The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 53: National Film Score Day 2020

In their latest episode, Glenn and Scott try to wash the taste of another disappointing slate of Oscar scores out of their mouths. In honor of National Film Score Day, they review ten scores they've never covered on the show before, selected for no reason other than that they're good. These aren't legendary scores or universally-acknowledged classics -- one of the selection criteria was “Scott can’t just pick Superman” -- but they make the case for why these ten scores deserve a listen from any film score fan, or anyone interested in becoming one. Come for the 1950s scores Glenn is finally able to bring to the show; stay for Scott's favorite score from a Sinbad film.
Musical Selections:Necessary Roughness by Bill Conti "Main Title" "Featherstone Gets It" "The Iron Men" "Featherstone Follies" "The Big Ending" "Up Yours, Phil!" "First Kiss/Blake Quits"The Fountain by Clint Mansell "The Last Man" "Death Is the Road to Awe"Conspiracy Theory by Carter Burwell "Overture" "Riding"Columbus Circle by Brian Tyler "Columbus Circle" "Puzzle Pieces"Transformers by Steve Jablonsky "No Sacrifice, No Victory" "You're a Soldier Now" "The All Spark" "Arrival to Earth"Land of the Pharaohs by Dimitri Tiomkin "Pharaoh's Procession" "Main Title" "End Title" "Pharaoh's Procession"The Time Machine by Klaus Badelt "I Don't Belong Here" "Godspeed"The Return of Dracula by Gerald Fried "Main Title" "Sunrise"Quigley Down Under by Basil Poledouris "Main Title" "The Attack" "Cora's Story" "Dingo Attack"Tron Legacy by Daft Punk "Flynn Lives" "The Son of Flynn" "Finale" "End Title"

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 52: Fifth Annual Oscar Preview: Best Original Score 2019

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular’s annual Oscar preview takes a look at 2019’s Best Original Score nominees. Glenn & Scott cover the distinctly different moods expressed in the scores for Joker, Marriage Story, 1917, Little Women, and The Rise of Skywalker — a Star Wars score by John Williams, something never before discussed on this podcast. In part 2 they discuss the one 2019 score Scott actually liked, some highlights Glenn found noteworthy, and the best single track from any score in the last five years. Glenn feels the joy of eucatastrophe, while Scott searches desperately for melodies.
Musical Selections:“Defeated Clown” from Joker by Hildur Guðnadóttir“Bathroom Dance” from Joker by Hildur Guðnadóttir“Following Sophie” from Joker by Hildur Guðnadóttir (2x speed)“What I Love About Nicole” from Marriage Story by Randy Newman“Shouting and Shopping” from Marriage Story by Randy Newman“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel“Sixteen Hundred Men” from 1917 by Thomas Newman“Theatre in the Attic” from Little Women by Alexandre Desplat“Ice Skating” from Little Women by Alexandre Desplat“Main Title” from North and South by Bill Conti“We Go Together” from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker by John Williams“End of Story (Credits)” from Marriage Story by Randy Newman“Main on End” from Avengers: Endgame by Alan Silvestri“Far from Home Suite Home” from Spider-Man: Far from Home by Michael Giacchino“Swinging Set” from Spider-Man: Far from Home by Michael Giacchino“The Professor and the Madman” from The Professor and the Madman by Bear McCreary“Rebirth” from Godzilla: King of the Monsters by Bear McCreary“Portals” from Avengers: Endgame by Alan Silvestri“Far from Home Suite Home” from Spider-Man: Far from Home by Michael Giacchino

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 51: Star Wars Scores: The Final Chapter

Star Wars Month (observed) comes to an end as Glenn and Scott finish their examination of the franchise’s scores. First, they review the new score for The Rise of Skywalker, examining the use of new themes and old, as John Williams takes his final bow as a Star Wars composer for the third time. After the ad break, discussion turns to the franchise as a whole, as Glenn & Scott rank all 11 scores and cover topics like the best end title suite and the three best tracks from each score. Glenn discusses other composers who should be candidates to score future Star Wars movies, and Scott rates each opening title crash. (TROS spoilers begin at 5:04.)
Musical Selections by John WilliamsThe Rise of SkywalkerThe Rise of Skywalker Trailer“The Force Is with You”“The Rise of Skywalker” (“trio” theme)“The Rise of Skywalker” (“rise” theme)“The Speeder Chase”“Parents”“A New Home”“Falcon Flight”“They Will Come”“The Jedi Steps and Finale” from The Force Awakens“Finale”The Rise of Skywalker trailer“Farewell”The Star Wars Franchise“Star Wars” from Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk by Meco“Finale” from The Rise of Skywalker“Main Title” from Star Wars“Main Title” from The Force Awakens“Main Title” from The Phantom Menace“Main Title” from Return of the Jedi“Fanfare” from The Rise of Skywalker“Main Title” from The Empire Strikes Back“Binary Sunset” from Star Wars“The Rebel Fleet” from The Empire Strikes Back“Finale” from The Rise of Skywalker

