Poem.
7. Charge Of The Batmobile.
8. Up The Cathedral.
9. Final Confrontation.
10. Roof Fight.
11. Flowers.
12. Batman To The Rescue.
13. Photos.
14. Beautiful Dreamer.
15. Bat Cave.
16. Love Theme.
17. Attack Of The Batwing.
18. Waltz To The Death.
19. Finale.
Top Gun Movie Soundtrack Expanded Edition.
1986, Paramount.
Harold Faltermeyer/Various.
Legacy, CD, 1999, CK 65554. Rating:
Jerry Bruckheimer’s action/romance stars Tom Cruise as ace fighter pilot Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell and Kelly McGillis as his trainer and love interest. The film and soundtrack were both worldwide hits, the latter scored by electronic whiz Harold Faltermeyer (‘Beverly Hills Cop’) with songs by Kenny Loggins (‘Danger Zone’) and Berlin (‘Take My Breath Away’); generally upbeat and exciting, with a couple of love songs thrown in, the soundtrack is perfectly matched to the impressive aerial action sequences and slightly syrupy love story beneath. This expanded edition, includes three tracks not included on the original release, including that well-used film favourite, ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ by the Righteous Brothers. A date movie and soundtrack with something for the boys. Top Gun Movie Soundtrack. Review: Tim Mowbray.
Track Listing:
1. Danger Zone (Kenny Loggins).
2. Mighty Wings (Cheap Trick).
3. Playing With The Boys (Kenny Loggins).
4. Lead Me On (Teena Marie).
5. Take My Breath Away (Love Theme from “Top Gun”) (Berlin).
6. Hot Summer Nights (Miami Sound Machine).
7. Heaven In Your Eyes (Loverboy).
8. Through The Fire (Larry Greene).
9. Destination Unknown (Marietta).
10. Top Gun Anthem (Harold Faltermeyer & Steve Stevens).
11. (Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding).
12. Memories (Harold Faltermeyer).
13. Great Balls of Fire (Original Version) (Jerry Lee Lewis).
14. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (The Righteous Brothers).
15. Playing With The Boys (Dance Mix) (Kenny Loggins). Other Versions Available:
Top Gun Soundtrack CD
Deluxe Edition Including Songs From & Inspired By ‘Top Gun’
Columbia, CD, 2006, 5099 751995227 1. Danger Zone (Kenny Loggins).
2. Mighty Wings (Cheap Trick).
3. Playing With The Boys (Kenny Loggins).
4. Lead Me On (Teena Marie).
5. Take My Breath Away (Berlin).
6. Hot Summer Nights (Miami Sound Machine).
7. Heaven In Your Eyes (Loverboy).
8. Through The Fire (Larry Greene).
9. Destination Unknown (Marietta).
10.Top Gun Anthem (Harold Faltermeyer).
11.(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding).
12.Memories (Harold Faltermeyer).
13.Great Balls Of Fire (Jerry Lee Lewis).
14.You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling (The Righteous Brothers).
15.Playing With The Boys (Kenny Loggins).
16.Can’t Fight This Feeling (REO Speedwagon).
17.Broken Wings (Mr Mister)
18.The Final Countdown (Europe).
19.Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now (Starship).
20.The Power Of Love (Jennifer Rush).
