Review: Original soundtrack for Past Lives, featuring an original score by Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen, as well as the original song 'Quiet Eyes' by Sharon Van Etten. One of the foremost romantic films of the 2020s so far, Past Lives is set in Seoul, SK, and follows two beloved childhood friends over the course of 24 years; detailing the personal trials, love triangles and vagaries that inevitably stem from a romance torn apart in childhood and brought back together again in adulthood. Bear and Rossen's soundtrack is pressed on cloud white vinyl, with original paintings by renowned artist Na Kim.
Review: Don't believe the hype - we certainly don't. Halloween Ends, 2022's trilogy-concluding horror flick that brought the story of evil Michael Myers to a bone chilling climax, is almost definitely not going to be the last time we hear the terrifying piano riff John Carpenter came up with for his original 1978 slasher classic, Halloween. Nor will it likely be the final outing for the mask-wearing, knife-wielding menace of Haddonfield, Illinois; fictional town the franchise centres on.
Let's face it, the most recent outing in the saga only represented the conclusion of the last three films, but since the first time there have been 13 movies, many comic books, one video game and tons of merchandise. All that aside, you can believe the hype surrounding the latest score, which sees synth and atmosphere master Carpenter, alongside son and regular collaborator Davies, invoke the eerie unease that first catapulted Halloween into the pantheons of all-time greatest scare fests. Don't sleep after listening, then; who knows what's out there.
Review: A decade ago, legendary horror movie composer/director John Carpenter joined forces with son Cody and godson Daniel Davies to make Lost Themes, a collection of new musical compositions to "soundtrack the movies in your mind". It kick-started a prolific period of musical activity which included both real soundtracks and music made for imaginary ones. Lost Themes IV sits in the latter camp, with the trio delivering music inspired by the aesthetic of "noir" movies. While Carpenter senior's suspenseful, paired-down drum machine rhythms and clandestine synthesiser sounds are still present, they work in harmony with creepy effects, immersive sound effects and additional instrumentation. For proof, see the growling guitars on 'My name IS Death' and the exotic classical guitars and sitars of 'He Walks. By Night'.
The Alley (War) (Big Trouble In Little China) (2:00)
Wake Up (They Live) (3:21)
Julie’s Dead (Assault On Precinct 13) (1:49)
The Shape Enters Laurie’s Room (Halloween II) (1:45)
Season Of The Witch (Halloween III) (2:04)
Love At A Dance (Prince Of Darkness) (3:33)
The Shape Stalks Again (Halloween II) (3:06)
Burn It (The Thing) (2:22)
Fuchs (The Thing) (2:11)
To Mac’s Shack (The Thing) (2:57)
Walk To The Lighthouse (The Fog) (2:38)
Laurie’s Theme (Halloween) (2:30)
Review: Is John Carpenter the most formidable force in 20th Century US moviemaking? He must certainly be in the running. Say what you will about the genres he focuses on (horror, suspense, sci fi, slasher, those details aren't significant. Instead, what's important to remember is that for decades the director has dedicated his career to creating not just vivid on-screen worlds, but atmospheres and feelings. Taking ownership of his own scores is a big part of that, and in many ways Carpenter's tunes are as memorable as his plots. Here joined by son Cody, and Lost Themes I & II sparring partner Daniel Davies, many of the most iconic tones, keys, melodies, and hooks from more than 20 years of cinematic delights are presented as new - and we couldn't be happier.
Review: A decade since his groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, John Carpenter, along with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir delves into the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's iconic synth-driven style with dark, atmospheric elements. Termed "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions summon the enigmatic charm of classic noir films. Departing from traditional orchestral scores, the trio crafts a distinct sound with synths and guitars, capturing the genre's essence. With this latest release, they redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, moving beyond homage to create immersive sonic experiences that transcend expectations.
Review: A decade after John Carpenter's groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, his collaboration with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, the pioneering composer and director has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir explores the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's signature synth-driven sound with dark, atmospheric motifs. Described as "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions evoke the mysterious allure of classic noir films. While traditional noir scores relied on orchestral arrangements, Carpenter, Carpenter, and Davies craft their distinctive sound with synths and guitars, capturing the essence of the genre. With this latest installment, they continue to redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, transcending mere homage to create immersive sonic experiences.
