“Jurassic Park: 20th Anniversary”
Original Soundtrack
Composer: John Williams
Label: Universal
Tracks: 20
Running Time: 71 minutes

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

With Universal Pictures re-releasing Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” in 3D on April 5, 2013 and word of a greenlit “Jurassic Park 4”, who isn’t thinking about this film. It is not even mentioned or advertised that this is also the film’s 20th anniversary on the promotions of the film. John Williams’ score for “Jurassic Park” was always one of my all-time favorite score…and now it sounds ever better than it ever has. Universal Music Enterprises is behind this digital release with newly remastered music from the film, as well as four bonus tracks. Can it get any better than that? Answer is NO! This score has always sounded amazing but they really amped it up for this new digital release.

The new tracks including “The History Lesson”, “Stalling Around”, “The Coming Storm” and “Hungry Raptor”. They are honestly worth the purchase alone of the CD. They were personally chosen by Williams along with his music editor, Ramiro Belgardt. They went through the master tapes of the film to find new cues that were not released on the original album. How much of a treat is this?. Getting a chance to hear some new Williams compositions from this film is just amazing. The new tracks also feel like they fit right in with the film as well. This is the first time that they are being released for sale. “Jurassic Park” is also part of history since it marks another amazing score from his outstanding 40-year collaboration with Steven Spielberg. I hope he is planning on scoring “Jurassic Park 4”.

Track Listing:
1. Opening Titles
2. Theme From Jurassic Park
3. Incident At Isla Nublar
4. Journey To The Island
5. The Raptor Attack
6. Hatching Baby Raptor
7. Welcome To Jurassic Park
8. My Friend, The Brachiosaurus
9. Dennis Steals The Embryo
10. A Tree For My Bed
11. High-Wire Stunts
12. Remembering Petticoat Lane
13. Jurassic Park Gate
14. Eye To Eye
15. T-Rex Rescue & Finale
16. End Credits
17. The History Lesson
18. Stalling Around
19. The Coming Storm
20. Hungry Raptor

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Blake Shelton
“Based on a True Story…”
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Label: Warner Bros.
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 44 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Blake Shelton has been very busy for the last two years.  His last major album was “Red River Blue”, which was easily one of the best of 2011 and last year’s “Cheers, It’s Christmas”, which was also fantastic.  Then there is this little show he is involved with called “The Voice”.  Where does this guy have time to be this busy?  Well “Based on a True Story…” is a fantastic follow-up to “Red River Blue”.  When I found out about the album, I thought it is going to be real hard to top that album. But this album is such a smash hit! Since I received the album it has been a constant loop and I just keep enjoying the songs more and more.  If you love Blake, then you shouldn’t need to even read this, pick this up! If you are new to his music, then this is a great start and also a must have for any country music fan!

“Based On A True Story…” features 12 tracks with each track trumping the next. The first track released as a single, “Sure Be Cool If You Did”, is already a smash hit and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Tracks chart. The great thing about that track is that it is amazing but not even the best track on the album.  So if you love that song, like many do, just think that the best is yet to come.  It is catchy and real draw for the album though. What thing I love about Shelton is that he is country but doesn’t really throw it in your face, if you don’t like the genre there are still some great songs on the album that you would enjoy. I like to say that he has a little bit for everyone on his albums.

My person favorite on the album is “Do You Remember”.  What a beautiful song.  I see this being a very big single for him.  But like I said when you listen to an album like “Based on a True Story…” you literally have the option to release each song as a single that is not always the case. If you like Pistol Annies, who doesn’t, they pop in on the first track “Boys ‘Round Here”.  This song is a great kick off for the album. It has a lot of attitude and gets those toes tapping! Another talent musician to appear on the album is Gwen Sebastian on the track My Eyes”.  Whatever you are doing Blake, keep it up brotha cause it is working well for you!! He should start getting ready to clean up the Grammy awards with this new album for sure! Can’t wait to see what is next!

