HTF CD Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Sam Posten · 05-26-2008, 11:44 PM

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

CD Title: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Studio: Concord Records
Length: 72 Minutes
Release Date: May 20th, 2008

Overall: 4/5

It’s been 19 years since the last Indiana Jones film, and 27 since the first, and while our hero has aged quite a bit in that time (as have audiences) the timeless music of John Williams hasn’t changed a bit. Director Steven Spielberg points out in the liner notes that the contents of this disk are both familiar and original, and this is a fair assessment. However some of the contents are more aptly wholly lifted from prior films rather than mere influences. No one could fault the inclusion of the iconic ‘Raiders March’ however a number of other tracks such as The Snake Pit and The Journey to Akator incorporate whole melodies, segments and themes from the prior film soundtracks.

Another major dig is the loss of several of the other musical segments featured in the film, such as Elvis’ Hound Dog. Makes sense since the disk is only the original score and there was a ton of that that had to be cut to fit the maximum length of a CD, but still they are missed.

Now that my major beefs are taken care of, I can turn to the task of gushing over this release, which I truly enjoyed. Williams is easily my favorite living composer and his scores are among the few that can transport me back to childhood within a few bars, so I had great expectations for this disk and I was not disappointed. The vast majority of the tracks fit nicely with the prior releases, shamelessly echo and steal from that material, and rekindle all the excitement that I had for the character and stories 20 years ago.

Three completely original tracks that I can point to where this is true are ‘The Adventures of Mutt’, ‘A Whirl Through Academe’ and ‘Ants!’. Ants! in particular rings particularly nostalgic to the original Raiders but adds a new twist to it, evoking creature feature films such as ‘Them’ and The Naked Jungle. The introduction of the Mutt character is handled quite well, and his own theme and the music that accompanies Indy and Mutt’s escape on a Harley through campus are the highlights of the score for me.

The spooky wailing of ‘Call of the crystal’ helps to establish the skulls as a character within the film, giving them a voice where no human one exists. This is repeated in ‘Return’ where the skulls urge those that have found them to return them to their rightful resting place.

Perhaps the only other complaint I have are the brief interludes into South American music, both for Akator itself and the tribal rhythms of the protectors of the skulls. While these are very short they don’t convey the joy and passion that the rest of the score does, and they seem very uncharacteristic for Mr. Williams. Who can blame him for wanting to branch out a bit, but these segments feel very foreign to the rest of the film score.

I did make the mistake of listening to this CD first in my car, and that very nearly ruined the experience for me. It hardly allowed this music to be experienced the way it is designed to, in a theater like environment with sufficient bass power to be fully enjoyed. On playing it in my home theater however I was simply amazed at the depth of bass power that the recording of the timpani drums and other low end instruments were able to produce. The bottom end of this CD truly exceeded what I expected, it shook my house like few DVD films have and really has me excited for future high definition releases of the whole series. I wholeheartedly recommend others give this a listen on a full range set before giving it a shot on anything less.

Overall I found this disk quite enjoyable, tempered with a small amount of reuse and a few sections that didn’t quite fit in. It’s vintage Williams and for a fan that’s all you need to say, but the fact that it does have a large chunk of new material and a full range mix is pure gold.

Greg_S_H · 05-27-2008, 12:21 AM

I just listened to Irina's Theme at YouTube. At first, I was thinking, "What the hell is this?" but it turned out to be a fan's rendition. I found the real track, and it's really good. I may have to pick this CD up tomorrow, but definitely soon.

Sam Posten · 05-27-2008, 09:12 AM

you can preview all the tracks at Amazon and iTunes. Irina's theme isn't one of my faves off the album but it's not bad either!

Ockeghem · 05-27-2008, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Posten

Perhaps the only other complaint I have are the brief interludes into South American music, both for Akator itself and the tribal rhythms of the protectors of the skulls.

Sam,

Nice review. Question: Do the liner notes from the CD itself mention that Williams has ventured into South American music? Also, what rhythms specifically constitute the 'tribal rhythms' used in the score? It's interesting that what you wrote regarding one of your complaints may be what compels me to purchase the disc. Thanks.

Neil Middlemiss · 05-27-2008, 01:31 PM

I can answer that. The booklet, in addition to track listing and a a few nice pictures just has a note from Speilberg. No mention of Williams choices of instrumentation. From listening to the score, Williams successfully captures the texture and feel of the various landscapes in the film!

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Nicholas Martin · 05-27-2008, 01:43 PM

Since when does HTF review soundtracks?

This review was certainly a surprise. A pleasant one.

I suppose the advantage to reviewing an album like this here, is that because this isn't a soundtrack review site (and there are far too many of them it's ridiculous) opinions aren't biased in favor of or against a composer's work due to years of listening and reviewing entire bodies of work and ultimately becoming jaded with the whole thing.

When a soundtrack is reviewed outside the usual places, it's always a pleasant surprise and a very welcome read.

Sam Posten · 05-27-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Since when does HTF review soundtracks?

This is my second CD review. I am on the press release email list for a few places. When they offer me review and giveaway copies I pick those I feel I can give proper attention to and those which would be good for general interest to HTF for giveaway when possible. Last one I did was Megadeth =p So expect a rather... ecclectic selection at best! =)

Sam Posten · 05-27-2008, 04:41 PM

regarding the south american music, these are just very short passages, but the felt oddly out of place so i felt it important to mention them!

Ockeghem · 05-27-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Middlemiss

I can answer that. The booklet, in addition to track listing and a a few nice pictures just has a note from Speilberg. No mention of Williams choices of instrumentation. From listening to the score, Williams successfully captures the texture and feel of the various landscapes in the film!

Neil (and Sam),

Okay, thank you. When I read that, it piqued my curiosity.