Customer Reviews

Plunkett & Macleane

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Nero from NYC - you're absolutely right: unfortunately the best songs of the film are not included on this soundtrack. These are 'Hell', 'Sailors' and 'Whore' performed by the wonderfully strange band "The Tiger Lillies" from London, all available on their own CDs... Not really Zydeco, but great stuff, nevertheless!

If you are looking for the songs, don't get this soundtrack, but if you are looking for a unique and entertaining film score, then give this a try. Many of the tracks contain music with a chorus. The most popular tracks have a pop beat over the choral and classical-type music. The main theme has been used on several movie trailers including "Romeo Must Die" and "The Patriot". The best tracks are 16) Hanging and 17) Escape.

Craig Armstrong proved with his Romeo and Juliet score that he can seamlessly mixed several genres of music together to create and incredible score. Many have complained that the modern sound of Plunkett and MacLeane completely contradicted the movie's pre-industrial revolution setting. But it works in ways a period score would fail. I'll go thru some of the tracks.

Track 1 sounds like a church choir and is really only there to reverse what expectations you might have of what is to come. Although the rest of the score makes great use of choral effects.

Track 2 'Unseen' is full of tension and booming bass. Orchestra, angelic voices and nervous sound effects fuse together into a brilliant 'driving' piece. This track is sure to get your blood flowing.

Track 5 'Rochester' is the theme for Alan Cumming's character and is another example of how not all of this score is techno. It's a fine violin piece that sets the mood for the comic relief of Lord Rochester.

Track 7 'Ball' is, quite simply, awesome. It's THIS music that wouldn't be out of place in a nightclub today. And it perfectly contrasts the scene in the movie, adding a smart edge and an element of sly class.

Track 9 'Business' has so much crazy excitement it rivals the booming track 2. It's truly rousing and pulse-pounding. Much fun indeed.

Tracks 16, 17 and 18 are just one giant track cut into three easy segments. It begins with a long, slow but unbelievably tense crescendo of swooping orchestra and sinister choir. Then, at the peak of the build-up and on the highest possible octave, the score jumps to the same nervous chase music showcased in tracks 2 and 9. It's an effort to get thru these 3 tracks because they take you thru so many emotions. But how many soundtracks do this for you?

Houses in Motion (track 19) is a cool song with cool lyrics that blends into track 20 for a peaceful, sombre and gentle fade out to a score that takes you everywhere.

Truly, a CD that must be owned by anyone who loves and appreciates music. No doubt, 5/5

I've always been an admirer of Craig Armstrong's work. Whether it be his "The Space Between Us" cd, or his contribution to the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. So perhaps that's going to make this review somewhat biased, but at least now you are forewarned.

As I've long said, words are chosen for a reason. They carry meaning. They impact. So understand what you're in for when you realize that Craig Armstrong appears on Massive Attack's "MELANKOLIC" label. Indeed that is what this is. It is kind of haunting, and kind of sad. It's even a little troubling. But, it is totally beautiful at the same time.

Armstrong's work has always been very soundtrack-esque. Most of his efforts sound as if a score to something. This is no different. It fits the movie extremely well, and I found the choral arrangements (very Bendectine like) both soothing and chilling. Yet, this work stands on its own with little need to resort to the film.

That's true for most of Armstrong's work. As I write this, it is a grey-thunder-filled sky that hangs above. Rain is sheeting down, and as I look above the monitor out the window, this song "Rebecca" off this cd fits extremely well as I watch the inhabitants of this fine city go about their daily, mundane chores.

But, by contrast, I've played his other cd "Space Between...", which is equally as haunting, as I just sat and watched our cats asleep in my Herman Miller, as the sun streamed through the windows right on them. And too, the music was perfect.

In short, very smooth strings and choral arrangements, with occassional resorts to noticeable electronica. The moods range from dark to forlorn (i.e., a bereft sense of forlorn, not despair.) Other times, you get the lost in the Yorkshire Forest at dusk kind of mood. But it all is very, very beautiful.

Very worth having, indeed try to pick it up. Also in this vein, pick up his other cd mentioned above. Beyond that, try either of the two cd's by Alpha ("Come From Heaven" and "The Impossible Thrill"). If you get especially inquisitive, look into the "Virgin Suicides" soundtrack by Air. Just be aware that there are two soundtracks for "Virgin Suicides" so make sure you are looking towards the Air version.

I saw the movie and loved it... the soundtrack is excellent, Ball, Businnes, Hanging and Escape are all amazing. The powerful choral singing with the pumping dance beats, will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. I love it!

The reason I bought this CD was because of the music during the hanging/escape scene. This, as you will know if you've seen the film, is classical music. When I bought this CD I saw reviews from other people who thought that this was a good dance CD. Although there are 3-4 dance tracks on this CD, the majority is classical stuff. So if you are like me and want the classical music from the film, then you won't be disappointed! Although I am not a fan of Massive Attack or dance music in general in fact, I have to comment on the superb arranging/composing on this CD. If I could compose music like this, then I would be a happy man!

I was the first, and maybe only, to see this film in Seattle. I bought the sound track immediately, as it was, along with Alan Cumming and the fireworks, one of the best ingredients in the movie. I thought Craig Armstrong should have been nominated for an Emmy for this soundtrack, but with no marketing it was entirely overlooked. Now, after a little over a year has gone by, I still like this sound track...

I bought this cd after listening to 30 seconds of track #17 on internet radio that plays movie scores. I literally make me turn my head and look up what it was exactly that I was listening to.
As a soundtrack collector this is something you must have, especially if you like costume dramas, because this music screams "period piece" at you.
The rich sounds of Gregorian choruses, classical music and occasional electronica and techno jolts make me feel like I'm flying when I listen to this. The music is rich, deep, haunting and at times sounds like a crazy horse galloping though an 18th Century haunted forest. I think this cd is so intricate, crafty and complex that it should be mandatory listening to anyone with ears.

The best part of the score is how each track sounds better than the next. Track #7 The Ball for example is a very modern trance with violins giving it that classical edge, but be careful if you're driving and listening to it, or you might break the speed limits. This piece also sounds like some sexy dark Vampire dance scene, something you might watch in a totally far fetched movie story line- it's that exotic and cool. Track #9 sounds like an outdoor dinner in some rich king's court, with light violins and background modern rhythm, a really nice combo.
My favorite part was #16 &17, a true work of musical art. It's live, strong, colossal, fiery and full of adrenaline piece of score. It's crazy but those two tracks are so grand, they can make tears come out of my eyes. I have always loved music and scores but these two pieces always touch my heart when I hear them. If I haven't seen the movie I would guess they were from Amadeus or Immortal Beloved.

Overall this score is simply gorgeous. I urge everyone to listen to the clips although they are teasers and they might not develop into the full flavor potential of each track, yet they are indicators whether this soundtrack is for you. If this cd doesn't submerge you in another world, then I don't know what will.

ok I gave this 5 stars because of those fabulous tracks such as "the ball" and the hanging one and the escape. They really are a fabulours mix of classical and contemporary music, but where did the other tracks go? The rest of the soundtrack is just loads of dark dingy music that really isnt worth listening too, and yet when you watch the film again there's a handful of songs that arent on there! why not?

I am still wondering why this guy is not a little bit more famous
His mix of very well orchestrated synthetic sounds with Gregorian like choirs are simply so relaxing.
If you are scared of flying, buy it and listen to it on your next trip, it is better than Prozac :-)