Track Listing:
1. “Boys ‘Round Here” (featuring Pistol Annies)
2. “Sure Be Cool If You Did”
3. “Do You Remember”
4. “Small Town Big Time”
5. “Country on the Radio”
6. “My Eyes” (featuring Gwen Sebastian)
7. “Doin’ What She Likes”
8. “I Still Got a Finger”
9. “Mine Would Be You”
10. “Lay Low”
11. “Ten Times Crazier”
12. “Grandaddy’s Gun”

Rob Zombie
“Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor”
T-Boy Records/UMe
Producers: Rob Zombie
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Rob Zombie is back with a brand new solo album titled “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor”. This is the veteran shock rockers 5^th solo album and the follow up to his 2010 album “Hellbilly Deluxe 2”. The album features 11 original tracks and 1 off the wall cover produced by Zombie himself that contain his signature over the top horror fueled sound.

Though the title “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” is quite a mouth full the album continues the long tradition of Zombie albums that date back to the late 80’s.  Sonically “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” is pushed to the very edge of sanity and at times boils over in to insanity. Every conceivable sound layer seems to be utilized providing a different listening experience almost every time you here it. Songs such as “Lucifer Rising” feature driving guitars and thunderous drums while tracks like “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy” feature haunting vocals and lingering samples that permeate in the airiness of the track. The album also features an interesting rendition of the Grand Funk Rail Road classic “We’re an American Band” which I found to be quite entertaining.

Though “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” may not measure up to some of Zombie’s previous work, it is still a pretty impressive piece seeing that both Zombie and guitarist John 5 were splitting time between working on this album and Zombies next film “The Lords of Salem”. A must have for hardcore fans however if you are looking to get in Zombie’s music this is not the album to start with. Fans wanting to pick up a copy of “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” will be able to do so starting on April 23^rd.

Track Listing:
1.)    Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
2.)    Dead City Radio and The New Gods of Supertown
3.)    Revelation Revolution
4.)    Theme For the Rat Vendor
5.)    Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga
6.)    Rock and Roll (In a Black Hole)
7.)    Behold the Pretty Filthy Creatures
8.)    White Trash Freaks
9.)    We’re an American Band**(Grand Funk Railroad cover)
10.)  Lucifer Rising
11.)  The Girl Who Loved The Monster
12.)  Trade in Your Guns for a Coffin

Buckcherry
“Confessions”
Century Media
Producer: Buckcherry
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Ladies and gentlemen of the Sunset Strip rejoice as Buckcherry are back with a brand new studio album titled “Confessions”. The first release from the band since joining Century Media records “Confessions” features 13 new tracks produced by the band. This is the bands 6th studio album and is the follow release to the bands 2010 album “All Night Long”.

Josh Todd and the boys open up the new album with the in your face rocker “Gluttony”. The song is definitely one of the harder tracks off “Confessions” however it seems that some of the grit and edginess that put the band in the spotlight is missing. The album is a mixture of musical styling’s that range from radio friendly rock tracks like “The Truth” to songs like “Dreamin’ of You” which features tremolo filled choruses that sound boarder line country. Every so often you can catch glimpses of the bands hard rock roots most notably on tracks like “Water” and “Seven Ways to Die”. “Confessions” is a big step for Buckcherry however I am not sure if it is in the right direction. You can clearly tell the band is either looking to widen their fan base or they have grown out of the sex, drugs and rock and roll scene and want a more mature look and sound. Progression and change can be good as long as it doesn’t alienate your core fans at the same time and sadly I have a feeling “Confessions” may leave a few people disappointed.

Track Listing:
1.) Gluttony
2.) Wrath
3.) Nothing Left But Tears
4.) The Truth
5.) Greed
6.) Water
7.) Seven Ways to Die
8.) Air
9.) Sloth
10.) Pride
11.) Envy
12.) Lust
13.) Dreamin’ of You

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The Tossers
“The Emerald City”
Victory Records
Producer: Andy Gerber
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Originators of Celtic punk rock The Tossers are back with a new album titled “The Emerald City”. This will be the bands first studio album in 4 years and is packed with 14 upbeat numbers that will have you up on your feet in no time. The album was produced by Andy Gerber and is the follow up to the bands 2008 release “On a Fine Spring Evening”.

