The Soundtrack Show

By iHeartPodcasts

What's The Soundtrack Show about?

The Soundtrack Show is a look at film scores and soundtracks for some of the most popular movies, TV Shows, Video Games and Theater pieces of all time.

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The Soundtrack Show episodes:

12.20.2023
Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part III)
Music production on a full season of Star Trek begins! Our first two composers get to work, as Alexander Courage and Fred Steiner start writing and recording music at a frantic pace. We'll hear the rest of Courage's work on...
07.05.2023
Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part II)
Before making it to air, Star Trek had not one, but two pilots scored by Alexander Courage. Once the first season finally went into production, it took five composers to pull it off. This episode explores the musical, financial and...
06.19.2023
Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part I)
The history of television and the origins of Star Trek are explored through the life and career of composer/orchestrator Alexander Courage, television star Lucille Ball, and Desilu music director Wilbur Hatch. The main title melodies for Star Trek are analyzed...
05.12.2023
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part III)
In our final episode on the music of E.T. we listen to the second half of the movie's incredible music, cue by cue. We also discuss the work of film editor Carol Littleton, and vocal sound designer Ben Burtt. Learn more...
04.26.2023
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part II)
In Part II we take it from the top, and listen to how the film score for E.T. is constructed in the first half of the movie. We examine multiple themes, and discuss the movie's emotional honesty. Learn more about your...
04.19.2023
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part I)
The film score to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is widely considered to be one of the most important film scores of all time. We discuss what makes the music so great as a whole, and we discuss the evolution of the...
12.18.2021
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part III)
In Part III of our series on Ocarina of Time, we tackle our main quest to save Hyrule by learning more complex melodies, mastering new musical dungeons, and ultimately facing off against our bongo-playing, pipe organ-pounding foes. Learn more about your...
03.24.2021
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part II)
In Part II of our series on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, we look at the first act of the game and discuss all of its musical diversity: the dungeons, the distant lands, and the melodic fragments we...
03.03.2021
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part I)
The groundbreaking interactive music of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is both diegetic and non-diegetic music, as it plays a central role in both the story and gameplay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
02.17.2021
The Legend of Zelda: the Music
The music to original NES title The Legend of Zelda is discussed. We break down the main overworld theme, talk about its impact, and share memories of the original Zelda experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
02.10.2021
The Queen's Gambit: An Interview with Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (Part II)
In part II of our interview with Carlos Rafael Rivera, we discuss how he wrote around diagetic music and sound design. Themes for the main character are discussed, as well as parts of The Queen's Gambit that feel like a...
02.03.2021
The Queen's Gambit: An Interview with Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (Part I)
We meet and celebrate Carlos Rafael Rivera, the composer for the hit Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. His musical background and career rise are discussed, as well as his overall approach to working with directors. His love for Randy Newman...
01.27.2021
Cobra Kai Composing: An Interview with Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg (Part II)
In part II of our interview with Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, we discuss the rock and metal influences in Cobra Kai's score. We also talk about their use of thematic material, musical humor, and the show's return to Okinawa. Learn...
01.19.2021
Cobra Kai Composing: An Interview with Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson (Part I)
We get a chance to sit down with Cobra Kai composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg, as they discuss their music, their process, and their love of film scoring. The various musical styles of the Karate Kid franchise are discussed,...
01.13.2021
The Karate Kid (1984): the Music (Part II)
In our second episode on the music of Karate Kid, we take a close look at the music of Mr. Miyagi, the pan flute music of Zamfir, and how it tells the story of Miyagi and Daniel's friendship. More songs...
12.30.2020
The Karate Kid (1984): the Music (Part I)
The music in 1984's The Karate Kid is both song score and film score, and composer Bill Conti worked with both. We discover how the songs and underscore are musically related, and discuss how main character themes are woven throughout...
12.23.2020
Home Alone: the Music (Part III)
We take a close listen to the end of Home Alone, breaking down how the music scores the comedy, and when it holds back. Diagetic songs and song scores are discussed, as is the recording of a large collection of...
12.16.2020
Home Alone: the Music (Part II)
Let's hear it from the top! We take a close look at various parts of Home Alone to break down the compositions, and we examine a scene with omitted music restored. The use of popular Christmas music is discussed, as...
12.09.2020
Home Alone: the Music (Part I)
In our first look at John Williams' score for Home Alone, we discuss the background of the project, and how it greatly influenced the score. We listen to a few leitmotifs, and discuss how they became songs for the film,...
04.29.2020
Superman: the Music (part IV)
Our final episode on Superman the Movie takes a close look at the heroic music in Metropolis, as well as the unfolding villainy of Lex Luthor. The heavy use of Superman's fanfare leitmotif is discussed, and we share thoughts from...
04.22.2020
Superman: the Music (part III)
In part three of our look at Superman the Movie, we examine great musical moments from the film score, starting at the beginning. Multiple versions of Krypton are compared, and we listen to more of the music from Smallville. Learn more...
04.15.2020
Superman: the Music (part II)
We continue our fly-through of Superman (1978) by listening to the love theme from the film score, and discuss a fascinating behind-the-scenes story. Other themes are analyzed and discussed, including a theme for Smallville, Lex Luthor and the March of...
04.08.2020
Superman: the Music (part I)
John Williams' iconic Superman score is analyzed in context of a 3-part superhero movie: science fiction in the beginning, Americana growing up in Smallville, and a full-blown comic book in Metropolis. The main themes used in Williams' score are analyzed...
02.12.2020
Frozen II - An Interview with Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez - Part II
We continue our interview with Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, discussing the iterative and very personal nature of songwriting, life stories shared in the writers room, Anna's character arc, and the heart-warming struggle that Kristoff faces when trying to express...
