Travel through time with music in your ears! (Doctor Who: Series Four - Murray Gold - Soundtrack)

Member Name: AmyAmy

Product:	Doctor Who: Series Four - Murray Gold - Soundtrack
Date:	17/03/09 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great tracks

Disadvantages: emotional

Everybody has an addiction in, life right? It's like the law! Personally I have many addictions, a large proportion of them media based! One of my many loves is Doctor Who...

If you have been living in a cupboard for the last million years and have no idea what Doctor Who is, then I shall tell you! It is a sci-fi show, suitable for the whole family, about a Time Lord named the Doctor. This Doctor comes from the planet Gallifrey, but his home planet was destroyed in a war between the Time Lords and the Daleks (Doctor's greatest enemies), called the Time War. Now, this 'last' Time Lord travels around the universe in his blue box known as the Tardis, which has the appearance of a 1950 police box. He does not fly around for a casual trip though, as he always finds himself facing danger, the lives of others in his hand. Sometimes he has to tackle these problems alone, but more often than not he travelled with a companion or two!

After a break, Doctor Who returned in 2005 with Chris Eccleston as our 9th Doctor, alongside Billie Piper as Rose Tyler. At the end of a superb first series our beloved Doctor regenerated into our 10th Doctor after saving Rose, played by the gorgeous David Tennant! Sadly the Doctor and Rose were parted by the end of Series 2, so David was joined by Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones in Series 3. Though again the Doctor's heart was broken when he had to say farewell to yet another companion, and series 4 brought us somebody new: Catherine Tate was set to play Donna Noble.

Donna is quite a lively character with a strong, bubbly and adventurous personality. She is definitely the most humerous of companions, brought fantastically by Tate's charismatic personality! Together, the Doctor and Donna shared many adventures, and now, they can be enjoyed in the form of music!

The music and soundtrack to Doctor Who is very important, an essential in creating that perfect atmosphere in each individual episodes. There are three soundtrack CDs to date from the new series': Series One and Two, Series Three, and now Series 4. Series 4 Soundtrack CD was released on the 17th November 2008, but only now have I got round to buying it. So I think with further ado it was time to explore!

The cover of the CD itself is quite powerful. We can see deep red and white strobe effect lights shooting towards the screen, with the Doctor and Donna in front. It's a if they are reaching out to us, trying to grab us for help. Now, I suppose BBC are doing the same thing, "Please buy me to keep us running!" If we don't buy the products then they're not going to be able to make any money are they? A very good marketing tactic there! On the back there is another image, with the Doctor and Donna standing next to, if not slightly behind the red dalek, which is called the Supreme Dalek. Under them there is a full track listing of all twenty seven tracks...twenty seven?! Wow!

I decided to have a flick through the little booklet before I began to listen. There are some pictures in here, including two very gorgeously cute ones of David! There are little paragraphs describing what each song is, so I thought this would definitely be helpful in case I did not recognise some of the tracks! With that, I decided to begin.

'''1. Opening Credits''' - 0:46
As the name suggests, this is the piece of music which is heard at the beginning of each episode. In the booklet it is described by Gold as "bashed and wolloped", even more so than the other series' openers. I was keen to see if this was so, so had a listen. It sounds quite like the others, but has an almost electric-guitar style in the background to make it more upbeat. It's quite lively and most enjoyable!

'''2. A Noble Girl About Town''' - 2:12
This song is actually Donna's theme tune. Unlike the rest, it is not actually called 'Donna's Theme' (i.e. Doctor's Theme Rose's Theme), which I think makes it quite unique. When it first started I thought it was going to be quite slow and full of emotion, however this was not the case. Okay you are not likely to hear it in a club on a Saturday night (!) but it does have a strong beat behind it. I think this reflects just how fun-loving and energetic Donna is. Though it is a shame we do not get to witness the emotional and serious side of her in this song.

'''3. Life Among The Distant Stars''' - 2:29
Track three comes from Partners in Crime, and is used for Donna's Granddad, Wilfred Mott. In a way I suppose it could be seen as his very own theme tune. Wilfred is quite a loving character, a sweet 'old man', so I didn't expect this to break out into the jitterbug! Indeed it was quite a soft and gentle track, very slow and warm to show Wilfred's love for Donna and the heart ache he faces when she leaves with the Doctor. It's is quite an emotional track, and a delight to listen to.

