“Tonight we have special news for you: we closed all the exits. You can’t escape,” Claudio Simonetti deadpanned in his Italian accent to the enthusiastic crowd at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts on October 3. Clad in something like a ringmaster jacket over a Deadpool T-shirt, a smile beamed across the maestro’s face.
The audience erupted into laughter chased by cheers, as they knew they were about to experience something special: the 1985 cult classic Demons on the big screen with a live score performed by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, a modern tribute to the prolific Italian prog-rock composers Goblin fronted by the founding keyboardist.
Produced by Italian master of horror Dario Argento — for whom Goblin had previously composed several scores — Demons is directed by Lamberto Bava from a script written by Bava, Argento, Dardano Sacchetti (The Beyond), and Franco Ferrini (Phenomena). The plot finds attendees at a mysterious...
The audience erupted into laughter chased by cheers, as they knew they were about to experience something special: the 1985 cult classic Demons on the big screen with a live score performed by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin, a modern tribute to the prolific Italian prog-rock composers Goblin fronted by the founding keyboardist.
Produced by Italian master of horror Dario Argento — for whom Goblin had previously composed several scores — Demons is directed by Lamberto Bava from a script written by Bava, Argento, Dardano Sacchetti (The Beyond), and Franco Ferrini (Phenomena). The plot finds attendees at a mysterious...
- 10/9/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
David Gordon Green's new film "The Exorcist: Believer" appears to be a sequel that -- like the director's own 2018 version of "Halloween" -- ignores any extant sequels and stands as the first sequel in a new alternate timeline. These sorts of canon-erasing shenanigans are old hat in 2023, however, so there's no reason to cry foul. Unlike Green's "Halloween," though, "Believer" tries a little harder to forge its own path and form its own identity.
"Believer" may still have the usual trappings of any exorcism movie, but it doesn't rely too heavily on the mythology laid out in William Friedkin's 1973 original the way most reboots/legacy sequels might. There is one repeated line of dialogue from the original, but it's stated in jest. There is a returning character as well, but she only plays a supporting role. Green seemed eager to tell his own story and explore a new theme.
"Believer" may still have the usual trappings of any exorcism movie, but it doesn't rely too heavily on the mythology laid out in William Friedkin's 1973 original the way most reboots/legacy sequels might. There is one repeated line of dialogue from the original, but it's stated in jest. There is a returning character as well, but she only plays a supporting role. Green seemed eager to tell his own story and explore a new theme.
- 10/6/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin is currently touring North America with a live score to Lamberto Bava’s Demons. That alone is worth the price of admission, but the band follows it with a full greatest hits concert.
While the majority of the set consists of classic Goblin cues from the likes of Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, and Deep Red, the band also performs renditions of John Carpenter’s Halloween theme and Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” from The Exorcist.
Enjoy my live footage of the covers from last night’s event at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts:
“I have two favorite horror films, also for the music, and we did a special arrangement for these two songs,” Simonetti told the audience. “One is Halloween, and the second is ‘Tubular Bells’ from The Exorcist.” The crowd erupted as he began playing the iconic Halloween theme.
Simonetti and his bandmates — guitarist Daniele Amador,...
While the majority of the set consists of classic Goblin cues from the likes of Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, and Deep Red, the band also performs renditions of John Carpenter’s Halloween theme and Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” from The Exorcist.
Enjoy my live footage of the covers from last night’s event at the Somerville Theatre in Somerville, Massachusetts:
“I have two favorite horror films, also for the music, and we did a special arrangement for these two songs,” Simonetti told the audience. “One is Halloween, and the second is ‘Tubular Bells’ from The Exorcist.” The crowd erupted as he began playing the iconic Halloween theme.
Simonetti and his bandmates — guitarist Daniele Amador,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
You might think it would be difficult, after fifty years, to introduce something new to a motion picture series as long and as storied as “The Exorcist.” Ever since William Friedkin’s trailblazing original horror drama — as frightening as it was insightful about the fragile relevance of religion in an increasingly secular world — filmmakers as varied as John Boorman, William Peter Blatty, Renny Harlin and Paul Schrader have been stretching the concept of demonic possession as far as it they could take it. Their films have been, not always at the same time, fiercely intelligent, deeply strange, hypnotically inept, genuinely terrifying, profoundly embarrassing, and/or uncomfortably insightful.
David Gordon Green’s “The Exorcist: Believer” has now entered the conversation, and to its credit — sort of — it does have one thing we’ve never seen in these movies before: mediocrity, and lots of it. The new film is competently dramatized and occasionally quite startling,...
David Gordon Green’s “The Exorcist: Believer” has now entered the conversation, and to its credit — sort of — it does have one thing we’ve never seen in these movies before: mediocrity, and lots of it. The new film is competently dramatized and occasionally quite startling,...
- 10/4/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin — founding keyboardist Claudio Simonetti’s modern manifestation of prolific Italian prog-rock composers Goblin — hits the road today to perform a live score to Demons followed by a set of other classic Goblin tracks across North America.
“Normally I play the same films, like Deep Red and Suspiria,” Simonetti tells me. “I have seen Demons with the actors at conventions, and I think that people love this film. It’s a cult film. I said, ‘Why don’t we try to do Demons live?’ It’s the first time. I never did it before. We have had a lot of rehearsals this summer.”
Originally, Simonetti wanted to do a Dawn of the Dead tour in celebration of the film’s 45th anniversary. “It’s one of my favorites, of course, but we are having some troubles with the producer for the rights to play the score live.
“Normally I play the same films, like Deep Red and Suspiria,” Simonetti tells me. “I have seen Demons with the actors at conventions, and I think that people love this film. It’s a cult film. I said, ‘Why don’t we try to do Demons live?’ It’s the first time. I never did it before. We have had a lot of rehearsals this summer.”
Originally, Simonetti wanted to do a Dawn of the Dead tour in celebration of the film’s 45th anniversary. “It’s one of my favorites, of course, but we are having some troubles with the producer for the rights to play the score live.
- 9/26/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
When Alfred Hitchcock fired the composer behind “Vertigo” and “Psycho” over creative differences during the production of “Torn Curtain” in May 1966, it was clear that film music was changing. Although Bernard Herrmann’s theremin-laden score for “The Day the Earth Stood Still” had changed the game, his rugged determination not to succumb to rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, or (God forbid) “theme tune” scores that were quickly becoming all the rage in Hollywood made him an enemy of serial pragmatist Hitchcock. They never worked together again.
Three months later, The Beatles released “Revolver,” with what The Village Voice called a “bent and pulverised sound” — and pop music had gone electronic. Amid times a-changin’, Herrmann dug his heels in. His final score a decade later, for “Taxi Driver,” is as classic as they come.
When the synthesizer again altered the sound of film music in the 1980s, Herrmann’s fingerprints were, ironically,...
Three months later, The Beatles released “Revolver,” with what The Village Voice called a “bent and pulverised sound” — and pop music had gone electronic. Amid times a-changin’, Herrmann dug his heels in. His final score a decade later, for “Taxi Driver,” is as classic as they come.
When the synthesizer again altered the sound of film music in the 1980s, Herrmann’s fingerprints were, ironically,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Adam Solomons
- Indiewire
Is there another modern horror movie as influential and enduringly terrifying as The Exorcist?
