Soundtracks And Film Score News

FASTER THAN one can say Pikachu, another "Pok mon: The Movie" is hitting the theaters complete with an album of songs inspired by and featured in "Pok mon: The Movie, Pok mon 2000, The Power Of One."
According to Atlantic Records, the soundtrack to the last film sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, and it featured a variety of pop acts performing songs unrelated to the story line. This soundtrack took a different slant with 15 of the 16 cuts being composed or specially written for the film. The first single, "The Power Of One," is a collaboration of producer David Foster and writers Mervyn Warren and Mark Chait, with Donna Summer on vocals.
"With "Pokemon,' there's a lot of product both musically and in other areas in the marketplace already," says Darren Higman, VP of soundtracks at Atlantic and the album's executive producer. "Tailoring the songs to the movie makes us stand out, and the songs convey the positive message of the movie.
"The decision to tailor the album to the movie also came about through comments from kids who complained the last album wasn't Pok mon enough," Higman adds.
There is no doubt the movie is custom-made for children ages 6 to 13, but the soundtrack features acts, such as Summer, the B-52's, and "Weird" Al Yankovic, who traditionally appeal to an older demographic. This could present marketing confusion.
"We wanted an album for the kids, but also an album that would be appealing to the parents, since they are the ones buying it and will have to hear it as well," Higman says.
Robert Wieger, VP of product development for Atlantic, agrees. "Because the lyrics and thematic music on the record are so closely related to the film, there can be no question that fans of the movie will want it, meaning the kids. On the other hand, because the songs feature contemporary as well as established pop acts, radio and adults will find things to love as well."
The real story on the soundtrack is not Donna Summer, Dream Street, Angela V"a, Plus One, Laura Pausini, Westlife, Youngstown, Nobody's Angel, "Weird" Al, the B-52's, O-Town, or Denise Lara but newcomer Alysha Antonino. Her track "Dreams" could already be her autobiography.
A Northern California native, this 12-year-old was discovered online at Tonos.com (headed by Foster, Carole Bayer Sager, and Babyface). She recorded a demo online and won a contest through the Web site. Next, she was in the studio with Babyface and Sager, and that footage, as well as the demo, were posted on the Web site. Instantly she went from music industry outsider to working with the best in the business. But her adventure was just beginning.
"Quite by accident I saw this material on the Web site," Higman explains. "I followed her through the demo process and heard her sing online. I called Carole and asked for her number. I got it and used her on the soundtrack. The stars aligned for Alysha." Atlantic is now in negotiations for a solo deal.
The rollout for the soundtrack will be extensive. Dream Street, Alysha Antonino, Youngstown, and Nobody's Angel will perform at the movie's premiere July 15 in Los Angeles in an outdoor setting. Telepictures will air a half-hour special on July 16 taped at the premiere. There is also B-roll footage of all artists, including Summer, in the studio that will be edited into the special. There will not be a video for the first single, as Summer has a commitment to finish an album for Epic.

SOUNDS TO LOOK FOR: The Mammoth Records soundtrack to the quirky film "Jesus' Son," which was inspired by Denis Johnson's short stories, is an eclectic treat with acts such as Joe Tex, Floyd Cramer, Barbara Mason, Joe Henry, and Wilco mixing up an album of songs almost as offbeat as the film starring Billy Crudup, Samantha Morton, Denis Leary, Holly Hunter, and Dennis Hopper.
The actual score album from "Mission: Impossible 2" by Hans Zimmer has hit the stores, following the first album of songs inspired by the film.
And finally, back when movies had "beach blanket" in the title, the Lettermen started recording songs. Now, they have released a 13-song set on the Gold Label titled "Greatest Movie Hits," and it's a must-have for any fan of high kitsch. Actually, the CD proved a surprise and fits nicely into any collection.