Search - Richard Thompson :: Grizzly Man - O.S.T.

A Fantastic Improvised Work of Art

ninjasuperstar | Iowa | 10/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am constantly looking for simple and crude instrumental music to listen to when I write. I stray away from classical works, because I find their brilliance far too distracting. I also avoid the monotony of overdriven beats without substance. I prefer that there be little or no singing and speaking. I want an exploration of a theme, genre, and especially an improvised mix and replenishment of both.



The Grizzly Man soundtrack works well in my pursuit for inspiring, open-ended music. I disagree with the reviewers who suggest that the soundtrack requires the film as a complement. In fact, the soundtrack was recorded after the film's completion, and the musicians were directed not to play to the film but rather to capture the open country, to juxtapose ideas and spaces that the film explores.



Over two intense days, the entire soundtrack was improvised (largely guided by the great guitarist Richard Thompson) and recorded. My only complaint is that there is not more of this music. Since the pieces were often meant to fill a certain scene or length of footage, certain pieces tease the listener rather than fulfill a promise of a longer greatness. For two days' work, however, this is certainly a fantastic undertaking."

Against the backdrop of the universe

Gail C. Piche | Sutton, NH USA | 11/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For weeks, I had been listening to one of the cuts from this CD, "Treadwell No More", via RT's website; it comes up as "Pibroch14" on Windows Media Player. A Pibroch (or more properly, Piobreachd,) is the "great pipe music" of Scotland; they are dramas played out against the backdrop of the universe, represented by the drones. Until this, I would not have believed that all the power and darkness of a classical Piobreachd could be expressed through the guitar, even from the heart and hands of RT. The piece is completely and utterly magic. I spent last weekend hand- digging a drainage channel across the back of our early- 1970's- hippie- carpenter- built house, in the mist and black drizzle of a New Hampshire November, with this CD playing in my pickup, pulled up nearby with the windows down. Perfect."

See the DVD documentary

Carter Smolik | St. Louis, MO USA | 05/07/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This music stands on its own better than most soundtracks, but would still be difficult to appreciate fully outside of the context of the sessions and the film. The main theme is reminiscent of Thompson's Knife-edge instrumental from the "Strict Tempo!" instrumental album, and features some lovely playing on the "cues". To increase your enjoyment, see the documentary on the recording sessions included in the special features on the DVD of the film. No fan of Richard Thompson will be disappointed!"