Some might make a case for the atmospheric chill of works that preceded it, like Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby or Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now. Others perhaps will point to subsequent hits — the brutal shocks of John Carpenter’s Halloween, for instance, or the mercilessly ratcheted suspense of Ridley Scott’s Alien.
But few, if any, horror films have left such an indelible impression, not only on the genre but on broader popular culture, as the 1973 demonic possession thriller that marked the peak of director William Friedkin’s long career.
Two years earlier, Friedkin, who died Monday at his home in Los Angeles, aged 87, had already reinvented the police procedural with The French Connection, a bristling neo-noir that to this day has few equals in its hurtling car-chase action, its viscerally immersive camerawork, its...
Some might make a case for the atmospheric chill of works that preceded it, like Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby or Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now. Others perhaps will point to subsequent hits — the brutal shocks of John Carpenter’s Halloween, for instance, or the mercilessly ratcheted suspense of Ridley Scott’s Alien.
But few, if any, horror films have left such an indelible impression, not only on the genre but on broader popular culture, as the 1973 demonic possession thriller that marked the peak of director William Friedkin’s long career.
Two years earlier, Friedkin, who died Monday at his home in Los Angeles, aged 87, had already reinvented the police procedural with The French Connection, a bristling neo-noir that to this day has few equals in its hurtling car-chase action, its viscerally immersive camerawork, its...
- 8/8/2023
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
William Friedkin was, simply put, a legend.
His technical prowess, mastery of tone and commitment to storytelling were unparalleled. And so was his willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable. It wasn’t that he was merely challenging good taste; it was that he wanted to go beyond what had come before. And sometimes that made people very uncomfortable. Friedkin’s career is largely defined by this kind of artful provocation, and it makes his passing — especially in the current age of pre-packaged, vacuum-sealed mass entertainment — all the more devastating. We didn’t just lose one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation; we lost an outspoken advocate for the kind of movies they just don’t make anymore.
Thankfully, Friedkin left behind a bounty of modern classics – movies that become richer, more rewarding, and, yes, more provocative, the more times you watch them. Here are seven of his most essential,...
His technical prowess, mastery of tone and commitment to storytelling were unparalleled. And so was his willingness to push the boundaries of what was acceptable. It wasn’t that he was merely challenging good taste; it was that he wanted to go beyond what had come before. And sometimes that made people very uncomfortable. Friedkin’s career is largely defined by this kind of artful provocation, and it makes his passing — especially in the current age of pre-packaged, vacuum-sealed mass entertainment — all the more devastating. We didn’t just lose one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation; we lost an outspoken advocate for the kind of movies they just don’t make anymore.
Thankfully, Friedkin left behind a bounty of modern classics – movies that become richer, more rewarding, and, yes, more provocative, the more times you watch them. Here are seven of his most essential,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Composer Mark Snow started his professional music writing career in 1976 with the release of the notorious TV movie "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," starring a young John Travolta. Paul Williams wrote the theme song for the movie, but it was Snow who composed the incidental music. He was about 29 years old.
Since then, Snow has been a regular presence in the TV world, having written for shows like "Starsky & Hutch," "The Next Step Beyond," "Vega$," "The Love Boat," "Dynasty," "T.J. Hooker," "Pee-wee's Playhouse," and "Dark Justice." Snow's popularity exploded in the popular consciousness in 1993, however, with the debut of Chris Carter's paranormal investigation show "The X-Files."
"The X-Files" was about a pair of FBI agents who operated out of a basement and were given the weird, ghostly, monster-y, alien-related cases no one wanted. Mulder (David Duchovny) was a believer, Scully (Gillian Anderson) was a skeptic. Snow, who...
Since then, Snow has been a regular presence in the TV world, having written for shows like "Starsky & Hutch," "The Next Step Beyond," "Vega$," "The Love Boat," "Dynasty," "T.J. Hooker," "Pee-wee's Playhouse," and "Dark Justice." Snow's popularity exploded in the popular consciousness in 1993, however, with the debut of Chris Carter's paranormal investigation show "The X-Files."
"The X-Files" was about a pair of FBI agents who operated out of a basement and were given the weird, ghostly, monster-y, alien-related cases no one wanted. Mulder (David Duchovny) was a believer, Scully (Gillian Anderson) was a skeptic. Snow, who...
- 7/29/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Directors interested in important, ambitious subject matter didn’t all go extinct with the rise of the Star Wars Generation. Roland Joffé’s first four features are powerful pictures that tell truths that we ought not to forget, with a couple of Award-winning gems right up front. The star power is here as well — Robert De Niro, Paul Newman, Patrick Swayze. The deluxe collector’s box caps a presentation with new extras for each title: The Killing Fields, The Mission, Fat Man and Little Boy and City of Joy.
Directed by Roland Joffé
Region-Free Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator 194, 185, 186, 187
1984 – 1992 / Color / Street Date December 7, 2022 / 525 minutes cumulative / Available from / au 179.95
Starring: Sam Waterston, Dr. Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich; Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons; Paul Newman, Dwight Schultz, Bonnie Bedelia, John Cusack; Patrick Swayze, Om Puri, Pauline Collins.
Cinematography: Chris Menges (2); Vilmos Zsigmond, Peter Biziou
Original Music: Mike Oldfield, Ennio Morricone (3)
Written by Bruce Robinson; Robert Bolt; Bruce Robinson,...
Directed by Roland Joffé
Region-Free Blu-ray
Powerhouse Indicator 194, 185, 186, 187
1984 – 1992 / Color / Street Date December 7, 2022 / 525 minutes cumulative / Available from / au 179.95
Starring: Sam Waterston, Dr. Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich; Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons; Paul Newman, Dwight Schultz, Bonnie Bedelia, John Cusack; Patrick Swayze, Om Puri, Pauline Collins.
Cinematography: Chris Menges (2); Vilmos Zsigmond, Peter Biziou
Original Music: Mike Oldfield, Ennio Morricone (3)
Written by Bruce Robinson; Robert Bolt; Bruce Robinson,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Click here to read the full article.
Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield’s seminal debut album that became a global smash hit in 1973 when its opening theme was used in the soundtrack to The Exorcist (providing a very early boost to Richard Branson’s then infant Virgin Group along the way), turns 50 years old next year.
To mark the occasion, Cleopatra Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the Bill Nighy-narrated concert and documentary film The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour.
Filmed over three nights at London’s world-famous Royal Festival Hall, the feature incorporates the original music with dance and acrobatic feats by the Circa Contemporary Circus, as well as performances of “Moonlight Shadow,” Oldfield’s biggest single hit, along with “Summit Day,” from his Guitars album, and “The Gem,” a new work by musical director Robin Smith.
Also featured is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, narrated by Nighy, most...
Tubular Bells, Mike Oldfield’s seminal debut album that became a global smash hit in 1973 when its opening theme was used in the soundtrack to The Exorcist (providing a very early boost to Richard Branson’s then infant Virgin Group along the way), turns 50 years old next year.
To mark the occasion, Cleopatra Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the Bill Nighy-narrated concert and documentary film The Tubular Bells 50th Anniversary Tour.
