The Soundtrack Thread

Nino Rota - "8½" soundtrack (1963)

The soundtrack to the excellent Federico Fellini film which combines smooth classical music with loungy jazz. It has its moments but didn't really offer me a lot of lasting appeal from a purely stylistic point of view which saw me being challenged from the get-go. I went in looking for a loungy shopping mall kinda vibe & it does satisfy that criteria in patches but found that most of the high points come in the form of well-known classical pieces that you've no doubt hear many times before. That can't be viewed as a criticism of course but I didn't come away from this release feeling like I can see myself returning to it in the future.

For fans of Ennio Morricone, Jerry Goldsmith & John Barry.

3/5

Stephen Sondheim - "Sunday in the Park with George" soundtrack (1984)

A pretty decent soundtrack to the popular Broadway musical that's centered around classically orchestrated show tunes. The two female leads are stunningly talented & the storyline is intriguing so, while this isn't usually the sort of thing I'd go for, I've found the song-writing to dig its teeth in enough to keep me on my toes throughout.

For fans of Patti LuPone, Andrew Lloyd Webber & Leonard Bernstein.

3.5/5

Sunday in the Park with George, wow that brings back some memories. I'm not a fan of the whole Show-Tunes Broadway style, but "Finishing the Hat" is a phenomenal and moving tune.

Angelo Badalamenti - "Soundtrack from Twin Peaks" (1990)

This soundtrack to one of my all-time favourite TV series has been one that I've returned to many times over the years & never fails to take me back to that time & place. I've always loved David Lynch films & composer Angelo Badalamenti would seem to be somewhat of a kindred spirit in the way that he interprets Lynch's ideas. What we have here is a combination of deep & moody sounds that draw from the classical, jazz & ambient. The Laura Palmer themed tracks are the clear highlights & I absolutely adore them.

For fans of Julee Cruise, Dale Cooper Quartet & the Dictaphones & Mazzy Star.

4/5

That made it to the bottom half of my top 100 when I first heard it.  Might still be there.