Juno Recommends Soundtracks: October 2024

Review: Something's Up! is a masterful compilation that features the eclectic brilliance of John Barry's film scores. Curated by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley, this collection highlights Barry's transition from a British arranger to a pop icon, renowned for defining the sound of the Cold War spy movie era. Focusing on music from 1964 to 1967, this album features Barry's iconic work on James Bond classics like Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice, cementing his influence on the spy genre. Beyond Bond, Barry's contributions to films such as The Ipcress File and The Quiller Memorandum exemplify his ability to blend tension with sophistication. The collection also includes less-celebrated but notable scores like those for King Rat, The Chase and Seance on a Wet Afternoon, reflecting Barry's diverse range and ability to craft memorable themes beyond the mainstream. Barry's music, characterised by its lush orchestration and emotive power, extended its reach from the silver screen to the vinyl, resonating with listeners even if they hadn't seen the films - and his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in film music is on full display here,

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: Metal Gear Solid: The Vinyl Collection is a must-have for fans, featuring 53 tracks from the entire series spread across six discs. This comprehensive collection includes remastered versions of the soundtracks from Metal Gear 2 (1990) to Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Additionally, the sixth disc features iconic sound effects with 'Solid Sneaking' on Side A and 'Vs. Boss' on Side B. Released by Konami and Laced Records, this set provides a deep dive into the series' memorable music and soundscapes. With Metal Gear Solid back in the spotlight, this vinyl collection is the perfect way to celebrate its musical legacy while waiting for new game releases.

Review: Rug Island, pressed on sunset orange vinyl, is the latest musical adventure from Bluey, following the success of Dance Mode! and featuring 16 brand new tracks from the beloved series. Crafted by Joff Bush and the Bluey Music team, the album draws from episodes across seasons 1, 2, and 3, inviting listeners to explore the boundless imaginations of Bluey and Bingo. Inspired by the Rug Island episodeia whimsical place where children's fantasies come alive and adults reconnect with their inner childithis album brings that playful spirit to life. Highlighted singles include 'Octopus,' a dynamic rock collaboration with King Stingray, the lively 'Onesies,' and the fresh 'Bluey Theme Tune (Vocal Version).' Other standout tracks include the nostalgic 'Fairytale,' the sea shanty-inspired 'Explorers,' the energetic 'Muffin Drive,' and the tender 'Turtleboy.' The album sleeve features a scene from Rug Island, with a reverse side that connects to previous releases, forming a panoramic view of the Heeler family's home. Rug Island is a delightful addition to any Bluey fan's collection, full of joy and imagination.

Review: The reissue of Cagnet's Love Generation soundtrack is a nostalgic treasure for fans of 90s Japanese drama music. Originally composed for the hit series Love Generation (1997), starring Takuya Kimura and Takako Matsu, this soundtrack beautifully captures the show's emotional depth. Cagnet. led by Daisuke Hinata, crafted a unique blend of smooth jazz, pop, and wistful melodies that perfectly mirror the highs and lows of the drama's love story. Ahead of the time for then, now fits well with the Japanese reissue focus on smooth City Pop sounds. What sets this soundtrack apart is its balance between atmospheric background music and catchy, memorable tunes, which play an integral role in heightening the emotional resonance of key scenes. These tracks show Cagnet's ability to weave together soulful rhythms with melodic sophistication, making this reissue a perfect trip down memory lane. Now available on clear red double vinyl, Love Generation is an ideal piece to fit in with the classic Japanese drama soundtracks.

Review: The long-awaited vinyl release of Clint Mansell's score for the 2005 film and iconic video game series Doom is here. Pressed on eye-catching Green & Orange Smoke "Doomguy" vinyl, this 2XLP gatefold set marks the score's first appearance on vinyl, complete with original artwork by Micha Huigen. Mansell, known for his innovative film soundtracks, delivers a ferocious blend of orchestration, electronic elements, and alt-rock intensity that perfectly complements the film's high-octane action. The soundtrack smartly evolves from eerie, haunted house vibes to full-throttle, metal-infused chaos. Highlights include the blistering 'First Person Shooter' track, where a gut-busting guitar solo unleashes a head-exploding mix of metal and synth, and the adrenaline-pumping 'Destroyed' and 'Containment Breach,' where Mansell's mastery of rhythm and atmosphere shines. This release does a fantastic job of paying homage to the Doom franchise's dark, satanic origins, with creature designs by Stan Winston Studios and a soundtrack that amplifies the movie's intense survival narrative. Mansell's approach, blending traditional orchestral elements with contemporary rock and electronic sounds, makes this score pure excitement.