Review: Daft Punk's soundtrack for 'Tron: Legacy' is a masterclass in electronic music, seamlessly blending their signature sound with the film's futuristic aesthetic. The duo's blend of pulsating synths, orchestral arrangements, and driving rhythms creates a sonic landscape that is both epic and intimate, capturing the film's themes of technology, identity, and the human spirit. Tracks like 'Derezzed' and 'The Game Has Changed' showcase Daft Punk's mastery of electronic music, while 'Son of Flynn' and 'Recognizer' demonstrate their ability to create sweeping, cinematic soundscapes. This soundtrack is a must-have for any fan of Daft Punk or electronic music in general, a testament to the duo's ability to transcend genre boundaries and create music that is both innovative and timeless.
Review: Fervent Daft Punk fans will be all over this collector's edition of the French duo's soundtrack for the Tron sequel! Spread across two heavyweight 180g slabs of vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, this edition features two previously unreleased tracks and a code to grab all thirty tracks on vinyl. Naturally, fans will already know that 'Derezzed' aside, this is strictly Daft Punk doing soundtrack material as opposed to Daft Punk doing new Daft Punk. Perhaps the most important thing about this release is the lack of any of those somewhat risible remixes that Disney insisted on releasing.
TRON Legacy (End titles - Sander Kleinenberg remix) (5:08)
Review: It was big news when Daft Punk were enlisted to record the soundtrack to Disney's remake of Tron. While the film has perhaps faded from view slightly, the soundtrack remains a popular notch in the French duo's latter-day legacy. Here, we get treated to a reissue of the big budget remix collection which came out in 2011. It's a neat snapshot of the electronic music landscape at the time, ranging from The Glitch Mob to M83, Moby to Paul Oakenfold, Boys Noize to Photek and the late, great Avicii. You certainly wouldn't get the same cast of characters together for a similar package now, making this a document of the era as well as an essential collection of premier league dance music.
Review: Atomic Runner Chelnov is an action/shooting game produced by Data East, one of the strongest game producers in Japan, originally released as an arcade game in 1988. The game has been much talked-about as a famous, problematic, bizarre, and unique work and in 2021 the soundtrack was released as a CD via an entity known only as the Data East Sound Team. Now the CD hears a reissue, on both its original format and now a vinyl LP edition, giving this rip-roaring sonic platformer a chance to shine. Similar to the recent proto-grime Wolverine soundtrack released earlier this month, Chelnov displays similarly bouncy 140bpm characteristics, making this a sure-to-be favourite for algoravers and, yes, that select breed of DJs who almost exclusively play music siphoned from game cartridges and obscure files.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Track 1 (0:14)
Track 2 (4:13)
Track 3 (1:22)
Track 4 (0:23)
Track 5 (3:09)
Track 6 (1:25)
Track 7 (2:04)
Track 8 (2:03)
Track 9 (0:46)
Track 10 (2:43)
Track 11 (0:38)
Track 12 (1:07)
Track 13 (1:19)
Track 14 (1:09)
Track 15 (1:16)
Track 16 (1:30)
Track 17 (0:46)
Track 18 (0:27)
Track 19 (1:57)
Track 20 (1:33)
Track 21 (1:24)
Track 22 (2:18)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Atomic Runner Chelnov is an action/shooting game produced by Data East, one of the strongest game producers in Japan, originally released as an arcade game in 1988. The game has been much talked-about as a famous, problematic, bizarre, and unique work and in 2021 the soundtrack was released as a CD via an entity known only as the Data East Sound Team. Now the CD hears a reissue, on both its original format and now a vinyl LP edition, giving this rip-roaring sonic platformer a chance to shine. Similar to the recent proto-grime Wolverine soundtrack released earlier this month, Chelnov displays similarly bouncy 140bpm characteristics, making this a sure-to-be favourite for algoravers and, yes, that select breed of DJs who almost exclusively play music siphoned from game cartridges and obscure files.
