Okay, I know the year isn't *quite* over yet, but it looks like the big labels have done their last releases. I thought it might be interesting to see what everyone's highlights were. Here's my top 10:
1. The X-Files: Volume 3. I haven't listened to any release more than this one. It's been on near-constant repeat since it arrived. Exactly what I was hoping for and more! Bring on Volume 4!
2. Starship Troopers. I've wanted this score for years and this release doesn't disappoint. Fabulous sound quality and it's one of Basil's best ever scores!
3. The 10 Commandments. I don't have quite the love for Bernstein that some around here do, but I've always loved this score and there's no question that this is one of the most lavish labor-of-love soundtrack releases ever!
4. Jurassic Park: The John Williams Collection. Enough has been said about this around here lately!
5. La Cinescenie du Puy de Fou. This was completely off of my radar and it's lovely to discover a completely unknown Delerue gem! It's as good as any of his best film scores.
6. Lucky Luke Anthology. Here's another off-the-radar release. The samples sold me on it and it's a great rambunctious set of western scores that are great fun from start to finish.
7. Hellboy: The Deluxe Edition. Here's another expansion which really allows the score some breathing room. This is Beltrami's magnum opus and the original release always left me wanting more.
8. The Rocketeer. The original album definitely had the highlights of this release, but the expansion plays very well indeed and in better sound quality. Given that this came out on the anniversary of Horner's passing, it's an incredibly fitting send off to the man.
9. The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea. One of those great atmospheric '70s scores. They don't write them like this any more!
10. The French Connection. I missed the original FSM release and have been waiting patiently for years for this one to come by again. Thanks LLL!
