Back catalogue: Soundtracks

Review: It only seems like yesterday when Nick Cave delivered his wonderfully captivating joint piece with fellow-Australian Bad Seed Warren Ellis. In fact it was early March, and since then we've all likely been through the kinds of highs and lows this record reflects so accurately. There's a lot of space to Carnage, but it's also an album of intensity, in a refined and sophisticated way.

Packed with incredibly cinematic, theatrical and dramatic moments, at its loudest 'White Elephant' is bordering on a genuinely euphoric religious experience, one rousing and hugely emotional crescendo of chorus and big stage notes after another. At its quietest, 'Shattered Ground' sounds like one man alone with a piano and eternal sadness. Meanwhile, the title track is classic troubadour business. In summary, a grand, mesmerising and personal voyage.

Review: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis's soundtrack for the National Geographic documentary about an imagined 2033 manned mission to Mars feels like a sketch for the atmospheric soundscapes of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' 2016 album Skeleton Tree. Both works inhabit the same dark-hued, super-charged sonic atmosphere. Cave's cinematic music, enriched by Ellis's imaginative contributions, explores a wide range of sounds: distorted guitars in 'Space X,' sibylline keyboard arpeggios in 'Space Station,' and vast synthesized swathes evoking space's void. 'Planetarium' features soulful drones and synthesized strings, creating anticipation and stillness. With few vocals, this ambient soundtrack is perfect for chilling out and daydreaming. It's a departure from the intense emotions of the Bad Seeds, reflecting Cave's inward focus after personal tragedy. Unlike many soundtracks, this one stands apart, integral to Cave and Ellis's collaboration, and can be savored without thinking about Mars. Now available on vinyl for the first time!

Review: This is the unreleased soundtrack from Bartleby, the British drama film from 1970 directed by Anthony Friedman. It was an adaptation of the short story Bartleby, the Scrivener; A Story of Wall-street by Herman Melville. The plot revolved around the young audit clerk Bartleby, who as a result of being overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life withdraws into his own world. 31 years later, there was another remake directed by Jonathan Parker, with Crispin Glover in the lead role. Sound wise, it is a' blissful mix of British pastoral jazz and serious drum, double bass and string action'.

Review: Dive back into the exhilarating world of Indiana Jones with this absolutely bumper box set featuring all five soundtracks from the legendary franchise released by Walt Disney. This unique collection brings together John Williams' iconic compositions which add up to global musical journey full of adventure and emotion. Each track captures the essence of the beloved characters and thrilling escapades that have defined the series that is so well loved and as well as no fewer than ten slabs of vinyl, five posters and a collectible map are also included.

Review: John Williams' iconic soundtrack for Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom remains a classic amongst soundtrack fans as it captures the adventurous spirit of the film in every note. With thrilling orchestrations and memorable motifs, Williams once again proves his mastery in cinematic composition from the exhilarating 'The Temple Of Doom' theme to the haunting 'Slave Children's Crusade,' each track transports you in an instant to the heart of the action-packed adventure. The score's ability to evoke a sense of danger, excitement, and wonder is unparalleled and that makes this a must-have for fans of film music and Indiana Jones aficionados alike.

Review: John Williams' Home Alone soundtrack is a heartwarming classic that perfectly complements the holiday season. Known for his work on Star Wars, E.T.and Harry Potter, Williams brings the same orchestral magic to this beloved Christmas film. The score includes memorable tracks like 'Somewhere in My Memory,' a recurring theme throughout the film, and 'Star of Bethlehem,' which captures the festive spirit with choral and orchestral elegance. The standout track, 'Setting the Trap,' diverges from Williams' usual orchestral sound, incorporating electronics and percussion to enhance Kevin's creative showdown with the burglars. Alongside traditional Christmas carols like 'O Holy Night' and 'Carol of the Bells,' the soundtrack blends nostalgia with whimsy. Though the album repeats familiar motifs, its charm makes it a refreshing alternative to typical holiday music. The Home Alone soundtrack is available in a limited edition red and gold vinyl 2xLP, making it an essential for any festive playlist. Whether it's playing while decorating the tree or enjoying Christmas cookies, this release brings the holiday spirit alive.

Review: The finale of the original trilogy had it all, sewers, blimps, mysterious invisible CGI bridges, you name it! What it also had was an incredible soundtrack, now reissued here to commemorate its 35th anniversary. Although Temple of Doom was another box office hit, critical reactions were heavily mixed and it obviously affected director Steven Spielberg enough that he spent a couple extra years on completing the Indiana Jones trilogy. John Williams of course returns with a lot of new themes - there are a couple of artifact themes this time around, both evoking a strong religious feeling, without any of the ominous feeling that some of the other movies' soundtrack have. The first is the primary Grail theme, which appears in the travel cue portion of 'X Marks the Spot.' Most of its appearances were absent on the original album, but restored here. In the case of Indiana Jones, the music is almost as important as the movies - and the Last Crusade was one of the emost original and in depth soundtracks in the series.

Review: Almost 15 years after her tragic death and admission to the ill-fated '27 club', it's impossible not to tear up when thinking about Amy Winehouse. The untimely loss of such an incredible talent is one thing, gradually understanding that nobody caught and held such a vulnerable person in their time of need is what really hits the hardest. Back to Black, Sam Taylor-Johnson's biographical drama about the UK singer-songwriter and musician's rise to stardom, and the fallout, was never going to be an easy watch, then. As if we needed any more proof, the soundtrack really emphasises just how timeless Winehouse was as an artist. Highlights from her own incredible output are here - 'What Is It About Men', 'Stronger Than Me', 'Valerie', '(There Is) No Greater Love', the list could go on - as are some of the most evocative and captivating soul, blues and r&b tracks of the 20th Century. And there's nothing to separate these from each other, sonically, lyrically, or emotionally. We weren't worthy, and maybe never will be