Author: Ciaran Thompson

The 10 Best Film Scores

*Written and published for AUX.

From the mountains of Sicily to Gotham City, Jedi Knight to The Man with No Name, Italian stallion to the son of Satan, Samwise Gamgee to “The Cooler King,” these places and characters simply wouldn’t be the same without the music surrounding them. Whether they’re with or without vocals, a film’s score is crucial as it sets the tone of the characters and setting. The score of the films listed are so great that even without the visual images to accompany them, the stand on their own as masterful pieces of art.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ennio Morricone (1966)

– No doubt considered one of the best scores in film history, Ennio Morricone’s distinct compositions contain gunfire, yodeling and whistling. The main theme is perfect for any momentous introduction and was used by the Ramones when they took the stage in their latter years. The film’s climax, a three-way Mexican standoff is accompanied by “The Ecstasy of Gold,” enhancing the scene many movie critics believe to be one of the most electrifying climaxes ever filmed.

Batman – Danny Elfman (1989)

– Danny Elfman composed the first and best Batman film score. One of the first films to release two soundtracks, Elfman had help from Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek and Shirley Walker when arranging the compositions for the orchestra. From the cathartic “Descent into Mystery” to the heartfelt “Flowers,” this score truly captures the film’s protagonist seeking justice in the face of a laughing maniac and helps distinguishes it from the other Batman movies.

The Empire Strikes Back – John Williams (1980)

– Hard to draw up a list of memorable scores and not include Star Wars, even if John Williams copied Gustav Holst and Antonin Dvorak. For this episode, which is by far the best, the score contains several works that have an almost despairing sound, such as when Han Solo is encased in carbonite or during the lightsaber battle between Luke and Darth.

Braveheart – James Horner (1995)

– For a film about Scottish Rebels, one of them being William Wallace, rising up against Longshanks and the crown, an epic score was needed and James Horner delivered. Despite the film’s historical inaccuracies, the music is breathtaking and is appealing to anyone in a struggle for freedom.

The Fellowship of the Ring – Howard Shore (2001)

– In the first Lord of the Rings film we are introduced to Hobbits, Ringwraiths, Wizards, Elves, Orcs, Dwarves and Men, all of whom are captured beautifully through Howard Shore’s score. Irish vocalist Enya appears twice and her voice advances the dramatic twists the score contains, especially on “The Council of Elrond.”

Rocky – Bill Conti (1976)

– Before heading out for a run every morning, crack a few eggs into a glass, drink it and throw on Bill Conti’s score for Rocky. Having both jock jam esque and tearjerk compositions, the score fits with one of the most notorious underdog films ever. You can’t help but think of Balboa chasing a chicken or hammering iron at the dump when listening to “Going the Distance” or the main title “Gonna Fly Now.”

The Great Escape – Elmer Berstein (1963)

– Elmer Berstein truly captures the essence of the prisoners in the camp and the trials they face once they are on the road. The main title is easily the most recognizable marching composition and reminds us of Steve McQueen toying with Hitler’s Nazi thugs.

The Omen – Lionel Newman, Jerry Goldsmith (1976)

– Chilling to the bone might be an understatement. Rather if you really want to scare the crap out of yourself, or someone else, throw this on and turn out the lights. Even without looking at little Damien this score is both powerful and disturbing and was awarded an Oscar.

Goldfinger – John Barry (1964)

– With the exception of Shirley Bassey putting vocals on the main theme, John Barry’s compositions intensify Sean Connory’s quest to blow Oddjob’s fuse, foil Goldfinger and win over Pussy Galore. The stripped down main theme entitled “Goldfinger” is especially nice.

The Godfather – Nino Rota (1972)

– Despite being scratched off the list of 1973 Academy Award nominees at the last second, Nino Rota’s score for the Godfather compliments one of the greatest films ever made. Watching Michael roam the mountains of Sicily whilst hearing the love theme makes anyone wish they were Italian…albeit only for a minute or two.

Quarter Music – March 19

News of forthcoming albums from Carl Barat, Green Day and The Pipettes. Details of Kings of Leon’s upcoming North American tour, a collaboration between Jack White and Jay-Z, a Zeppelin gem found at a car boot sale and a South by Southwest playlist including Metric, You Say Party! We Say Die! and Stone Temple Pilots. Also hear tracks from Alice in Chains, The Pogues, Gorillaz, Muse and The White Stripes.

*Due to mypodcast having technical difficulties I’ve had to post this episode and possibly the remaining episodes on Podbean. You can listen to it here.