Filmed over three nights at London’s world-famous Royal Festival Hall, the feature incorporates the original music with dance and acrobatic feats by the Circa Contemporary Circus, as well as performances of “Moonlight Shadow,” Oldfield’s biggest single hit, along with “Summit Day,” from his Guitars album, and “The Gem,” a new work by musical director Robin Smith.
Also featured is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes documentary, narrated by Nighy, most...
- 10/4/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“If you want to be in the gig, choose one: First, you get beaten up by me or you destroy the bass…” threatens Marutake High’s Oba, the mohawked antagonist who has been gunning for a fight with Kenji, Ota, and Asakura since the very beginning. With one swift unforeseeable action, this deadpan slice of animated mumblecore tears up its already useless rulebook, pours gasoline over it, then sets it on fire. But these flames aren’t what you’d come to expect from a typical fire: this is something altogether more vibrant, more primal; something so freeing it makes the avant-garde look as predictable as the next hit Avex single. Based on Hiroyuki Ohashi’s manga of the same name, “On-Gaku: Our Sound” taps into the unpredictability of Japan’s psych rock heritage, runs freakish with it, and has far too much fun doing so.
“On-Gaku: Our Sound“ is...
“On-Gaku: Our Sound“ is...
- 2/7/2022
- by James Cansdale-Cook
- AsianMoviePulse
In his latest podcast/interview, host and screenwriter Stuart Wright talks to film composer Sacha Puttnam about his new music project which is out now: Spirit of Cinema: Sacha Puttnam with the Classic Film Orchestra.
Tracklisting: Love’s Theme
Original score by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express, 1978. Best Original score at the Oscars, 1979 First of May
Music by The Bee Gees for the film Melody, 1971 Chariots of Fire
Original score by Vangelis for the film Chariots of Fire, 1981. Best original score at The Oscars, 1982 Sailing Homeward
Music by Donovan for the film The Pied Piper, 1972 Gabriel’s Theme
Original score by Ennio Morricone for The Mission, 1986. Best Original Score at The Golden Globes and Best Music at The Baftas, 1986 Theme From Midnight Express (Istanbul)
Original score by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express, 1978. Best Original score at the Oscars, 1979 War of the Buttons Suite
Original score By Rachel Portman, from the film War of the Buttons,...
Tracklisting: Love’s Theme
Original score by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express, 1978. Best Original score at the Oscars, 1979 First of May
Music by The Bee Gees for the film Melody, 1971 Chariots of Fire
Original score by Vangelis for the film Chariots of Fire, 1981. Best original score at The Oscars, 1982 Sailing Homeward
Music by Donovan for the film The Pied Piper, 1972 Gabriel’s Theme
Original score by Ennio Morricone for The Mission, 1986. Best Original Score at The Golden Globes and Best Music at The Baftas, 1986 Theme From Midnight Express (Istanbul)
Original score by Giorgio Moroder for Midnight Express, 1978. Best Original score at the Oscars, 1979 War of the Buttons Suite
Original score By Rachel Portman, from the film War of the Buttons,...
- 11/24/2020
- by Stuart Wright
- Nerdly
In our 100th episode, Edgar Wright takes us on a musical journey through some of his favorite cinematic needle drops.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970)
Baby Driver (2017)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Vanishing Point (1971)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Deja Vu (2006)
Man On Fire (2004)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Alien (1979)
The Mexican (2001)
Gremlins (1984)
American Graffiti (1973)
Star Wars (1977)
Jaws (1975)
The Exorcist (1973)
Halloween (1978)
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Deep Red (1976)
Suspiria (1977)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Evil Dead (1983)
Face/Off (1997)
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Mandy (2018)
The Hallow (2015)
The Nun (2018)
Mulholland Drive (2001)
Christine (1983)
Blue Collar (1978)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Mauvais Sang (1986)
Frances Ha (2012)
The Lovers On The Bridge (1991)
Holy Motors (2012)
Annette (Tbd)
Goodfellas (1990)
Mean Streets (1973)
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Raging Bull (1980)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max (1979)
Babe (1995)
Happy Feet (2006)
Dr. Strangelove...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (1970)
Baby Driver (2017)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Vanishing Point (1971)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Deja Vu (2006)
Man On Fire (2004)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
Alien (1979)
The Mexican (2001)
Gremlins (1984)
American Graffiti (1973)
Star Wars (1977)
Jaws (1975)
The Exorcist (1973)
Halloween (1978)
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Deep Red (1976)
Suspiria (1977)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975)
An American Werewolf In London (1981)
The Long Goodbye (1973)
The Evil Dead (1983)
Face/Off (1997)
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
Mandy (2018)
The Hallow (2015)
The Nun (2018)
Mulholland Drive (2001)
Christine (1983)
Blue Collar (1978)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Mauvais Sang (1986)
Frances Ha (2012)
The Lovers On The Bridge (1991)
Holy Motors (2012)
Annette (Tbd)
Goodfellas (1990)
Mean Streets (1973)
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Raging Bull (1980)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Mad Max (1979)
Babe (1995)
Happy Feet (2006)
Dr. Strangelove...
- 6/30/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Name me some electronic musicians, composers. If, like me, you came up with Kraftwerk or Jean-Michel Jarre, you, too, may hang your head in shame. Yes, even if you then added as afterthought, Mike Oldfield or Laurie Anderson. Because noticing the one in four performers who happens to have made it in this field and is a woman is really not good enough. Especially when, it turns out, there are good reasons why electronic music is often the safest space in which women may express themselves.
Except I did not know that until I watched Sisters With Transistors. This is a documentary, directed by Lisa Rovner, that takes us on a journey through the world of electronic music and the women pioneers in this field.
So “just” a film about women making music? No. Don’t get me wrong, the structure of the film, pulling together old newsreel and extracts from popular TV.
Except I did not know that until I watched Sisters With Transistors. This is a documentary, directed by Lisa Rovner, that takes us on a journey through the world of electronic music and the women pioneers in this field.
So “just” a film about women making music? No. Don’t get me wrong, the structure of the film, pulling together old newsreel and extracts from popular TV.
- 6/16/2020
- by Jane Fae
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
“If you want to be in the gig, choose one: First, you get beaten up by me or you destroy the bass…” threatens Marutake High’s Oba, the mohawked antagonist who has been gunning for a fight with Kenji, Ota, and Asakura since the very beginning. With one swift unforeseeable action, this deadpan slice of animated mumblecore tears up its already useless rulebook, pours gasoline over it, then sets it on fire. But these flames aren’t what you’d come to expect from a typical fire: this is something altogether more vibrant, more primal; something so freeing it makes the avant-garde look as predictable as the next hit Avex single. Based on Hiroyuki Ohashi’s manga of the same name, “On-Gaku: Our Sound” taps into the unpredictability of Japan’s psych rock heritage, runs freakish with it, and has far too much fun doing so.
On-Gaku: Our Sound is...
On-Gaku: Our Sound is...
- 3/15/2020
- by James Cansdale-Cook
- AsianMoviePulse
Following 2015’s stellar Carrie & Lowell (and the even better live album version), Sufjan Stevens kept busy providing tracks for Call Me By Your Name, releasing side projects, a few great singles, and more, but those enduring the wait for his next album can now rest easy. It’s been announced and, as expected, it’s totally unexpected.
