The first track I'll share with you is "A Thought for Marion/To Nepal." I love how expectant it is, beginning with some soft, sweet ponderings, then a little mystery creeping in. And from there, a jolt of excitement, that wonderfully playful Indy theme popping in for a moment. Then it finishes up with a little Oriental flourish to bring in the idea we're going somewhere Foreign and Exotic. So cool!
My next selection is "The Basket Game," which balances playful and fearful so niftily. We're worried cuz Marion gets chased and then abducted, but there's a lot of comedy going on during the chase scene too, so the whole song feels like juggling, doesn't it?
This might be my favorite moment in the whole movie -- when Indy's in the Map Room and the medallion on top of the staff actually shows him the location of the Ark. "The Map Room: Dawn" perfectly captures Indy's expressions there, going from hopeful to awestruck.
"Washington Ending & Raiders March" starts off all sentimental. Indiana Jones has lost his prize. But he's got Marion still, so that's something. The song doesn't waste too much time on his annoyance -- he gets one minute to grouse, and then here comes the most glorious theme song in action movie history (IMHO).
Really, the Raiders March feels to me like eating a giant Snickers bar while riding on a roller coaster with my best friend -- like being surrounded with joy, in other words. I'm sitting here with a big, goofy grin on my face, bobbing my head along with it as I type, and fully intending to hit "replay" as soon as it ends. How about you?
That's all I've got for you today, but if you want to listen to more, the entire album is available for your listening pleasure on YouTube here.
(This review originally appeared in a slightly different form here at J and J Productions on July 8, 2016.)
My favorite John Williams score. Not a single cue that isn't awesome.
ReplyDeleteDKoren, I can see why you would love it! And yes, it is total bliss. Nothing skippable at all.
DeleteThis is an amazing soundtrack, and thanks for including the YouTube link! I think I'll be humming bits of it all afternoon.
ReplyDeleteSilver, you're welcome! I really only review soundtracks I can provide at least a sample of, because reading someone's description of music just doesn't work very well without being able to hear it for yourself, you know? Glad you enjoyed!
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