02.05.2020
Frozen II - An Interview with Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez - Part I
Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez join us in the studio for a 2-part interview about the songs of Frozen II. They discuss their process of discovering the songs that drive the story, their collaboration with Disney, and share fascinating stories...
12.19.2019
Return of the Jedi: the Music (part III)
We conclude our listen to Return of the Jedi, and the whole classic Star Wars trilogy, with the Battle of Endor. Themes are discussed, as are moments where music was omitted. We explore more diagetic music with the Ewoks, and...
12.11.2019
Return of the Jedi: the Music (part II)
In part 2 of our analysis, we look at roughly the first half of Return of the Jedi. We discuss each cue, its dramatic effect, and the creative process behind the final presentation. The diagetic, in-world music is also discussed,...
12.04.2019
Return of the Jedi: the Music (part I)
Return of the Jedi is the third Star Wars score from John Williams, and it transforms his overall musical approach to that of an operatic cycle. We look at how familiar themes from the first film are treated, and we...
11.27.2019
Morricone, "Spaghetti Westerns" and The Man With No Name (Part II)
We continue our listen to Morricone's groundbreaking, stylish scores for director Sergio Leone and his "Spaghetti Westerns," including a close examination of For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. The cultural impact of these...
11.20.2019
Morricone, "Spaghetti Westerns" and The Man With No Name (Part I)
Ennio Morricone's iconic music for the "Spaghetti Westerns" of Sergio Leone had an enormous impact on western soundtracks... especially the violent and stylish trilogy of films that featured Clint Eastwood as "The Man With No Name." We analyze the trilogy's...
11.13.2019
Season 3 intermission
Season 3 intermission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11.06.2019
The Nightmare Before Christmas: the Music (Part II)
In our second look at The Nightmare Before Christmas, we discuss the enormous contirbutions of the voice talent in this cast. We also continue looking at great moments from the film's score, discuss the orignal motion picture soundtrack album, and...
10.30.2019
The Nightmare Before Christmas: the Music (Part I)
Danny Elfman's contribution to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is enormous, as the composer not only wrote the score, but helped with story development by writing the songs. He even stars as the lead singer. Elfman's songs are discussed,...
10.23.2019
Batman: the Music (1989)
In 1989, Danny Elfman redefined the sound of superheroes on the silver screen. His theme for the Batman is explored, as well as his musical treatment of the Joker and Vicki Vale. Prince's music is also discussed, and we break...
10.16.2019
Danny Elfman: from Boingo to Beetlejuice
Danny Elfman's origin story is as fascinating as his music. We discuss his incredible success with Oingo Boingo, as well as his long-time collaboration with director Tim Burton. We explore the origin of his European "Doom-pah" sound, his humor, and...
10.09.2019
The Goonies: the Music
The music of The Goonies is a unique mix of classic film scoring, 80s pop, and film nostalgia, all combined with Dave Grusin's contemporary musical sensibilities. The result is a very effective film score that breathes life, adventure, and humor...
10.02.2019
Casablanca: a Musical Movie Commentary
Let's sit back and enjoy Casablanca and its music with this feature-length commentary. Max Steiner's wonderful music is dissected, and many behind-the-scenes stories about Casablanca's production are discussed. The commentary also touches on the fascinating stories behind the actual Warner...
09.25.2019
Casablanca: the Music and History
One of the greatest films to ever be produced by the classic Hollywood studio system features a song that infuriated composer Max Steiner. Regardless, he produced one of the most memorable and effective film scores of his entire career. The...
09.18.2019
Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part IV)
Our look at the music and sound of Raiders of the Lost Ark concludes with a breathtaking truck chase, scoring Indy in disguise, and the climactic opening of the Ark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
09.11.2019
Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part III)
Our adventures continue with Indiana Jones in Cairo, where John Williams and Steven Spielberg masterfully use film score and diegetic music to tell a story of mystery, danger, and romance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
09.04.2019
Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part II)
We take a much closer look at the music of Raiders, starting with the opening adventure in South America. Specific musical moments in the film are discussed and analyzed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
08.28.2019
Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part I)
Our musical adventures with Indiana Jones begin by taking a close look at the inspiration behind Raiders and its film score. We break down the main musical themes, including the famous Raiders March, Marion's theme, and a theme for the...
07.24.2019
Introducing: Ephemeral
Ephemeral, a podcast by Alex Williams, consists of stories that may be unfamiliar, but the themes are universal; it's a window into our own fragile, material existence that begs the question, “How will I be remembered?” This clip from the...
05.29.2019
Middle Earth Music: an Interview with Author Doug Adams
Author Doug Adams shares his exciting experiences as he was writing his comprehensive book on the music of The Lord of the Rings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
05.22.2019
The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part III)
The languages of Middle Earth are more than just vital to the Lord of the Rings: They are an essential part of Howard Shore’s operatic film score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
05.15.2019
The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part II)
We continue our look at Fellowship by discussing the beautiful and familiar music of the Hobbits, in all its permutations. The musical connections between Hobbits, the One Ring, and Gollum are explored, and we break down the theme for The...
05.08.2019
The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part I)
Our first look at not only the film scores of Middle Earth, but also at composer Howard Shore. The creation of his music for Fellowship is examined, as is the source material for these amazing films. Themes are broken down,...
05.01.2019
Wagner: the first Lord of the Ring
Film music has its roots in 19th century opera. The fascinating and controversial life and music of Wagner is explored, as well as an overview of how film music has its roots in opera. Musical examples are played, and history...
04.24.2019
Rocky IV and Transformers: an Interview with Composer Vince DiCola (Part II)
In part 2 of our interview with composer Vince DiCola, we discuss his work on the 1986 animated feature, Transformers the Movie. His influences are explored, and comparisons are made between his approach to songwriting versus film scoring. Learn more about...
04.17.2019
Rocky IV and Transformers: an Interview with Composer Vince DiCola (Part I)
In our interview with Vince DiCola, we learn about how he became the composer for Rocky IV. We explore his musical background as a drummer and keyboardist, how he was influenced by progressive rock, and we discuss his innovative use...