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 50: The Skywalker Is Risen

The Star Wars sequel trilogy has come to an end with The Rise of Skywalker, and The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular is ON IT. Podcast diad Glenn & Scott welcome Alanna Kelly back to the show to cover all aspects of the new film, starting with a non-spoiler review to open the show. After that, they discuss how this movie treats its many characters, which storylines worked and which ones didn’t, and whether or not this is a satisfying conclusion to The Skywalker Saga. Don’t miss Alanna’s reaction to certain character developments, Glenn’s desperate search for hope, and Scott’s favorite part of the movie. Plus, it wouldn’t be a Star War without gratuitous cameos! (Spoilers begin at 16:00.)Note: the traditional Spectacular score analysis will be included in a final wrap-up episode of our Star Wars Scores series, coming soon to Place to Be Nation Pop and all fine RSS readers near you.
Musical Selections from The Rise of Skywalker by John Williams“The Rise of Skywalker”“They Will Come”“Anthem of Evil”“Falcon Flight”

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 49: Star Wars Scores: And the Rest

In the latest installment of Star Wars Month on The Glenn Butler Podcast Spectacular, Glenn & Scott take a whirlwind tour of the musical landscape of the Star Wars franchise outside of the first two trilogies, starting with the Disney era as John Williams returns for the sequel trilogy and other composers start to make their mark on the film franchise. Then they move on to other media from the breadth and depth of the Star Wars musical legacy, including television projects from the Caravan of Courage to Rebels, and even the original score to a book. How much do different tie-in scores feel the gravitational pull of Williams’ original film scores? And which of them are any good?
Musical Selections:The Force Awakens by John Williams“End Credits”“Follow Me”“The Resistance”“The Starkiller”The Last Jedi by John Williams“The Fathiers”“Captured”Rogue One by Michael Giacchino“He’s Here for Us”“When Has Become Now”“Krennic’s Aspirations”“Guardians of the Whills Suite”“A Long Road Ahead”“Hope”Solo by John Powell“L3 & Millennium Falcon”“The Adventures of Han” by John Williams“Mine Mission”“Reminiscence Therapy”“Lando’s Closet”“Flying with Chewie”“Marauders Arrive”“Jabba Flow” from The Force Awakens by Lin-Manuel Miranda and J.J. AbramsAnd the Rest“Trek” from Caravan of Courage by Peter Bernstein“Prelude” from The Ten Commandments by Elmer Bernstein“Noa’s Ark” from The Battle for Endor by Peter Bernstein“Intro-Main Title” from Caravan of Courage by Peter Bernstein“Main Title” from Star Trek by Alexander Courage“Xizor’s Theme” from Shadows of the Empire by Joel McNeely“The Destruction of Xizor’s Palace” from Shadows of the Empire by Joel McNeely“The Seduction of Princess Leia” from Shadows of the Empire by Joel McNeely“Battle of Christophsis” from The Clone Wars by Kevin Kiner“Anakin Sees His Future” from The Clone Wars (TV) by Kevin Kiner“Jedi Eulogy” from The Clone Wars (TV) by Kevin Kiner“Rebels Theme” from Rebels (season 1) by Kevin Kiner“Best Pilot in the Galaxy” from Rebels (season 2) by Kevin Kiner“Tie Fighter Pursuit” from Rebels (season 1) by Kevin Kiner“Inquisitor Duel” from Rebels (season 1) by Kevin Kiner

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 48: Star Wars Scores: The Prequel Trilogy