Titled Aporia, the 21-track “mostly instrumental” album is a collaboration with his stepfather Lowell Bram, with whom he co-founded the label Asthmatic Kitty. Described as a “new age” album—and here’s where the film angle comes in—it was partially inspired by the scores for Blade Runner, Under the Skin, Hereditary, and The Last Temptation of Christ.
“In the spirit of the New Age composers who sanded off the edges of their synths’ sawtooth waves, Aporia approximates a rich soundtrack from an imagined sci-fi epic brimming with moody, hooky, gauzy synthesizer soundscapes,...
Titled Aporia, the 21-track “mostly instrumental” album is a collaboration with his stepfather Lowell Bram, with whom he co-founded the label Asthmatic Kitty. Described as a “new age” album—and here’s where the film angle comes in—it was partially inspired by the scores for Blade Runner, Under the Skin, Hereditary, and The Last Temptation of Christ.
“In the spirit of the New Age composers who sanded off the edges of their synths’ sawtooth waves, Aporia approximates a rich soundtrack from an imagined sci-fi epic brimming with moody, hooky, gauzy synthesizer soundscapes,...
- 2/5/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Co-founder of Virgin Records who went on to head the film company Palace Pictures, which had hits with Mona Lisa and The Crying Game
Nik Powell, who has died aged 69 from cancer, made an incalculable impact across two separate art forms. In the 1970s he was the co-founder, along with Richard Branson, his friend and childhood neighbour, of Virgin Records, which grew into the world’s largest independent record label after one of its four debut releases in May 1973 – Mike Oldfield’s atmospheric instrumental album Tubular Bells – became a cultural phenomenon.
Four years later the company enjoyed a succès de scandale when it released Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols after that seminal punk outfit had been dropped by two other labels, Emi and A&m. Then, after leaving Virgin in the early 80s, Powell established, with the former cinema usher Stephen Woolley, a daredevil film company...
Nik Powell, who has died aged 69 from cancer, made an incalculable impact across two separate art forms. In the 1970s he was the co-founder, along with Richard Branson, his friend and childhood neighbour, of Virgin Records, which grew into the world’s largest independent record label after one of its four debut releases in May 1973 – Mike Oldfield’s atmospheric instrumental album Tubular Bells – became a cultural phenomenon.
Four years later the company enjoyed a succès de scandale when it released Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols after that seminal punk outfit had been dropped by two other labels, Emi and A&m. Then, after leaving Virgin in the early 80s, Powell established, with the former cinema usher Stephen Woolley, a daredevil film company...
- 11/11/2019
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
When the shortlist for the Oscars’ Best Original Song category was released in December, everything was in its right place, as far as Radiohead fans were concerned. Thom Yorke’s “Suspirium,” the opening and closing theme song for the much-debated horror remake “Suspiria,” made the Academy music branch’s cut for the top 15, rather than getting the hook.
That honor wasn’t a given: Yorke hadn’t done music for a feature film before; there were some previous Oscar winners who got edged out in the category; and the film itself, a new take by director Luca Guadagnino on Dario Argento’s bloody classic, proved polarizing, to say the least. (There’ll be further opportunities to debate it when the movie comes to home video Jan. 29.)
Although it’s nearly conventional by recent Radiohead or Yorke standards, “Suspirium” is definitely the most avant-garde song in the category. Can it make the Academy’s final five,...
That honor wasn’t a given: Yorke hadn’t done music for a feature film before; there were some previous Oscar winners who got edged out in the category; and the film itself, a new take by director Luca Guadagnino on Dario Argento’s bloody classic, proved polarizing, to say the least. (There’ll be further opportunities to debate it when the movie comes to home video Jan. 29.)
Although it’s nearly conventional by recent Radiohead or Yorke standards, “Suspirium” is definitely the most avant-garde song in the category. Can it make the Academy’s final five,...
- 1/9/2019
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
John Carpenter can hardly be bothered with an interview today. The Brett Kavanaugh hearing is on TV, and his dog is barking at whoever’s ringing the doorbell. “I may get distracted,” he warns. “But I’ll come back.” His demeanor is somehow both friendly and curt, regardless of whether the questions are about his filmmaking or composing career. He’s someone who won’t suffer fools gladly, but when the topic of the new Halloween movie comes up, he perks up.
After decades of disavowing sequels to the slasher...
After decades of disavowing sequels to the slasher...
- 10/17/2018
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Daniel Davies is the son of Kinks shredder and distorted-guitar pioneer Dave Davies, but he has chosen a markedly different musical path than his father in recent years. After stints singing and playing guitar with the rock groups Karma to Burn and Cky, he turned his attention to electronic music. Since 2014, he has been working with filmmaker and composer John Carpenter – he of Halloween, The Thing and Escape From New York fame – on icy synth tableaus, horror soundtracks without movies on two volumes of albums Carpenter has dubbed Lost Themes.
- 9/7/2018
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
As creepy as the visuals are in William Friedkin's The Exorcist, it's the sounds that are perhaps the most haunting, and Waxwork Records is paying tribute to the music of Mike Oldfield and Jack Nitzsche with their deluxe vinyl score that includes remastered tracks from the original master tapes (including the iconic "Tubular Bells") and new artwork by Phantom City Creative artist Justin Erickson:
From Waxwork Records: "Waxwork Records is honored to present the deluxe soundtrack vinyl re-issue of The Exorcist. Directed by the legendary and prolific William Friedkin (The French Connection, Sorcerer, Cruising, To Live and Die in La) and starring Linda Blair, The Exorcist remains one of the most important, and scariest films in cinematic history.
Waxwork Records collaborated with director William Friedkin to present an essential soundtrack experience of the various musical compositions from The Exorcist. The new, deluxe soundtrack LP features the complete soundtrack to the 1973 classic film,...
From Waxwork Records: "Waxwork Records is honored to present the deluxe soundtrack vinyl re-issue of The Exorcist. Directed by the legendary and prolific William Friedkin (The French Connection, Sorcerer, Cruising, To Live and Die in La) and starring Linda Blair, The Exorcist remains one of the most important, and scariest films in cinematic history.
Waxwork Records collaborated with director William Friedkin to present an essential soundtrack experience of the various musical compositions from The Exorcist. The new, deluxe soundtrack LP features the complete soundtrack to the 1973 classic film,...
- 11/8/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
If your skin crawls and your mind turns to thoughts of demonic possession when you hear Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells, then you’ve likely never forgotten the soundtrack to The Exorcist after your first essential viewing of William Friedkin’s 1973 film, and that darkly magical music is coming out on a new vinyl release from Waxwork Records that they teased today.
Announced on Waxwork Records’ official Facebook page, The Exorcist Deluxe Original Motion Picture Soundtrack does not yet have a release date, but the release is teased with the unveiling of Phantom City Creative’s Justin Erickson’s Pazuzu artwork, which you can view below.
Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates on this anticipated release, and check out the official announcement:
From Waxwork Records: “Coming soon. The Exorcist Deluxe Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Enjoy a sneak peek of the album artwork by @justinericksonart.”
The post Waxwork Records...
Announced on Waxwork Records’ official Facebook page, The Exorcist Deluxe Original Motion Picture Soundtrack does not yet have a release date, but the release is teased with the unveiling of Phantom City Creative’s Justin Erickson’s Pazuzu artwork, which you can view below.
Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates on this anticipated release, and check out the official announcement:
From Waxwork Records: “Coming soon. The Exorcist Deluxe Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Enjoy a sneak peek of the album artwork by @justinericksonart.”
The post Waxwork Records...
- 1/31/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
There’s a moment in the pilot for The Exorcist that is so spine-tingling and cool that it actually gave me goosebumps. Unfortunately, the reason the moment is so creeptastically effective has nothing to do with this show — it’s at the end of the hour when “Tubular Bells” from the 1973 movie gets cued up.
RelatedFall TV 2016: Your Handy Calendar of 120+ Season and Series Premiere Dates
I don’t mean that as a dis, either — not exactly. Fox’s take on the horror classic (premiering Friday, Sept. 23, at 9/8c) is a quality production from top to bottom. The cast,...
RelatedFall TV 2016: Your Handy Calendar of 120+ Season and Series Premiere Dates
I don’t mean that as a dis, either — not exactly. Fox’s take on the horror classic (premiering Friday, Sept. 23, at 9/8c) is a quality production from top to bottom. The cast,...
- 9/12/2016
- TVLine.com
That creepy theme music from “The Exorcist” is memorable, but it might also be a seldom-heard presence in Fox’s new reboot of the horror classic starring Geena Davis. Filmgoers will recognize the minimalist piano music from “Tubular Bells,” the 1973 album from English musician Mike Oldfield. Director William Friedkin used a brief excerpt that became forever linked to the cult horror movie about the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl. But it turns out that Fox doesn’t have an unlimited budget for musical homage. Also Read: What's at Stake for Networks Gearing Up for the New Fall TV Season?...
- 8/8/2016
- by Scott Collins
- The Wrap
William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist” is still a profoundly terrifying experience forty-three years after its release. It sounds impossible, but it turns out that a minimalistic, chilling unused score written for the film might have made the bloody-cross-masturbating, green-pea-soup-projectile-vomiting experience even scarier than it already was. A piece on Dangerous Minds indicates that before Friedkin settled on primarily using Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” in the film, he tapped a composer whose previous work was not particularly known for sending chills down audience’s collective spines. That composer was Lalo Schifrin, who had previously written scores for “Dirty Harry” and “Cool Hand Luke,” as well as the brain worm theme tune to “Mission: Impossible.” Unfortunately, Friedkin decided not to use Schifrin’s score. Read More: Watch: Incredible Vintage Footage Of Audience Reactions To 'The Exorcist' In 1973 So what happened? An educated guess would be that...
- 2/1/2016
- by Oktay Ege Kozak
- The Playlist
As you know, music plays a huge part in the filmmaking process and plays with our emotions while we are watching the movie. Music heightens our senses and adds to the quality of film. When it comes to horror movies, the music is supposed to scare us, make us feel uneasy, and gives us moments of panic and fear. Director Martin Scorsese said the following about music and film:
“Music and cinema fit together naturally. Because there’s a kind of intrinsic musicality to the way moving images work when they’re put together. It’s been said that cinema and music are very close as art forms, and I think that’s true.”
Just the other day the main theme song from Halloween started playing on the radio, and it freaked my kids out to the point that they were in tears. It was sad but kind of funny at the same time.
“Music and cinema fit together naturally. Because there’s a kind of intrinsic musicality to the way moving images work when they’re put together. It’s been said that cinema and music are very close as art forms, and I think that’s true.”
Just the other day the main theme song from Halloween started playing on the radio, and it freaked my kids out to the point that they were in tears. It was sad but kind of funny at the same time.
- 10/30/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
By Jennica Lynn Johnson
Does possession happen to people in real life? Is the Devil real? Tears streaming down my face, those were the kinds of questions weighing heavily on my mind after my first viewing of The Exorcist (1973). The fear of becoming Satan’s next vessel was instilled in me at nine years old.
Since its 1973 release, The Exorcist inspired the production of many copycat films with Beyond the Door (1974) aka Che Sei? being the “most commercially successful,” according to Nikolas Schreck, author of The Satanic Screen: An Illustrated Guide to the Devil in Cinema. In fact, Beyond the Door star Juliet Mills confessed that the film was believed to resemble The Exorcist so closely that Warner Bros. had to be paid approximately $90 million. Although still loaded with as much shock value as The Exorcist, Beyond the Door reveals a sneakier, more seductive side to satanic culture and there...
Does possession happen to people in real life? Is the Devil real? Tears streaming down my face, those were the kinds of questions weighing heavily on my mind after my first viewing of The Exorcist (1973). The fear of becoming Satan’s next vessel was instilled in me at nine years old.
Since its 1973 release, The Exorcist inspired the production of many copycat films with Beyond the Door (1974) aka Che Sei? being the “most commercially successful,” according to Nikolas Schreck, author of The Satanic Screen: An Illustrated Guide to the Devil in Cinema. In fact, Beyond the Door star Juliet Mills confessed that the film was believed to resemble The Exorcist so closely that Warner Bros. had to be paid approximately $90 million. Although still loaded with as much shock value as The Exorcist, Beyond the Door reveals a sneakier, more seductive side to satanic culture and there...
- 9/3/2014
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Hideo Kojima's recent Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain trailer has been praised by Hollywood actors and directors.
X-Men and Spider-Man producer Avi Arad, Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro and Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus are just a few people to react positively to Kojima's E3 trailer.
In a post on the game's official website, Avi Arad writes: "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a stunning presentation.
"The trailer is full of symbolism and philosophy that we come to expect from Mr. Kojima.
"Although cleverly disguising the story and therefore making the trailer enticing, Mr. Kojima makes sure to include enough visuals to make us comfortable that we are in for a new Metal Gear experience."
Arad praises Kiefer Sutherland as Snake, as well as the use of 'Nuclear' by Mike Oldfield for the trailer's soundtrack.
Describing the trailer as amazing, del Toro writes: "Kojima-San...
X-Men and Spider-Man producer Avi Arad, Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro and Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus are just a few people to react positively to Kojima's E3 trailer.
In a post on the game's official website, Avi Arad writes: "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a stunning presentation.
"The trailer is full of symbolism and philosophy that we come to expect from Mr. Kojima.
"Although cleverly disguising the story and therefore making the trailer enticing, Mr. Kojima makes sure to include enough visuals to make us comfortable that we are in for a new Metal Gear experience."
Arad praises Kiefer Sutherland as Snake, as well as the use of 'Nuclear' by Mike Oldfield for the trailer's soundtrack.
Describing the trailer as amazing, del Toro writes: "Kojima-San...
- 6/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Artist: Andrea Remondini Album: Non Sequitur Production: Andrea Remondini People can often be inspired to pursue life goals after being influenced by renowned pioneers, but once they begin on their own journey, their unique decisions and personalities can often lead them to take progressive strides in their careers and passions. Such is the case with the classically influenced Italian artist, Andrea Remondini, whose newly-released full-length debut album, ‘Non Sequitur,’ is now available. The instrumental synth-pop artist, who hails from Verona, drew from the early works of such musicians and composers as Mike Oldfield and Jean-Michel Jarre to creative abstract, yet equally powerful, sounds on his first record. The artist, who [ Read More ]
The post Andrea Remondini Non Sequitur Album Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Andrea Remondini Non Sequitur Album Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 6/22/2014
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
CBC Radio 2, hosted by Tom Allen, has put together a fantastic look at how the medievel chant, "Dies Irae" (meaning the song of death) has wormed its way from 600 Ad into the films of today including John Williams' score for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Dimitri Tiomkin's score for Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, Howard Shore's score for The Lord of the Rings and even inspired Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells", which are heard at the beginning of William Friedkin's The Exorcist. The following video takes you through the history of the chant from its beginnings to Hector Berlioz's 1820 "Symphonie Fantastique" and Sergei Rachmaninoff's 1940 "Symphonic Dances". Even Hans Zimmer's score for Disney's The Lion King makes an appearance. Check out the video below. yt id="dLgvKwOYniY" width="500" One of the world's oldest songs isn't about love, sex or even power.
