2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice!

Posted by Jorn Tillnes

July 1, 2009

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070109 1850 2009FirstHa1 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! So the first 6 months of the year are over and let me just tell you right now. I am happy with this year so far compared to 2008 which didn’t have as many good scores. I’ve been browsing the web and taken note of what other reviewers say about this year and its overall pretty good. Here are some interesting stats:

Total number of reviews: 233

Most reviewed soundtrack: Star Trek by Michael Giacchino (20)

Average score from 233 reviews: 70

The last statistic is interesting because if you take all of last year as a whole, the average was 66. It has improved, but it’s not entirely accurate since we’re just halfway in, but it looks promising.

Star Trek is by far the most reviewed soundtrack so far in 2009. Angels & Demons by Hans Zimmer and Watchmen by Tyler Bates are in second place with 13 reviews each.

In this roundup I have chosen to go with TV and Film scores only. There simply aren’t enough sources for a proper Video Game roundup at the moment.

Let’s start with the critics top 10 list for the 1^st half of 2009:

10. The Uninvited by Christopher Young (73/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa2 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “This is such a fine score, such classy music; if you find yourself questioning whether you really need another Christopher Young horror score, then question no more – you do. You need this one.” – James Southall, Movie-Wave

I agree with James. It’s a great horror score with some great thematic stuff in addition to the scary parts. Some cues in here are so scary that I’m afraid to listen to them.

Best cues: The Uninvited, I’m at a party, The Screaming Bell

My score: 80/100

09. Lesbian Vampire Killers by Debbie Wiseman (74/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa3 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “I can’t recommend Lesbian Vampire Killers highly enough, especially when you compare it to the majority of the Hollywood fare which has accompanied genre films lately.” – Jonathan Broxton, Movie Music UK

Jonathan is right on the money. This one is a surprise hit score to a bad movie which is probably why not a lot of people aren’t praising about this one.

Best cues: Centuries ago…, Vampires? Lesbian Vampires!, Lesbian Vampire Killers

My score: 80/100

08. Star Trek by Michael Giacchino (75/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa4 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “Giacchino’s is an energetic and exuberant orchestral soundtrack that works very well with this new brand of Trek.” – Danny Graydon, Empire

I really love this score. It’s grand enough for a Star Trek movie and unlike many, I wasn’t disappointed after listening to the trailer music that everyone seemed to love (including me). It’s also very un-Giacchinoistic I feel, and he really stretches my imagination and love for film scores.

Best Cues: Labor of Love, Nero Sighted, End Credits

My score: 90/100

07. Knowing by Marco Beltrami (76/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa5 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “Knowing delivers beautifully on this continuous combo of shock, wonder and acceptance of the godly forces at hand.” – Daniel Schweiger, IF Magazine

I appreciate Marco Beltrami more and more. His scores always grow on me and this one was really good as well. He is a composer to be watched and listened to carefully as I have no doubt he will deliver more great scores in the future.

Best Cues: Knowing Maine Titles, Thataway!, Caleb Leaves

My score: 80/100

06. The Lazarus Project by Brian Tyler (80/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa6 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “This is nothing short of sensational stuff from Brian Tyler. Every tone has me crying for more, dreaming for more, wanting more and craving it all.” – Jørn Tillnes, Soundtrackgeek

I totally agree with that Jørn guy! This is probably Brian Tyler’s best ever score so far and guess what, it’s not an action score. Tyler has talents in bucket loads and can do wonderful themes and drama music. Recommended!

Best cues: Jaybird, The Lazarus Project, The Lazarus Project End Title

My score: 100/100

05. Caprica by Bear McCreary (85/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa7 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “The score is beautifully crafted for large orchestra, and it’s certainly the most lyrical and accomplished work in McCreary’s canon.” – Mark R. Hasan, KQEK

I don’t think its McCreary’s best work, but it’s up there. It’s certainly a quieter score than his previous TV scores. In the mix are some great percussion type battle cues like in the Battlestar Galactica series. While we wait for BSG season 4, this will do just fine.

Best Cues: Terrorism on the Lev, Zoe Awakens, Caprica End Credits

My score: 80/100

04. Lost Season 4 by Michael Giacchino (87/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa8 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “What Giacchino and Varèse have provide us here is a fantastic compilation of the music from season four.” – Anthony Cornfield, Maintitles

While I’m not as impressed as I was with Star Trek, this will provide more great music for the fans of Lost. I Still feel season 3 music was a little better, but you can’t fault Giacchino’s effort. More of the same, and I bet you love it!

Best cues: Giving up the Ghost, Bobbing for Freighters, Landing Party

My score: 70/100

03. Coraline by Bruno Coulais (87/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa9 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “In an industry plagued by stock, anonymous film scores, Coraline is a frightfully engaging pleasure.” – Filmtracks

I gave it 10/10 when I reviewed it back in January. It’s simply a great score that reminds me of Danny Elfman under Tim Burton’s wings. It’s incredibly adventurous and daring in a world full of mainstream scores.

Best cues: The Supper, In The Bed, Dangerous

My score: 90/100

02. The Mutant Chronicles by Richard Wells (88/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa10 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “We have to congratulate Wells to had the guts to deliver a high octane score for large orchestra.” – Jorge Saldanha, Scoretrack

I don’t quite share the wide enthusiasm for this score. There are few highlights in between the cues which sound almost identical (Just give it a few listens if you don’t believe me). A very standard score, not the worst, but not the best.

Best cues: The Sewer, Monastery, Mutant Chronicles End Credits

My score: 50/100

01. Up by Michael Giacchino (90/100)

070109 1850 2009FirstHa11 2009 First Half Soundtrack Roundup Part 1: Critics Choice! “Giacchino’s UP gets a huge “thumbs up” from me. The experience of his original score went from mediocre to marvelous with a single viewing of the film.” – Christopher Coleman, Tracksounds

It’s certainly seems to be Giacchino’s year judging by the critics. Our own Jon Blough loved it. I liked it too, but not as much as most. Star Trek is his best score so far. While Up is quite charming and will bring back memories of Ratatouille, it lacks oomph. I do expect Up to be nominated for the Oscars next years and it has a very good chance of winning.

Best cues: Memories can weigh you down, Canine Conundrum, Up with End Credits

My score: 70/100

Michael Giacchino is the clear winner here with 3 scores in the top 10. Two TV scores, one from Michael Giacchino and one from Bear McCreary in the top 10 which is very good. I hope more TV scores deliver the same quality in the future.

It will be fun seeing where these scores end up in the total chart of 2009 when the year is over and all the reviews are in.

Tomorrow in part 2, I will tell you my top 10 so far this year!