Star Wars Month continues on The Glenn Butler Podcast Spectacular, as Glenn & Scott examine the epistemological quagmire that is John Williams’ scores for the Star Wars prequels. How hard was Williams trying to replicate the magic of his older Star Wars scores, and did he succeed? How did the music editing in The Phantom Menace affect his work on Attack of the Clones? Does Williams’ Revenge of the Sith score carry the emotional weight of that story, even when the movie largely fails to do so? What is the backbone of each score? What do the themes stand for? And can Glenn & Scott resist the temptation to take cheap shots at the movies and keep the focus on the scores? YOLO!
Musical selections by John Williams:The Phantom Menace“Anakin’s Theme” (original release)“Padme Meets Anakin” (Ultimate Edition)“Anakin, Podracer Mechanic” (Ultimate Edition)“Watto’s Roll of the Die” (Ultimate Edition)“Hail to the Winner, Anakin Skywalker” (Ultimate Edition)“Anakin and Group to Coruscant” (Ultimate Edition)“Qui-Gon’s Mission/Obi-Wan’s Warning” (Ultimate Edition)“Anakin Defeats Sebulba” (original release)“The Death of Qui-Gon and the Surrender of the Gungans” (Ultimate Edition)“The Flag Parade” (Ultimate Edition)“Qui-Gon and Darth Maul Meet” (Ultimate Edition)“The Tide Turns” (Ultimate Edition)“The Battle Rages On” (Ultimate Edition)“Qui-Gon’s Noble End” (original release)“Augie’s Great Municipal Band” (original release)“End Credits” (original release)Attack of the Clones“Love Pledge and the Arena”“Across the Stars (Love Theme)”“The Moisture Farm” from Star Wars“Meeting with Fett”“Shmi’s Funeral”“Zam the Assassin and the Chase Through Coruscant”“The Meadow Picnic”“Ambush on Coruscant”“Return to Tatooine”“The Tusken Camp and the Homestead”“Bringing Mother Home”“Confrontation with Count Dooku and Finale”“The Arena”“Dex’s Diner”Revenge of the Sith“Battle of the Heroes”“Star Wars and the Revenge of the Sith”“Anakin’s Betrayal”“Padme’s Funeral”“End Credits”

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 47: Star Wars Scores: The Original Trilogy

Glenn and Scott kick off Star Wars Month on PTBN Pop by examining John Williams’ scores for the original Star Wars trilogy the only way they know how: at great length. They take in three of the most widely beloved and influential scores of the past 40 years, and find more to say about them than they expected. Topics include the semiotics of thematic usage, temp-tracking, which themes lived beyond their introductions and which ones didn’t, and which themes introduced in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi belong in A New Hope. Also, strap in for some Hot Takes!
Musical selections by John Williams, except where notedStar Wars“Main Title”“Learn About the Force”“Wobani Imperial Labor Camp” from Rogue One by Michael Giacchino“Burning Homestead”“The Moisture Farm”“Wookiee Prisoner”“Detention Block Ambush”“The Death Star”“Imperial Attack”“The Battle of Yavin: Use the Force”“The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky“The Dune Sea of Tatooine”“The New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak“The Throne Room”“Prologue” from The Vikings by Mario Nascimbene, 2018 recording by Nic Raine and The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus“Imperial Attack”“Main Title” from King’s Row by Erich Wolfgang Korngold“End Title”“Chasm Crossfire”The Empire Strikes Back“The Imperial March”“The Death Star” from Star Wars“The Trash Compactor” from Star Wars“The Battle of Hoth: Ion Cannon”“Carbon Freeze”“The Battle of Hoth: Imperial Walkers”“Betrayal at Bespin”“Imperial Starfleet Deployed”“The Ice Planet Hoth”“Rescue from Cloud City”“Han Solo and the Princess”“Han Solo and the Princess” (concert suite)“End Title”“Luke’s Nocturnal Visitor”“Yoda and the Force”“Darth Vader’s Trap”“The Asteroid Field”“Mynock Cave”“The Wampa’s Lair/Vision of Obi-Wan”“The Ice Planet Hoth”“Deal with the Dark Lord”“Rescue from Cloud City”“Hyperspace”“The Clash of Lightsabers”Return of the Jedi“Jabba’s Baroque Recital”“Lapti Nek” (film version)“Jedi Rocks” by Jerry Hey“Den of the Rancor”“Sail Barge Assault”“Han Solo Returns”“Bounty for a Wookiee”“Parade of the Ewoks”“The Forest Battle” (concert suite)“Ewok Celebration”“Victory Celebration”“The Emperor Arrives”“The Emperor’s Death”“Luke and Leia”“Into the Trap”“Final Duel”“Alliance Assembly”“The Fleet Goes Into Hyperspace”“Light of the Force/Funeral Pyre for a Jedi (Alternate)”“Darth Vader’s Death”“Approaching the Death Star”“Ewok Celebration”