- 5/7/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier has had a second stellar weekend at the box office.
That makes it two worldwide weekends in a row at over $100 million and nearly half a billion to date as it continues to draw audiences internationally and in North America. With the success of directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s sequel , Marvel/Disney have officially announced Captain America 3 will open on May 6, 2016.
About two years have passed since the alien invasion of New York was repulsed by Nick Fury’s special team – The Avengers. The world is now well aware that extra-terrestrials, godlike beings and monsters may be lurking in the cosmos and that Super Heroes walk among us. The demand for protection of the world’s citizenry has reached a zenith. In response to the world’s justifiable fears, S.H.I.E.L.D. has expanded its presence to enhance the security of Earth.
That makes it two worldwide weekends in a row at over $100 million and nearly half a billion to date as it continues to draw audiences internationally and in North America. With the success of directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s sequel , Marvel/Disney have officially announced Captain America 3 will open on May 6, 2016.
About two years have passed since the alien invasion of New York was repulsed by Nick Fury’s special team – The Avengers. The world is now well aware that extra-terrestrials, godlike beings and monsters may be lurking in the cosmos and that Super Heroes walk among us. The demand for protection of the world’s citizenry has reached a zenith. In response to the world’s justifiable fears, S.H.I.E.L.D. has expanded its presence to enhance the security of Earth.
- 4/14/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"The Exorcist," released 40 years ago this week (on December 26, 1973), is widely regarded as the scariest movie ever made, but after four decades, two sequels, two prequels, and countless spoofs, is there anything about the tale of demon-possessed Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) and the priests who try to save her (Max von Sydow and Jason Miller) left to jolt and shock us?
Maybe there is. "Exorcist" director William Friedkin's 2013 memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," has three chapters full of dish on the making of the film, including which characters were based on famous people, how some of the famous special effects were accomplished, how he came to slap a Jesuit priest, and whether or not the production was cursed. Here are 25 things you may not know about "The Exorcist," many of them from Friedkin's recent book.
1. The real case that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel and screenplay was the 1949 exorcism of a 14-year-old boy,...
Maybe there is. "Exorcist" director William Friedkin's 2013 memoir, "The Friedkin Connection," has three chapters full of dish on the making of the film, including which characters were based on famous people, how some of the famous special effects were accomplished, how he came to slap a Jesuit priest, and whether or not the production was cursed. Here are 25 things you may not know about "The Exorcist," many of them from Friedkin's recent book.
1. The real case that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel and screenplay was the 1949 exorcism of a 14-year-old boy,...
- 12/26/2013
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
When you think of the zombie apocalypse, the fist-pumping, arena rock stylings of Muse might not be the most immediate musical match you make in your mind, but somehow those two things come together in video "Isolated System," cut to lots of new footage from "World War Z." The track, from the band's album The 2nd Law, builds around a piano hook not unlike Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" (aka that scary music from "The Exorcist"), but swells into something with a grandeur all its own, and by the end of the video you understand why the track and movie were matched. Among the footage, there doesn't seem to be anything particularly spoilery, just lots of zombie mayhem and destruction and Brad Pitt looking Very Concerned. And while the band weren't able to score the entire film (they were asked, but scheduling kept them out of the game) they have...
- 6/4/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Nothing puts you in the mood for your favorite movie or television show better than a great theme song. And nobody, and we mean nobody, does theme songs like the horror genre does. We've got 11 of the best here to prove that point.
"The Sopranos" had a great intro with "Woke Up This Morning" by Alabama 3, and there have been some pretty great cartoon theme songs like "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons". Hell, even the old "Batman" theme song was a damn catchy tune, but honestly, horror dominates memorable theme songs. Just take a look at the list below, and we didn't even include some great ones like "Pet Sematary" by The Ramones, Dokken's "Dream Warriors" (written for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) or "He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" by Alice Cooper, written for Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives. (Consider those the honorable mentions!
"The Sopranos" had a great intro with "Woke Up This Morning" by Alabama 3, and there have been some pretty great cartoon theme songs like "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons". Hell, even the old "Batman" theme song was a damn catchy tune, but honestly, horror dominates memorable theme songs. Just take a look at the list below, and we didn't even include some great ones like "Pet Sematary" by The Ramones, Dokken's "Dream Warriors" (written for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) or "He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" by Alice Cooper, written for Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives. (Consider those the honorable mentions!
- 4/9/2013
- by Scott Hallam
- DreadCentral.com
Imagine a dark, empty house. Well, almost empty save for the lonely teenage babysitter waiting quietly inside for the parental units to return. She hears a noise and decides for the sake of the children asleep upstairs that she better investigate. As she slowly tiptoes down the hallway, tracing the wood floor beams with her bare feet, an unsettling silence overcomes the house. Suddenly, a dark figure emerges from around the corner and lunges at her.
Now, as you read that, did you insert a scare chord when the figure came forth? Was there a banging of piano keys, a wailing of piercing horns or some shrieking violins perhaps? Maybe you went ’70s style and it was some obscure synth sound used to empower the jolting image. Take a moment now to imagine the same scene without the scare chord. Are you doing it? Well, once you’re done being not scared,...
Now, as you read that, did you insert a scare chord when the figure came forth? Was there a banging of piano keys, a wailing of piercing horns or some shrieking violins perhaps? Maybe you went ’70s style and it was some obscure synth sound used to empower the jolting image. Take a moment now to imagine the same scene without the scare chord. Are you doing it? Well, once you’re done being not scared,...
- 2/11/2013
- by Craig Stewart
- Obsessed with Film
Did you know how many horror movies that have completely forgettable music will still end up with a soundtrack available for purchase? I can't tell you the amount of times I've gotten to the end of the credits of a terrible movie and saw "Soundtrack available on ________ records."
I can't help but be baffled that someone would want all those songs in one place. Other times, the soundtrack available for a horror movie is a compilation of songs either written for or inspired by the movie written by artists that reflect the tone of the movie. Other times, however, the music that accompanies a horror film so perfectly matches the tone of the movie you can't imagine any other music being sufficient, and even listening to that music on its own is enough to give you the creeps. The following soundtracks are the ones that no matter where you are or what you're doing,...
I can't help but be baffled that someone would want all those songs in one place. Other times, the soundtrack available for a horror movie is a compilation of songs either written for or inspired by the movie written by artists that reflect the tone of the movie. Other times, however, the music that accompanies a horror film so perfectly matches the tone of the movie you can't imagine any other music being sufficient, and even listening to that music on its own is enough to give you the creeps. The following soundtracks are the ones that no matter where you are or what you're doing,...