What's The Soundtrack Show about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Soundtrack Show episodes:

Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part III)

Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part II)

Star Trek the Original Series - the Music (Part I)

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part III)

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part II)

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial - the Music (Part I)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part III)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part II)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - the Music (Part I)

The Legend of Zelda: the Music

The Queen's Gambit: An Interview with Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (Part II)

The Queen's Gambit: An Interview with Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera (Part I)

Cobra Kai Composing: An Interview with Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg (Part II)

Cobra Kai Composing: An Interview with Leo Birenberg and Zach Robinson (Part I)

The Karate Kid (1984): the Music (Part II)

The Karate Kid (1984): the Music (Part I)

Home Alone: the Music (Part III)

Home Alone: the Music (Part II)

Home Alone: the Music (Part I)

Superman: the Music (part IV)

Superman: the Music (part III)

Superman: the Music (part II)

Superman: the Music (part I)

Frozen II - An Interview with Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez - Part II

Frozen II - An Interview with Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez - Part I

Return of the Jedi: the Music (part III)

Return of the Jedi: the Music (part II)

Return of the Jedi: the Music (part I)

Morricone, "Spaghetti Westerns" and The Man With No Name (Part II)

Morricone, "Spaghetti Westerns" and The Man With No Name (Part I)

Season 3 intermission

The Nightmare Before Christmas: the Music (Part II)

The Nightmare Before Christmas: the Music (Part I)

Batman: the Music (1989)

Danny Elfman: from Boingo to Beetlejuice

The Goonies: the Music

Casablanca: a Musical Movie Commentary

Casablanca: the Music and History

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part IV)

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part III)

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part II)

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Music (part I)

Introducing: Ephemeral

Middle Earth Music: an Interview with Author Doug Adams

The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part III)

The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part II)

The Fellowship of the Ring: the Music (Part I)

Wagner: the first Lord of the Ring

Rocky IV and Transformers: an Interview with Composer Vince DiCola (Part II)

Rocky IV and Transformers: an Interview with Composer Vince DiCola (Part I)

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