Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Cinematic Sounds Abound: Soundtracks, essential MST3K

Whether you enjoy listening to soundtracks for a favorite film or watching a cult TV show that combined a love for all things pop culture, there are a score of recommended new titles available now.


DVD Title: Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: MST3K, Cinematic Titanic
Tell me more: Likely the final collection of new episodes from the original run of Mystery Science Theater 3000 that ended after 10 seasons in 1999, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIX delivers intelligent wit and laughs at every turn. The box set includes the final three available episodes previously unreleased by Shout! Factory ("Girls Town," "The Amazing Transparent Man" and "Diabolik"); throughout the series, musical references and songs were among the key elements of the television series. For example, on a single episode here, references or sung bits linked to Pink Floyd, Gregg Allman, David Cassidy, the Troggs' "Wild Thing," the Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari" and The Beatles help enhance the B-movie viewing. One of the extras, "Showdown in Eden Prairie: The Final Experiment" takes an in-depth look at the production of the final episode ("Diabolik") of the series' original run, including interviews with the cast and key production members. Another must-see extra is titled "The Last Dance" and it includes raw behind-the-scenes video footage taken on the set during the production of "Diabolik." Of course, the cult show has returned with creator Joel Hodgson and a new cast; new episodes began airing on Netflix in 2017 and another season of episodes are being produced now. Information: shoutfactory.com.


Artist: Composer John Williams
Title: The Post: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Sony Classical)
Tell me more: Although composer John Williams is best known for his signature music for franchise winning "Star Wars," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jaws," "Jurassic Park" and "Harry Potter" films, his music seldom fails to impress no matter the genre. Just listen to the 85-year-old master's work on The Post: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which includes the beautifully tense "The Presses Roll," disquieting "Nixon's Order," jazzy piano-anchored "The Oak Room, 1971" and alluring "Mother and Daughter" to appreciate the nuanced and stylish handiwork of Williams. The 12-page booklet that accompanies the soundtrack includes a short overview on Williams' approach and strength in scoring for "The Post," as well as a number of photos from the film and a listing of the many talented members of the orchestra who performed under the baton of Williams. Information: SonyClassical.com.


Artist: Carter Burwell
Title: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: A strong blend of instrumental music composed by Carter Burwell and artful mix of songs delivered by the celebrated likes of Monsters Of Folk, folk singer Joan Baez and Motown's The Four Tops make for an eclectic listen across the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The winner of the Best Motion Picture - Drama at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" is enhanced by Burwell's wonderfully evocative music. The Americana-styled "Mildred Goes To War," lovely keyboard-adorned "The Deer" and the foreboding "A Cough of Blood, A Dark Drive" are among Burwell's affecting compositions heard here. Information: VareseSarabande.com.


Artist: Miklos Rozsa (composer); City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
Title: Ben-Hur: World Premiere Digital Recording of the Complete Film Score (Tadlow Music)
Tell me more: The 1959 film "Ben-Hur" stands as one of Hollywood's greatest-ever films but the Academy Award winner's complete 157-minute score has only recently been released via a world premiere digital recording performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus, and conducted by Nic Raine. The ambitious score was originally composed by Miklós Rózsa and ultimately proved to be the longest original score composed and recorded for any film of the 20th century. The new "World Premiere Digital Recording of the Complete Film Score" is an important and crucial release. Information: tadlowmusic.com.


Artists: Composer Thomas Pierson; singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson
Title: Deluxe Edition: Music from the Motion Picture Popeye (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: This writer somehow missed the essential, expanded edition reissue of the soundtrack for the 1980 film Popeye  when it was released in September 2017. The good news is that no matter when listeners discover this fantastic soundtrack, they will not be disappointed. The first disc of this 2-CD title features original music and songs from the film, while the second disc includes demo versions written by noted singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson. Two of those songs ("Everybody's Got To Eat" and "I'd Rather Be Me") presented on that second disc were never released prior to this special edition. Fans of the film's stars (Robin Williams, Shelley Duvall, Ray Walston) will enjoy the famed actors featured in the musical selections. formation: VareseSarabande.com.



Artists: Iggy Pop, the Isley Brothers, New Order, more
Title: Gold - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: With the Golden Globe-nominated original title song from groundbreaking Iggy Pop leading off the disc, the Gold soundtrack mines similar territory for a sonic journey that enhances the Matthew McConaughey-starring 2017 film; the lineup of cuts also works perfectly as a stand-alone collection of great songs. The rousing little-heard rocker "Ron Klaus Wrecked His House" (from Big Dipper), a cover of David Byrne's "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" performed by Kishi Bashi and inviting gems from New Order ("Temptation"), Joy Division ("Atmosphere") and Television ("1880 Or So") are among memorable songs on the set. Of special note is the Isley Brothers' take on the 1970 classic Eric Burdon / War collaboration "Spill the Wine." VareseSarabande.com



Robert Kinsler

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