Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Coming Soon

Counting down to one of this year's most anticipated Summer films - here's a little widget that gives you most of the trailers released to date. They're small, but will satisfy Indy-fix. You can also grab news, photos and enter Paramounts contest!

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Soundtrack) by James Horner

The Chronicles of Hornia
Review by Christopher Coleman

THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is yet another children's fantasy book turned into a Hollywood feature film. The year of 2008 is going to be filled to the brim with them including: NIM'S ISLAND, INKHEART, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN, and HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. The one thing Horner's project has going for it is that it has the jump on all of these others - giving THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES a good opportunity of at least sounding fresh. The 2008 film is based on a book series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. Surprisingly, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is one of the better adaptations of the genre (Harry Potter fans would likely disagree). Director Mark Waters was somehow able to bring something fresh to the table. The film has several layers of value. For the children there are the goblins, fairies, spells and magic talismans, but for the adults there is the story about the difficult adjustments a family going through a divorce must suffer to make. There's much more to THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES than the trailers would lead you to believe. Establishing his prowess at this years ago, one composer who can dance that line of fairy-story and adult drama is none other than JAMES HORNER.


Read the full review here

The Blue Dragon by Nobuo Uematsu (Press Release)

One of the most prolific composers from Japan is Nobuo Uematsu. Best known for his work for the epic FINAL FANTASY series, Uematsu has written dozens of other notable video game scores. One of his most recent is for the Xbox 360 title, THE BLUE DRAGON. Below is the official press release.

MEDIA RELEASE


SUMTHING ELSE MUSIC WORKS ANNOUNCES
RELEASE OF THE BLUE DRAGON ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
FROM THE XBOX 360 VIDEO GAME


Original Music by Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu


New York – March 25th, 2008 – Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with Mistwalker proudly presents Blue Dragon Original Soundtrack. The 2 disc soundtrack album is now available at US retail outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label www.sumthing.com and digital download service www.sumthingdigital.com and will also be released on iTunes.

Blue Dragon is created exclusively for the Xbox 360 by famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio. Featuring the character design of Akira Toriyama, who designed Dragon Ball Z, and music by Nobuo Uematsu, the composer for Final Fantasy, Blue Dragon is an epic role-playing game (RPG) centered on a young boy named Shu and several of his friends. These unlikely heroes possess the power to control phantom shadows that mirror the actions of their masters, giving Shu and his comrades miraculous strength and magical powers.

Taking full advantage of the power of Xbox 360, Blue Dragon engages players in a world and characters that are brought to life with vibrant colors and detail, from Shu's wild hair to his martial arts-style garb, conveying the beautiful simplicity and sense of adventure found in this truly next-generation RPG. For more information on the game, visit www.xbox.com/bluedragon.

About Mistwalker
Mistwalker is a creative company founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the original developer of Final Fantasy. Operated by a handful of experts, the direction of Mistwalker is influenced by Sakaguchi's extensive industry experience.

About Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc.
Since its creation in the late 1990’s by the world-renowned song writer, musician and record producer, Nile Rodgers, Sumthing Else Music Works has become the acknowledged industry leader in licensing and distributing video game soundtracks. Possessing full in-house services worldwide, from creation of original video game soundtracks through physical distribution, Sumthing is partnered with the world’s leading video game developers and publishers including BioWare, Bungie Studios, Capcom, Crytek, Eidos Interactive, Epic Games, Microsoft, Mistwalker, Rare, Sony Computer Entertainment and Ubisoft. Their catalogue of titles includes the best selling video game soundtrack of all time, Halo 2: Volume One, as well as award-winning titles Crysis, Advent Rising, Fable, Gears of War, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 Volume Two, Halo 3, Hitman: Contracts, Hitman: Blood Money, Jade Empire, Kameo: Elements of Power, Mass Effect, Red Steel, Unreal Tournament 3 and many others.

For Sumthing’s full catalogue please visit www.sumthing.com and their digital download service at www.sumthingdigital.com.

