Juno Recommends Soundtracks: February 2025

Review: This posthumous release unveils a remarkable collection of previously unreleased tracks from an elusive artist who captured the attention of listeners in the late 80s and early 90s with her smoky, distinctive vocals and genre-defying sound. This album spans various styles with some tracks reimagining her most iconic hit in a new-wave style while others explore experimental soundscapes, showcasing the depth of her creativity. The album serves as a poignant reminder of her brief yet impactful career, marked by mystery and enigma after her sudden disappearance from the music scene. Alongside the release, a documentary offers an intimate look into her lifeifrom her early years as a taxi driver to her rise to cult status, and ultimately, her disappearance. This long-hidden music now provides a powerful reflection on the artist's life, blending brilliance and tragedy. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of her artistic legacy. The release comes on black vinyl.

Review: A high-octane journey through the gritty world of 1960s and early 70s biker films featuring 14 tracks from unforgettable soundtracks, a raw, fuzzed-out ride that captures the energy and thrill of motorcycles tearing through the streets in classic cinema. Kicking off with Davie Allan & The Arrows' iconic 'Blues Theme' from The Wild Angels (1966), the album delivers a relentless barrage of hard-driving tunes, perfect for the rebel spirit of the era. The compilation dives into everything from the mind-blowing 'Changes' by East-West Pipeline to Les Baxter's exotic, atmospheric touch. The raw, high-energy tracks like 'The Stomper's Ride' and 'The Chase Is On' evoke the sheer intensity of high-speed chases, the heart-pounding tension of motorcycles racing through narrow streets, dodging danger with every turn. These tracks echo the exhilaration and freedom that motorcycles represent in cinema, amplifying the excitement of the ride and the chase. With contributions from artists like The Man-Eaters, Simon Stokes And The Nighthawks and Mike Curb, the collection is packed with thrilling, fuzz-driven instrumentals and adrenaline-pumping rock.

Review: Painter, musician, actor, director and producer. John Lurie has done a lot in his time, whether that's appearing in 19 movies, composing for 20 TV shows and films - including some of those he was the star of - or producing primitivist art work. Here, we get to engage with two of those back catalogues, even if only because these are scores to a pair of his most iconic flicks. Always cool and stripped, Lurie's stuff is the kind of experimental-leaning jazz that works so well when setting the scene. And this applies off screen, IRL too: pressing play here will only serve to create a mood wherever you are, no matter what you're doing. One of shadowy streets, yellow hued spots, smoky barrooms and dark backrooms, a sense of after hours exploration.

Review: This soundtrack is a classy melange of blues, jazz and rock that all perfectly capture the sultry atmosphere of Dennis Hopper's neo-noir classic of the same name. Set in a small Texas town, the film follows drifter Harry Madox as he becomes entangled in a web of seduction and deceit and the moody cinematography and gripping narrative are elevated by this electrifying score. Legends of their game like Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Taj Mahal and Earl Palmer all feature with sparse, eerie and deeply evocative overtones. For that reason, this one is much sought after and has retained its smoky allure 35 years after its original release.

Review: This soundtrack captures the electrifying energy and transformative power of Bob Dylan's early career, featuring a collection of iconic songs performed by the cast of 'A Complete Unknown'. Timothee Chalamet steps into Dylan's shoes, delivering captivating renditions of classics like 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall' and 'Like A Rolling Stone'. The soundtrack also features performances from Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, each adding their own unique flavour to the mix. With its blend of classic folk songs, bluesy grit and rock 'n' roll energy, this soundtrack is a must-have for any Dylan fan or anyone who appreciates the power of music to capture a moment in history.

Review: Riz Ortolani's soundtrack to the 1969 Giallo thriller Cosi Dolce... Cosi Perversa is well sought-after but now pops up as a limited edition reissue. The legendary composer famously scored over 200 films and crafted a suspenseful and evocative work here that enhances the film's themes of deception and seduction. Directed by Umberto Lenzi and starring Carroll Baker and Jean-Louis Trintignant, the film remains a standout of Italian Giallo cinema and is immediately recognisable for its haunting main theme 'Why?' by J. Vincent Edwards. The soundtrack has been fully remastered from the original master tapes here - and naturally, it sounds superb.

Review: A box office flop at the time of its release in 1995 - only recouping around $6million of its $25million budget - Tank Girl has since become a cult classic of the post-apocalyptic science fiction canon. Popularised thanks to its strong feminist messages and vivid construction of a universe, the foundations of which were found in a comic book series of the same namer, the soundtrack is both of its time and every bit as high impact as the flick. From Bjork's moody and abrasive 'Army of Me', to the disrupted lo-fi rock & roll of Hole's 'Drown Soda', Ice T's typically snarling and sinister 'Big Gun', and the trip hop landmark 'Roads' by Portishead, the credits read like a who's who of 1990s cool. And this emphasises just how on point Tank Girl was, even if we didn't all seem ready to acknowledge it back then.

