You might like if you enjoy: Kris Kristofferson, Chris Stapleton
Tell me more: The 2017 film Wheeler chronicles the tale of a musician who travels from the small town of Kaufman, Texas to Nashville with dreams of playing country music. Fans of country music hit makers such as Tim McGraw will enjoy the material on the first-rate Wheeler soundtrack, notably the infectious "Pour Me Out of This Town," tender "Rainbow Slide" and poignant "Fever." Singer-songwriter Stephen Dorff (Wheeler Lynn Bryson) has delivered a full-range of strong songs that will appeal to fans of authentic country and acoustic-flavored Americana. As a bonus, Kris Kristofferson (who appears in the "Wheeler" film) delivers "New Mister Me," a tuneful piano-anchored gem. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, Cheap Trick, Cat Stevens
Tell me more: Anyone who has seen Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in theaters knows how integral the winning score from Tyler Bates is to the on-screen action. But even more pronounced is the inclusion of select '70s rock and pop songs to arc of the story. Indeed, when the Grammy-nominated Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart in 2014, it became the first soundtrack album consisting entirely of previously released songs to top the chart. The new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 captures the magic of the earlier set thanks to a batch of great songs from a diverse field of artists that film director James Gunn specifically positioned to propel his entertaining script. The use of Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr Blue Sky," Sweet's "Fox on the Run," Cheap Trick's "Surrender" and Cat Stevens' "Father and Son" are among the many songs that work well in the film, as well as on the 14-track Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack available now. Information: HollywoodRecords.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Brian Tyler's "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Watchmen" scores
Tell me more: The burgeoning number of superhero films and hit television series' has been a boon for great scores. Listen no further than Brian Tyler's terrific and powerful symphonic work on Power Rangers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Even if you haven't seen the "Power Rangers" film, the haunting "Seek Those Who Are Worthy" and "Confessions," and tense "Megazord" and "Destiny" will stir your soul. The modern pop/R&B dance tune "Give It All" featuring rapper Vince Staples is also included on the release. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Karl, Zero 7, Dead Can Dance
Tell me more: Bosch (Music From the Amazon Original Series) is just a cool collection of 44 tracks that delve into jazz, neo-classical and world music. Kicking off with "Can't Let Go" by Caught A Ghost, that song swirls and mixes stylings from the '60s to modern day. Most of the collection features Jesse Voccia's stunning work, including the unsettling but lovely "End of Watch" and "Cabin Fever." "Rodeo" is a particularly interesting piece with a mix of sparse percussion and a pronounced phased effect emphasizing rhythm over the underlying melody. "Kidnapped" mixes acoustic and electronica elements for a thrilling three-minute run. Bosch is a soundtrack that truly immerses the listener. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Rachel Portman
Tell me more: British composer Rachel Portman's Their Finest (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is a beautiful and affecting score that equals her elequent work stretching back to her Academy Award-winning score for Emma in 1996 and more recent The Cider House Rules (1999) and Chocolat (2000). The 19-track score also includes several songs featured in the British film; both "They Can't Block Out the Moon" and "Will You Go, Lassie,Go" (the latter a beautiful piece featuring actor Bill Nighy) appear on the 35-minute collection. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
Robert Kinsler