To upload the files I had to reduce their size and the sound quality has suffered. My apologies.

Review: Air at the Phoenix Concert Theatre

Written and published for AUX.

Those lucky enough to go to last night’s Air concert at the Phoenix, or those simply looking to get out of the wet chilly evening were whisked away by some breathtaking electronic melodies and captivating visual images. Part of their first North American tour in three years, Air descended upon Toronto and for the duration of the concert made goers think of nothing else except keyboards, acoustic guitars, bass and synthesizers.

Opening act AM offered up some delightful alternative lounge tunes perfectly suited for any day at the beach, although the weather outside didn’t resemble anything beach like. Based out of Los Angeles, AM played material from his latest album Future Sons and Daughters released this past February. This was the first Canadian appearance by AM, who’s debut album Troubled Times was declared one of the “Best Albums of the Year” by iTunes.

After a brief intermission that allowed the remaining space in the venue to fill up, Air’s Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel took the stage and launched into the first single “Do the Joy” off their latest album, Love 2 and continued with new material in the form of tracks “So Light Is Her Footfall,” and “Love,” the latter recently performed on Jimmy Fallon. It wasn’t until the band started playing older songs like “Venus,” “Cherry Blossom Girl,” and “Remember” did the crowd start to respond to the music. Whether this is a representation of what fans think of the new material and how it compares to the old stuff is still undecided. After that, audience members were taken on an electronic roller coaster ride with dreamy sounds and extravagant visual images.

What Air also did with this performance was perhaps breathe some life into the new tracks that may not have won older fans over yet. An example of this was “Tropical Disease,” from Love 2, which starts off slow, but gradually picks up through the various verses and then slows back down again. The live version, running almost eight minutes had both Godin and Dunckel entranced in the music they created and was arguably the best song of the night.

Finishing their set with “Kelly Watch The Stars” from their first full length debut album Moon Safari, released in 1998, one that is now considered a chill out genre classic, the band bowed several times over to the roaring crowd. After some intense clapping and foot stopping they returned to play “Sexy Boy,” undoubtedly their most notorious song and “La Femme d’Argent,” again to overwhelming response from the crowd. Perhaps the audience sensed this might be the last time they see the band because of the distance between their last tour of our continent. Whether they return soon carrying another seemingly sub par album on their back, Air will give a truly moving performance that is surely not to be missed by anyone who digs electronic music.

Alice in Chains at the Sound Academy

New photos posted on Flickr.

Review written and published for AUX.

Former Alice in Chains singer and songwriter Layne Staley died in 2002. A few years later the band reformed with new member William DuVall, a black afro haired singer who befriended guitarist Jerry Cantrell earlier on in the decade. Last night, March 17, 2010, Alice in Chains, fronted by DuVall, who may not look or have the same vocal style as Staley, played at the Sound Academy in Toronto to a sold out audience.

Playing mostly new material from their latest album, Black Gives Way to Blue, released last year, Alice in Chains ripped up the stage and showed no remorse for people with glow sticks. Midway through their set, which also included older Alice songs such as “Them Bones,” “Down in a Hole,” “Angry Chair,” and “Man in the Box,” an audience member threw a glow stick onstage. Using the opportunity to catch their breath the band, consisting of other original member Sean Kinney on drums and bassist Mike Inez who replaced former bassist Mike Starr in 1993, went back to their metal influenced alternative rock tunes, a staple of the band since the early days. The performance of the track “Your Decision” featuring DuVall on acoustic guitar certainly gave the enthusiastic crowd some respite before launching into the hard rock favourite “We Die Young” off Facelift, the band’s first album after changing their name from Sleeze.

Ending the set with “Man in the Box” where for once the crowd’s vocals outsoared DuVall’s take on Staley, the band returned for a three song encore and played “No Excuses,” “Would” and “Rooster,” all songs off previous albums. The last song, written by Cantrell and said to be about his father who served in Vietnam, truly ended the night with both the band and crowd harmonizing on the intro and outro.

Despite losing Staley, Alice in Chains have done what so many other bands couldn’t do. They have put out a fresh batch of new tunes fans of old love containing the loud ‘90s rock aesthetic. The band has also attracted newcomers to the sound to explore the band’s current and past catalogue. In a way it’s refreshing to see older bands still playing hard rocking music without the use of electronic equipment. They reinforce the idea that songs from early ‘90s Seattle bands are timeless pieces of art made by those who struggled with no money and crappy weather. Hearing the songs live, even with DuVall instead of Staley, is a thrilling experience that any fan or appreciator of alternative rock and its roots should not overlook.