Leroy Brown better take notice because The Tossers are back with their blend of Irish tinged punk rock that will surely have the entire South Side of Chicago dancing in the streets. Probably the bands most ambitious album to date each song is carefully crafted to employ the wide range of instrumentation the band is known for. Songs such as “Here’s to a Drink With You” and “Where the Beer and Whiskey Flow” are destine to become St. Patty’s day staples with their raucous, upbeat approach while tracks such as “Where Ever You Go” and “The Southside of Town” feature more traditional, laid back approaches that the whole clan can enjoy. Each track on “The Emerald City” seems to compliment the next as T. Duggins and company seemed to have really given their all with this album. Producer Andy Gerber and mixer Ken Sluiter should be commended for their work as each musical layer seems to be recorded and mixed to near perfection. Fans of Celtic Punk rock will surely want to grab a copy of this album before sitting down with a big pint of Guinness.

Track Listing:
1.) The Rover
2.) Here’s to a Drink With You
3.) Emerald City
4.) Wherever You go
5.) USA
6.) St. Patrick’s Day
7.) Bombo Lane
8.) The Break of Dawn
9.) The Southside of Town
10.) Where the Beer and Whiskey Flow
11.) God Bless You
12.) Johnny Mcguires’ Wake
13.) The Fermony Lasses and Sporting Paddy
14.) Slainte

Bullet For My Valentine
“Temper Temper”
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Label: RCA/RED
Produced by Don Gilmore

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I was first introduced to the Welch metal band “Bullet For My Valentine” back in 2010 with the “Fever”.  Since then I have yet to take “Fever” off of my iPhone and consistently listen to it.  When I heard that the band was releasing a new album, which could be a good thing or bad thing, I was very excited and also nervous. Well let’s just say I have another favorite album to listen to. “Temper Temper” is a very fierce and foot-to-the-pedal metal album.  It has the same feel as “Fever” but more heavy and amped up.  If you are looking to rock out hard, be sure to check this album out. You will not be disappointed.

The first single from the album is “Riot” and it really sets the mood for this entire album. It is fast, in-your-face and great to get to pumped up. “Leech” is also a fantastic track.  The title track “Temper Temper” is very catchy and was one of my most replayed songs.  Speaking of reply value, when I listen to an album I like to be able to leave it on repeat and forget when I am at.  The first time I listened to “Temper Temper”, I left it consistently on loop for nearly eight hours and I honestly was not tired of any of the tracks. In fact, I only wanted to listen to them more. That is how you know that you have an amazing album.

“Temper Temper” is produced by Don Gilmore (Linkin Park / Pearl Jam), who also worked with the band on their previous album, 2010’s “Fever”. I must say that this is a match made in heaven. This duo is a win-win here.  In fact the more I listen to “Temper Temper”, I have to proclaim that this album is the band’s best attempt to date! I can’t wait to catch them live during this tour since I am looking forward to the execution of these new songs live.  If you are a die-hard “Bullet for My Valentine” fan, be sure to pick up the deluxe edition with three additional tracks “Not Invincible” and two tracks from the Live Lounge show on BBC Radio 1: “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Scream Aim Fire”.

TRACK LISTING:
01. Breaking Point
02. Truth Hurts
03. Temper Temper
04. Pow
05. Dirty Little Secret
06. Leech
07. Dead To The World
08. Riot
09. Saints n Sinners
10. Tears Don’t Fall (Part 2)
11. Livin Life (On The Edge of A Knife)

Black Veil Brides
“Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones”
Lava/Universal Republic
Producers: John Feldman
Tracks: 19

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The break out hard rock/heavy metal band Black Veil Brides are back with their 3rd full-length release titled “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” which is the follow up release to the bands successful 2011 album “Set the World on Fire”. The new release is a concept based album featuring 19 tracks produced by John Feldman that are based around the story of the Wild Ones a group of outcasts trying to defend themselves from an entity know as F.E.A.R.

