Category Archives: Music

My Top Twelve Coldplay Songs

04 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by in Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

While I like quite a few bands, from recent groups like The Band Perry and Walk the Moon to classic acts like the Beatles, Genesis, and U2, I’d have to say that my favorite is Coldplay, made up of lead singer Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion. This quartet has produced some of the most memorable alternative rock of the last two decades, and while I’d heard some of their songs before, I was truly introduced to their music ironically by a top ten list I found online.

Since they’ll be headlining Super Bowl 50 this Sunday, February 7, I thought it appropriate that things come full circle and I count down my own list of favorites. I normally just watch the Super Bowl for the commercials (or if there’s a favored team playing), but this is one of the few halftime shows I’m actually looking forward to. Here, therefore, are my all-time favorite songs by Coldplay.

 

  1. “Atlas” from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2013)

 

I like to make some movie connection even on my non-movie lists, and the end credits song for Catching Fire earned Grammy and Golden Globe nominations for Coldplay. Right on the heels of bad news for District 12 and that smoldering look from Katniss, this atmospheric number slowly builds with beauty and depth.

 

  1. “Speed of Sound” from X&Y (2005)

 

This is one song that I keep noticing as background music in restaurants and such, and when I recognized it on that other top ten list, I said, “Oh, that’s who does that song!” It’s a good representation of Coldplay’s style, with some high notes and airy blend of piano, guitar, and drums; it just doesn’t quite stand out as much as their best songs.

 

  1. “Life in Technicolor ii” from Prospekt’s March (2008)

 

Starting off with a tinny dulcimer called a yangqin (yes, I looked that up), the Grammy-nominated “Life in Technicolor ii” gradually adds layers of rock instrumentation to this base, which sort of parallels the music video. It’s just one of Coldplay’s many unique videos, with a small puppet show that jumps from Punch and Judy to pyrotechnics and helicopters. I should point out that the yangqin part was used at the end of Night at the Museum 2.

 

  1. “A Sky Full of Stars” from Ghost Stories (2014)

 

A dreamy beginning yields to club-style headbanging in this hit, again nominated for a Grammy. It’s one of the few Coldplay songs still common on my local pop station, though it is more clubby than their usual style.

 

  1. “The Scientist” from A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

 

Boasting probably their most fascinating music video, “The Scientist” is a simple but beautiful song from beginning to end. Repetitive but heartfelt, this song was also featured in the end credits of The Judge, performed by Willie Nelson of all people. Coldplay’s version is much better.


 

  1. “Talk” from X&Y (2005)

 

Plagiarism is always a danger for artists, but isn’t it nice when a band actually gets permission to incorporate someone else’s work and expand on it? Kraftwerk’s “Computer Love” is an okay ‘80s techno song, but Coldplay’s “Talk” blows it away with its own melody. “Talk” also builds to an awesome rock crescendo that could get a giant robot’s attention.

 

  1. “Violet Hill” from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)

 

With a bitter anti-war theme clearly felt in the lyrics, double-Grammy nominee “Violet Hill” rages as a brilliant rock ballad yet ends in sullen peace.

 

  1. “Paradise” from Mylo Xyloto (2011)

 

How could anyone not love this song? While the music video seems to be trying to make a meme out of elephant costumes, “Paradise” is about a girl with dreams of an elusive home, and the wistful lyrics are among the band’s best. I’m always touched by the metaphor of “Life goes on; it gets so heavy. The wheel breaks the butterfly.”

 

  1. “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall” from Mylo Xyloto (2011)

 

Coldplay’s U2 influences are most felt in this phenomenal single with a breakneck Irish flavor that builds to a headbanging finale. Unfortunately, that drum solo at the end wraps up too soon. The video is also one of my favorites, with blended time-lapse images keeping time with the beat.

 

  1. “Viva La Vida” from Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008)

 

This was the #1 song on that first list I discovered and with good reason. With an orchestral focus on strings and a medley of Biblical allusions, double-Grammy winner “Viva La Vida” is unlike anything else in Coldplay’s discography or in mainstream pop music. They played it during the closing ceremonies of the London Olympics, and Chris Martin once referred to it as “our best song.” It’s beautiful and bittersweet and utterly catchy.

 

  1. “Clocks” from A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

 

One of the quintessential Coldplay tracks, Grammy winner “Clocks” is easily my VC’s favorite, and I’ve gotten into the habit of playing it for her whenever she’s stressed – I won’t say just how often that is. It’s a refreshing breeze of a song with an iconic piano melody. We both love everything about it, from the nonsensical yet deep and passionate lyrics to the way it builds and balances between relaxing and headbanging. It’s mesmerizing, layered, and perfect. “Home, home, where I wanted to go.”

 

  1. “Charlie Brown” from Mylo Xyloto (2011)

 

It may be the unconventional choice, but “Charlie Brown” is my favorite Coldplay song. It begins with a celestial meowing that I’ve always thought of as the sound of midichlorians and then segues into a rocking riff just as iconic as that of “Clocks.” Even if the song itself has hardly any connection to its title, the upbeat buoyancy of this track is just infectious, the kind meant to get stuck in your head in the best way.