March 12th episode of Quarter Music

Details of forthcoming albums from the Beastie Boys, Japandroids and Stars. News about Charlotte Gainsbourg’s upcoming North American trek, The Strokes playing this year’s Lollapalooza festival and a live album playlist featuring Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Nirvana. Also hear tracks by La Roux, Smashing Pumpkins, Handsome Furs, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Best Coast.

Listen to the episode by clicking here or on the Quarter Music tab under ‘Radio.’

*Please note: During the first few moments of the show the sound skips. It clears up once the first song is played.

6 of the Best Live Albums

*Written and produced for AUX

Those that were there remember, but for everyone else, the albums that followed are all we have to soak up what actually happened that night. From an all out riot atmosphere to a funeral, to a band in its prime playing in their hometown to one of the most notorious biblical references in music history, concerts make time seem to stand still. In that moment it’s just you, the band playing in front of you or through your headphones and the crowd you so desperately wish you were apart of. Here is a list of gigs we laud and are thankful took place.

The Ramones – Palladium, New York City, 1978

This gig happened only seven days after the concert in London that was captured for the It’s Alive album. Although the set list is exactly the same as the show in England, this performance is a little more edgy and raw. After all, the band was playing in their hometown.

Bob Dylan – Free Trade Hall, Manchester, 1966

Labeled incorrectly and released as being at the Royal Albert Hall in London, this performance took place in Manchester, however everything else that happened is true. Dylan played alone to a dead silent audience and was jeered, booed and called “Judas” when playing with his backing group for the second half of the show. He replied with, “play it fucking loud.”

Nirvana – Sony Music Studios, New York City, 1993

Surrounded by Lilies, candles and an overall funeral atmosphere, the band, accompanied by guitarist Pat Smear and cellist Lori Goldston, played a set of lesser known songs and covers. Guests the Meat Puppets also joined the band on stage for covers of their own songs. Other artists covered included The Vaselines and David Bowie. An emotional performance capped off with Kurt howling on the traditional American folk song “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”

Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison, Folsom, 1968

Cash played two shows at Folsom and the album that came out of it contained 15 songs from the first set and two from the second. Cash opened both shows with “Folsom Prison Blues” to thunderous applause and shouts from the chain gang.

The Band – Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, 1976

Joined by more than a dozens guests including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Ringo Starr, Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters, the performance was filmed by Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary. Since it was thanksgiving, the audience of approximately 5000 was served turkey dinners and treated to ballroom dancing before The Band even came onstage.

MC5 – Grande Ballroom, Detroit, 1968

A performance that shook things up with their record company Elektra and led to the album being pulled from department stores, the MC5 performed on Devil’s Night and Halloween in 1968. Gripping, energetic and in your face, ‘kick out the jams motherfucker’ says it all.

6 Canadian Bands to Take Your Mom to See

*Written and published for AUX

For some, having our mom’s accompany us somewhere public in our younger years was terribly embarrassing. The thought of what others might say at recess the next day usually ended up being worse than expected. From pleading with them to stop the car down the street from where you were going or begging to be let alone to collect Halloween candy, moms just have that insatiable desire to make us sweat, or was it just their unconditional love and means to keep us out of trouble? Either way, it’s time to say thanks for the memories and make her feel hip again so we’ve compiled a list of bands to bring her to see.

Cuff the Duke – Heartfelt, twangy and at several points during their live sets, all out rock and roll, Cuff the Duke will be touring this month and next across Ontario in support of last year’s Way Down Here.

Hey Rosetta! – The Six piece band from St. John’s are known for their live shows where they incorporate piano, cello and violin in with their guitars, bass and drums. Hey Rosetta! released their second album, Into Your Lungs, in 2008 and will play at this years SXSW festival.

Jets Overhead – After the release of their sophomore album, No Nations, Jets Overhead are performing this month during Canadian Music Week. An excellent blend of alternative rock and ambient tunes makes them a great choice for you and your mom to grove out to.

The Rural Alberta Advantage – Describing themselves as playing indie-rock folk songs, The Rural Alberta Advantage have one upcoming gig at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto before heading down south to play SXSW. Lead singer Nils Edenloff emulates Neural Milk Hotel’s Jeff Magnum and while your mom might be unfamiliar with the early 90s band, the Toronto act still deliver upbeat rock songs and every now and then throw in a slow tune to keep things in check.

