Ghostbusters - Theodore Shapiro

7/12/16
What You Will Hear:  A mix of scary effects, religioso choir, and heroic (sometimes humorous) orchestra.

Standout Tracks:  Never Invited, Distinct Human Form, Ghost In A Box, Ley Lines, The Fourth Cataclysm, Battle of Times Square, Behemoth, Into The Portal, NY Heart GB

Will You Be Humming Along?  There is a collection of short motifs used throughout but you'll only be singing along to the original song.
Picture
Ghosts
Picture
Ghostbusters
The album this makes me want to dust off:  A Night At the Museum (you pick which one) - Alan Silvestri

Will I come back to it?  I came into this with the wrong mindset.  Looking at the “from the people that brought you Bridesmaids” tagline, I fully expected a comedy score.  Ghostbusters is not a comedy score.  It is (somewhat) spooky adventure from start to finish.  Throughout the entire listening experience, I just couldn’t ignore how oddly unfunny it sounds.  Instead, the defining characteristics here are the horror effects and big orchestra backed by choir.  (See: Behemoth)  It all just feels out of place.  But, after getting past the initial confusion, the high level of urgency on this score made the ride enjoyable overall.
   The new thematic material is short and used sparingly (but effectively).  Again, I had expected some comedy, but there is none.  Then, I noticed the slow introduction of material from Ray Parker, Jr.’s infamous song.  (See: Distinct Human Form, Ghost In a Box, Ley Lines, and The Fourth Cataclysm)  But these tracks are mostly just slight nods to the original theme.  Nostalgia completely won me over when Shapiro finally gives us a huge payoff late in the score.  (See: Battle of Times Square)   This is not high level composing, but it sure is knowing your audience.  This might be one of the most enjoyable moments of the year.  It’s just good fun.
   There isn’t much original material that will be considered memorable, and the big moments are not long-lived.  But, I’ll return for the cues with some throwback fun.

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