Juno Recommends Soundtracks: May 2024

Review: Jerskin Fendrix, a South London 'Windmill' scenester who has colaborated with Black Midi and is associated with the likes of Black Country New Road among others, is one of the last names you'd expect to see soundtracking a big movie, but then Poor Things' director Yorgos Lanthimos is a character who rarely plays by the rules. This is the first film of his to include an original soundtrack, and also Fendrix's first soundtrack, the latter describing their relationship as being that of young lovers encountering the experience for the first time. The results are coy and innocent sounding, probably as a result, as well stirring and melancholic, with an emphasis on the breathier sounds in the canon and unusual instruments such as harp, bagpipes and hamonium alongside the more traditional strings and other orchestral trimmings. A remarkable soundtrack for a remarkable film.

Review: The finale of the original trilogy had it all, sewers, blimps, mysterious invisible CGI bridges, you name it! What it also had was an incredible soundtrack, now reissued here to commemorate its 35th anniversary. Although Temple of Doom was another box office hit, critical reactions were heavily mixed and it obviously affected director Steven Spielberg enough that he spent a couple extra years on completing the Indiana Jones trilogy. John Williams of course returns with a lot of new themes - there are a couple of artifact themes this time around, both evoking a strong religious feeling, without any of the ominous feeling that some of the other movies' soundtrack have. The first is the primary Grail theme, which appears in the travel cue portion of 'X Marks the Spot.' Most of its appearances were absent on the original album, but restored here. In the case of Indiana Jones, the music is almost as important as the movies - and the Last Crusade was one of the emost original and in depth soundtracks in the series.

Review: Trunk Records unveils Ron Geesin's quirky electro score for the educational TV program Basic Maths, originally aired on Central TV in 1980. Geesin, renowned for his experimental compositions, brings a fresh approach to teaching mathematics to young viewers. As the composer, Geesin crafted a musical landscape that transcends traditional educational programming. Instead of relying on voiceovers, he utilises non-verbal sound and vision to immerse viewers in the world of mathematics. Animated and live-action segments are seamlessly linked by presenters Fred Harris and Mary Waterhouse, creating an engaging learning experience. Geesin's creative freedom shines through in his compositions, which playfully interact with the visual content. From animated sequences to live-action demonstrations, the music serves as a dynamic companion, enhancing comprehension and engagement. Geesin's willingness to experiment with novel techniques and intricate mathematical calculations underscores his dedication to making learning both enjoyable and informative. Trunk Records' release of Geesin's electro score ensures that this unique soundtrack continues to gain new audiences.

Review: Death Row Records and gamma have joined forces for the release of the 30th Anniversary edition of Above The Rim (The Soundtrack), and it is the first time the full 21-song tracklist has ever been available on vinyl - but not just any vinyl it is double yellow with orange and red splatter wax. Initially selling over two million copies and reigning atop the Billboard R&B Albums chart for ten weeks, the soundtrack features classic joints from Tha Dogg Pound, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre, Warren G, DJ Quik, and Al B. Sure! This special edition also introduces tracks from 2Pac, Lord G, and 2Pac featuring Stretch, Treach, and Riddler, which will only enhance its legendary status.

Review: John Williams' iconic soundtrack for Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom remains a classic amongst soundtrack fans as it captures the adventurous spirit of the film in every note. With thrilling orchestrations and memorable motifs, Williams once again proves his mastery in cinematic composition from the exhilarating 'The Temple Of Doom' theme to the haunting 'Slave Children's Crusade,' each track transports you in an instant to the heart of the action-packed adventure. The score's ability to evoke a sense of danger, excitement, and wonder is unparalleled and that makes this a must-have for fans of film music and Indiana Jones aficionados alike.

Review: Almost 15 years after her tragic death and admission to the ill-fated '27 club', it's impossible not to tear up when thinking about Amy Winehouse. The untimely loss of such an incredible talent is one thing, gradually understanding that nobody caught and held such a vulnerable person in their time of need is what really hits the hardest. Back to Black, Sam Taylor-Johnson's biographical drama about the UK singer-songwriter and musician's rise to stardom, and the fallout, was never going to be an easy watch, then. As if we needed any more proof, the soundtrack really emphasises just how timeless Winehouse was as an artist. Highlights from her own incredible output are here - 'What Is It About Men', 'Stronger Than Me', 'Valerie', '(There Is) No Greater Love', the list could go on - as are some of the most evocative and captivating soul, blues and r&b tracks of the 20th Century. And there's nothing to separate these from each other, sonically, lyrically, or emotionally. We weren't worthy, and maybe never will be

Review: After numerous patches, Cyberpunk 2077 has come an astoundingly long way since Keanu Reeves himself announced it at the now-defunct E3 expo. Phantom Liberty is an expansion on the original game set in Dogtown, the ruins of an abandoned luxury development project that was forced to be scrapped when old military complexes, bunkers and labs were uncovered by construction. A tale of espionage and political intrigue ensues, scored by P.T. Adamczyk and Jacek Paciorkowski once again following the duo's Game Award-nominated original score. The highlight is, of course, 'Phantom Liberty', the title and credits track that features Polish X Factor winner and multi-diamond recording artist Dawid Podsiadlo, his voice booming in front of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Pressed on heavyweight 180gm vinyl and includes a double-sided insert with key art of Songbird for fans of the series to enjoy.