Review: If you're not familiar with the 1973 American-Philippine action movie Savage! then join the club. Distributed through Roger Corman's New World Pictures, the Cirio H. Santiago production was one of around 40 that the Hollywood legend worked on at far lower costs in the Asian island nation compared with back in the US. A somewhat exploitative business model taking advantage of lower wages in a developing country, the story also used more than a few totems of the Blaxploitation canon to tell the tale of a criminal who winds up getting caught up in a revolution to overthrow a military government. Heavy stuff dealt with in a pulp fiction style, the score reflects this - funk filled guitar licks, slap bass and woodwind hooks. Hip hop selectors take note, then, there's plenty to play with here.

Review: The highly anticipated Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void soundtrack by Chris Christodoulou is now here. Pressed on black sparkle vinyl in a design that complements the immersive game music within. Remastered for vinyl by Christian Bethge, the soundtrack revisits and reimagines themes from the original Risk of Rain game, blending them seamlessly with new, void-infused compositions. The music is a dynamic mix of powerful guitars, pulsing synths, and pounding drums, all layered with lush reverbs. The album also introduces fresh elements, including lyrical woodwinds, soaring violins, and intense saxophones, creating a rich and diverse soundscape. This vinyl is more than just a soundtrackiit's an experience. Whether you're a fan of the series or new to Christodoulou's work, don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece of game music history. Comes in a stunning gatefold sleeve adorned with original art by Daniele Giardini.

Review: A lush and evocative blend of orchestral grandeur and dreamy 80s synth work, this soundtrack is a sonic journey into steamy sci-fi. The opening theme glides effortlessly between delicate baroque flourishes and pulsing electronic rhythms, setting the tone for an adventure that is both mysterious and seductive. Sweeping string arrangements intertwine with shimmering synthesisers, evoking a sense of exotic wonder while maintaining an undeniable sense of nostalgia. The compositions balance classical sophistication with experimental textures, capturing the film's mix of pulp adventure and fantasy-tinged eroticism. Tracks shift from ethereal, atmospheric moments to more urgent, rhythm-driven passages, mirroring the story's dramatic turns. The use of vintage synth tones alongside lush orchestration results in a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably rooted in its era. Remastered from pristine stereo master tapes, this edition restores every intricate detail with warmth and clarity. An exquisite rediscovery of an underrated gem.

Review: The Apples in Stereo, Beulah, Circulatory System, Elf Power, The Minders, Neutral Milk Hotel, of Montreal, and The Olivia Tremor Control. The list could go on, but our point will always be the same - whatever page you turn to first, the story of Elephant 6 is one of a sorely under-referenced musical universe of multi-genre music that's hard to move beyond once you find it. The 2022 documentary is testimony to that, and now the official soundtrack, featuring many of the loose collective's finest affiliates and associates, offers us a chance to take a broad selection home. And we really do mean broad. Lo fi garage rock, weirdo guitar, surf, rock 'n' roll, grunge, alt, leftfield and plenty more can be heard in this marvellous brew. A genuine delight from start to finish, this one's essential.

Review: The soundtrack to the highly praised 2024 indie comedy Home Free was produced by Adrian Quesada who has previously worked with Black Pumas and Grupo Fantasma. It's a widescreen offering that has a diverse lineup of artists and features contributions from Quesada, J. Mascis, Mix Master Mike, Fatlip of Pharcyde and many more, all of whom make for a fun mix of hip-hop, funk and intimate singer-songwriter sounds. This eclectic selection perfectly complements the coming-of-age story which is set in the 1990s and does well to harness the vibes of that time while bringing the film's narrative to life through music.

Review: First released more than two decades ago in 2004, Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone features the renowned cellist performing pieces from the legendary composer's very many iconic film scores. It was recorded with the Roma Sinfonietta Orchestra and pianist Gilda Butta and Morricone himself served as orchestrator, conductor and producer. The album remained on the Billboard Top Classical Albums chart for 105 weeks after its initial release and now this resisted and stunning collection again offers up music from Once Upon a Time in America, The Legend of 1900, The Untouchables, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and more. It is a masterful tribute done with sheer class and beautifully orchestrated collaboration.

Review: To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this cult TV show, this special edition soundtrack brings the iconic series' music to life once again. Featuring the legendary score composed by Jerry Goldsmith alongside additional tracks from renowned composers like Dennis McCarthy, this release captures the futuristic essence of the groundbreaking sci-fi series. From the soaring theme song to the dramatic orchestral compositions, the tunes evoke the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined the show, all presented in stunning sound quality.