I was really excited to get my copy of the new Black Veil Brides album as I have been following the various updates and postings from the band about the album via their social media sites. The part I was not so excited for was the fact that it was going to be a concept based record. These very rarely go well for bands and have the potential to alienate even the most diehard fans. Well sadly “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” failed to impress me for the most part. Gone were the metal tinged songs reminiscent of the bands “We Stitch These Wounds” release. Instead the band seems to have traded in their edginess and gritty sound for pianos ballads and over the top production. I did find the tracks “Shadows Die” and “Nobody’s Hero” to be more to my liking as they were probably a couple of the heavier tracks on the album. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy albums that contain a lot of production however it really has to be done in moderation.

Though “Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones” maybe be too much of a departure from the sound that brought the band in to the mainstream it shouldn’t be totally discredited. The concept behind the album is one that I am sure a lot of listeners can relate to and may have dealt with at some point in their lives. That alone makes the album worth checking out. Anything after that is up to the listener to decide.

Track Listing:
1.) Exordium
2.) I Am Bulletproof
3.) New Year’s Day
4.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 1: Stay Close
5.) Wretched and Divine
6.) We Don’t Belong
7.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 2: Trust
8.) Devil’s Choir”
9.) Resurrect the Sun
10.) Overture
11.) Shadows Die
12.) Abeyance
13.) Days are Numbered
14.) Done For You
15.) Nobody’s Hero
16.) Lost It All
17.) F.E.A.R. Transmission 3: As War Fades
18.) In The End
19.) F.E.A.R. Final Transmission

Hatebreed
“The Divinity of Purpose”
Razor and Tie
Producers: Hatebreed, Zeuss, Josh Wilbur
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bridgeport, Connecticut’s hardcore heavy weights Hatebreed are back with their latest release titled “The Divinity of Purpose”. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2009 self titled album “Hatebreed” and will be the group’s first release via Razor & Tie Records. Produced by the band along with Zeus (Shadows Fall, Soulfly) and Josh Wilbur, “The Divinity of Purpose” features 12 all new tracks that are bubbling over with brutality.

After a 4 year wait Jamey Jasta and the boys of Hatebreed are back! “The Divinity of Purpose” is an instant throwback to the bands late nineties hardcore hay days. Jasta’s vocals are top notch and seem to only get better with each new album while he bands line-up of Frank Novinec, Chris Beattie, Matt Byrne, Wayne Lozinak are a fine tuned machine that is firing on all cylinders. Songs such as “Put It To The Torch” and “Before The Fight” have all the classic elements of the band’s sound while taking it a step or two further. Co-Producers Zuess and Josh Wilbur do a great job of capturing the heaviness of each performance both vocally and musically which only added to the appeal of the album.

“The Divinity of Purpose” is two parts early Hatebreed and 2 parts modern making for a really great listen. Even if you haven’t kept up with the band over the years but want to check out what they are up to these days have no fear as though the songs are new and fresh they still retain all the vital elements of the original Hatebreed sound we all know and love.

Track Listing:
1.) Put It To The Torch
2.) Honor Never Dies
3.) Own Your World
4.) The Language
5.) Before The Flight
6.) Indivisible
7.) Dead Man Breathing
8.) The Divinity of Purpose
9.) Nothing Scars Me
10.) Bitter Truth
11.) Boundless (Time To Murder It)
12.) Idolized and Vilified

Anthrax
“Anthems”EP
MRI/Megaforce
Producers: Jay Ruston, Rob Caggiano
Tracks: 8

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

For months we have been hearing rumblings of an Anthrax EP consisting of various classic rock staples and on March 19th the wait will finally be over. “Anthems” produced by Jay Ruston and Rob Caggiano features 6 classic rock covers and 2 versions of the song “Crawl” which first appeared on the bands Grammy nominated album “Worship Music”. Though the songs chosen to appear on the release might not be the biggest hits from the original artist’s catalog’s fans of both groups will surely appreciate the edgy renditions that are fresh while still staying true to the original versions.