Review: Ennio Morricone's soundtrack for the Italian dark comedy anthology Thrilling superbly encapsulates the film's moody and darkly humorous essence. Featured in the film's three distinct segments, Morricone's music adds depth and atmosphere, enhancing the interconnected stories of accidental involvement in crime. Two standout tracks from this score, 'La Regola del Gioco,' appeared as bonus tracks on the 2014 soundtrack release for 'Danger: Diabolik' by Recording Arts Records, which also included the score for 'For a Few Dollars More.' The instrumental version of 'La Regola del Gioco' showcases Morricone's creativity in working with mood in music. It features a cool, laid-back electric guitar riff complemented by a smooth solo trumpet melody, underscored by soft rock percussion and strings, with a small vocal group adding a layer of intrigue by intoning the word 'thrilling' and providing wordless coos. This version radiates a dispassionate moodiness, blending a hint of seediness with a touch of intoxication. Together, these versions highlight Morricone's unique ability to tailor his compositions to the thematic elements of the film, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in film music.

Review: Henry Mancini's iconic score for The Pink Panther is an amazing example of the power of music to define cinema. Released 60 years ago, the album's unforgettable melodies have become synonymous with the film and its bumbling detective Inspector Clouseau. The catchy 'Pink Panther Theme' alone remains a cultural touchstone, widely recognized and streamed. Mancini's genius infused the score with a whimsical yet sophisticated flair, mirroring the film's comedic tone. The album's Grammy Award-winning success cemented its place in popular culture, earning a well-deserved spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The 60th Anniversary Edition celebrates the timeless brilliance of Mancini's Pink Panther score. Pressed on vibrant pink vinyl, it offers a nostalgic reminder of the film's enduring charm and the enduring power of Mancini's musical genius.

Review: Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, and arriving as a specially expanded edition to mark the occasion, the Murder Was The Case soundtrack remains an iconic work in hip-hop history. Originally accompanying the short film directed by Dr. Dre and Fab Five Freddy, this album embodies the essence of West Coast gangsta rap of the 90s. Featuring tracks from legends of the game like Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, and more, it captures the gritty realities of street life with raw lyricism and infectious beats. From the haunting title track to the catchy grooves of 'Natural Born Killaz,' each song immerses you in the vivid world of the film and the era's burgeoning rap scene.

Review: A decade after John Carpenter's groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, his collaboration with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, the pioneering composer and director has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir explores the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's signature synth-driven sound with dark, atmospheric motifs. Described as "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions evoke the mysterious allure of classic noir films. While traditional noir scores relied on orchestral arrangements, Carpenter, Carpenter, and Davies craft their distinctive sound with synths and guitars, capturing the essence of the genre. With this latest installment, they continue to redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, transcending mere homage to create immersive sonic experiences.

Review: A decade ago, legendary horror movie composer/director John Carpenter joined forces with son Cody and godson Daniel Davies to make Lost Themes, a collection of new musical compositions to "soundtrack the movies in your mind". It kick-started a prolific period of musical activity which included both real soundtracks and music made for imaginary ones. Lost Themes IV sits in the latter camp, with the trio delivering music inspired by the aesthetic of "noir" movies. While Carpenter senior's suspenseful, paired-down drum machine rhythms and clandestine synthesiser sounds are still present, they work in harmony with creepy effects, immersive sound effects and additional instrumentation. For proof, see the growling guitars on 'My name IS Death' and the exotic classical guitars and sitars of 'He Walks. By Night'.

Review: This collection brings two audio-exclusive stories to life, with Tennant narrating 'Pest Control' and Tate taking on 'The Forever Trap.' In 'Pest Control,' the duo battles monstrous insects and a relentless robot exterminator on a war-torn planet, while 'The Forever Trap' sees them trapped in a sinister space apartment complex amidst alien neighbors and deadly conflicts. This beautifully packaged box set includes six 140g vinyl LPs - three Transparent Red and three Transparent Yellow - each in a distinctively designed inner sleeve. The set is enhanced by a four-page booklet with insightful sleeve notes from authors Peter Anghelides and Dan Abnett, who share reflections on their writing for these gripping adventures, 17 years after their initial release. With original sound design and Murray Gold's iconic Series 4 theme music, this release is not only a treat for audiophiles but also a must-have for fans of the Tenth Doctor and Donna's thrilling escapades. This vinyl set promises to be a nostalgic journey back to some of the most memorable moments of Doctor Who.

Review: A decade since his groundbreaking Lost Themes debut, John Carpenter, along with son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davies, has revitalised his career. Lost Themes IV: Noir delves into the essence of film noir, infusing Carpenter's iconic synth-driven style with dark, atmospheric elements. Termed "soundtracks for the movies in your mind," these compositions summon the enigmatic charm of classic noir films. Departing from traditional orchestral scores, the trio crafts a distinct sound with synths and guitars, capturing the genre's essence. With this latest release, they redefine Carpenter's musical legacy, moving beyond homage to create immersive sonic experiences that transcend expectations.