'''4. Corridors and Fire Escapes''' - 1:13
The paragraph in the book for this track starts with "Run!". This is the first word the Doctor says when the show returned in 2005, followed by a mad dash through a building. This song has been used in series 4 as that iconic piece for whenever the Doctor has to flee down stairs or along corridors in a hurry. Needless to say, it is a fast paced track! The back beat is very powerful, almost like a wild heart beat. It is not too long, which merely indicates that short, gripping moment of adventure before that 'thing' lurking around the corner has made an appearance!

'''5. The Sybilline Sisterhood''' - 1:53
My word, what a weird track! It is taken from episode The Fires in Pompeii, so I did expect peculiarity from this piece, as I discovered the episode to be so. At the beginning it sounds like somebody is wailing, as if in danger. But then this stops and the music itself begins, a very demanding sound, followed by more wailing intertwined. It was very unusual, quite threatening, but perfect for the episode!

'''6. Songs of Captivity and Freedom''' - 4:03
Before I listened to this piece, I knew where it came from. It can be heard in Planet of the Ood, which is all about the poor little slave Oods being trapped. The song starts out with a slow and sorrowful piece of violins playing away and tugging at the heart strings. Not too far into it, the 'vocals' begin, a slow and powerful heart aching sound, bringing tears to the eyes, as we are forced to think of those poor little Ood. It almost sounds as if the word "save" is being sung a few times too, which has a good effect.

'''7. Unit Rocks''' - 1:11
This seventh track is taken from The Sontaran Stratagem, which itself is a very fast paced and gripping episode, so I had expected the same from the accompanying music. Indeed, this is what we got! The steady, powering beat and the unpredictable rhythm reminds me of something out of James Bond films. Okay, that is not Doctor Who's style, yet it still seems to fit in well! It's a good length too, perfect for any little burst of action!

'''8. The Doctor's Daughter'''- 1:38
This piece is taken from the episode by the same name. Unlike predictions, the Doctor does not have a child from a previous relationship (!) but his genes are used to produce life with the aid of a machine! In this episode there are a mix of scenes; both emotional and sorrowful, shown against the gripping and action-packed. I did not know what to expect from this, but thought it would be one or the other. It was to my surprise when I discovered this track portrayed both types. It starts off quite challenging and full of action, ever so slowly progressing to a gentle and sorrowful side, strong enough to bring a tear to the eye. It then ends quite powerfully as the action must commence. There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, now!

'''9. The Source'''- 3:21
Track nine comes from The Doctor's Daughter again, but this time does not reflect both sides of the episode. This one focuses primarily on the emotion and heart ache. The Doctor is forced to think about all his family he lost in the Time War, and the emotion shown in Tennant against this beautifully sorrowful piece is amazing. The track is very gentle and loving, enough to break even the toughest!

'''10. The Unicorn and The Wasp''' - 3:10
This track can be heard in the episode by the same name, which is based around an Agatha Christie novel, which is an action packed episode of curiosity and mystery. Like the episode, I expected this to be quite peculiar and mysterious. Indeed it was, with its slow yet powerful rhythm. In one bit, it sounds as if it is taken from "Cruella De Vil" (101 Dalmatians, Disney). It fits in well, both quite sad and adventurous, a great combination!

'''11. The Doctor's Theme Series Four''' - 2:46
What? Can it be? When I first read the title of this track I thought a new theme for the Doctor had been composed. Though reading it I found it hadn't. We are told that this is the return of the Series 1 theme, which had also been used in Series Two and Three. Okay. So basically it is the Doctor's Theme, which was much appropriate with the return of Rose! Listening it was quite emotional and not too dissimilar to the one I knew. Though it changes course and has a more adventurous side to it, a quest or mission, rather than an tearful ride. It's not as beautiful as the original, but still as powerful.

'''12. Voyage of the Damned Suite''' - 10:21
This piece was heard in episode Voyage of the Damned, the Christmas episode in 2007 before the series started. The episode is basically, well, about a voyage of the ship! Appropriately the music is quite fast paced and full of adventure and exploration itself! Through the piece you can hear bits of The Stowaway, a joyful piece heard in the same episode. It's a very entertaining track to say the least!