Being a fan of cover songs/albums I have been keeping tabs on this release since speaking with Anthrax lead singer Joey Belladonna at this summer’s Mayhem Festival. Though he couldn’t give me too many details at the time I was quite pleased with what I heard on “Anthems”. Probably my favorite track off the EP is the song “Big Eyes” which was originally written and recorded by Cheap Trick. The haunting choruses instantly grab you and before you know it your singing along and pounding your fist. I also enjoyed the remix of “Crawl” which features a more orchestral arrangement making the song sound very robust. The other songs contained on the release are not to be discredited as they all feature very strong performances and production however they seem to be common staples that a lot bands cover so I probably could have done without hearing another version of AC/DC’s “TNT”.

If you’re a diehard Anthrax fan or just a fan of the originals and looking for a fresh spin on some great songs do yourself a favor and grab the digital version of the release or for the more traditional music listeners head to the store and pick up a hard copy of the EP which will feature one of 6 “re-imagined” album covers created by Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante and artist Stephen Thompson.

Track Listing:
1.) Anthem
2.) TNT
3.) Smokin’
4.) Keep On Runnin’
5.) Big Eyes
6.) Jailbreak
7.) Crawl (Album Version)
8.) Crawl (Remix)

Dropkick Murphys
“Signed and Sealed in Blood”
Born & Bred Records
Tracks: 12

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The boy’s from Boston are back with their 8^th studio album titled “Signed and Sealed in Blood”. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2011 release titled “Going Out In Style”. “Signed and Sealed in Blood” is the second release to carry the name of the bands own label Born & Bread Records which features 12 new tracks produced by Ted Hutt (Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly).

Right off the bat you are catapulted in to the album with a rousing call to arms type of song titled “The Boys Are Back”.  The song seems quite fitting as the album is the bands first studio release in 2 years. From there the sound changes to the more traditional Irish sound the band has been known for as of late. Songs such as “Rose Tattoo” and “Jimmy Collins’ Wake” feature more traditional instrumentation while songs such as “Burn” and “My Hero” are more reminiscent of the bands earlier punk recordings. Probably my favorite track off the album is “The Season’s Upon Us”. Vocalist/bassist Ken Kelly does a wonderful job telling a very tongue and cheek tale of holiday get together’s gone wrong and not so pleasant encounters with family members. It was nice to finally here someone hit the nail on the head by describing the un-pleasantries of the holidays while the rest of the band perform upbeat instrumentation that still makes you feel good about the season no matter how bad it can be.

“Signed and Sealed in Blood” may be a bit too much of a departure from the bands punk rock roots for some listeners however; it’s great to watch a band like Dropkick Murphys progress with the ever changing musical climate. Remembering back to the mid 90’s when I first discovered the band I don’t think they would still be as relevant as they are now if they didn’t break out of the mold that a lot of bands were following in those days. Progression is crucial in the music business as fans don’t want to keep buying the same album year after year. “Signed and Sealed in Blood” does not feature the Dropkick Murphys of 1998 but it does showcase the supped up 2013 edition.

Track Listing:
1.) The Boys Are Back
2.) Prisoner’s Song
3.) Rose Tattoo
4.) Burn
5.) Jimmy Collins’ Wake
6.) The Season’s Upon Us
7.) The Battle Rages On
8.) Don’t Tear Us Apart
9.) My Hero
10.) Out On The Town
11.) Out Of Our Heads

A Sound of Thunder
“Queen of Hell EP”
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Nightmare Records
Running Time: 22 minutes

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Last year A Sound of Thunder really delivered the goods with their breakout record “Out of the Darkness”. So I was already surprised to see new material so soon. Damn though, this is some sick shit!! This EP really comes jam-packed with 22 minutes of some really amazing music. Nina Osegueda really delivers some killer vocals and Josh Schwartz is fucking fierce on the guitar. This band is really taking over the metal world and I can’t wait see what they have planned for their forthcoming full-length album “Time’s Arrow”. This group never rests and maybe that is a good thing since I can’t seem to get enough of them…keep it coming guys!

