Kazuma Jinnouchi: “Halo 5: Guardians” Soundtrack

“Halo 5” Theme Music Leaked, And It’s Goddamn Beautiful

Between this, The Expanse, and Star Wars Episode VII, it’s a good time to be a fan of sci-fi. October 27 can’t come fast enough.

It’s great to hear Kazuma Jinnouchi (who remixed the soundtrack for the Halo 2 remaster) return to Martin O’Donnell’s iconic Halo themes, and in doing so, returning to the “mystical” feel that I tend to associate with the franchise. But, don’t get me wrong, the guy is still doing his own thing, particularly with the piano. Jinnouchi replaces Neil Davidge, who scored Halo 4.

Andrew Hewitt: “The Double” Original Soundtrack

Antonio Sánchez: “Birdman” Original Soundtrack

If it were up to me, Mexican drummer Antonio Sánchez’s work on Birdman would receive the Oscar for “Best Original Score” tonight, although both Hans Zimmer’s and Alexandre Desplat’s soundtracks for Interstellar and The Grand Budapest Hotel, respectively, are both very much deserving.

There won’t be a post about the Oscars on ASV (since the Internet is probably crowded with the stuff, anyway), but have a listen the Birdman soundtrack below, and enjoy the early Music Monday!

Five Favorites: Video Game Soundtracks

Let us begin with a completely unrelated GIF:

All right, so now that THAT’s out of the way, we can get on with this week’s Music Monday!

Alexandre Desplat: “The Imitation Game” Original Soundtrack

Traveling to the End of the Line: The Music of “Destiny”

As we wait with bated breath for Game Editor Brian’s official Destiny review (which, I am told, is going to be a delicious Compliment Sandwich), this Music Monday is bringing you some of the game’s seriously awesome tunes. From gentle piano to mystic vocalizing to face-melting guitar, Destiny’s OST really and truly delivers.

The soundtrack (which was officially released by Bungie last Friday) was composed by Michael Salvatori, C Paul Johnson, Martin O’Donnell (hail Hydra), and Paul McCartney.

Composer Spotlight: Film Scores by Alexandre Desplat

The only thing that I can say about Alexandre Desplat (pronounced “Alexander Deh-plah”) is “how in the righteous F***?” But this is what I say about all composers of music. It boggles my mind how anyone can create coherent melodies from the jumbled mess that is human brain juice, but film composers are living proof that it is indeed possible.

Desplat was born in 1961–in Paris–to two beautiful human beings who were able to raise him with a love for music both foreign and domestic, which gave him a wider appreciation for worldly tunes. Desplat began playing the piano at the age of 5, loves jazz (score! Forgive me Father, for I have punned) and says he is heavily influenced by South American and African music.

Brandon Stark Is Back!

Cover Art for “Babylon’s Ashes” (The Expanse #6)

Wazzup, jabronies?

Here’s the cover for James S. A. Corey’s sixth entry into The Expanse series, Babylon’s Ashes, by Daniel Dociu:

D’awwww

I feel like having an “awww” day. CHALLENGER APPROACHES. Cutest little animal. Submit your submissions accordingly.