Review: Ennio Morricone's La Cosa Buffa is a brilliant 1972 soundtrack that beautifully captures the emotional breadth of Aldo Lado's sentimental drama. The score, celebrated for its lush orchestration and hypnotic themes, features an array of string and harpsichord variations, with Edda Dell'Orso's haunting, wordless vocals enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The album, reissued on vibrant yellow vinyl to mark its 50th anniversary, showcs Morricone's exceptional ability to blend dreamy and groovy elements, making it accessible yet deeply evocative. Remastered by Claudio Fuiano, this edition includes a faithful reproduction of the original film poster, adding to its collectible appeal. Notably, the score diverges from Morricone's more intense giallo work, presenting a more melodious and dramatic soundscape. The catchy 'Ballabile N.1' and 'N.2' tracks offer a playful nod to 60s beat music, further enriching the album's varied texture. La Cosa Buffa is a signature example to Morricone's movie magic helping him remain as influential and beloved as ever.

Review: When Italian film director Luca Guadagnino commissioned long-term collaborators Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to write and produce the soundtrack for Challengers, he had a clear idea in mind: music rooted in Berlin techno and 90s rave'. Reznor and Ross undoubtedly delivered, creating heavily electronic music that veers between guitar-laden nu-rave ('Yeah x10'), throbbing peak-time workouts (the Moroder-goes-to-Berghain flex of 'Challengers'), tech-tinged nu-disco ('The Signal', 'The Points That Matter'), pitched-black EBM-techno fusion ('Brutalizer') and acid-fired insanity ('Pull Over'). There are occasional nods to more classical movie soundtracks - see the choral versions of Benjamin Britten's 'New Year Prayer' - but for the most part it is a thrill-a-minute ride through deliciously heavy rhythms, basslines and electronics.

Review: In 1992, Francis Ford Coppola tapped Polish composer Wojciech Kilar to create the score for his adaptation of Dracula. Kilar, relatively unknown at the time, crafted a haunting and atmospheric composition that adds depth to the story of the infamous vampire. The score relies on low tones to evoke dread, as heard in the main title, 'Dracula: In the Beginning', where deep cello and bass strings set a sinister tone for Count Dracula's eerie castle. 'Vampire Hunters' builds a tense violin theme, punctuated by woodwinds and percussion, reflecting the determination of Van Helsing in his pursuit of the vampire. 'Ring of Fire' delivers a ferocious climax, blending demonic voices and chorale elements in a chilling fashion. The highlight of the score is its haunting minimalism. Kilar avoids conventional melodies, focusing instead on repetitive, unsettling arrangements that grow in intensity. Tracks like 'The Storm' showcase his mastery, shifting from delicate harp plucking to powerful brass and gothic organ swells. Kilar's score stands out for its unique use of instrumentation and atmosphere, making it a perfect complement to the gothic horror of the film. Now available on 180-gram yellow vinyl, this chilling composition is essential for fans of the legendary story.

Review: Four Flies has released an extraordinary vinyl edition of Mario Migliardi's soundtrack for Matalo!, a unique score that breaks all the conventions of the Spaghetti Western genre. This 1970 film by Milanese director Cesare Canevari features a dark, atmospheric take on the traditional Western, with minimal dialogue and visually experimental techniques that elevate the music to the forefront. Migliardi, a versatile composer, conductor, and Hammond organist, blends psych-rock, electronic textures, and concrete sounds into a compelling auditory experience. Drawing on influences from Jimi Hendrix to Luciano Berio, he mixes acoustic guitars and folk percussion with innovative electronic processing, creating a sound that feels both groundbreaking and timeless. The album's centerpiece is a nine-minute hard blues rock jam featuring vocals by Giano Ton (Giacomo Tosti), finally available on vinyl in its extended version. The score's dynamic phaser effects, created with a Leslie filter, add to the soundtrack's distinctiveness and its packaging - in a beautifully designed gatefold jacket by Eric Adrien Lee - adds a great visual touch to the overall package.

