Driving Music

I've had the privilege of watching Ryan Gosling's latest film, Drive the other day. Not only was I blown away by the film, but I was impressed by how every detail was not wasted. Everything in Drive was executed perfectly and without flaw (no spoilers here). So for a movie of this caliber, it's a no-brainer that having the right soundtrack is very critical. Fortunately, Nicholas Winding Refn (director) got film score composer and former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Cliff Martinez signed on to compose the soundtrack. He is well renowned for his work with such films as Sex, Lies and Videotapes, Traffic and Wonderland. His presence and expertise in music helped enhanced the experience that is Drive.

What's amazing about the soundtrack is how "airy" it sounds. That may be sound a little silly but if you think about it. The entire listening experience as a whole feels like a breath of fresh air. Every beat and every sound created is soft to the ears and captivates the listener without overpowering them. For a movie that is harsh and quite brutal, the music serves as a nice balance. Perhaps this is why Martinez was chosen for this endearing project. Through Martinez's ability in composing music, he founded a way to capture a sense of beauty amongst the brutal killing scenes and blood splatter. He helped give the film a new found depth in the endearing heroism of the protagonist (Ryan Gosling) and the compassion he felt toward his neighbor (Carey Mulligan) and her son. In essence, the music helped bring everything together and for movie with tons brawn, the music allowed the film to carry on its' own through grace and elegance. The soundtrack also features tracks from techno-infused and classic inspired tracks from various artists. This helps complete the rich and cohesive soundtrack. One of my personal favorites is the dreamy electro pop track "A Real Hero" by College featuring Electric Youth.

For those that are reading this and have not seen this film, I suggest you drop whatever you are doing right now and go see this film. While you are at it, pick up the soundtrack. It'll be a perfect for the drive there.

The Sentimental Engine Slayer

I'm a huge huge fan of The Mars Volta. Almost to the point where it has become my obsession. In healthy sense, of course. More particularly, I have been following Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in all of his projects including all of his solo records (his solo records are amazing, by the way). What most people don't know about him, besides the fact he is the co-leader of The Mars Volta next to Cedric Bixler-Zavala, is that he is an aspiring film maker. A few years ago, I was watching one of their interviews on Youtube and I remember that Omar mentioned that he was currently making a film entitled The Sentimental Engine Slayer. Obsessed as I was (still am, actually), I immediately looked up anything that would give me any information regarding his cinematic endeavor. Not one single piece of information was found. Not even a small plot line of the movie existed. But then I realized something. Throughout the history of The Mars Volta as well as his solo career, he has made many records, but majority of them have never seen the light of day. I figure that this one was one of them. Eventually I forgot about the movie. But then just a few days ago, a 52 second trailer of his long forgotten film which premiered at Rodriguez Lopez Productions. As soon as I watched it, it has rekindled my obsession and I can't wait to watch it. It has already made quite an impression at the Tribeca Film Festival and I hope that somehow someway it would make it down to the islands for a viewing. For all of you out there reading this, check out The Sentimental Engine Slayer at your local theaters, film festivals and even your museums. For a better idea of what the film might be, check out the trailer below and read more about it at their official site. For those on Facebook, click HERE. Also, if you are interested in finding out more about Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's solo work click HERE. For anything on The Mars Volta, click HERE.