Customer Reviews

Monster Mania: Music From The Classic Godzilla Films (1954-1995)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

These selections from the Godzilla films are not the original recordings, but peppy reorchestrations conducted by Randy Miller. Not really my of tea, but those interested in unique variations on Ifukube's compositions might something to like.

I've always been a nut for Akira Ifukube's musical scores, and even some of Masaro Sato's. This album was a surprise to me--new orchestrations of some of the most memorable music from the Toho Godzilla films. The renditions are mostly very true to the originals, with just enough variation to make for something a little new and different. It's nice to hear the decent quality stereophonic recordings since the original Toho soundtracks were recorded in mono. One common misnomer in the credits: the march from MONSTER ZERO is called the DESTROY ALL MONSTERS march. Disappointingly, there are no photographs or other interesting graphics on the package; I assume the producers didn't want to pay the exorbitant licensing fees Toho charges to use Godzilla's image.

The music is technically Ifukube's, as well as other Godzilla composers like Masaru Sat' and Takayuki Hattori, but is composed by Randy Miller. He actually does pretty good, and does very epic sounding covers of themes from all over the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s Godzilla films. Definitely worth checking out

"Monster Mania: Music from the Classic Godzilla Films (1954-1995)" is an outstanding tribute to one of cinema's most enduring icons. The CD is basically an anthology of excerpts from the scores of the Godzilla movies, ranging from the 1954 debut of the character to 1995's "Godzilla vs. Destroyer." All the cues are new recordings, all conducted by Randy Miller.

Godzilla has been many things in his cinematic incarnations: a savage destroyer of cities, a courageous defender of the earth, even a playful "father figure" to a baby monster. The music on this CD captures the many moods of the giant reptile (and of the humans who accompany him onscreen). Some of my favorite selections include the memorable main theme to the first film, the thrilling march from "Destroy All Monsters," and the quirky, fun cues from "Son of Godzilla." Listen to the CD and relive five decades of epic monster battles.

While this Cd was very good at re-conducting some of the best songs from the Godzilla series, the only complaint I have is that on some of the slower love themes and requiems, you can actually hear the musician taking breaths in before playing another note. It really drives me insane every time. If you want actual scores from the actual movies, buy the "Best Of Godzilla" collection.

I really liked the CD. I like the way they treat Godzilla's Theme. I also like the tracks composed by Sato. I like the music from Godzilla Vs. Mechagodzilla. I like the music from Godzilla Vs. Biolante. I like the Destroy All Monsters March. I like the music from King Kong Vs. Godzilla. I also like the Godzilla Vs. Mothra (1992) Medley. I guess I like everything about the CD! That is why I give it five stars.