Sumthing Else Music Works and Sumthing Distribution logos are copyright of their respective companies. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Interview with composer DAVID BUCKLEY

Rushing from L.A.X. (if that is actually possible), I made my way to Wavecrest Studios, where composer DAVID BUCKLEY had just finished a meeting with director JOEL SCHUMACHER. I was, most generously, welcomed in and, over the next hour, I was treated to a tour of the state-of-the-art facility. I talked with David Buckley about how came into the film-music business, his work-relationship with Harry Gregson-Williams, and his two new projects: THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM and TOWN CREEK.

Check out our interview which includes 3 EXCLUSIVE TRACKS FROM THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM!

More Free and Legal Music for you!

In our seemingly ever-worsening economy, Tracksounds continues to look out for you...the budget-conscious music collector.

We've just added 4 new sites to our special feature, FREE AND LEGAL. Head on over and see what's newly available to you. Go get yourself some new music. You deserve it.

Thanks to those who submitted the new sites. Keep em coming!

Cue Awards: THE BIG WRAP UP!

And you thought the day would never arrive...

I know I was thinking that myself, but the day has finally arrived. I just posted THE BIG WRAP UP! And it is pretty big...and least from where I'm standing. Check out the stats and trends from this years voting as well as every vote for every nominee in every category.

After you're done digesting the numerology, you can check out all of the judges' notes...and...wait...who is that special guest judge up there? Yes...you'll get his notes too.

Thanks to all who participated in this year's Cue Awards! Look for the 2008 edition come February 2009.

Get wrapped here!

What's Going On?

Yes...looks like not much is happening on the site, but there's quite a bit going on. So here is a quick update. With the holiday weekend, I've dropped into a lower gear, but I'm about to shift it up again.

Now, to commemorate the season, we've resurrected (not sure if that pun is intended or not) the special feature: FAITH AND FILM MUSIC. When you're winding down your day of services, family and friends , check it out. And if you are simply on "spring break" in some tropical locale somewhere...sober up for a minute and have a read.


There are a ton of things coming very soon, so here are a few teasers:



- THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM - We should have our interview with composer DAVID BUCKLEY (The Forbidden Kingdom, Town Creek) up as early as today...with a few exclusive sound clips from this exciting score!



- E.S. POSTHUMUS' CARTOGRAPHER - Look for a special announcement regarding your chance to ask E.S. POSTHUMUS (UNEARTHED) with LUNA SANS the questions you've been dying to. If your question is chosen to be a part of our interview, you'll win a copy of their latest CD, the 2-disc, CARTOGRAPHER! Details on the interview itself will come soon too.



- TYLER BATES - And even more interview-goodness...Be on the lookout for our interview with composer TYLER BATES as he shares about his work on DOOMSDAY, RISE OF THE ARGONAUTS (VG), WATCHMEN, and THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL.



- THE BIG WRAP UP! Cue Awards - I know. It's taken much longer than I thought, but the BWU will be posted in the next couple of days...and you'll want to make sure you see just how close the competition was this year. Also...we reveal our "special guest" judge.



...and there's more where that came from. Stay tuned.

Vote! Which Superhero Score are You Most Anticipating?

Some of the most anticipated flicks of this Summer are, again, based on superheroes. The debate on which film will be "best" has been going on for months, but let's take a look at the scores. Which score are you most anticipating: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Dark Knight?

10,000 B.C. (Soundtrack) by Harald Kloser and Thomas Wander Review

Mannak Depression
Review by Christopher Coleman

Seeing the name "EMMERICH" tied to a film generally brings me some measure of dread. With the exception of THE PATRIOT this dread usually turns out to be pretty well founded and the trailers for his most recent project 10,000 B.C. evoked no different response from me. It came as little surprise to see the name of HARALD KLOSER tied to the film ... given their relatively successful pairing for THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. So now, with 10,000 B.C., Roland Emmerich and crew turn from the topic of civilization's end to its beginnings.