Producer Kevin ‘131’ Gutierrez worked with the band again after deliver the gem of an album “Out of the Darkness”. The new material works as a great companion to the last album. This EP has this really strong classic power metal feel to it. The title track “Queen of Hell” is just a wild rollercoaster ride from the moment it starts. The vocals and guitar work just are hardcore and in-your-face. If you like the track there is also a duet version featuring guest vocals by Veronica Freeman (Benedictum). If you are a Black Sabbath fan, then your will enjoy their great rendition of “Trashed”. Schwartz has said a lot of their influences is from Sabbath, so it is nice to see them pay the song some great homage. “Hello Nurse” is the most different and risky song for them but it pays off, as it is totally rocking! If you are a metal fan, there is no way in hell that this album won’t get you rocking out! Get those devil horns because you are going to need them!

If you have yet to give A Sound of Thunder a listen this is a perfect time to start.  The band is going to be playing live dates throughout the US in early 2013 to promote this new EP, with further extensive touring planned for later in 2013 to promote “Time’s Arrow”. So I cannot recommend this album any more. I found myself just listening to it over and over on loop and it just works so well.  Sometimes when I listen to albums I find myself skipping songs, but this one literally has been looping for over an hour during the writing of this review alone.  This band has done some much in such a short amount of time.  Imagine what they are going to have completed in another five years! Get ready cause this group is full steam ahead and they are giving metal music a run for its money!

Track Listing:
1: Queen of Hell (Album Version)
2: Queen of Hell (featuring Veronica Freeman)
3: Hello Nurse
4: Trashed (Black Sabbath cover)

CD & Vinyl editions can be ordered via the band’s official store

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“Les Misérables”
Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack
Release Date: December 21, 2012
Label: Universal
Total Length: 1:05:22

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Here is the issue with album is right in the title: “Les Misérables: Highlights From The Motion Picture Soundtrack”. Highlights is main issue here.  It is really missing just way to much from this film. I actually really liked this film and literally it is 2 hours and 40 minutes of non-stop music performances. This album delivers a very abridged version of it just running over an hour. I feel like we are loosing way too much in this very trimmed version. I mean there are 49 musical numbers in the film and only 20 tracks are available here.  I am sure this album with be a hit like the film itself nonetheless just getting a chance to own “some” of the music but for me…it is just not enough. If are a die-hard fan of the Original Broadway Cast Recording, then be warned this is quite different.  You are either going to love it completely or hate it.

Right from the start with “Look Down”, it is such an epic and amazing track in the film that is cut down to barely even a proper song.  It starts and ends so abrupt that it almost hurts to hear. I have to say though, the best part of this entire soundtrack is Russell Crowe.  That’s right Russell Crowe.  He is the saving factor for this entire soundtrack if not the entire movie.  Anne Hathaway is quite amazing and her version of “I Dreamed a Dream” (with no camera cuts in the film) is nothing short of heart-breaking and stunning.  I love Hugh Jackman and I have seen him on Broadway a few times, so we now the guy can sing.  I know that the director Tom Hopper wanted to make this raw and real but Jackman’s tracks don’t sit right with me.  Maybe his voice isn’t strong enough to hit some notes on these songs.  I feel that he aims to talk his way through some of the lyrics – some not all “Valjean’s Soliloquy” is a great track.

If you are a fan of this film, you will enjoy hearing a few tracks.  Me personally, like I said I have about six songs in a playlist and have been revisiting those over and over.  Since I figure that there are tons are track already missing…so what is the difference.  Most importantly, I want to throw in where the hell is “Do You Hear the People Sing”. How can that song be left out? Wow! Probably the biggest let down of this whole release. No joke, this album only received 3 out of 5 stars due to the fact that Russell Crowe kicks major ass!! You listen to his version of “Stars” and “Javert’s Suicide” and tell me that his voice doesn’t rule.  It is fierce and strong.  I wish the rest of the album turned out like that. I will hold my breath for the complete soundtrack being released.