 

 

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order with links):

 

“Adventure of a Lifetime” – From their most recent album A Head Full of Dreams, this jammer has a great beat and a unique music video – Planet of the Apes: The Musical!

“Birds” (A Head Full of Dreams) – This ‘80s-ish track is brisk and immersive.

“Everglow” (A Head Full of Dreams) – A beautiful song sadly overshadowed by their catchier tunes.

“Fix You” (X&Y) – Slower than my favorites, but a beautiful crowd pleaser.

“God Put a Smile upon Your Face” (A Rush of Blood to the Head) – Combines ambiguous lyrics and an outstanding rhythm.

“Gravity” (B-side of “Talk”) – This more obscure song written for the band Embrace is slow but lovely and has a poignant unofficial video with animated ballet.

“The Hardest Part” (X&Y) – Like “Speed of Sound,” this is a solid track that just doesn’t stand out as much as it could.

“In My Place” (A Rush of Blood to the Head) – An excellent middle-of-the-road song that won a Grammy.

“Lost!” (Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends) – Another great beat from the masters.

“Lovers in Japan” (Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends) – This one starts out with a fantastic tempo that the rest of the song doesn’t quite live up to.

“Magic” (Ghost Stories) – Another good example of a strong central beat wonderfully and slowly building.

“Major Minus” (Mylo Xyloto) – Energetic and hard-edged, this song doesn’t get enough attention.

“Midnight” (Ghost Stories) – Atmospheric and haunting in a different way than Coldplay’s usual.

“Miracles” (Unbroken soundtrack) – Written for the end credits of 2014’s Unbroken, this song may be more inspiring than the movie itself.

“Strawberry Swing” (Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends) – A light and breezy song with one of the most incredibly animated videos I’ve ever seen.

 

My Top Twelve Na Na Na Songs

08 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by in Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

If anyone hasn’t realized it yet, I really enjoy lists, whether I agree with them or not, and I’ve found a lot of entertaining lists from Miss Mutant of Cinema Parrot Disco. While she focuses on “mainly movies,” she also has plenty of musical posts and song lists. Well, I like music too, so why can’t I join in? Movies and poetry will still be first and foremost for me, but favorite songs may pop up now and then. I’ll still try to find some way to tie it in with movies.

For my first such list, I went with that easiest and perhaps laziest of song lyrics, the “Na na na.” If you don’t know the lyrics, it’s natural to just follow along with this syllabic stand-in, but sometimes songwriters just dispense with further choruses and let the na nas roll. Not only is this easy to remember, it often fits the tune splendidly and makes it stick in the mind…endlessly. Good luck getting these songs out of your head.

Whether the na nas be short or whether the na nas be long,
I’m singing these na nas and bringing these na nas, song by indelible song.

 

  1. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction

 

As their debut single, “What Makes You Beautiful” put One Direction on the map of pop music. It’s modern; it’s catchy; it’s got that boy-band glossiness; and as far as mainstream teen music goes, I like it more than most. The actual “na na na” portion is much too short, but it underscores the catchiness of the hook.

 

  1. “F Games” from the Phineas and Ferb episode “Got Game?”, written by Dan Povenmire, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, Martin Olson, and Michael Culross

 

Almost every episode of Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb had an original song, many of which are outstanding. This one, from the obligatory boys-vs.-girls episode, has all the intensity of a major sporting event, and I can easily picture fans epically chanting this from the stands.

 

  1. “I’ll Be Your Shelter” by Diane Warren, sung by Taylor Dayne

 

Soulful and with some distinctively Tina Turner-ish vocals, this Taylor Dayne single creates an aura of romantic strength, and the na nas bridging each chorus only heighten its appeal. I wonder if this would sound much different if Tina Turner did a cover?

 

  1. “We Are Young” by fun.

 

I like fun. That being said, I love “Some Nights” way more than this song, and I don’t think “We Are Young” is all that great until the na na part. Then, as with most na na lyrics, it becomes a rousing earworm worthy of a swaying singalong. I wonder how lead singer Nate Ruess will feel singing this in forty years.

 

  1. “All the Small Things” by Blink-182

 

Surprisingly pop-ish for a punk band, “All the Small Things” is utterly catchy, and the more I hear it, the more I like it. The “na na na” portion is upbeat and repetitive enough to leave one out of breath by the end.

 

  1. “You Are the Music in Me” from High School Musical 2, written by Jamie Houston

 

I knew I could make a movie connection. High School Musical 2 is easily the best of the HSM films, and this duet is just one among many great songs. This one is also unique in that it has two versions, a sincere love song between Troy and Gabriella and a forced but faster rock version between Sharpay and a hilariously intimidated Troy. I prefer the sincere first one, but my VC actually likes the second version better. Which one do you like?