Rufus Wainwright – Although born in the U.S, Rufus Wainwright is a Canadian citizen, which makes him suitable for this list. Whichever nationality he favours, Wainwright’s sweet vocals and piano playing can be enjoyed by everyone, especially moms.

Two Hours Traffic – Based out of Charlottetown, P.E.I. and citing Nick Lowe as in influence, Two Hours Traffic deliver an energetic set of pop songs that can make anyone smile. The quartet released their third album Territory last year and will be playing Canadian Music Week before making several other stops around Ontario.

Ten ’90s Rock Artists That Still Matter

*Written and published for AUX

Singles

As the new decade starts, a lot of focus has been put on the 2000s. Towards the end of last year, everyone seemed to be scrambling together their top 10 or 100 lists of best artists/songs of the decade. Works by Arcade Fire, The Strokes, Kanye West, Radiohead and Amy Winehouse were included in most and for the folks in the UK, anything that Pete Doherty played on…or used as a coaster.

But what about the decade that seems so long ago, at least for those who grew up during it. There are several forms of music that exploded during the 90s and many have influenced the music we hear today. From hip hop to a more experimental version of rock we now called alternative, this list will show how relevant music from the 90s still is and why it’s important to every now and then slip into those torn up jeans, not the store bought ones and pop a CD in to the old ghetto blaster.

alice-in-chains

In 1987 Alice in Chains did two things. They changed their name from Sleeze and started playing metal influenced alternative rock music. Last year Alice in Chains, minus former singer Layne Staley and including new singer William Duvall, released an album of metal influenced alternative rock songs. Why do they matter today? Despite losing one of their singers and prominent songwriter, the band has taken its time finding a new lead singer and have still delivered loud hard rocking tunes they were known for. It was relieving to thrown on an Alice record when you got fed up with some other alternative acts taking the pop sound route. It sill is today.

dinosaur-jr

A sold out show a few weeks ago at The Phoenix and a room full of sweaty bodies at an in-store performance earlier in the evening is a testament to how much this band still matters. Despite having inner band turmoil, where at one point only singer/guitarist J Mascis remained, the band has re-united and put out records that have lost none of their early 90s guitar biting potency.

dave-grolh

It’s pretty cool to play in bands like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures. But then again, Dave Grohl is a pretty cool guy. A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Grohl has been rocking since the 80s, but became known in the 90s with the success of Nirvana and Foo Fighters. Now linked up with Homme and Jonesy, Grohl still matters today because whether he is singing, playing the guitar or beating the crap out of the drum set, he is one of the most exciting musicians to see.

The Tragically Hip

In the mid-80s, fronted by a poetic madman named Gord Downie, Kingston, Ontario band The Tragically Hip caught a break after a show at the Horseshoe. From there they went on to release two albums later in the decade and six in the next. Their third album, 1993’s Fully Completely, was a huge success on both sides of the boarder. But up here is where the band’s roots are firmly planted, where they even named an album that was slang for frozen horse droppings, something folks in the Great White North may only get. The Hip still matter because they still make good music, We Are The Same came out last year, and like hockey or any other Canadian past time, they are something that was made in and for our country.

Trent-Reznor

Trent Reznor’s introduction of great songwriting into the mix of synths, distorted guitars and various urban street sounds made sure industrial music was back on the map. The second full length NIN album, 1994’s The Downward Spiral, spawned the memorable chorus “I wanna fuck you like an animal,” and an epic song that years later the man in black would cover. The band has released eight albums and although Reznor has said they will not be touring anytime soon, we are expected to hear new material from the band or a solo project soon.

radiohead

After the release of their first album Pablo Honey in 1993, people showed up at Radiohead gigs anxiously awaiting the band to play “Creep.” Besides the track with the bombastic chorus, it didn’t seem like Radiohead had it in them to release six more records, one of which being the best alternative album to come out of the last two decades. Radiohead matter today because they are still the five piece band who know no musical limits, care deeply about the place we call Earth and have a knack for putting out genre defining albums.

pearl-jam

Pearl Jam are one of those bands to emerge from the alternative rock/grunge/whatever you want to call it era, but don’t always seem to be linked to it directly. Whatever type of music tickles your ears, Pearl Jam are simply a great band to listen to. Eddie Vedder is a great singer and Scott Stap is not. Since 1991’s Ten, the band have released eight albums including last years Backspacer and worldwide have sold an estimated sixty million records. With the exception of former Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, all other members of the band since its inception are still present.

propagandhi

The members of Canadian punk band Propagandhi formed in the late 80s and decided to create DIY pro-gay, pro-feminist, pro-civil liberties, pro-vegan, anti-fascist music. Releasing two albums in the 90s, five overall, the band is still doing it today, albeit taking a heavier approach to the sound. Chris Hannah, vocals/guitar has said the band is hoping to get back into the studio and start recording again this year.