Intrusions Des Racketteurs Noirs Dans Les Maisons Closes De La Ficelle Et De L’Elegant (2:17)
L’Orgue De Migli (3:30)
Quand Les Amours Se Meuren (5:39)
La Scoumoune (Mixage Alternatif) (2:37)
L'Excommunie (Orgue De Barbarie 1) (1:47)
La Scoumoune (Generique Debut) (1:14)
Intrusions Des Racketteurs Noirs Dans Les Maisons Closes De La Ficelle Et De L’Elegant (version alternative) (2:56)
La Scoumoune (Maguette Trompette/Piano Bastringue) (1:01)
L'Excommunie (Orgue De Barbarie 2) (1:41)
La Scoumoune (Sortie De Prison) (2:20)
Pigalle 1944 (version Courte) (2:03)
La Scoumoune (Generique Fin) (2:38)
Kidzaballoon (Manuel Breton & Benjamin De Roubaix) - "La Scoumoune" (2:31)
Jean-Michel Bernard - "La Scoumoune" (Piano version) (3:22)
Alessandro Baldessari - "Intrusion Des Racketteurs" (3:27)
Beniamino De Roubai - "La Scoumoune" (5:41)
Review: Decca and CAM Sugar present the complete edition of Francois de Roubaix's historic La Scoumoune score, contracting unreleased tracks, demos, and alternate takes. The 1970 thriller, directed by Jose Giovanni and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, witnesses a small-time crook entangle himself in a torrid torsion of crime and fate, themes mirrored in de Roubaix's palpating score. Roubaix blended barrel organs, synths and unconventional sounds like rattles and springs, inculcating in the viewer the thrill of the chase, while the formal strategy to use entirely different instruments for each track went on to nail its touchstone status. Now a well of versatility, it comes regularly sampled in hip-hop and electronica; remixes by Alessandro Baldessari, Jean-Michel Bernard, and Benjamin de Roubaix, doing justice to a record whose very being seems to beg out loud for the remixing.
Review: Michele Soavi's Italian cult horror masterpiece is now 30 years old and has more than stood the test of time. With music composed by Manuel De Sica, the soundtrack masterfully captures the film's darkly comedic and eerie tone by blending gothic atmospheres with electronic grooves and jazz undertones. The score balances sinister and mundane moods effortlessly to perfectly complement the film's unique narrative. This special edition honours De Sica's genius and exemplifies his ability to create haunting yet melodic compositions that resonate with fans of both horror and film music.
Review: Last Epoch is an action role playing game that's been picking up some serious commendations since it arrived early 2024. For one thing, critics have lauded the open nature of its 'skill trees', which effectively means players can create characters with an entirely bespoke balance of talents and abilities, surpassing the vast majority of other titles in this genre. Others have praised the look of the title, with vivid detailing helping set the scene of this time travelling adventure. But what about the music? Well, for one thing Eric Desiderio has certainly embraced the atmosphere and the idea of Last Epoch. These tunes are epic, grand, transportive, ancient and futuristic all at the same time. It's an odyssey in itself, and one that really does elevate the overall playing experience. For some, that might be just enough to own a standalone copy of the score, too.
Review: The Belgian modern classical folk band's 12th album is the soundtrack to a series of short, abstract animation films by Rudy Trouve, who also acted as a creative director during the recording process. These took place according to conceptual guide lines set by Trouve. Sometimes the starting point was a play on words or a random chord sequence, sometimes a specific atmosphere, but the playing field was always kept deliberately limited. Hence, the musicians were forced to build a musical structure with minimal means, with the pieces then cut up, sampled, drastically restructured and pasted together again, a method that had been applied earlier on the retrospective album Hineininterpretierung (2017). The result is a work of art that is both visually and musically stunning. The music is often sparse and atmospheric, with a strong emphasis on texture and space, it's hard to categorise but is definitely a unique and captivating album.
Review: 'The show must go on' would be a fitting subtitle for Celine Dion's new Amazon Prime Video documentary. Charting her life, accomplishments, and often hidden difficulties, the overall message is clear: very little is going to stand in the way of someone this determined. Even viewers who don't consider themselves fans have been won over, with 100% of reviews on movie critic aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes offering positive feedback. It's certainly rousing stuff, with Dion's ongoing battle with stuff-person syndrome - a rare neurological disorder characterised by increasing rigidity - a key reason why you're bound to get off the couch feeling like most things might be possible after all, just as the closing credits roll. As for the soundtrack, it's a big, concert-hall worth selection of her most powerful anthems and album tracks, from 'The Power of Love' to 'My Heart Will Go On', many of which take on new resonance after watching the film.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Main Theme - Artist Always (3:33)
The Power Of Love (5:33)
Pour Que Tu M'Aimes Encore (4:08)
A New Day Has Come (3:55)
The Episode (2:10)
J'Irai Ou Tu Iras (1:44)
Because You Loved Me (3:18)
The Diagnosis (5:50)
River Deep, Mountain High (4:18)
Mama Dion (3:31)
Zora Sourit (3:49)
My Heart Will Go On (4:35)
All By Myself (5:06)
The Awakening (3:12)
Ashes (3:17)
Swallows (2:43)
Love Again (3:32)
Je Crois Toi (5:06)
I'm Alive (3:30)
Talea (1:51)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
'The show must go on' would be a fitting subtitle for Celine Dion's new Amazon Prime Video documentary. Charting her life, accomplishments, and often hidden difficulties, the overall message is clear: very little is going to stand in the way of someone this determined. Even viewers who don't consider themselves fans have been won over, with 100% of reviews on movie critic aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes offering positive feedback. It's certainly rousing stuff, with Dion's ongoing battle with stuff-person syndrome - a rare neurological disorder characterised by increasing rigidity - a key reason why you're bound to get off the couch feeling like most things might be possible after all, just as the closing credits roll. As for the soundtrack, it's a big, concert-hall worth selection of her most powerful anthems and album tracks, from 'The Power of Love' to 'My Heart Will Go On', many of which take on new resonance after watching the film.