 

  1. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” by Paul Leka, Gary DeCarlo and Dale Frashuer, attributed to the band “Steam”

 

Dripping with 1960s/70s-ness, this head-bopper was a number-one hit and is a natural favorite for “in-your-face” rivalries at sporting events. Plus (another movie mention!), it was used to tear-jerking effect in Remember the Titans.

 

  1. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” by Journey

 

This song used to act as an introduction to Journey’s “City of the Angels,” but it’s still tender and romantic (if a little less rocking) by itself. During the “na na na” part, I always picture a huge stadium of fans all waving their lighters in the air.

 

  1. “Hush,” written by Joe South for Billy Joe Royal, better known version by Deep Purple

 

There are many covers of this song, but I’m personally only familiar with Deep Purple’s version. This early hit was groovy enough for 1968, while setting the stage for heavier rock to come. The instruments go all over the place, but the na nas are there from the very beginning. Plus, it has apparently been in several movies, including Apollo 13.

 

  1. “Hey, Jude,” by the Beatles

 

“Hey, Jude” is one of the biggest songs ever produced by the Beatles and a special favorite of my dad’s. A more gentle form of rock, its strength still builds and lingers in the memory, thanks especially to the extended “na na” fadeout. This particular video show the universal appeal of both this song and the “na na,” both easily understood in any language.

 

  1. “The Look” by Roxette

 

What do you do if you want to break your music out of Sweden and introduce it to the world? You write a song as awesome as “The Look.” That’s what the duo Roxette did, and the “na na na” section alone bumps it this high on the list. Not enough na nas for you? It has la las too!

 

  1. “Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band

 

I’m the last person to be checking out centerfolds, but I looooooove this song! IMO, this is easily the catchiest song on the list and the one to which I most enjoy rocking out in the car. Na nas don’t get much better than this.

 

Runners-Up:

 

“12lb Toothbrush” – Madder Lake

“A Horse with No Name” – America

“Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog)” – Brett Dennen

“Come Back Song” – Darius Rucker

“Crash” – The Primitives

“Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” – Will Smith

“How Do You Do” – Mouth & MacNeal

“Kick in the Teeth” – Papa Roach

“Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)” – My Chemical Romance

“Na Na” – Superchick

“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” – Michael Jackso

“So What?” – Pink

“Tell the World” – Eric Hutchinson

“Tonight, Tonight” – Hot Chelle Rae

“Undo It” – Carrie Underwood

“Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses (I barely remember the na na part, but my VC insisted on mentioning this one.)

 

I’m sure there are plenty of other good na na songs out there, but these are the ones I’ve heard and liked. Feel free to recommend other potential favorites!

 

My Top 12 Musical Numbers

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

,

After counting down a list of 365 movies and a catalog of 50 film scores, I’ve decided to find a nice round number for my future lists – 12! Top tens are everywhere so I’ll go two steps better and make every list a dozen. Lots of good things come in twelves: eggs, doughnuts, apostles, months, Gilbreths (look it up).

For my first Top Twelve, I’ll keep to the musical theme of my last list and recount my top musical numbers from musical films. This is not to say that these are necessarily the best songs, though some are. Rather, I consider a musical number to be the full package of a song: the vocals, the choreography, the cinematography, the physicality of the actors, the overall spectacle of the performance. All of these factors add up to pure entertainment, scenes I could watch anytime. (No animated songs this time; that’s another list and shall be told another time.) It does help that I love musicals in general, and of course this list is the product of personal preference, keeping everything to one song per musical. Let me know what you think, whether you agree or not so much. Let the listing commence!

_________________

  1. “America” – West Side Story (1961)

As popular as it is, West Side Story has never really grabbed me as one of the great musicals. It’s not that I dislike it; I just find it overrated. Nevertheless, I love the song “America,” sung by Oscar winner Rita Moreno and her Puerto Rican compadres. “America” turns a domestic argument over the pros and cons of a new home into an ingenious, toe-tapping debate. Full of witty rhyming come-backs and Latin flair, this is the highlight of the whole film.

 

  1. “That’s How You Know” – Enchanted (2007)

As the centerpiece of Disney’s enchanting crossover into live action, “That’s How You Know” puts Amy Adams in the spotlight, while spanning the whole of Central Park. Despite this being the supposed real world, plenty of performers and pedestrians join her like in an animated musical, proving Giselle’s infectious appeal and musical joie de vivre. Patrick Dempsey’s stern confusion is the perfect counterpoint to all the sincerity around him.

 

  1. “I Want It All” – High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

I may be in the minority, but I really love the High School Musical films, perhaps because they came out when I was in the perfect tween age demographic. The musical numbers are their key strength, thanks to director/choreographer Kenny Ortega, and I had plenty to choose from. This over-the-top theme, in which Sharpay and Ryan dream big, blows them all away and includes visual cues from other Broadway musicals. While I like the second film best overall, this is proof that HSM reached its big-screen potential with the third film.

