This is Mancina's breakthrough score, and still
one of his best. It features pulsating beats, nice synth themes
and the score really gives you an adrenalin rush. It gets you all
pumped up. The album features most important cues from the movie
and especially the first half of the album is very exciting. The
latter half tends to be a little less adventurous, but is still
very nice to listen to. The score should preferebly be heard on
a Dolby-Surround system, only then you will hear the complete
dynamics of this score. Also worth mentioning are the beautiful
end titles that flow into the Billy Idol-song "Speed"
(song not on score album).
Use when: you need to get a rush!
This one is unlike anything else Mark has done before. It's a
soft, orchestral-like, medieval score. The music was supposed
to be recorded with an orchestra, but because of the tight budget
of the film most of it is done on synths, with a few 'real' instruments.
The album features twelve score tracks, along with a beautiful song by
Sarah McLachlan and some classical pieces by Vivaldi and Bach among others.
The main theme is one of the most beautiful you will ever hear, and the
second track is a really beautiful jig. If you're familiar with his
action scores you will not believe what you hear. Give it a shot, it's
really beautiful.
Use when: you're in a romantic mood.
This is it: one of the best action-themes ever, and
somehow they forgot to release the whole score! The theme is like
a beautiful woman, you can't get it out of your mind. Nice rap-like
beat, nice guitar/synth theme, nice second synth-theme. This is how
action music should sound! Lets hope someday a record company will
see the light and release the score.
Use when: you haven't got enough time to listen to a complete score.
As you may have already figured out, I really love the music Mark
has made, and I'm not ashamed to say that this is absolutely the
single best score I've ever heard on CD. Play it loud, let the beautiful
themes endulge you, feel the beats. Feel the Twister slowly coming towards you,
as in "Drive In", or feel like you're right in the middle of them, like in
"Cow". The album features the best cues from the film. This score has got a lot in it,
it's combining synths, a full orchestra, a full choir, Trevor Rabin's guitar and
Mike Fisher percussion. It's got it all! Listen to the low buzzing 'twister sound',
it's marvelous.The end title is again worth mentioning,
it's a beautiful orchestral piece that slowly makes a seemless transition to
Edward and Alex Van Halen's "Respect The Wind".
Use when: you need to hear sheer brilliance.
This is the score for a ten episodes documentary series. It features
all kinds of ethnic music, ranging from African to Asian to Native-American influences.
It's all very nice to listen to, it has some nice themes, but it's not an action score.
So if you're only looking for thrills, this one's not for you. But if you enjoy a good piece of
music, I suggest you check it out. Unfortunately the album is out of print, though you might be able to get
it somewhere
Use when: you want to relax with a nice glass of wine.
The Outer Limits is a television series about all spooky and creepy things that surround us.
It's very much inspired by the X-Files, though fortunately the music is a lot better. Where Mark Snow only composes
quiet soundscapes with cute sound effects, John Van Tongeren has come up with very good themes. John has performed all of the music on
his own, it's all done on synths. He has played it all very well, using the same techniques Hans Zimmer uses to create a
symphonic feel to the score. This CD is a very good effort, showing not all spooky music has to be boring.
Use when: you feel paranormal.
Con Air is the big budget action movie, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
It delivers thrills and awe aplenty. Mark and hi friend Trevor Rabin have composed a score for this film unlike you've ever heard before.
It features a lot of guitars, and rock drums, but also a full orchestra and does this to great effect.
The themes are great and the action cues are defenitely spectaculair. Do as 29,000 Americans did before you and buy this great soundtrack!
That's all I can say.
Use when: you feel you need some action!
These views are solely those of Robin Kuipers. If you agree or disagree
with me, don't be shy but submit your reviews to me and I will put them up.
Yes, also negative ones, if you at least motivate them. It's no flaming
page. I've deliberately not put up ratings, because I find them all brilliant and
I don't want to push my views onto you.
E-mail: Back in september.....Robin Kuipers
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