JUNE 2006

I'll have a more thorough review as time permits.  But I wanted to address this score with some first impressions.  And, I must say, I'm enjoying it.

Like many of you, I was skeptical about the direction in which a new composer might go. But I've been a fan of Marco Beltrami ever since he redefined the post-modern horror score in Scream.

At first, I was jarred by his opening title motif which sounds too much like a direct quote from John Williams' famous Jaws theme. It was quite inexplicable until I read Marco's comments in the CD jacket about his inspiration.  Still, when I hear it (as it's weaved throughout several cues), I constantly think 'Jaws.' This might be his only folly since it could distract listeners from enjoying an otherwise rich and exciting score.

When I learned that Marco was not incorporating any of Jerry's cues into the score I was disappointed. This is a completely different circumstance from The Awakening where the sloppy cutting and pasting of Jerry's themes detracted from Jonathan Sheffer's equitable work.

But this time, it seemed a misstep to ignore the material that helped make The Omen a success.  It just seemed right this time.  After all, Marco is a former Goldsmith student.  Incorporating some of Jerry's themes into his own style while maintaining the integrity of both seemed as easy task for a talent like Beltrami. The news that he was writing an homage to Jerry for the end credits did little to alleviate my discontent.

But I really needn't have worried. I've listened to his score a lot this past week; in the car, while writing, at work, etc. I'm really enjoying it. And I'm happy to report it does, indeed, contain some sweet, subtle, quotes from Jerry Goldsmith! If you've seen the movie, the you already know this -- but now you can hear them sans the SFX.

'Damien's Tantrum' (8) is very Omen-esque, with a kind of staccato trumpet. 'More Tantrums' (9) is funky with two distinct bass vocals singing "Sanguis Bibimus, Corpus Edimus" -- these lyrics can also be heard in the 'Main title' (1) whilea chanting of "satani" can be heard in 'Boy Genius' (19).

The end of 'Adoption' (2) and 'New House' (4) is sweet and loving--just as bucolic as Jerry's original love theme.  On the other hand, 'Scooter' (11), 'Dogs In The Cemetery' (14), and 'Altar of Sacrifice' (17) are fierce and relentless.  

The most prominent quote can be heard in the delicate yet foreboding 'Kate Doubts' (10). A huge grin broke out on my face when I heard this in the theatre. Oh, and my favorite cue? Has to be 'Drive to Bugenhagen' (15) -- no quotes, all Marco. Just fantastic.

And, of course, 'Omen 76/06' (20) is a rich and glorious tribute to Jerry and a tip of the hat to Omen fans everywhere.

The following is the CD track list.  Each track links to an mp3 sample. All samples are 30 seconds.  However there are four full-length samples.  These tracks are designated with the website from which they came.  As always, to conserve bandwidth, please right-click and choose 'save as' to download to your computer.

01. The Omen Main Titles (2:58) (MARCOBELTRAMI.COM)
02. The Adoption (4:12)
03. Ambassador Gets Fired (1:33) (BUYSOUNDTRAX.COM)
04. New House / Damien’s Deliverance (2:20)
05. The Nanny’s Noose (2:05)
06. A Cross To Bear (2:49)
07. Ms. Baylock (1:50)
08. Damien’s Tantrum (1:52)
09. More Tantrums (2:12)
10. Kate Doubts (1:05)
11. Scooter (2:44)
12. Don’t Let Him Kill Me (1:29)
13. On The Heels Of Spiletto (6:58)
14. Dogs In The Cemetery (2:02)
15. Drive To Bugenhagen (1:31) (BUYSOUNDTRAX.COM)
16. Dirty Deeds (4:12)
17. Altar Of Sacrifice (4:10)
18. The Funeral (1:41)
19. Boy Genius (2:52)
20. Omen 76/06 (3:30) (MARCOBELTRAMI.COM)

BONUS: There is another full cue Marco makes available on his website that is NOT on the CD. Here is the full cue to Spear Factor (:49).