With a bit of an uneasy grin, I have to say that 10,000 B.C. wasn't as dreadful as I had given it room to be, but it was still far from anything people will be talking about nine months from now...or even nine weeks. As it has been described elsewhere - 10,000 B.C. is an odd mashup of APOCLYPTO and ICE AGE, only nowhere as intense or intentionally humorous as either of those two films. The film has even managed to drum up some racial controversies and perhaps that is what will keep anyone discussing the film for those nine weeks. The simplified story of a persecuted people, a prophesied savior, and a destined-love form the backbone of a story which goes on to incorporate shades of so many other previous films that no one review could recount them all. Originally, the marketing of 10,000 B.C. left some to wonder if there was any dialogue at all in the film a la the classic, QUEST FOR FIRE. Unfortunately, indeed there was dialogue and it sadly matched the overall flatness of the film. As disappointing as the the movie may have been, there is always a possible silver-lining for the film music community, which is the film's score. The question is, "Are Harald Kloser and Thomas Wander able to rescue 10,000 B.C. from the lethal fangs of poor writing, acting and inconsistent CGI?"

Read the full review here

The Incredible Hulk Trailer

The long-overdue trailer for the next iteration of THE INCREDIBLE HULK was recently released online. You might be one of the few who have not seen it already, so I'm posting it here for your "enjoyment." Personally, I'm not too thrilled with what I see. Perhaps it will be better than Ang Lee's attempt...but that's not saying much.

The music in the trailer was not immediately identifiable, but it does have a Craig Armstrong, who is slated to be providing the original score for the film, vibe to it.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK releases in June 2008.

Watch the HD trailer here

Win NIM'S ISLAND Poster

Here's your chance to win 1 of 2 poster NIM'S ISLAND poster prints. You can enter the contest in less than a minute! The contest will run starting today through April 15th.

Nim's Island is another children's, fantasy, book made into a film. It stars Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster and Gerard Butler. The film releases on April 4, 2008 in the USA.

ENTER THE CONTEST HERE

Jumper (Soundtrack) by John Powell

Jumping to Conclusions
Review by Christopher Coleman


JOHN POWELL's score for JUMPER treads along the lines of his music from The Bourne series, but is more aggressive in spots and has a bit more "personality" to it. Admittedly, while watching the film I found myself mostly conscious of the numerous electronic elements and occasional blast of electric guitar. But in-between and down-below all of the in-yo-face-material, is the truly interesting stuff. JOHN POWELL's score includes a variety of Eastern and/or Middle-eastern string instruments including the cimbalom and something akin to a sitar. It's difficult to tell just what instruments are being used due to, what sounds like, electronic processing of these instruments. He uses them with fair effectiveness for at least two of the score's main themes: David's theme and Millie's/Love Theme. The use of these eastern instruments play in stark contrast to the number of electronics employed and seem to hint at the ancient existence of both the Jumpers and Paladins, who are dedicated to eradicating them. For the character of David, Powell delivers a two themes. Within the theme is a frequently employed, pensive 8-note motif usually played in a mandolin-like manner. This is first heard in "First Jumps" (3), but can be found all throughout the score. David's second and more musical representation is a simple 6-note motif played on something akin to a harp or sitar (check tracks 4, 7, 11). Powell's theme for Millie (or the love theme) is strummed on guitar and echoed by the string section and rather than convey joyous, romantic love, the theme is tinged with sadness (tracks 9, 14). At almost the end of the film and soundtrack we hear another understated theme as we get a glimpse of a budding, complicated relationship between David and his mother - one that is begging to be explored in a possible sequel.


Read the full review

New Speed Racer Trailer

"Speed Racer, slow down!" ...thus ends this latest trailer for the upcoming SPEED RACER remake.

