In memory of the late Ray Cusick, the imaginative designer behind the iconic design and look of the Daleks, who sadly passed away a few days ago, I'd thought I would choose a Dalek-themed music track in tribute. Here's a wonderful theme composed for the Daleks by Malcolm Lockyer for the 1965 film re-adaption of the classic Doctor Who story, The Daleks, rather unimaginatively called Dr. Who and the Daleks and famously starred the renowned Horror and Science Fiction film actor, Peter Cushing as the Doctor. This track is actually called Daleks and Thals, and features a very obvious musical rip-off of the James Bond theme, however, the melody and other sections produce a rather fantastic little piece. Film music fans will notice is that even though this is the theme Lockyer used throughout the movie for the Daleks, this particular recording is actually the released single version of the theme, neatly summarised as a nice little pop-like instrumental. Enjoy. 8. Daleks and Thals, by Malcolm Lockyer (1965)
A complete contrast to last time. Over the last week I've seen many clips and trailers for Lincoln, a new film biopic drama by Steven Spielberg, which like many books and films before it, tries to tell and dramatise the key moments in the life story and struggle of this most important of Presidents of the United States of America, and also to convey the man behind the momentous history that often overshadows him. Anyway, seeing all this publicity material reminded me of this great U2 song, originally made to soundtrack the 2002 film, The Gangs of New York (also starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and set in a similar time period too). Here is the early studio version, which I prefer for its more haunting production. Enjoy. 6. The Hands that Built America, by U2 (2002) [Studio Mix]
However, if you're interested, here is the final Single version that was used in the film soundtrack itself.
Yes, Tunes plural. Sorry I've been away for a while, but my sound work for live Theatre and Radio, plus my 26th Birthday kept me very busy for some time. I was originally going to post a big selection of my all-time favourites for my birthday, but as its long passed, it can wait till another time. To make up for the wait though, I will be posting a couple of other tunes over the next two days, so erm...stay tuned...as it were. As it happens this particular track is one of my all-time favourites anyway. To celebrate John Williams' 81st birthday yesterday, here's one of my favourite ever pieces by the magnificent and superlative film composer, the main theme to Superman itself, from the original 1978 film starring Christopher Reeve. This track also includes the opening prelude Williams composed for the film, which in my mind is the perfect lead-in to one of the most perfect Film themes ever devised. 4. Superman: Prelude and Main Title March, by John Williams (1978)
I make no secret of the fact that I'm a big fan of TV Drama, and Detective Shows in particular. My favourite of all of these is the long running ITV series of adaptions of Agatha Christie's Poirot stories, simply known as Agatha Christie's Poirot, and has been going since 1989, with all of them starring the fantastic actor David Suchet as the famous fictional Belgian detective. However, one of the other mostly regular parts of the show is Christopher Gunning's original soundtrack, lovingly and artistically crafted, while also very effectively reflecting the various moods, suspense, mystery and deadly danger that these stories weave with an expert musical talent that stands out from the crowd. I love a lot of Christopher Gunning's music, but by far his most memorable and my personal favourite is all his work on Poirot. It's a fantastic throwback to the romantic music of the early Twentieth Century, when Jazz was making its mark, but while Classical music was still very prominent in the culture of the time. Rachmaninov and Gershwin were the famous composers of the day, and a lot of Gunning's music for Poirot is a loving homage to that period, the period that a lot of the Poirot stories are set, in the mid-1930s. As a fan of this period of music myself, I loved it straight away, but I think Christopher Gunning's music stands up brilliantly on its own anyway. I wish there were youtube links of more interesting Poirot music, than just the theme, but it is a superb introduction to the style and quality of music Christopher Gunning made for the show. Enjoy. Agatha Christie's Poirot (Main Theme - "The Belgian Detective), by Christopher Gunning (1989)