Massive-Attack

One of the pioneers of the genre the English press called trip-hop, Massive Attack have, including the upcoming, released five albums since 1991 and have created a fusion of hip-hop, soul, orchestral arrangements and sampling. Most notable is their influence on future bands to emerge throughout the decade such as Portishead and the Sneaker Pimps. Heligoland is set to come out next month and features vocal contributions by Damon Albarn from Gorillaz and Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star.

pj harvey

Polly Jean Harvey is one of the most influential songwriters of 90s alternative rock. Her first three albums, Dry, Rid of Me and To Bring My Love, helped establish this fact as they explored themes of religion, sex and love. The two other members of the band she played with split after her second record and she was left to go at it alone. Harvey has released six albums since including her latest piano based album, White Chalk, in 2007.

Soundtracks That Will Change Your Life

*Written and published for AUX

Lost in Translation – Watching Bill Murray walk away from Scarlett Johansson in the final scene of the movie whilst hearing “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain might garner a second listen to the music from this movie. What you’ll find is a soothing mix of music to accompany your travels or simply get lost to. “Girls” by Death in Vegas is a good starting point.

Lost In Translation

The Virgin Suicides – Both the songs from the movie and the original score have been released and are equally brilliant. The former contains several tunes that go well when you are a grinning space case such as “Run to Me” by the Bee Gees and “So Far Away” by Carole King. The score was performed by Air and at times sounds both light and dark in typical Air fashion. The striped down version of “Playground Love” called “Highschool Lover” is especially nice.

Virgin Suicides

Almost Famous – Director Cameron Crowe is known for music in his movies a la Singles/Jerry Maguire. For this one, which is about music, the question wasn’t what songs to put in rather which songs to leave out as over 50 songs were included in the movie. The soundtrack boasts 17 songs that act as a sample of some of the best music to emerge from the 1970s.

almost-famous

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – In some ways like the movie, this soundtrack is all over the map. A collection of instrumentals by producer and multi-instrumentalist John Brion and several tracks by Beck and the Polyphonic Spree make this an ‘anytime of day’ listen. Beck’s “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” is something you need to hear before taking your last breath.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Garden State – Call it wanna be hipster or fake indie songs or whatever you like, but Zach Braff’s Garden State is a good playlist with good songs. The music compliments the movie, but something with this quality doesn’t necessarily need scenes or images to accompany it. Sure everyone is tired of hearing Portman say “this song will change your life I swear,” but in the end good tunes is good tunes and this soundtrack has a lot of them. It’s too easy to fall asleep to Iron & Wine’s cover of “Such Great Heights.”

Garden State

Motorcycle Diaries – From Gustavo Santaolalla’s opening track “Apertura” the listener is transported to the back of Che and Alberto’s motorcycle and whisked away across the western part of South America eventually ending up on foot and witnessing poverty and oppression. Even for someone who doesn’t dig Latin influenced music, the soundtrack is deeply moving and an experience in itself whether you have read the book or seen the movie.

Motorcyle Diaries

(500) Days of Summer – Regina Spektor, Black Lips, Simon & Garfunkel, Feist and Wolfmother are all featured on this disc. Not sure if there is much else anyone can say but listen to it and enjoy.

Juno – In the opening credits of the movie we hear Belle and Sebastian’s “Piazza, New York Catcher” and it immediately lets us know that this film’s music will definitely have a sort of indie-ness to it. And it does. It also carries some other great tunes by The Kinks, Buddy Holly, The Moldy Peaches and Cat Power, especially Cat Power.

Juno

The Assassination of Jesse James – This is the second collaboration between Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, the first being for the film The Proposition, and we can only wonder why hasn’t there been more? The score is haunting, atmospheric and beautiful all at once. If you haven’t listened, try sampling “Song for Bob” and see where that leads.

The Assassination of Jesse James

Into The Wild – This was Eddie Vedder’s first solo studio album and what a way to start. Each track puts you right next to Alexander Supertramp and all the other leather tramps or just acts as a toast to new beginnings. Closing track “Guaranteed” is a dark folk song that shows some light at the end in any pinch.

Into the Wild

*Written and published for AUX