Many of you know of my general disdain for what the teaser trailer presented to us - essentially a non-interactive video game, but this latest trailer provides the tiniest bit of hope that there might be something positive to take away from the whole thing. What exactly? I'm not sure yet...perhaps its because I heard the classic "chonk chonk chonk chonk" sound effect or got a glimpse of what looks like the Mammoth car (from the classic animated series)...or because Matthew Fox's Racer X impression is pretty freakin' good. Something caused my hate to go into remission for a moment.

Don't get me wrong...I still hate most of the casting choices. Other than Racer X and Speed, none of these actors feel right to me, especially Christina Ricci (that's just a gawd-awful choice). Those of you who grew up with the original cartoon probably feel similarly.

In terms of the music...yes...lots of hyper-tempo, electronica stuff, but there is also an interesting, heroic, little fanfare about 1/3 of the way into the trailer. Haven't identified it yet, so if you know what it is, feel free to post a comment.


Check the new trailer in HD here

Where are The Updates?

For those of you asking, "Where are the updates? Where is the Cue Awards: Big Wrap Up? Where are new reviews? Where? Where?"

Well, let me tell you...

I've recently returned from a working-vacation in the L.A. area (emphasis on the vacation part...it was much needed). The vacation-side was full of eating out, watching flicks in state of the art movie theaters, checking out the USS Midway in San Diego, rock climbing (of the indoor variety) and other niceties. Yes...some fun stuff...but that's not all...

On the "working" side of things, I interviewed composer DAVID BUCKLEY, who was written the score for the upcoming flick THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM as well as Joel Schumacher's TOWN CREEK. David Buckley has been working with HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS for a number of years and has additional music credits on a number of well-known HGW projects. He's flying solo now and let me tell you his work for THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is going to pleasantly surprise many of you! While I was not all that enthused with the film's concept and even initial trailer, having seen a good bit of footage with the score track, I have to say that it's going to be pretty decent film and a very entertaining score. Look for the interview in a week or so. Hopefully we'll be able to stream a few tracks from Buckely's score on the interview page.

I was also able to sit down with composer CHRISTOPHER LENNERTZ for a few minutes. Chatting in his studio, he was certainly happy with the box office success of one of his most recent projects ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS, but not more happy than with his first child - born a few weeks ago. I got a bit of a glimpse and listen to an upcoming project of his and let's just say this is probably going to be yet another hit for him and nice listening experience for us. Stay tuned for more on that project in the days and weeks to come.

Where are the reviews? - I have a number of reviews partially done so be on the lookout for 10,000 B.C, JUMPER, and THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES in the very near future.

Ok...so now you know the deal. I'll be getting to the BIG WRAP UP in the next few days as well.

Lots of cool stuff on the horizon, so keep your peepers fully peeped.

I Am Legend Alternate Ending

Ever wonder where this picture came from? It wasn't in the theatrical version of I AM LEGEND. Having seen this shot prior to seeing the film, I remember distinctly waiting for this moment to happen in the film.

Of course, it never did and remained a mystery presumed left for dead on the editing room floor....until now...

Alex B. and the guys over at firstshowing.net have posted the alternate ending from the film. Obviously if you are going to buy I AM LEGEND when it comes out on dvd or blu-ray on March 18th and don't want to be spoiled, then DON'T head over to their site to watch the clip.

If you want to see a far superior ending for the film, then check them out now. You'll hear James Newton Howard's score playing lightly even in this alternate ending.

There's a whole bunch of discussion going on over there, but feel free to let us know what you think of it here, too.

Check it out.

Sleepwalking by Christopher Young

Composer Christopher Young's next project opens in just over a week. Check out the official press release below.

COMPOSER CHRISTOPHER YOUNG
SCORES “SLEEPWALKING”

“Sleepwalking” Opens Nationally March 14


(Los Angeles, CA) Award-winning composer Christopher Young adds to an impressive list of nearly 100 feature films in virtually every genre with the score to “Sleepwalking,” the drama stars Charlize Theron (who was also involved as a producer on the film), Nick Stahl, AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Hopper and Woody Harrelson. This is the second time that Young has united on a film with Theron who in 2001 starred in “Sweet November” which Young scored. “Sleepwalking” premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and is scheduled to open nationally on March 14. Young’s music can currently be heard in Screen Gems/Lakeshore Entertainment release “Untraceable,” the latest thriller by director Gregory Hoblit starring Diane Lane.