Review: Contrasting with the already-released soundtrack vinyl (full of 80s pop hits a-la Kate Bush, Siouxsie & The Banshees, and The Cramps), this Invada release of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein's original soundtrack to Stranger Things' fourth series takes an obviously different approach. While the pop songs that scoured the series tended to be upbeat and of the best curatorial quality, Dixon and Stein's original motifs come in two versions of moodier intent. Volume 2 is obviously more climactic, as the music increases to a crescendo to complement the season's latter half.
Review: Talk to anyone about Stranger Things and it will only be a matter of minutes before the sensational soundtrack is mentioned. The future retro synths of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein have a huge impact on deepening the occult feelings you experience when watching the show and that continued through Series 3. Now you can grab the accompanying tracks on neon pink vinyl, which features the vulnerable "You're A Fighter", celebratory 80s synth pop stomps of "Starcourt" and meditative charms of "The Ceiling Is Beautiful" amongst other nuggets of gold. The producers themselves have said this is less a score and more a series of cues, and it certainly got us thinking.
Review: We thought they didn't make them like this anymore. Then they made four seasons like this, and we all remembered what it meant to combine fantasy, horror, coming of age, and stick the lot in the most nostalgic decade for many people aged between mid-20s and late-50s. An age that, even if memories are hazy or you weren't even born ye, still manages to reflect the way the world was and had been for some time. The culmination of half a century's progress in mechanics and engineering, the final hurrah before the tech revolution got underway and changed our lives for good.
A key part of what makes Stranger Things so evocative is the music itself. Each instalment is littered with great chart tracks from the year in which they are set - not least this time round, with Kate Bush rocketing to the top of the charts with 'Running Up That Hill' thanks to its use in the show. Nevertheless, the finest sounds on offer are the original tracks, which come in the form of these synth heavy masterpieces, which should be longer, but instead opt for a 'keep them wanting more' philosophy.
Review: There really is no stopping Ramon Djawadi. The German films score composer, conductor and producer has given us a number of very high profile soundtracks since he first began working professionally in the late-1990s, with the past decade seeing him rise to real prominence. Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Clash of the Titans, Pacific Rim, Iron Man, Prison Break, Jack Ryan, and a number of video games (Medal of Honor, Gears of War 4 and 5) all feature his name in their credits. Here we are with Westworld Season 3, then, another huge addition to his oeuvre, both in terms of the status of the TV show and the tracks on the record itself. From woozy string overtures we can only imagine complemented death or redemption scenes, to rough and ready metal and hard rock ('Moto'), huge percussive cinematic climaxes ('Start A Revolution') and lush ambient ('Caleb'). Simply put, this is epic sounding stuff.
Review: Trying to figure out exactly when you'll stick on the soundtrack to Game of Thrones Season 7 isn't easy. But that's not to say Rabin Djawadi's epic score isn't something to behold. From the word go, this is adventurous stuff, rooted in classical but clearly inspired by visions of fantastical beasts, mythical lands and legendary quests. You almost feel like Cersei Lannister or Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen are about to knock on for their dinner. Like pretty much everything the Iranian-German film and TV composer touches - Clash of the Titans, Warcraft, Iron Man - there's little here you'd describe as subtle or understated. Even the more sweeping overtures sound like they were born for grand concert halls. So, providing you have the space at home, go for it.
Review: Demon Records honors Tom Baker's iconic portrayal of the Time Lord with a new 4xCD set, nearly five decades after his unforgettable debut on 28 December 1974. The Tom Baker Collection offers fans a blend of classic audio dramas, rare interviews, and readings by Baker himself, capturing him in the iconic role as Fourth Doctor. The collection includes Genesis of the Daleks, the original 1979 album version of the much-loved TV serial, and Doctor Who and the Pescatons, the exclusive audio drama from 1976. Also featured is Exploration Earth: The Time Machine, a special production for BBC Schools Radio in 1976, along with The State of Decay, an audiobook reading from 1982, available on CD for the first time. The set is rounded out by Tom Baker in His Own Words, a compilation of BBC radio interviews from the 1970s and 1980s. Packaged in a deluxe gatefold cover with striking Fourth Doctor artwork, the set includes four CDs in individual sleeves, along with a full-color booklet detailing cast, credits, and track listings. This collection is an essential tribute to one of Doctor Who's most beloved eras.