 

  1. “Me Old Bamboo” – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Dick Van Dyke probably wasn’t going to find any film to compare with Mary Poppins, but I think he came close with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, at least in the music department. The film overall isn’t nearly as good, but the musical numbers (written by the Sherman Brothers) have the same energy Van Dyke brought to Poppins (and without the fake accent). When his Professor Potts stumbles into a carnival show, he tries at first just to keep up, but eventually leads the whole troupe in some lively choreography while singing the catchiest song about sticks you ever heard.

 

  1. “Simon Zealotes” – Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Simon the Zealot has always been depicted as one of the lesser apostles, but Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar put him in the spotlight for one exuberant song. The zeal of Larry Marshall’s Simon is unmistakable as he goes nuts with a collection of worshipping dancers. Even if he thinks Christ has come to fight Rome, his ballyhoo becomes a genuine song of praise sure to get stuck in your head, while it brings out the head-banging side of my VC.

 

  1. TIE

“Make ‘em Laugh” – Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

“Singin’ in the Rain” – Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

A tie here may make this list a baker’s dozen, but in a film full of memorable song-and-dance scenes, these two both rise to the top. “Make ‘em Laugh” is enough to lighten the heaviest moods, and Donald O’Connor’s manic energy is exhaustively entertaining. I’ve heard he had to go to the hospital after filming the scene, and I believe it. On the other hand, Gene Kelly is the star, and the title number is just too iconic to ignore. Classic to the last puddle.

 

 

  1. “Step in Time” – Mary Poppins (1964)

Dick Van Dyke once more takes the stage in the most vigorous number from Mary Poppins. Bert and his crew of chimney sweeps take to the roofs of London to prove their superior choreography. There’s no real reason for all the rooftop hullabaloo, but it’s impressive to watch, and no matter what P.L. Travers said in Saving Mr. Banks, it cemented Van Dyke as “one of the greats.”

 

  1. “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” – Hello, Dolly! (1969)

Sorry, I couldn’t find a video with the full number, but it’s my favorite part of Barbra Streisand’s inimitable Hello, Dolly! The vibrant dance steps and chipper ensemble wind through the streets of Yonkers as all the main players head to New York to fulfill their dreams. Even robots in 2805 will be humming this tune, according to WALL-E, and I’m glad that Pixar reintroduced this classic number to a new generation. Don’t take my word for it; go enjoy the movie for yourself.

 

  1. “Barn Dance” – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

While I don’t remember much of the film itself, it’s hard to forget this centerpiece of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. No lyrics necessary, just a country dance with some of the best gymnastics in any musical, as the Pontipee brothers in their colorful shirts fight for their chosen women in an epic dance-off.

 

  1. “Who Will Buy?” – Oliver! (1968)

When young Oliver Twist (an adorable Mark Lester) wakes up in a fancy home after knowing only hardships in his life, everything takes on a magical zest. The enticing cries of the street vendors overlap brilliantly, and everyone cavorts with the joy of a new day, from frilly schoolchildren to maids and handymen. It’s hard to top “Consider Yourself” earlier on, but “Who Will Buy?” carries the real wow of the film.

 

  1. “One Day More” – Les Miserables (2012)

Silence, all you Les Mis haters! “One Day More” acts as the culmination of all the exceptional music that came before. Every character’s theme is fused into a rousing ensemble piece to prelude the next day’s battle. Any vocal weaknesses are covered by the power and quality of the group performance (including Russell Crowe), and even the irritating Thenardiers’ tune adds to the overall impact of this magnificent song.

 

  1. “Do-Re-Mi” – The Sound of Music (1965)

Nothing could beat the greatest song from the greatest musical ever (just follow the link below). Julie Andrews as governess Maria teaches the von Trapp children how to sing and awakens their dormant musical talent. The streets of Salzburg are an ideal setting for their romp, and the backdrop of the Alps is glorious. Topped like a cherry with that unparalleled high note at the end, this classic scene is easily the king of all musical numbers.

 http://videofarm.daum.net/controller/video/viewer/Video.html?vid=F6TBMSDeZ0k$&play_loc=undefined&alert=true

 

____________________

 

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order by movie):

 

“Dear Mr. Adams” – 1776 (This funny number expertly melds humor and history. “Homicide! Homicide!”)

“Think” – The Blues Brothers (Aretha Franklin is amazing when her man threatens to walk out on her to join the band.)

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” – Ella Enchanted (Silly but fun ending for a silly but fun movie.)

“The Lady’s Got Potential” – Evita (The film’s montage brings to life all the political turmoil of a rocking song.)

“If I Were a Rich Man” – Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye’s conversation with God becomes an amusing what-if daydream in his barn.)

“Never” – Footloose (Yes, it’s a musical, and Kevin Bacon and his stunt double are awesome dancing in the famous warehouse scene.)

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” – Funny Girl (Barbra Streisand at her early best.)

“You’re the One That I Want” – Grease (A catchy duet when Sandy and Danny come together at last.)

“Stick to the Status Quo” – High School Musical (The best song of the first film; still better than anything in Grease, IMO.)

“Work This Out” – High School Musical 2 (A Stomp-influenced kitchen scene with fun choreography.)