“Sleepwalking” is the story of James Reedy (Stahl), a simple man who leads a less than ordinary existence. When his sister Joleen (Theron) seemingly abandons her daughter Tara (Robb) with him, Reedy steals away with the girl and takes to the road.

Composer Christopher Young created memorable action scores to two Marvel movies last year Spiderman 3 and Ghostrider. His spine-tingling score for The Grudge helped propel the film to a sleeper hit. His distinctive and imaginative approaches to several unusual projects have made him a highly sought-after commodity on films with unusual subject matter. He wrote an ingenious score incorporating breathing effects for the offbeat film "The Vagrant"; provided a darkly dramatic score to the Christian Slater/Kevin Bacon prison drama "Murder in the First"; and tuned in perfectly to the offbeat sensibility of the Bill Murray comedy "The Man Who Knew Too Little." His long list of works include the scores for "Hellraiser" "Runaway Jury," "The Shipping News," and "The Core"

Christopher Young has received numerous awards and nominations throughout a celebrated career. He was recently honored at the 13th Annual Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival with the award for Outstanding Career Achievement in Film Composing. He has been nominated for two Emmys (“Norma Jean & Marilyn,” “Last Flight Out”) and received both Golden Globe and Broadcast Film Critics Association Award nominations for the “The Shipping News.” In addition to his busy film-composing schedule, Young is imparting his knowledge to a new generation of film composers. He has taught at USC since the early Nineties.

E-Gift Bag Winners Announced!

Congratulations to our Two Winners this Year!

JAVED FAISAL (new winner March 6, 2008)
DEREK TERSMETTE

Each has one a $10 e-gift card from iTunes.com and Amazon.com! Winners are contacted by email and have 3 DAYS to claim their prizes. If no response is received by March 7, 2008, alternate winners will be drawn.

Thanks to all who participated in this year's contest!

Final Cue Awards of 2007 - Outstanding Composer and Most Memorable Theme

And you thought The Oscars were long!

After six days of daily award announcements, the 2007 Cue Awards comes to a close. We saved two of the best categories for last and you can check out the winners here:


OUTSTANDING COMPOSER OF THE YEAR


MOST MEMORABLE THEME


Thanks for joining us over these few days...but don't get too sad just yet. THE BIG WRAP UP containing all the stats and trends about this year's awards is still coming down the pipe....in just a few days!

2007 Cue Awards: Best Score for Action Film, Dramatic Film and Record Label of the Year!

We are down to the nitty-of-all-grittiness. Today we announce three big awards: Best Score for an Action Film, Best Score for a Dramatic Film and Record Label of the Year! And tomorrow the Cue Award ceremony concludes with the awards for OUTSTANDING COMPOSER OF THE YEAR and MOST MEMORABLE THEME. We will also be announcing our TWO winners of the E-Gift Card contest.

Then, in a few days, I'll post all the stats and trends from this year's very competitive awards in THE BIG WRAP UP. For now, check out the latest awards:


BEST SCORE FOR ACTION FILM


BEST SCORE FOR DRAMATIC FILM


RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR

WIN THE SOUNDTRACK TO 10,000 BC!

Our March Caption Contest gives you the chance to win a copy of the soundtrack "10,000 BC", composed by Harald Kloser and Thomas Wander!

Familiarize yourself with the contest rules HERE. Then enter the contest HERE.

2007 Cue Awards: Best Score: Video Game, Best Score: Television, Best Score: Animated Film

Today, we announce three big awards:


Best Score for a Video Game


Best Score for Television


Best Score for an Animated Feature Film