Another toe-tapping release, best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand
Lend an ear to SPINEMA: a column exploring all movie music, music related to movies, and movies related to music. Be they film scores on vinyl, documentaries on legendary musicians, or albums of original songs by horror directors, all shall be reviewed here. Batten down your headphones, because shit’s about to sound cinematic.
Last year, the fine folk over at Mutant put out a rather unique spin (no pun intended) on soundtrack scores with Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen Vol. 1. With Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino indulging in a little fun by revisiting some of his earlier works from TV and film and giving them a retro-refresh thanks to the influence of 50s lounge-style Exotica. A playful reinterpretation, with melodies reworked to the sounds of steel drums, bongos, and marimbas.
Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen – Volume 1 covered much of Giacchino’s early career, notably work on TV shows such as Lost and Alias, with eventual forays into his cinematic scores with tracks from films such as Ratatouille, Cloverfield, and Star Trek (2009). Vol. 2 takes in an era from 2012 through 2022, covering elements of his work for Marvel (Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, and Werewolf By Night), Pixar/Disney (Coco, Inside Out), and more cult features such as John Carter, Tomorrowland, and Jojo Rabbit.
These are all reworked in this retro lounge style of the 1950s/60s. The arrangements dialed down in density, but even in these simpler forms, the tunes are all too recognizable, even with the more cheerful arrangements and musical instruments. Standouts for me personally, the Jurassic World theme, and Jyn Erso’s Theme from Rogue One. Their original versions are soaring and emotionally triggering, here that obviously gives way to a more playful twinkle, but there is still this undercurrent of the original intent. It’s such a nifty idea to uncouple some of these horror, action, or epic sci-fi tunes from the constraints of grander orchestral performances, showcasing that even with a little more frivolity, how evocative and memorable they really are.
Like Vol. 1, Exotic Themes Vol. 2 its an easy-breezy delight of an album. The exact thing a self-respecting movie fan might want to throw on when hosting a cook-out or pool part.
The Package
If the bright packaging of Vol. 1 was akin to a Mai Tai, then Vol. 2 is fashioned on the Dark and Stormy. A complement and continuation by designer Luke Insect.
Liner notes by Charles Phoenix introduce the album and selected tracks with excerpts from an interview with Giacchino. There is also a timeline included to showcase the films/tracks in the context of the composer’s career.
The records themselves are pressed on 2x 140 Gram vinyl, in a Mutant Exclusive pink/purple color scheme.
Michael Giacchino, Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen Vol. 2, is available via Mutant, on Vinyl and digital now, and on CD from September 26th
Full Track List
1. John Carter (2:43)
2. Inside Out (2:29)
3. Jupiter Ascending (2:54)
4. Jurassic World (3:12)
5. Tomorrowland (2:41)
6. Marvel Studios Fanfare (1:41)
7. Doctor Strange (3:12)
8. Jyn Erso’s Theme (from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) (2:28)
9. Zootopia Suite (2:35)
10. The Book of Henry (2:02)
11. Will He Shoemaker (from Coco) (2:11)
12. Fiesta de la Cruz (from Coco) (2:35)
13. Crossing the Marigold Bridge (from Coco) (3:27)
14. Spider Man (2:49)
15. War for Planet of the Apes (2:40)
16. Bad Times at the El Royale (2:44)
17. Jojo Rabbit (2:29)
18. An American Pickle (3:02)
19. Let Him Go (2:22)
20. The Batman Suite (2:37)
21. Thor: Love and Thunder (2:56)
22. Lightyear (2:36)
23. Werewolf by Night Suite (2:43)
24. Bloodstone Suite (from Werewolf by Night) (2:53)
About Mutant
Mutant is a pop culture art, music, and collectibles shop headed by creative director veterans Spencer Hickman, Eric Garza, Mitch Putnam, and Mo Shafeek and the leadership of CEO Jenny Jacobi. A division of the genre-bending production company SpectreVision and co-founded by Talon Entertainment Finance CEO Steven Demmler and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League, Mutant is a beacon of creativity and innovation in the realm of art and collectibles. With an unwavering dedication to celebrating underserved fandoms and a profound passion for film, TV, art, music, video games, and pop culture, Mutant’s mission is to captivate and delight enthusiasts worldwide. Mutant collaborates closely with esteemed studio partners such as Disney, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Netflix, and independent creators, as well as a diverse array of visual artists and musicians, to curate an unparalleled selection of limited-edition artwork, soundtracks on vinyl, and collectibles that resonate with the hearts and minds of fans. www.madebymutant.com