- 9/17/2012
- by The Wolfman
- DreadCentral.com
Today’s question is the B side of yesterday’s “What pop songs always remind you of the films they were used in?” Which is: What piece of music do you wish had been used in a movie so you could see the visuals and story that go with it? This was inspired partly by the Olympics opening ceremony, which featured British musician Mike Oldfield and his piece “Tubular Bells” (which was, of course, featured in The Exorcist). Which reminded me that I hadn’t listened to his masterful Tubular Bells II in ages. And when I listened again, I was struck (again) by how cinematic the movements are, and how cool their movies would be. I’d especially love to see the sections “Sentinel,” “Clear Light,” “Sunjammer,” and “Altered State” in movie form. (In fact, “Altered State” kinda makes we wish that Where the Wild Things Are had felt like that.
- 8/8/2012
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
When John Peel decided to play a long instrumental album by an unknown musician on his radio show, he put the wheels in motion for a worldwide smash, and a whole business empire, reveals Sir Richard Branson.
Richard Branson remembers being blown away by his first listening of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells
According to Branson, Peel is the man to thank for everything.
The still much-missed music aficionado and longtime broadcaster decided to play Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells in its entirety on his radio show after Branson played it to him over dinner...
“He said it was one of the most important albums he’d ever heard.”
Speaking to digital arts service The Space, Branson recalls the first time he heard the demo tapes of Tubular Bells, “I’d never heard anything quite so special.”
But the rest of the music industry didn’t concur and the young...
Richard Branson remembers being blown away by his first listening of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells
According to Branson, Peel is the man to thank for everything.
The still much-missed music aficionado and longtime broadcaster decided to play Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells in its entirety on his radio show after Branson played it to him over dinner...
“He said it was one of the most important albums he’d ever heard.”
Speaking to digital arts service The Space, Branson recalls the first time he heard the demo tapes of Tubular Bells, “I’d never heard anything quite so special.”
But the rest of the music industry didn’t concur and the young...
- 8/7/2012
- by The Huffington Post UK
- Huffington Post
Conor Maynard has landed his first number one album with Contrast. The 19-year-old entered at the top with his debut release, knocking Plan B's iLL Manors down to number two. Emeli Sandé climbs up five places to three with Our Version of Events, while Maroon 5 fall one to four with Overexposed. Delilah scores a debut top five album with From the Roots Up at five. Olympics Opening Ceremony performer Mike Oldfield enters at six with his Two Sides compilation. Rihanna drops two to five with Talk That Talk, (more)...
- 8/5/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
A central part in the £27-million Olympic Opening Ceremony extravaganza, his tunes played to a billion people around the globe – so how did Mike Oldfield manage to keep the secret of his gig of a lifetime?
“I just didn’t tell anybody,” he shrugs.
Mike Oldfield was surprised to be given a central role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony by Danny Boyle
The composer - at the age of 19(!) - of one of his generation’s most iconic soundtracks, the 18-million selling Tubular Bells, was already sitting pretty. He’s talking to me now on Skype from his pad in Nassau in the Bahamas, and behind him, I can see the twinkling Caribbean with his own yacht surely just out of sight.
But even he admits he was chuffed to bits, and surprised, to get the call from Danny Boyle in August last year.
“Danny turned up – he just managed...
“I just didn’t tell anybody,” he shrugs.
Mike Oldfield was surprised to be given a central role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony by Danny Boyle
The composer - at the age of 19(!) - of one of his generation’s most iconic soundtracks, the 18-million selling Tubular Bells, was already sitting pretty. He’s talking to me now on Skype from his pad in Nassau in the Bahamas, and behind him, I can see the twinkling Caribbean with his own yacht surely just out of sight.
But even he admits he was chuffed to bits, and surprised, to get the call from Danny Boyle in August last year.
“Danny turned up – he just managed...
- 8/3/2012
- by Caroline Frost
- Huffington Post
Mike Oldfield has said that performing in the London Olympics Opening Ceremony was vindication of his place in music history. The musician performed his classic hits 'Tubular Bells' and 'In Dulci Jubilo' during the National Health Service (NHS) section of Danny Boyle's opening ceremony, which was viewed by an estimated one billion people. Speaking to The AP, Oldfield said that he felt a "glow of pride" to be representing Britain in the elaborate show. "[My music] suffered the inevitable backlash that everyone had to go through [over the years]. If you are up, there is the inevitable down," he admitted. "To finally be vindicated 40 years later, to be (more)...
- 8/1/2012
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
According to the London Evening Standard, artists who performed at the Olympic Opening Ceremony in London last Friday were paid the token amount of just £1 (approximately $1.57). That includes everyone from breakout Grime artist Dizzee Rascal to the Arctic Monkeys, Mike Oldfield, and of course Sir Paul McCartney. The fee is used to ensure contracts signed by the artists are binding and is not a measure of their performance. So what else could you get for £1 in the UK? Nothing says Great Britain like fish and chips, but how about the next best thing? A jar of Fish and Chips flavored...
- 7/30/2012
- by Will Morley
- EW.com - PopWatch
London -- Don't spend it all in one place, Paul.
London Olympic organizers say former Beatle Paul McCartney and other star performers who took part in Friday's opening ceremony essentially donated their time – receiving a mere pound ($1.57) – for their performances.
The nominal fee was offered to make the Olympics contracts binding – but pales in comparison to the millions big names like McCartney can command for a stadium gig.
Other performers such as Mike Oldfield, Dizzee Rascal and Emeli Sande are also thought to have received the nominal fee.
Director Danny Boyle's "Isles of Wonder" extravaganza featured British music that spanned generations, right up to live performances from two of the hottest homegrown acts of the moment: grime star Rascal and the band Arctic Monkeys.
London Olympic organizers say former Beatle Paul McCartney and other star performers who took part in Friday's opening ceremony essentially donated their time – receiving a mere pound ($1.57) – for their performances.
The nominal fee was offered to make the Olympics contracts binding – but pales in comparison to the millions big names like McCartney can command for a stadium gig.
Other performers such as Mike Oldfield, Dizzee Rascal and Emeli Sande are also thought to have received the nominal fee.
Director Danny Boyle's "Isles of Wonder" extravaganza featured British music that spanned generations, right up to live performances from two of the hottest homegrown acts of the moment: grime star Rascal and the band Arctic Monkeys.
- 7/30/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
The Musicians Union of the UK has repeatedly accused the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) of failing to compensate musicians performing at this year's Summer Olympics.
The complaints from musicians began to roll in in late June, which prompted the Musicians Union to release a statement to their members and on their website "demanding answers" to repeated examples of Locog staff asking musicians to play at various Olympic events for free.
"The Mu has been sending Locog example after example of exactly that – professional musicians being asked to play Olympic gigs for which there is no budget. We have the emails to prove it – and they are coming from Locog staff," reads the statement posted on June 29.
Musicians Union spokesperson Isabelle Gutierrez told Billboard.biz that Locog originally said the compensation-free requests were coming from a "junior staff member," but the union believes this isn't the case.
The complaints from musicians began to roll in in late June, which prompted the Musicians Union to release a statement to their members and on their website "demanding answers" to repeated examples of Locog staff asking musicians to play at various Olympic events for free.