“Superstar” – Jesus Christ Superstar (More mocking unfortunately than “Simon Zealotes,” but still a groovy hit.)

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” – Mary Poppins (The longest word deserves a fun animated/live-action ditty.)

“76 Trombones” – The Music Man (An exemplary finale for Professor Harold Hill.)

“Consider Yourself” – Oliver! (An early showstopper spanning the streets of London.)

“Masquerade” – The Phantom of the Opera (A perfect example of the winning opulence of Joel Schumacher’s film version.)

“Get Back” – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Billy Preston’s surreal version of this song is even better than Paul McCartney’s, IMHO.)

“The Lonely Goatherd” – The Sound of Music (One of the most entertaining puppet scenes ever.)

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road” – The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy’s introduction to Oz is magical and iconic.)

 

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Full List

16 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Now that I’ve counted down my top 50 film scores over ten weeks, here’s the full list for easy reference, counting down from #50 to #1. Each one has a link to the video used in the earlier posts. As prolific as film composers are, there will no doubt be additions to this list somewhere in the future; plus, the more films I see, the more exposure I’ll have to great movie music. If anyone has a recommendation, feel free to comment!

Being the list maniac I am, this is only the first (or technically, second) of many. As much as I love music and movies, a good countdown is inevitable, but that is another list and shall be told another time.

  Batman – Danny Elfman/ The Dark Knight Trilogy – Hans Zimmer/James Newton Howard
  Sunshine – John Murphy
  Hoosiers – Jerry Goldsmith                                                         Part 1
  Gladiator – Hans Zimmer/Lisa Gerrard
  Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Jerry Goldsmith/ Star Trek – Michael Giacchino

  Glory – James Horner
  Requiem for a Dream – Clint Mansell
  Elizabeth: The Golden Age — Craig Armstrong/A.R. Rahman         Part 2
  Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey – Bruce Broughton
  Ruby Sparks – Nick Urata

  Backdraft – Hans Zimmer
  Schindler’s List – John Williams
  The Terminator – Brad Fiedel                                                      Part 3
  Rudy – Jerry Goldsmith
  The Last of the Mohicans – Trevor Jones/Randy Edelman

  Superman – John Williams
  Wuthering Heights – Michel Legrand                                            Part 4
  The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos – The Cinematic Orchestra
  The Hobbit Trilogy – Howard Shore
  Inception – Hans Zimmer

  Driving Miss Daisy – Hans Zimmer
  The Incredibles – Michael Giacchino
  The Mummy Returns – Jerry Goldsmith                                         Part 5
  The Avengers – Alan Silvestri
  Treasure Planet – James Newton Howard

  National Treasure 1 & 2 – Trevor Rabin
  Elizabethtown – Nancy Wilson
  Chariots of Fire – Vangelis                                                            Part 6
  Dinosaur – James Newton Howard
  Jane Eyre (1970) – John Williams

  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – John Williams
  Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas – Harry Gregson-Williams
  Cast Away – Alan Silvestri                                                            Part 7
  Home Alone – John Williams
  Back to the Future –Alan Silvestri

  Out of Africa – John Barry
  Sherlock Holmes – Hans Zimmer
  Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – Michael Kamen                             Part 8
  The Piano – Michael Nyman
  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Joe Hisaishi

  Titanic – James Horner
   Forrest Gump – Alan Silvestri
   Jurassic Park – John Williams                                                         Part 9
   How to Train Your Dragon – John Powell/Harry Gregson-Williams
   The Chronicles of Narnia – Harry Gregson-Williams

   Laputa: Castle in the Sky – Joe Hisaishi
   Indiana Jones films – John Williams
   Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy – Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer            Part 10
   Star Wars Saga – John Williams
   The Lord of the Rings Trilogy – Howard Shore

Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order):

A Beautiful Mind (James Horner)
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Nick Cave/Warren Ellis)
Avatar (James Horner)
Braveheart (James Horner)
Chicken Run (John Powell/Harry Gregson-Williams)
The Cider House Rules (Rachel Portman)
Dances with Wolves (John Barry)
Doctor Zhivago (Maurice Jarre)
Gone with the Wind (Max Steiner)
The Great Escape (Elmer Bernstein)
Hook (John Williams)
The Horse Whisperer (Thomas Newman)
The Hours (Philip Glass)
The Hunger Games (James Newton Howard)
Like Crazy (Dustin O’Halloran)
The Neverending Story (Klaus Doldinger/Giorgio Moroder)
The Shawshank Redemption (Thomas Newman)
The Thin Red Line (Hans Zimmer)
Thor: The Dark World (Brian Tyler)
The Truman Show (Philip Glass)
The Village (James Newton Howard) (The more I listen to this one, the more I think it probably should have been #50.)
Up (Michael Giacchino)

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 10

09 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

At last, we have reached the end of this long list of marvelous movie scores. Except for #5, all of these are venerable franchises that needed memorable music to enchant listeners throughout the series, and each of their composers delivered in spades. All of these films hold a special place in my heart, and the music played a huge role in making them true favorites. Enjoy!