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 46: Stranger Things 3

Glenn and Alanna are back for another season of Stranger Things, as The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular examines all of your favorite characters in an effort to decide who was well served and who wasn't, who got their look right, rhymes that keep their secrets, and much more!
Musical Selections:"Stranger Things" from Stranger Things by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein"Land Deeds" from Stranger Things 3 by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein "Roundball Rock" by John Tesh"The NeverEnding Story" - music by Giorgio Moroder, lyrics by Keith Forsey, performed by Limahl & Beth Anderson

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 45: Despair on the Eve of a Debate

Glenn and Scott attempt to examine the wide array of yahoos contending for the Democratic presidential nomination, but keep getting sidetracked by the garbage fire our political system has become and whether or not capitalism should be thrown onto the pyre. Which candidate serves at the mercy of Twitter teens? Which candidate has a plan for first contact with space aliens? All of the biggest candidates are covered, including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Randy Steve Bullock, John McAfee, and Vermin Supreme.
Note: This episode was recorded before former Representative Joe Sestak announced, for reasons passing understanding, that he too is running for president. We apologize(?) for the omission.
Musical Selections:“America, Fuck Yeah (Bummer Remix)” from Team America: World Police by Trey Parker and Marc Shaiman“Crank That Mike Gravel““International Statement” from NFL Primetime by Roger Dexter and Alan Bell“This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, performed by Bernard Sanders et al

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 44: Fight the Future -- Star Trek: Discovery Season Two

Glenn & Scott are back to discuss Star Trek: Discovery's second season, including the show's new old characters, its whirlwind tour of Original Series episodes & concepts, and the priorities of the show's writers. How did the show shift its focus from the first season, and how does its plot developments impact the bevy of spinoff shows on the horizon? Scott has things to say about the finale; Glenn has things to say about character deaths.
 
Musical Selections:Star Trek: Discovery Main Title by Jeff Russo"Pike's Punishment" from Star Trek, "The Cage" by Alexander Courage"Powersurge" from NFL Primetime by Ken Nelson and Jim Long of FirstCom MusicStar Trek: Discovery End Title by Jeff Russo

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 43: Fourth Annual Oscar Preview – Best Original Score 2018

Glenn and Scott are back in the Oscar vault, on time and as expected! They're breaking down the nominees for the Best Original Score Oscar: Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson, If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell, BlacKkKlansman by Terence Blanchard, Isle of Dogs by Alexandre Desplat, and Mary Poppins Returns by Marc Shaiman. Best Original Score is one of the categories that's actually being awarded on the broadcast this year, so you know it's a big one. There are major digressions aplenty in this outing, including your dose of Hamilton hot takes!
Musical Selections:WWE Hall of Fame Intro Theme"Waterfall Fight" from Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson"Glory to Bast" from Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson"United Nations/End Titles" from Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson"Eden (Harlem)" from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"What Have They Done?" from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"New Life" from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"The Ecstasy of Gold" from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly by Ennio Morricone"Killmonger" from Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson"The Ecstasy of Gold" from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly by Ennio Morricone"Encomium" from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"Eden (Harlem)" (Double Speed) from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"Encomium" (Double Speed) from If Beale Street Could Talk by Nicholas Britell"Blood and Soil" from BlacKkKlansman by Terence Blanchard"Ron Meets FBI Agent" from BlacKkKlansman by Terence Blanchard"Ron's Search" from BlacKkKlansman by Terence Blanchard"Shinto Shrine" from Isle of Dogs by Alexandre Desplat"First Crash-Landing" from Isle of Dogs by Alexandre Desplat"Jupiter and Oracle + Aboriginal Dogs" from Isle of Dogs by Alexandre Desplat"First Bath of a Stray Dog" from Isle of Dogs by Alexandre Desplat"Outside the Tent" from Mary Poppins Returns by Marc Shaiman"Royal Doulton Chase" from Mary Poppins Returns by Marc Shaiman"Trip a Little Light Fantastic" from Mary Poppins Returns, music & lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, vocals by Lin-Manuel Miranda & cast"Ancestral Plane" from Black Panther by Ludwig Göransson"The Place Where Lost Things Go" from Mary Poppins Returns, music & lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, vocals by Emily Blunt"Flying with Chewie" from Solo by John Powell"Main Title" from Ready Player One by Alan Silvestri"Hooray for Hollywood" by Richard A. Whiting & Johnny Mercer, arranged & conducted by John Williams, performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 42: -15th Annual Oscar Preview – Best Original Score 2000