Track Listing:
1. Look Down – Hugh Jackman
2. The Bishop – Colm Wilkinson
3. Valjean’s Soliloquy – Hugh Jackman
4. At The End Of The Day – Hugh Jackman
5. I Dreamed A Dream – Anne Hathaway
6. The Confrontation – Hugh Jackman
7. Castle On A Cloud – Isabelle Allen
8. Master Of The House – Sacha Baron Cohen
9. Suddenly – Hugh Jackman
10. Stars – Russell Crowe
11. ABC Cafe / Red And Black – Eddie Redmayne
12. In My Life / A Heart Full Of Love – Amanda Seyfried
13. On My Own – Samantha Barks
14. One Day More – Les Misérables Cast
15. Drink With Me – Eddie Redmayne
16. Bring Him Home – Hugh Jackman
17. The Final Battle – Les Misérables Cast
18. Javert’s Suicide – Russell Crowe
19. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables – Eddie Redmayne
20. Epilogue – Les Misérables Cast

Hollywood Undead
“Notes from the Underground”
A&M Records/Octone
Producers: Griffin Boice, Danny Lohner, S*A*M, Sluggo
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The masked rock/rap group known as Hollywood Undead is back with their latest offering titled “Notes From The Underground”. The album is the follow up to the groups 2011 release “American Tragedy” and is being released via A&M/Octone Records. Produced by Griffin Boice, Danny Lohner, S*A*M and, Sluggo the 11 tracks contained on “Notes From The Underground” cover an immense amount of musical territory. From rolling anthem filled ballads to in your face thrash the band has provided its listeners with a little bit of everything. Be sure to check out our interview with Hollywood Undead vocalist Johnny 3 Tears, here.

At first listen the album at times can seem a little hokey however after spending a little more time listening to the tracks they really start to sink their hooks in. Tracks such as “Lion” which starts off with a light and simplistic piano/drum/vocal section quickly transforms in to a catchy sing along chorus
that would be right at home on popular radio. While the album’s first single “We Are” is a bit darker and features more rap infused vocals and is very reminiscent of songs found on the group’s debut release “Swan Songs”. The choice of using multiple producers can at times be risky however it has appeared to have paid off this time as the 11 tracks blend seamlessly from one to another. If you are a fan of albums that take you from point A to point B while hitting all stops in between “Notes From The Underground” will fit perfectly into your playlist rotation.

Track Listing:
1.) Dead Bite
2.) From the Ground
3.) Another Way Out
4.) Lion
5.) We Are
6.) Pigskin
7.) Rain
8.) Kill Everyone
9.) Believe
10.) Up in Smoke
11.) Outside

Composer: Joseph Trapanese
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Label: Walt Disney Records
Total Length: 1:15:42

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are looking expecting Daft Punk’s score from “TRON: Legacy”, you might be disappointed, but this is the closest thing to it.  The composer for “TRON: Uprising” is Joseph Trapanese, who worked with Daft Punk on the film’s score and worked as arranger and orchestrator for “TRON: Legacy”. So this soundtrack of music that is inspired from the series, takes on its own life.  It is not just the same thing again, it takes the feel of the animated series and really amps it up.

Personally, I feel that there are a few tracks that I enjoyed much more than the film score. Since this series is the bridge between “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy”, Trapanese does a nice job of blending Wendy Carlos with Daft Punk. Must listen for all “TRON” fans! After working with Daft Punk for two years on the “TRON: Legacy” score, Trapanese really knows what works best for this series.  In this TV series he also has more room to play since the show’s scale is much broader and not limited to a two hour movie. The album contains remix tracks that were chosen by Trapanese personally. The last track “Rezolution” by Hollywood Records’ rising EDM star, 16-year-old – Cole Plante is a very unique track and a nice end to the album.