_____________

 

#5: Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), no nomination – Joe Hisaishi

Words cannot describe the sense of peaceful grandeur this score gives me. Not only is this my favorite Miyazaki film, but it boasts the best music of all the Studio Ghibli movies. With this theme (and Nausicaä), Joe Hisaishi entered the club of my favorite composers. Ideally befitting a story of flying high amid ancient civilizations, this is one tune I hum on a regular basis.

 

#4: Indiana Jones franchise (1981-2008), Oscar nominee – John Williams

Action themes don’t get much better than that of famed archaeologist Indiana Jones. As much as I love the music in Chariots of Fire, I have no doubt that the score for Raiders of the Lost Ark should have won that year. The other three films borrow and build on Williams’ original masterpiece, which is a standard by which all other action movie composers are judged.

 

#3: Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (2003, 2006, 2007), no nominations – Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer

Step aside, Sinbad. This will forever be the greatest pirate music, the kind of rip-roaring soundtracks that make listeners want to swashbuckle with the likes of Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. While Klaus Badelt isn’t as well-known as Zimmer, who collaborated for the first film and took over for the second and third films, Badelt will forever be remembered as the man credited for the first’s fantastic music. One of the most recent scores to be instantly iconic.

 

#2: Star Wars saga (1977-1983, 1999-2005), Oscar winner (only the first film) – John Williams

Do I really have to say anything? Can anything really trump the iconic strains of John Williams’ most famous work? Well, one thing can in my book, but for countless fans, including the AFI, this score reigns supreme. As unlikely as it seemed, Williams actually managed to match his own achievement with the operatic theme for The Phantom Menace, which I probably enjoy listening to even more than the original. With Williams returning to score The Force Awakens, I’m looking forward to hearing his continued brilliance this December.

 

#1: The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003), Oscar winner (first and third films) – Howard Shore

I suppose it’s not surprising that my favorite films would also feature my favorite scores. Unlike Pirates or The Piano, there isn’t just one track in this trilogy that I love to death; I adore the entire soundtrack, all three, from start to finish. The charming folksiness of the Shire, the medieval bombast of Khazad-dûm, the equestrian stateliness of Rohan, those ethereal vocals that heighten the splendor of each film’s climax—it’s all so perfect, whether for the film or for pleasure listening afterwards. Middle-earth would not be the same without Howard Shore.

 

Full list to come!

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 9

02 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Nearing the end of the Top 50 countdown, we have now entered my top ten film scores, which has actually been a long time coming since I’ve only done five a week. This week, I’ve included some widely regarded classics and some personal favorites, several with a decidedly Celtic sound, themes I regard so highly that they’re basically interchangeable on the list. Only one week to go for the top 5. Enjoy!

_______________

 

#10: Titanic (1997), Oscar winner – James Horner

My original cryfest, Titanic is a marvelous film on nearly every level, but nowhere does it excel so masterfully as in the music department, thanks to the late great James Horner. His soothing Celtic strains play much more to the romance rather than the disaster, but there’s a deep sadness to it that fits the tragedy to a capital T.

 

#9: Forrest Gump (1994), Oscar nominee – Alan Silvestri

Yet another emotional journey with a memorable rock soundtrack as well, Forrest Gump had to have a fittingly poignant theme, and frequent Robert Zemeckis collaborator Alan Silvestri was just the man for the job. The first few notes alone bring back all the feels from one of my favorite films, starting with that drifting feather, while the ending makes me feel like I could run across the country. I don’t know if I should smile or cry. I think it’s both.

 

#8: Jurassic Park (1993), no nomination – John Williams

Putting the awe in awesome, Jurassic Park would be incomplete without John Williams’ exquisite themes. Again, the music conjures the immense glory of reborn dinosaurs, as well as the fascinating terror when they run amok. While I haven’t seen Jurassic World yet, I’m glad to hear that apparently Michael Giacchino has both honored and complemented Williams’ achievement.

 

#7: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Oscar nominee – John Powell

The more I listen to this score, the more I absolutely LOVE it! I enjoy almost any kind of Celtic music, but this film amps it up beautifully to nail the tension, the fun, the wonder—pretty much everything one would expect from riding on a dragon. I could listen to this music forever. DreamWorks knew they had something great; they recently used the action theme for their 20th anniversary ads.

 

#6: The Chronicles of Narnia (2005, 2008), no nominations – Harry Gregson-Williams

From my list, it’s clear that I’m fond of epic and majestic film scores, and the music for the current trilogy of Narnia adaptations certainly fits that description. I’m only including the first two films here, though, since the third, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, had a different composer and was generally not quite as good. I probably admire Prince Caspian’s score most of all, since it builds on the first film’s themes and gets even more epic. Someone hurry up and make The Silver Chair already!

 

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 8

26 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Onward and upward with my Top 50 Film Scores! This week, there’s a mix of Oscar recognition (or lack thereof), but all of these have distinctive and memorable sounds that capture the heart and the imagination. Enjoy!