In the midst of Oscar season, Glenn & Scott take a detour to discuss the Best Original Score nominees from the year 2000! On the docket are Gladiator by Hans Zimmer, Malèna by Ennio Morricone, The Patriot by John Williams, Chocolat by Rachel Portman, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Tan Dun. Come for the celebrity guest star, stay for the Butler Brothers’ amazement at a genuinely compelling Zimmer score! This edition also boasts a discussion of when the last couple of decades ended, and ends with Glenn getting the most shocking news of the year.
Musical Selections:WWE Hall of Fame Intro Theme“Barbarian Horde” from Gladiator by Hans Zimmer“The Wheat” from Gladiator by Hans Zimmer“The Battle” from Gladiator by Hans Zimmer“Now We Are Free” from Gladiator by Hans Zimmer“Malèna (Titoli Di Coda)” from Malèna by Ennio Morricone“Inchini Ipocriti e Disperazione” from Malèna by Ennio Morricone“Il Ritorno” from Malèna by Ennio Morricone“Visioni (Fantasie D’Amore)” from Malèna by Ennio Morricone“The Colonial Cause” from The Patriot by John Williams“Martin vs. Tavington” from The Patriot by John Williams“Ann and Gabriel” from The Patriot by John Williams“The Patriot” from The Patriot by John Williams“Main Titles” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Party Preparations” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Chocolate Sauce” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Guillaume’s Confession” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Three Women” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Ashes to the Wind” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Vianne Sets Up Shop” from Chocolat by Rachel Portman“Eternal Vow” from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Tan Dun“Night Fight” from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Tan Dun“Farewell” from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Tan Dun“A Love Before Time” (English) from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, performed by CoCo Lee“A Love Before Time” (Mandarin) from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, performed by CoCo Lee“Cast Away” from Cast Away by Alan Silvestri“Crossroads” from Cast Away by Alan Silvestri“The Legend of Bagger Vance” from The Legend of Bagger Vance by Rachel Portman“Remember the Titans” from Remember the Titans by Trevor Rabin“Virginia” from Remember the Titans by Trevor Rabin“Southern Hospitality” from Requiem for a Dream by Clint Mansell“Lux Aeterna” from Requiem for a Dream by Clint Mansell“End Title” from Unbreakable by James Newton Howard“Unbreakable” from Unbreakable by James Newton Howard“Requiem for a Tower” by Corner Stone Cues, based on themes by Clint Mansell

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 41: Third Annual Oscar Preview – Best Original Score 2017

At long last, Glenn & Scott return to the Oscar vault to run down the nominees for best score of 2017! They discuss Phantom Thread by Jonny Greenwood, Dunkirk by Hans Zimmer, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri by Carter Burwell, The Shape of Water by Alexandre Desplat, Star Wars: The Last Jedi by John Williams, and the definition of music. Stay after the break for their thoughts on selected non-nominated scores from 2017 as well.

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 40: Tell Me Something Good

Glenn Butler and Steve Wille focus on the positive and tell each other some things that are good. Along the way they touch on the legend of Cat Grandpa, the This Old House Cinematic Universe, other low-stakes TV, and butter cheese cheese. If you have something good you want to tell us about, reach out!

The Glenn Butler Podcast Hour Spectacular, Episode 39: Are We Klingon, Or Are We Dancer? -- Star Trek: Discovery Season One

Scott and Glenn are back with a somewhat belated discussion of the first season of Star Trek: Discovery. They discuss what worked for them and what didn't, why the show went too fast and felt too slow, and whether anyone was buried. They each have opinions, and Scott thinks you should ignore one of them.