In this heartwarming Score Guide finale for spooky season, Wend and Will revisit James Horner’s beloved score for Casper (1995).

They’ll explore how Horner weaves together a never-ending well of hauntingly beautiful melodies, tender emotion, and spectral playfulness to bring this ghostly tale to life. From the film’s ethereal emotional beats to its bittersweet finale, the score reminds us that even in the afterlife… love and music endure.

Highlights include:

It’s a perfect farewell to spooky season — tender, touching, and just a little bit haunted.

The Dies Irae — it’s one of the most recognizable melodies in history, and it’s haunted our screens for generations. In this episode of The Sideshow Theme Show, Lasse and Will trace the journey of this ancient requiem chant through film, TV, and beyond.

From classical roots to blockbuster reinventions, the duo unpacks how the Dies Irae continues to strike terror and awe wherever it appears. Expect goosebumps, laughter, and plenty of spine-tingling musical moments!

Spooky season continues on The Sideshow Theme Show! This week, hosts Will and Lasse take a closer look at one of the creepiest uses of a children’s chant in modern horror: Benjamin Wallfisch’s treatment of the old English nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” in the IT film series.

We explore the history of the rhyme itself, its unsettling connection to mortality and ritual, and why nursery rhymes sung by children are such an effective tool in horror scoring. Then we break down how Wallfisch reworked and recorded it for IT, transforming something familiar into something terrifying.

Grab your red balloon and float with us into this episode!

Spooky season marches on, and this week Will and Lasse descend into the darkness of Middle-earth to face one of Howard Shore’s most chilling creations: the Ringwraith (Nazgûl) theme from The Lord of the Rings.

The hosts unravel how Shore conjures terror through ritualistic choirs, dissonant pitch cells, and heavy orchestration, turning the Nine into a sonic force of pure dread. They discuss the text sung by the choir, the theme’s role as a leitmotif, and how Shore uses it to embody the presence of Sauron’s most dreaded servants.

It’s a deep dive into one of the most haunting pieces of modern film scoring — and a perfect continuation of our spooky season lineup.

n this special episode of Track Swap, Sideshow Sound Radio co-host Will Dodson joins Lasse Vogt to talk about some of their favorite spooky themes and tracks from Films, TV Shows and Video Games. Come along and celebrate the Halloween Season as well, with music by selected composers Howard Shore, Bear McCreary, Jerry Goldsmith, Benjamin Wallfisch, Nathan Barr and Danny Elfman!

Something wicked this way comes! In this week’s episode, Will and Lasse shine a spotlight on one of John Williams’ most enchanting creations for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: the choral spell Double Trouble.

They’ll explore how Williams adapted Shakespeare’s Macbeth witches’ chant into a mischievous, medieval-flavored theme, why it captures the darker shift of the third Potter film, and how it connects Hogwarts’ world of whimsy with something more ancient and foreboding. Expect talk of texts, textures, and that irresistible magical swagger Williams brings to the score.

So grab your butterbeer, crack open your spellbook, and join us for this bewitched installment of The Sideshow Theme Show.

This week – on the Spooky Season debut of The Sideshow Theme Show, Will and Lasse dive headfirst into one of the most iconic pieces of film music ever written: Bernard Herrmann’s “Prelude” from Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.

We talk about how Herrmann’s bold choice to score Hitchcock’s thriller entirely with strings created a sound world that was stark, claustrophobic, and unforgettable. In the Prelude, those slashing rhythms set the stage for one of the most influential horror films of all time — instantly immersing the audience in a world of unease before a single word is spoken.

Along the way, we discuss:

Whether you’re a longtime Bernard Herrmann fan or just discovering the genius behind those infamous shower scene stabs, this episode is a deep dive into the craft and legacy of a true film music master.

Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes exploring the greatest themes in film, TV, and game music.

Sideshow Sound Radio is back for a brand-new season — and we’re kicking things off in true Halloween style!

Join your hosts Wend and Will as they light the Black Flame Candle and dive broom-first into John Debney’s bewitching score for Hocus Pocus. From its mischievous motifs and spooky orchestrations to its heartwarming magic, we’ll guide you through the themes, tricks, and treats that make this soundtrack such a perennial Fall favorite.

So grab your spellbook, gather ‘round the cauldron, and tune in for a deep-dive into one of the most beloved spooky scores of the ‘90s. It’s the perfect way to start the season — no virgins required.

In the thrilling conclusion to our Spring Season, Sideshow Sound Radio takes flight with a Score Guide dedicated to James Horner’s magnificent score for The Rocketeer (1991). Directed by Joe Johnston, this film brings to life the high-flying adventures of Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a jetpack and becomes the titular hero.

Horner’s score is a masterclass in orchestral storytelling, blending soaring melodies with heartfelt emotion. The main theme captures the exhilaration of flight, while the romantic motifs perfectly underscore the tender moments between Cliff and Jenny. Notably, the score also features a memorable villain theme that adds depth to the narrative.

Join us as we delve into the nuances of this iconic soundtrack, exploring how Horner’s music elevates the film’s narrative and leaves a lasting impression on audiences.

Lasse Vogt and guest Edmund Meinerts welcome you back to Middle-Earth, as they continue to explore music for Tolkien’s world NOT composed by Howard Shore. This time, Edmund brought tracks from a radio play, while Lasse turned to a video game once again. Get ready for some truly amazing songs!