Search - Jerry Goldsmith :: Gremlins 2: The New Batch - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Another playful, excellent score from Goldsmith!

Steve Miller | Renton, WA United States | 03/08/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This, like 'Mon and Dad Save the Earth' displays Jerry Goldsmith's ability to create suspense and humor, often at the same time. Short and sweet, this disc is worth owning by anyone who enjoys fine orchestral music as well as Goldsmith's scores."The Visitors" in particular puts the mix of moods and elements present in this score on display... it almost answers the question, "What would it sound like if Spike Jones and the City Slickers were to score a horror film?"Other high points are "Cute" (where the Gizmo theme is contrasted with the theme of the mad scientist portrayed by Christopher Lee), the nifty action tracks "Pot Luck," and "Teenage Mutant Gremlins," "Keep in Quiet," and "Gremlin Pudding"--the similarity that another reviewer pointed out to James Bond themes was an accurate one and that's what makes these tracks so much fun! (Do my ears deceive me, or is that "The Omen" that's being quoted toward the end of "Gremlin Pudding"?) And the closing tune--"Gremlin Credits"--is great both for its presentation of a slightly skewed reprise as well as the "rag" version of the Gremlin theme from the first movie. "The Gremlin Rag" is definately one of Goldsmith's best themes.Most of the above tracks (as well as the ones I don't mention) also make great use of elements of the Gremlins theme to great effectiveness. A great effort all around.There are only two complaints I can voice, which is why I knocked off a star--I wanted more "Gremlins Rag"! (The only time it's really heard here is on the "Gremlins Credits" track. But this is a slightly unfair criticism; I bought this CD hoping to get that track as it was why I loved the original score so much, now unplayable by yours truly because my turn-table broke and it's not available on CD at present.)That aside, this is a worthwhile addition ot the collection of any Goldsmith fan, whether you've seen the movie to which this score belongs or not. It stands fine on its own."

"Gremlin's & music have a ball...Jerry Goldsmith score"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 06/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Director Joe Dante gives this sequel a more light-hearted, sort of spoof to the original outing. Mogwai once again spawns little creatures that raise cane within the entire story-line, but with one difference...here they are not as violent, but rather silly and goofy in temperament. Dante brings out the madcap "keystone cops" antics...although none of this would work, but for our maestro Jerry Goldsmith.Goldsmith's score is the main character in this fun-filled-comedy, each cue has his signature on it. Must mention the stand outs ~ "LEAKY FAUCET", "POT LUCK" (would make a great James Bond film title theme), GREMLIN PUDDING", all three tracks are "Pure Goldsmith"...but the highlight has to be ~ "GREMLIN CREDITS", orchestra gets into the swing of things with a full workout, as Goldsmith pulls out all the stops with brass, percussion, strings overlays of each theme interwoven into one brilliant tapestry.Goldsmith's other scores from Varese Sarabande are all worthy of a good listen ~ "The Final Conflict" (Varese Sarabande VSD-5282), "Lionheart" (Varese Sarabande VSD-5484), "Rudy" (Varese Sarabande VSD-5446), "In Session:A Film Music Celebration" (Varese Sarabande 302-066-225-2)...check out my reviews ....A big thank you to ~ Robert Townson (executive producers), always first class quality releases, Arthur Morton (orchestration) and of course the man responsible for the wonderful time we had ~ JERRY GOLDSMITH!Total Time: 39:26 on 12 Tracks ~ Varese Sarabande VSD-5269 ~ (1990)"

The "Gremlins Credits" makes it worth it!

Jonathan Little | 05/08/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This score has its moments, but it is a bit too 'wacky' for my tastes...The end track is a keeper though, Jerry integrates the original Gremlins theme with some ideas from Gremlins 2, which creates a very enjoyable five-minute finale for this album.Buy it for the "Gremlins Credits!"The album has a playing time of about 39 minutes."