"The Mu has been sending Locog example after example of exactly that – professional musicians being asked to play Olympic gigs for which there is no budget. We have the emails to prove it – and they are coming from Locog staff," reads the statement posted on June 29.
Musicians Union spokesperson Isabelle Gutierrez told Billboard.biz that Locog originally said the compensation-free requests were coming from a "junior staff member," but the union believes this isn't the case.
- 7/30/2012
- by Lucas Kavner
- Huffington Post
Emeli Sandé and Mike Oldfield were among the live musical performers at last night's London 2012 Olympics Olympic Opening Ceremony. Punk folk singer Frank Turner was the first musician to take part in Danny Boyle's dazzling production, warming up the crowd before the official ceremony began. After a complex opening sequence representing the industrial revolution, Mike Oldfield played a 20-minute set featuring tracks from his classic album Tubular Bells as part of a segment dedicated to the NHS. Dizzee Rascal then led a tribute to Britain's role in the digital age, which also paid homage to the UK's rich musical history spanning the last 40 years. Emeli Sandé took to the stage to sing an emotional version of 'Abide With Me' during a moment of reflection as the audience remembered loved ones lost, (more)...
- 7/28/2012
- by By Alison Rowley
- Digital Spy
The Queen made her acting debut as she became a Bond girl at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
Billions watched worldwide as James Bond, played by actor Daniel Craig, was summoned to Buckingham Palace to accept his latest mission to take the Queen to the Olympic stadium.
The short film, called Happy and Glorious, is embedded below.
We see the MI6 agent emerging from a black cab and being welcomed into the palace by the Queen's corgis who trot along beside him as he is shown into a drawing room to meet his new boss.
Bond, wearing black tie, stands quietly for a few moments as the Queen remains head down, writing at her desk.
After a little prompting cough from 007, the Queen turns around to acknowledge the world's most famous secret agent, saying: "Good evening, Mr Bond".
Then it appears that the Queen climbs into a waiting helicopter with...
Billions watched worldwide as James Bond, played by actor Daniel Craig, was summoned to Buckingham Palace to accept his latest mission to take the Queen to the Olympic stadium.
The short film, called Happy and Glorious, is embedded below.
We see the MI6 agent emerging from a black cab and being welcomed into the palace by the Queen's corgis who trot along beside him as he is shown into a drawing room to meet his new boss.
Bond, wearing black tie, stands quietly for a few moments as the Queen remains head down, writing at her desk.
After a little prompting cough from 007, the Queen turns around to acknowledge the world's most famous secret agent, saying: "Good evening, Mr Bond".
Then it appears that the Queen climbs into a waiting helicopter with...
- 7/28/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Danny Boyle's Olympic soundtrack was baffling at times, but was ultimately an inclusive and unpredictable triumph
Those logging on to iTunes on Friday afternoon to preorder the Olympics opening ceremony soundtrack album weren't offered much help: just eight tracks, no titles, no artists. In fact, the most germane piece of information appeared to be that listeners who'd bought it had also picked up the Cats and Billy Elliot soundtracks. Yikes. But we all had some idea, didn't we? We knew at least we'd get Sir Paul McCartney raising his thumbs aloft to some piece of late Beatles epicry, wouldn't we?
What no one quite expected, though, was that before the ceremony even began we would be treated to an act who would likely have been greeted with widespread "Huh?" by the watching millions. One wonders if Locog had screened the lyrics to folk-punk Frank Turner's song I Still...
Those logging on to iTunes on Friday afternoon to preorder the Olympics opening ceremony soundtrack album weren't offered much help: just eight tracks, no titles, no artists. In fact, the most germane piece of information appeared to be that listeners who'd bought it had also picked up the Cats and Billy Elliot soundtracks. Yikes. But we all had some idea, didn't we? We knew at least we'd get Sir Paul McCartney raising his thumbs aloft to some piece of late Beatles epicry, wouldn't we?
What no one quite expected, though, was that before the ceremony even began we would be treated to an act who would likely have been greeted with widespread "Huh?" by the watching millions. One wonders if Locog had screened the lyrics to folk-punk Frank Turner's song I Still...
- 7/27/2012
- by Michael Hann
- The Guardian - Film News
Inventive effort to tell a thousand small stories in event expected to be watched by 1 billion people worldwide
From a bucolic green and pleasant land via the belching chimney stacks of the Industrial Revolution to the internet age, Danny Boyle's attempt to define Britishness in the opening hour of his Olympic opening ceremony was a madcap, surreal, moving and often confounding affair.
An "industrial parade" of Jarrow marchers and colliery bands, hundreds of dancing nurses accompanied by Mike Oldfield, the Queen's encounter with James Bond as well as a nightmarish sequence of childhood terrors – they all featured.
When Dizzee Rascal, tiny among the armies of volunteer dancers around him, appeared to sing Bonkers at the climax of a third act that starts as a love story and becomes a riotous celebration of British music through the ages, it felt curiously appropriate.
It was typical that the arrival of the head of state,...
From a bucolic green and pleasant land via the belching chimney stacks of the Industrial Revolution to the internet age, Danny Boyle's attempt to define Britishness in the opening hour of his Olympic opening ceremony was a madcap, surreal, moving and often confounding affair.
An "industrial parade" of Jarrow marchers and colliery bands, hundreds of dancing nurses accompanied by Mike Oldfield, the Queen's encounter with James Bond as well as a nightmarish sequence of childhood terrors – they all featured.
When Dizzee Rascal, tiny among the armies of volunteer dancers around him, appeared to sing Bonkers at the climax of a third act that starts as a love story and becomes a riotous celebration of British music through the ages, it felt curiously appropriate.
It was typical that the arrival of the head of state,...
- 7/27/2012
- by Owen Gibson
- The Guardian - Film News
Danny Boyle's track selections for the Olympics opener ranged from the Sex Pistols to Elgar, and all points in between
A wide variety of different British musical styles provided the soundtrack to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
Here are some of the tracks on the playlist, both as part of the pre-show and main event:
• Abide With Me
• All Day and All of the Night – The Kinks
• A Message to You Rudy – The Specials
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
• Back to Life – Soul II Soul
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
• Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal
• Born Slippy – Underworld
• Chariots of Fire – Vangelis
• Dambusters March
• EastEnders theme tune
• Enola Gay – Omd
• Firestarter – The Prodigy
• God Save the Queen – Sex Pistols
• Going Underground – The Jam
• Hey Jude – The Beatles
• I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
• I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
• In Dulci Jubilo – Mike Oldfield
• James Bond theme...
A wide variety of different British musical styles provided the soundtrack to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.
Here are some of the tracks on the playlist, both as part of the pre-show and main event:
• Abide With Me
• All Day and All of the Night – The Kinks
• A Message to You Rudy – The Specials
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
• Back to Life – Soul II Soul
• Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
• Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal
• Born Slippy – Underworld
• Chariots of Fire – Vangelis
• Dambusters March
• EastEnders theme tune
• Enola Gay – Omd
• Firestarter – The Prodigy
• God Save the Queen – Sex Pistols
• Going Underground – The Jam
• Hey Jude – The Beatles
• I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
• I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
• In Dulci Jubilo – Mike Oldfield
• James Bond theme...
- 7/27/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
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