“Scars” is a a two-part episode that was a very important arc for the series.  There is a lot of focus on this episode with tracks seven through thirteen.  I really enjoyed this suite and it is easily my favorite aspect on the album. So like I said earlier this album is not Daft Punk’s “TRON: Legacy” score but it takes aspect from that and expanded its reach into The Grid.  If you are a fan of this series, then you have heard the score through out the season so far.  This release is an answered prayer, I really hope that this isn’t the last release either.  I would love to see another volume in the future, hopefully.  Now we just need to get Disney XD to release this show on Blu-ray!

Track Listing:
1. Beck’s Theme – Lightbike Battle
2. Tesler Throwdown
3. Paige’s Past
4. Lux’s Sacrifice
5. Price Of Power
6. Rescuing The Rebellion
7. Dyson Drops In (Scars Suite)
8. Tron’s Promise (Scars Suite)
9. Tron’s Turn (Scars Suite)
10. Beck Betrayed (Scars Suite)
11. Torture (Scars Suite)
12. Revenge (Scars Suite)
13. Redemption (Scars Suite)
14. Goodbye Renegade
15. Compressed Space
16. Renegade’s Pledge – End Credits
17. Lightbike Battle (3OH!3 and JT Remix)
18. Inferno (Opiuo Remix)
19. Dyson (David Hiller Remix)
20. Rezolution – Cole Plante

“Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained”
Various Artists
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Tracks: 23
Label: Universal Republic

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have been a Quentin Tarantino fan film since day one.  His films also come with the most interesting music and his soundtracks never let down.  “Django Unchained” is definitely no different. It comes packed with a wide-variety of music and seven tracks of specific dialogue from the film.  I used to love the “Pulp Fiction” soundtrack for that same reason.  I love how the music is so perfectly chosen that it also helps describe the type of film that this is.  Since this has the ole’ spaghetti western-style feel, we get some of that feel and then completely on the other side there are rap songs. So there is a little bit for everyone here. And if you know Quentin Tarantino then you will not be disappointed by this soundtrack.

The star of this soundtrack besides Ennio Morricone’s beautiful score tracks is the brand new mash-up of James Brown and 2Pac on the track “Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable)”.  This song is so exciting and gets you completely pumped up.  Honestly, I think this track is worth the purchase of the soundtrack alone.  It is also perfectly placed, of course, after Elisa Toffoli’s very quiet “Ancora Qui”.  This is a like an explosion and it does let up for almost 3 minutes.  I would have loved for it to run more like 6-7 minutes, thank God for loop. Did I also mention that Samuel L. Jackson has some nice dialogue tracks, which takes me pack to 1995 with “Pulp Fiction”…”English motherfucker! Do you SPEAK IT!”.  You will literally want to run out and see this film immediately after listening to this soundtrack or if you’ve seen it, it is a perfect companion to chill out to after watching this film.

Track Listing:
1. Winged – James Russo
2. Django – Luis Bacalov
3. The Braying Mule – Ennio Morricone
4. “In The Case Django, After You…” – Christoph Waltz
5. Lo Chiamavano King (His Name Is King) – Luis Bacalov
6. Freedom – Anthony Hamilton
7. Five-Thousand-Dollar Nigga’s And Gummy Mouth Bitches – Don Johnson
8. La Corsa (2nd Version) – Luis Bacalov
9. Sneaky Schultz And The Demise Of Sharp – Don Straud
10. I Got A Name – Jim Croce
11. I Giorni Dell’ira – Riziero Ortolani
12. 100 Black Coffins [Explicit] – Rick Ross
13. Nicaragua – Jerry Goldsmith
14. Hildi’s Hot Box – Samuel L. Jackson
15. Sister Sara’s Theme – Ennio Morricone
16. Ancora Qui – Elisa Toffoli
17. Unchained (The Payback / Untouchable)- James Brown
18. Who Did That to You? – John Legend
19. Too Old To Die Young – Brother Dege (AKA Dege Legg)
20. Stephen The Poker Player – Samuel L. Jackson
21. Un Monumento – Ennio Morricone
22. Six Shots Two Guns – Samuel L. Jackson
23. Trinity (Titoli) – Annibale E I Cantori Moderni