31 Days 31 Scores
October 10th
“I must say, Dr. Hill, I’m VERY disappointed in you. You steal the secret of life and death, and here you are trysting with a bubble-headed coed. You’re not even a second-rate scientist!”
Welcome back to 31 Days 31 Scores and Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadian friends. Today I have an alternative to your turkey and I’m serving up some ham in the form of the 1985 score to Re-Animator by Richard Band. This score from the very beginning takes an almost whimsical approach also at points quoting the Bernard Herrmann “Psycho” theme. It’s not the kind of opening theme I was expecting. The score oddly enough has a very weird and light approach with moments of sinister strings and low brass with Band jumping from one style to another going from Herrmann homage to sounding like the cartoon music of Carl Stalling. However, in all this chaos there is enjoyment to be had. I know that’s weird to say for a horror score but the score is a lot of fun. Band masterfully creates a vibe of humour without forgetting that this is a horror score. The instrumentation is especially delightful with light strings and cello sharing time with synth and percussion. I have always felt that comedy and horror can work well together when done right and the right score can also make all the difference. Band was able to take his score and make this chaos work. The score on CD also shares space with the score to the sequel “Bride Of Re-Animator” (A score I’m sure will show up in the future). The score has been released in many forms most recently by Intrada in 2014. The score I have was released on Silva Screen in 1995 and is definitely worth a listen.
Join me tomorrow for more 31 Days 31 Scores where “This Stop May Be Your Last…”