Review: The golden age of superhero movies, spearheaded by Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films, was unparalleled, setting the stage for every Marvel movie that followed. These films introduced us to Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst as MJ, and formidable villains like the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), shaping the blockbuster summers of the past two decades. Who else could score such an important film odyssey than the one and only Danny Elfman?! To celebrate the 20th anniversary, the soundtrack to Spider-Man 2 arrives on vinyl. The score's legendary themes continue to inspire. Witnessing Elfman perform these themes live at Coachella was an unforgettable experience, with a live orchestra captivating the audience. Enjoy one of the most important soundtracks in the superhero genre now on beautiful vinyl.

Review: The Sherlock Holmes: Granada TV Series (Soundtrack) is being celebrated with a 40th Anniversary DigiMIX Edition, available on vinyl from Jay UK. This release offers fans a beautifully remastered experience of the iconic music that underscored Jeremy Brett's portrayal of the legendary detective. The score, rich with period-appropriate orchestration, enhances the atmospheric and suspenseful tone of the series, making it an essential companion to the on-screen action. The vinyl pressing promises superior sound quality, capturing every nuance of the original compositions. This special edition is not just a nostalgic trip for long-time fans but also a great introduction for newcomers to the series' aural landscape. The packaging itself is a collector's delight, offering a mix of historical insights and stunning artwork. Overall, this 40th Anniversary edition revitalises the classic soundtrack, making it ideal for fans of both Sherlock Holmes and exceptional television music.

Review: The 20th Anniversary Edition of the Beyond Good & Evil official soundtrack offers a revitalised take on the game's original music. The soundtrack features a full orchestra which manages to preserve the intimate, improvised feel of the original compositions while adding new tracks recorded with unconventional instruments. Christophe Heral, the composer, speaks of the balance between modern orchestration and the quirky, spontaneous creativity that defined the 2003 release in the accompanying notes. With additions like a broken guitar and unique tuning, this anniversary edition celebrates the artistic spirit of the franchise and offers a fresh yet faithful homage to the original music.

Review: The second installment of the Class of 1983 series by Pixel Games, developers of the acclaimed retro-style action game 'Donut Dodo,' is now available on vinyl. Cash Cow features a bull racing across the stage at a furious pace to retrieve his stolen treasure in a thrilling one-shot death game. The soundtrack includes nine very catchy songs, blending weird and wonderful Western music, perfectly complementing the game's intense and nostalgic atmosphere. Each song enhances the action, making this vinyl release a great accompanying piece of retro gaming memorabilia. Pixel Games has once again delivered a memorable experience, both in gameplay and sound, with Cash Cow standing out as a notable addition to their portfolio.

Review: Demon Records honors Tom Baker's iconic portrayal of the Time Lord with a new 4xCD set, nearly five decades after his unforgettable debut on 28 December 1974. The Tom Baker Collection offers fans a blend of classic audio dramas, rare interviews, and readings by Baker himself, capturing him in the iconic role as Fourth Doctor. The collection includes Genesis of the Daleks, the original 1979 album version of the much-loved TV serial, and Doctor Who and the Pescatons, the exclusive audio drama from 1976. Also featured is Exploration Earth: The Time Machine, a special production for BBC Schools Radio in 1976, along with The State of Decay, an audiobook reading from 1982, available on CD for the first time. The set is rounded out by Tom Baker in His Own Words, a compilation of BBC radio interviews from the 1970s and 1980s. Packaged in a deluxe gatefold cover with striking Fourth Doctor artwork, the set includes four CDs in individual sleeves, along with a full-color booklet detailing cast, credits, and track listings. This collection is an essential tribute to one of Doctor Who's most beloved eras.