______________

 

#15: Out of Africa (1985), Oscar winner – John Barry

How could I not include this outstanding score from such an epically tragic film? Full of profound and painful feelings, the music evokes the sweeping African savannas and the swooning romance of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. It inevitably breaks my VC into tears, though she’s noted that it reminds her of Barry’s later score for Dances with Wolves (which didn’t quite make the list). Along with E.T. and Star Wars, this is a rare choice that I actually agree with AFI’s top 25 film scores.

 

#14: Sherlock Holmes (2009), Oscar nominee – Hans Zimmer

As my favorite incarnation of Holmes (though Cumberbatch comes darn close), Robert Downey, Jr.’s take on the famous detective deserved some marvelous mystery music. In this case, the mixture of the tinny piano with whiny violins, plus an unconventional tempo, lend the story a unique and manic energy that echoes both its humor and its action. The sequel’s music is a bit more conventional/less unique, but it’s still excellent as a continuation of the original. Don’t you just feel like you’re in Victorian England; well, maybe just Guy Ritchie’s version of it?

 

#13: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), no nomination – Michael Kamen

Epic, uplifting, heroic, magnificent—these are just some of the words I could use to describe Michael Kamen’s energizing score for Kevin Costner’s version of the Hood. Critics can say what they will about the film’s faults, but there’s no denying that this is great music. For a while, Disney even used the main theme for the intro montage of all of their DVDs, so even some who ignore the movie have surely heard its overture many times.

 

#12: The Piano (1993), no nomination – Michael Nyman

I haven’t actually seen The Piano, but my VC has (and does not recommend it). Yet beyond the Oscar-winning acting, one key part of the film refused to let go: the music. While most of the score is just good, one track in particular singlehandedly brought it to #12 on this list. “The Heart Asks Pleasure First” is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard and ranks among my favorite pieces of music. I always feel this peaceful, floating sensation that lingers even after the melody stops. Goosebumps.

 

#11: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), no nomination – Joe Hisaishi

It’s not the most well-known of scores, but it should be. As John Williams is to Steven Spielberg, Joe Hisaishi is to Hayao Miyazaki. This pre-Studio-Ghibli dystopia features a score that instantly became a favorite upon my first viewing. A few parts have a weird techno vibe, but the bulk of the score is glorious and thrilling, laden with strings and choirs. The “la la la” section alone is sure to stick in your mind. In a good way.

 

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 7

19 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

We’ve now reached the top 20 entries in my movie music countdown, and I’ve finally started including some of the more beloved film scores. Silvestri and Williams dominate the next five, but there’s still room for one greatly underrated favorite of mine. Enjoy!

________________

 

#20: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Oscar winner – John Williams

That’s right; after last week’s Jane Eyre, that’s two John Williams scores in a row. No wonder he’s the most represented composer here. His magical score for E.T. added to the endearing delight of Steven Spielberg’s classic about a boy and his alien. Can’t you still see Elliott flying E.T. on his bike across the moon? Whimsical yet powerful, it gets the goosebumps going every time.

 

#19: Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003), no nomination – Harry Gregson-Williams

Sinbad may be DreamWorks Animation’s most action-packed and overlooked work, but both the film and the score deserve to be remembered. The music ranges from the sultry song of the sirens to the impish mischief of Eris to the thrilling theme of Sinbad’s roguish misadventures. If not for Pirates of the Caribbean, this might have been the perfect pirate music. Oops, did I give something away?

 

#18: Cast Away (2000), no Oscar nomination – Alan Silvestri

Silvestri returns with a most impressive achievement. The majority of Cast Away has no music, in order to enhance the isolation of poor Chuck Noland, yet once he leaves his island home behind, the Grammy-winning music leaves an indelible impression. Utterly emotional, those plaintive strings make me want to cry every time. Wilson!

 

#17: Home Alone (1995), Oscar nominee – John Williams

A classic Christmas film deserves a classic Christmas soundtrack. The mischievous ditties recall Grieg’s ”Hall of the Mountain King,” while the twinkling theme “Somewhere in My Memory” always conjures the holiday season, no matter what time of year it is. John Williams strikes again!

 

#16: Back to the Future (1985), no nomination – Alan Silvestri

Time travel is never so much fun as with Marty McFly and Doc Brown, and Alan Silvestri’s accompanying score runs on excitement rather than plutonium. Again, the music immediately puts me in the movie during the best parts. Just listening to it, I feel like driving to 88 MPH.

 

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 6

12 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Once more, it seems that my list of top 50 film scores tends to opt for the less acclaimed favorites, though there’s still an Oscar winner in the mix too. Again, these are original soundtracks that excel as background music for their films and for writing, exercising, working, driving, and any other mundane activity in need of inspiration. There’s nothing quite like movie music, and it just gets better from here. Enjoy!