A Night On Mulholland Drive/A Grave For Holly (4:33)
Terror In The Grave (3:58)
Phobia Release/The Fake Movie Bat (2:12)
Body Double End Titles (1:58)
Body Double (Trailer - Jonathan Elias) (1:21)
Review: Waxwork Records presents the iconic Body Double Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Pino Donaggio. Directed by Brian De Palma, this 1984 neo-noir erotic thriller pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock's classics, exploring themes of voyeurism and obsession. Starring Craig Wasson and Melanie Griffith, the film follows struggling actor Jake Scully, who, after witnessing a murder, delves into the seedy underworld of Hollywood's adult entertainment industry. De Palma, aiming to defy censorship, crafted an erotic and thrilling narrative. Donaggio's legendary score, including the standout track 'Telescope', masterfully blends orchestral grandeur with 80s electronic beats, perfectly capturing the film's neon-drenched ambiance and suspenseful atmosphere.
Review: The release of the Transformers: Music From The Original Animated Series LP is a long-awaited treat for fans of the classic animated series. Composer Johnny Douglas masterfully crafted the scores, which are integral to the emotional depth and context of the show. The package design stays true to the series aesthetic, with vibrant graphics and multicolored vinyl LPs featuring iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. The included tracks offer a fantastic sampling of the memorable music from the series, leaving fans eager for future volumes. The music itself sounds phenomenal, with restored clarity and depth that enhance the listening experience. Nostalgic and immersive, this release is ideal for fans of the original Transformers series.
Review: Notefornote Music has managed to secure the rights to this reissue of the original score of the cult 1989 action film The Punisher. The movie starred the legendary 80s action icon Dolph Lundgren and had a soundtrack packed with drama and tension to match the scene playing out on screen. This double black vinyl set marks the first time the score for the first-ever film adaptation of the famous Marvel Comics character has been released on vinyl and it is full of intriguing and futurist sound designs, stark atmospheres and edgy ambient moments.
Review: Divisive in a big way - with outcry in Mexico over national stereotypes and concern from the LGBTQIA+ community due to its portrayal of gender transition - nevertheless Emelia Perez made a massive impact in the movie world when it landed in August 2024. Now the second most nominated movie in Golden Globe history, it tells the story of a cartel boss who enlists a lawyer to help him disappear and transition into a woman. All of which is told in a musical style, with as many tongues in cheek on screen as there are dramatic moments. The soundtrack, then, is a combination of original score composed by Clement Ducol with French singer Camille, and numbers and speeches performed by the cast, which includes Selena Gomez, Mark Ivan, Zoe SaldaNa and Karla Sofia Gascon.
Review: Since first emerging earlier in the decade, French threesome Domenique Dumont (Arturs Liepins, Anete Stuce, and an 'enigmatic', yet-to-be-named producer) has delivered two picture-perfect albums of atmospheric, occasionally Balearic, underground synth-pop for the Antinote label. People on Sunday, their first album for two years, started life as a synthesizer-based score for celebrated 1930 German silent movie Menschen am Sonntag, which they performed live at a festival in December 2019. Musically, it's arguably even more atmospheric than the trio's previous work, but is still rooted in their now trademark sound. What we get is a succession of melodious, huggable, sun-kissed and occasionally spacey instrumental tracks that sound like the missing link between Tangerine Dream, Air, 1980s Greek new age composers, Jean-Michel Jarre and little-known electro-jazz pioneers.
Review: When The Last Of Us first debuted in video game form, its soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaollala, took the world by storm for its instantly memorisable motifs and folkish sensibility. Driven largely by guitars and other acoustics, it did well to represent TLOU's wider world; that of a world driven murderous and inhospitable by a mutant strain of the (very real) cordyceps fungus. Now, along with the mind-blowing TV series reboot of the story, comes Santaollala's parallel reboot of the soundtrack. The Argentinian composer amps up (albeit subtly) most of the original and most recognisable themes from the original game, fleshing out the soundtrack in tandem with the expansion of the franchise and lore. The soundtrack also features additional music by David Fleming, a British composer who has collaborated with Santaolalla on many an occasion.
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