Never Mind Pop Film

Variety published their top ten scores of all-time today. Well, ten isn't the real answer, but with any list of importance ten is rarely the final number. Unsurprisingly, Ennio Morricone, Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams all appear on the list twice. The Mission taking the top spot was definitely not the consensus I had assumed would win. I would have figured Jaws would have made the list as well.

1."The Mission" (Ennio Morricone, 1986)
2."E.T." (John Williams, 1982)
3."Psycho" (Bernard Herrmann, 1960)
4."The Shawshank Redemption" (Thomas Newman, 1994)
5."Star Wars" (John Williams, 1977)
6."Lawrence of Arabia" (Maurice Jarre, 1962)
6."Once Upon a Time in the West" (Ennio Morricone, 1968)
8."Chinatown" (Jerry Goldsmith, 1974)
9."The Empire Strikes Back" (John Williams, 1980)
9."Planet of the Apes" (Jerry Goldsmith, 1968)
9."Vertigo" (Bernard Herrmann, 195…

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Nathan Johnson's score for Looper is a very industrial mix. Sets the tone well for a film based on chasing your future. "Run" and "A Day in the Life" are favorites of the listing.

Getting closer and closer to the release for The Dark Knight Rises and now there is a sample of Hans Zimmer's music for the film to tide us over. Quite a few tracks harken back to Batman Begins, perhaps not a coincidence given that the Dark Knight will come full-circle.

The soundtrack for one of this year's most hotly anticipated films came out today. After giving it a listen, without a doubt, "One Engine" by The Decemberists has to be my favorite track. Great song, I hope that it is actually included in the film instead of dubbing over the credits. The rest of the soundtrack includes bands Arcade Fire, The Civil Wars, Maroon 5 and Kid Cudi. Those interested in acquiring the album can hit up the link below.

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Grim, moody, everything that I want from Hans Zimmer's score for the conclusion of the Batman trilogy.

It was mentioned online a few months ago, but we finally have it. The eight minute trailer for David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

In other 'Dragon Tattoo' news the Karen O cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" is available on iTunes and a 35 minute sampler of the soundtrack is below.

Still no release date, track names, or anything really, but we have the cover art now. And the soundtrack is still by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross so it will be worth the wait.

(Courtesy: The Playlist)

The soundtrack to Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is out. Composed by former Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Cliff Martinez, the soundtrack is a shot of 80's excess and electronica. Give it a listen.

Reminiscent of all those western scores from yesteryear this soundtrack aces its purpose. The eclectic mix of Hans Zimmer, Rick Garcia and the Los Lobos really hit the spot. Best of the bunch is "Rango" and it will probably be nominated for Best Original Song.

I think at this point of the year we all know Alexandre Desplat is the frontrunner for Best Original score. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, and Daft Punk may be more deserving, but The King's Speech will probably sweep everything it is nominated for.

An homage of sorts to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake as exhibited by "A Swan Song (For Nina)", but the score is not without Mansell's touches. "Lose Yourself" is a steady thrill that leaves you feeling like you are being washed away and "Night of Terror" shall leave you sufficiently disturbed during your drive home from the theatre. Overall, it is not as memorable as his scores for Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, or The Wrestler, but the score fits the film well.

It's hit! Daft Punk's score for Tron Legacy has hit and it is everything I expected it to be. "Derezzed" broke first and is still the most recognizably Daft Punk song of the bunch, but "The Game Has Changed" is the most thrilling. "C.L.U." is your classic villain introduction theme and I'm also fond of "Solar Sailer", for what particular reason is not known, but give it a spin. Here's hoping for some Academy Award love this February.

A.R. Rahman's score for Slumdog Millionaire really wasn't to my liking, but his work for 127 Hours has picqued my interest. "Liberation Begins" is pleasantly reminiscent of John Murphy's "In the House - In a Heartbeat", while "If I Rise" is a favorite on iTunes I recommend "Liberation" or "R.I.P." Music is a huge part of Aron Ralston (his favorite band Phish didn't make the cut though) and I'm pleased that Boyle and Rahman nailed the musical element of the film.

This is the distinctive beat that I was hoping for when it first broke that Daft Punk would be scoring Tron Legacy. Give it a listen.

Sorry about the belatedness of this post, but I wanted to hold out until I could get the poster with the complete effect. Really looking forward to this soundtrack's release, every Daft Punk album is an event and I expect this to be no different.

I've written a few pieces on The Social Network already, but Trent Reznor's cut of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" must be heard.

This is quite a departure from Michael Giacchino's last work isn't it? "Hammertime" and "Sins of the Father" prove he can do creepy as well as his heart-breaking work in Up. I don't know what it is about using a child's choir, but it is rather unsettling and "The Blood Flood" reminds me that all too well.

The score for The Town was surprisingly good: "Charlestown" was a moody piece that started the film off on a right beat and "Nuns With Guns" & "Fenway" were everything that heist scenes should be scored to. I wasn't really aware of Harry Gregson Williams, but more attention will be paid to his name in credits from now on.

I imagine they must be busy at NullCorp with all the free tracks they are putting out for The Social Network. Is it too early to hold out hope that Reznor and Ross can get an Academy Award nomination for this?


In Motion by nullcorp

Five free tracks from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's The Social Network soundtrack are available here. Reznor's NIN influences are evident on "Eventually We Find Our Way" and "The Gentle Hum of Anxiety" definitely feels like something that will be featured in a mood-heavy scene in the film. I'm looking forward to the release of the rest of the score.