_______________

 

#25:  National Treasure/National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2004/2007), no nominations – Trevor Rabin

It’s no secret that I love these movies, but the scores for both really are phenomenal, thanks to the lead singer of British band Yes, Trevor Rabin (also known for Armageddon and Remember the Titans). At times, the music is straight adventure movie fare, often conveying a sense of urgency and/or mystery, but often it builds to this historically-themed magnificence that perfectly captures the appeal of the films themselves. Of the two, I probably prefer the score for Book of Secrets a tad more, but I couldn’t separate them. Here’s hoping Disney will make this a trilogy one of these days!

 

#24:  Elizabethtown (2005), no nomination – Nancy Wilson

It’s also no secret that I adore this film, a hilarious, heart-tugging, romantic, endlessly quotable reflection on love and death. It also possesses one of the few scores I actually own. Nancy Wilson of Heart (who was married to director Cameron Crowe at the time) provided the perfect bluegrass-inflected guitar music to accompany Orlando Bloom’s visit to his dead father’s hometown in Kentucky. Not many films have both a memorable score and an outstanding rock music soundtrack, and whenever I hear either one, I’m instantly in the mood to watch the movie again.  The links below show a song of each.

 

#23: Chariots of Fire (1981), Oscar winner – Vangelis

The sight of a flock of Olympic runners jogging along a beach was made truly iconic by this classic synthesizer-laden score. Capturing the simple majesty of running (in slow-motion), this music is even better than the movie itself, which is saying a lot. Beautiful on every level.

 

#22: Dinosaur (2000), no nomination – James Newton Howard

Leave it to James Newton Howard to write a magnificent score for a poorly reviewed Disney film. I personally like the film, and probably everyone else would if it consistently carried the same prehistoric glory as its soundtrack. Filled with power and awe, the music from the breathtaking opening scene (reminiscent of Moses) is enough alone to earn this a spot on my list.

 

#21:  Jane Eyre (1970), no nomination – John Williams

While not his most well-known work, there’s a haunting beauty to Williams’ music for the 1970 version of Jane Eyre, starring Susannah York and George C. Scott. Evoking Gothic mystery and sweeping romance, the delicate score cemented this film as my favorite rendering of Emily Brontë’s story. And like Wuthering Heights the same year, it does a weepy number on my VC. Those Brontë sisters surely knew how to write bittersweet yarns from the moor, which seem to bring out the best in composers.

 

My Top 50 Movie Scores — Part 5

05 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by in Movies, Music, Reviews, Writing

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Whereas last week’s installment of my Top 50 film scores had some Academy-recognized entries, this week’s choices return to some less appreciated favorites. Once more, this doesn’t apply to soundtrack compilations but rather original film scores, that modern classical that can make poor films listenable and good films great. Enjoy!

____________

#30:  Driving Miss Daisy (1989), no Oscar nomination — Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer can certainly do more than dark, swelling music for Christopher Nolan. His fully-synthesized score for 1989’s Driving Miss Daisy has just the right amount of Southern perkiness, enhanced for the humorous scenes and slowed for the dramatic ones. The old-timey sound evokes the mid-20th century setting and always brings to mind Morgan Freeman as he drives a sour-faced Jessica Tandy around. It never fails to put a smile on my face or get my foot tapping.

 

#29:  The Incredibles (2004), no nomination – Michael Giacchino

When a fantastic family film and a sweet superhero saga are one and the same, that achievement deserves a super score. Full of brassy bombast and intrigue, Michael Giacchino’s score for Pixar’s The Incredibles made it an even more awesome film. Certain parts also have a perfect James Bond quality to elevate the classy ‘60s super-spy vibe. This was also the start of an ongoing collaboration between Pixar and Giacchino, who provided the music for Ratatouille, Up, and Inside Out (not to mention Lost, the greatest TV show of all time. Oh yeah, in my opinion).

 

#28:  The Mummy Returns (2001), no nomination — Alan Silvestri

While not the most critically acclaimed of actioners, I’ve always enjoyed Brendan Fraser’s Mummy franchise, and Alan Silvestri’s score for the second film is an underrated gem. I never really notice how much I like it until I hear it during the end credits. With its decidedly Middle Eastern tone, the music complements the action during the film and recreates that same sense of adventure when heard alone.  Like many of these choices, I’ve found it’s excellent writing music.

 

#27:  The Avengers (2012), no nomination – Alan Silvestri

Without a doubt, my favorite superhero score has to go to arguably the best superhero achievement of them all, Marvel’s The Avengers. The music has such a grand, heroic tone that you can practically see Thor or Iron Man strutting in your mind’s eye. By itself, it’s downright awesome; when paired with the assembling team of superhero stars, it doesn’t get much more epic.

 

#26:  Treasure Planet (2002), no nomination – James Newton Howard

Treasure Planet may not be Disney’s most popular outing, but it boasts one of their best standalone scores. Inspiring and adventurous, sometimes wistful and folksy, the music is just one memorable element of this underrated sci-fi tale. The merging of traditional Celtic rhythms and a rock-Celtic style helps to propel the whole idea of combining the 18th-century setting of Stevenson’s novel with the film’s space-faring environment.