Artistes: Various & Elliot Goldenthal
Label: Decca
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Links:

SOUNDTRACK REVIEW:

Academy Award composer Elliot Goldenthal is a man of diversity. He has scored a lyrically exciting music journey for 2001’s Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (many would say the soundtrack was the best thing about the CGI movie). He has taken home an Oscar for his artistically accessible score for 2002’s Frida directed by his spouse Julie Taymor. They again collaborated for 2007’s Across The Universe, bringing the music of The Beatles alive with Goldenthal’s exquisite score. And in his latest effort with director Michael Mann, his task is to exemplify the moods and atmospheres of the Depression era.

In this 47 minute soundtrack album, we get to hear six tracks composed by Goldenthal. “Drive To Bohemia” is a repressed composition that paints a dark and gloomy picture of the movie, “Billie’s Arrest” begins solemnly before culminating in a dramatic finale which accentuates on a tragic note, “Love in the Dunes” is the gentlest track on the album, while the memorable “JD Dies” is a grave composition that sums up legendary outlaw John Dillinger’s (played in the movie by the loveable Johnny Depp) life story somberly.

Interspersed between these refined score tracks are eight other songs performed by renowned blues and jazz musicians. The most prominent of the lot has to be Diana Krall’s soulful rendition of the hypnotic “Bye Bye Blackbird”. For something more macho, you can access the opening track “Ten Million Slaves” performed by African American multi instrumentalist Otis Taylor. Another important musician featured on the album is American singer songwriter Billie Holiday (nicknamed Lady Day by her loyal friend and musical partner Lester Young). For some quieter moments to reflect about love, listen to her croon “Love Me Or Leave Me”. “Am I Blue?” and “The Man I Love”.

This refined soundtrack album is not as rugged as the movie – while it may not please listeners who want their music in the memorably wham bham boom style, it is perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon for chilling out at home.

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: (15) JD Dies – Elliot Goldenthal

Review by John Li

Posted on 10 August 2009

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Other titles from Universal Music:

. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

. The Hangover

. Hannah Montana The Movie

. Confessions of a Shopaholic

. Jonas Brothers: Music from the 3D Experience

. He's Just Not That Into You

. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

. Slumdog Millionaire

. Four Christmases

. Madagascar Escapw 2 Africa

. Mamma Mia!

. Wall-E

. Indiana Jones And the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

. Kung Fu Panda

. Sex And The City

. Atonement

. American Gangster

. Alvin And The Chipmunks

. Across The Universe

. Stardust

. Lust Caution

. Halloween

. The Bourne Ultimatum

. Hairspray

. Shrek The Third

. Paris Je T'aime

. The Namesake

. Best Movie Hits

. Smokin' Aces

. Alpha Dog

. Bobby

. Notes On A Scandal

. Babel (2CD)

. The Painted Veil

. The Last King Of Scotland

. Hollywoodland

. Children Of Men

. Marie Antoinette (2CD)

. Leslie Movie Romance (CD+DVD)

. Movie Theme Songs Collection

. The Banquet

. Lady In The Water

. The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift

. Mcfly: Just My Luck

This review is made possible with the kind support from Universal Music