The Good Dinosaur - MyCHAEL Danna & Jeff Danna

12/2/15
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My three year old says fireflies make everything awesome.
What You Will Hear:  The score centers around fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar.  Tribal flute/drums and some experimental qualities eventually enter the mix.  Inside the soundscape, there are endless features:  clarinet, tuba, bari sax, pitched percussion, piano, and more.

Standout Tracks:  Homestead, Hello Arlo, Chores, Make Your Mark, Fireflies, Critter Problem, Lost In The Wild, Storm Chasers, Bloodhound, Run With The Heard, Rescue, Arlo Makes His Mark
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Will You Be Humming Along?  Yes, the main theme is adorable.  There are also a few additional motives throughout that really add to the identity of the story.
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Told ya: adorable.
The score this makes me want to dust off:  Tarzan - David Newman
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Will I come back to it?  It’s all feel good in the beginning, and I'll most often be returning to this initial material.  The main theme is very simple and pleasant, but it is the instrumentation that makes it extra likeable.  The “down-home” feel will put a smile on your face.  Add in some proud brass and playful woodwinds, and you’ve got a real winner.  As the score progresses, however, it is clear that Arlo (our protagonist) goes through some hardship.  The Good Dinosaur becomes the depressed dinosaur.  It is all very pretty writing in this part of the experience, though nothing really stands out.  Luckily, the composers kept their "interesting hats" on throughout the rest of the score.
     The Good Dinosaur easily held my attention with a wide variety of tonal qualities.  You'll hear heartbreaking tracks like "Orphans," energized action sequences like "Storm Chasers," and pride & fun-filled tracks like "Run With the Herd."  And just when you think you've heard it all, the bari sax makes an excellent appearance.
     As the story ends, we hear a quick return to the fiddle, banjo, etc. for a fitting conclusion.  After all the fun, it is really like coming home after a long journey.  While not the deepest release from Pixar, The Good Dinosaur score is a journey packed with a wonderful mix of musical antics and heart.

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