'''13. The Girl With No Name''' - 2:45
I did not recognise the name of this track, but found out it came from episode Silence of the Library, which is a very quiet yet exceptionally booming episode full of sorrow and demanding action. For this, I did not really have an idea what this would be like. It turns out the piece is about the little girl who controls everything, so I thought it would be quite flat. Though I stand corrected! It is quite adventurous and reminds me of something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It has that carnival fun fair tinkly sounds, but placed on the back drop of eerie land and mystery. It's quite interesting to follow, and fits in well.

'''14. The Song of Song''' - 2:14
What a funny name! This piece comes from the 'Library' episodes, and can be seen as River Song's theme. Ah, that makes sense! It starts off quite light and gentle, showing the feelings absently passing between the Doctor and River. Though it does go more powerful and demanding, showing the strength in her personality, and just how important she actually is, a lot more than we may realise!

'''15. All In The Mind'''- 1:17
Track fifteen also comes from the library episodes when the Donna meets Doctor Moon. It is quite a cheery track, rather than the depressing one I had expected. I could not recall hearing this airy wind music piece with its strumming faint sound of the guitar. Apparently not all of it made it into the episode, so that makes more sense! It was a change from the upsetting pieces, and a good listen!

'''16. Silence In The Library''' - 2:56
This piece comes from the episode by the same name. I wondered how it would work - music for a silent episode? Well to start with I didn't expect something booming and loud, and indeed this was not what I got! The music is quite slow and gentle, very slow progressing, with not much of a climax. It just tails off at the end, but it works beautifully!

'''17. The Greatest Story Never Told''' - 6:17
I didn't know where this was from, but I discovered that it was yet another piece from the library episodes! Suppose it makes sense, singe it has stories in its name! It's quite gentle and warm, but not too emotional. I will admit there are times in it which can be a little aching, but in general it is quite slow and calm. It's quite interesting to listen to, and I will be sure to pay more attention to it when I watch the episodes!

'''18. Midnight''' - 3:07
This is another piece which comes from the episode with the same name. As the name would suggest, it starts off quite dark and eerie, a very mysterious atmosphere. Though before you know it the room around you is shaking and you are terrified! It is so tense, and has such a powerfully sudden end! It is incredible, nothing else sets you scared quite like it!

'''19. Turn Left''' - 2:21
Again, this piece comes from the episode Turn Left, which is by the same name. That is one episode I have watched quite a few times so I am quite familiar with the music. This piece is both quite eerie and emotional, as we think of how Donna is being messed with, this once-strong woman is helpless and confused. There are specific parts of it which remind me of Rose too, which is quite upsetting! A great track for sure!

'''20. A Dazzling End''' - 2:15
This is the music played when Donna chooses to change the course of history, against her own wishes. It seems more of a song heard at a concert than from a sci-fi show, at the beginning at least! It is full of adventure and wonder as we are left curiously thinking about how life will change for Donna, how different it will be. It is quite emotional in the fact that we do not know how she will live her life, and if she and the Doctor will ever actually meet.

'''21. The Rueful Fate of Donna Noble''' - 2:44
This song can be heard when Donna, now a different life, first realises the mysterious happenings beyond the power of humans, and slowly we find a presence of the Doctor too. This is naturally quite an emotional piece, as we are forced to remember Donna's life before and how happy she was, now just vulnerable and confused. The tempo is quite slow and steady, making it all the more heart aching.

'''22. Davros''' - 2:04
Any piece by that name is fist clenching. Davros is the leader of the daleks, an evil being and a risk to the Doctor. It is heard when Dalek Caan is telling the horrific stories, with his squeaky little voice fitting perfectly with this. The music is quite powerful, ever increasing and eerie. The faint tickling, speeding up, almost like dripping water before the dam bursts. And then it stops.

'''23. The Dark And Endless Dalek Night''' - 3:43
Daleks equal trouble, so I hadn't expected this to be all fluttery and flowery. Straight away you can hear that powerful Dalek voice, the language we dread to understand. The volume and pitch increase rapidly, until we can only just about bear to listen. It is the piece which is heard when the Daleks swarm, and is perfect for creating tension!

'''24. A Pressing Need To Save The World''' - 4:51
As soon as I heard this piece, I recognised it. It was from the final trio of episodes, and was also apparently used in Torchwood too, which I thought was cute. It is very quick paced and powerful, with a steady, unbelievably strong tempo. It's very tense and has a good climax, too, just like the episodes!

'''25. Hanging On The Tablaphone''' - 1:05
Since 'Hanging on the Telephone' is a favourite song of mine, I was interested to hear this! This piece is heard when everybody is trying to get in touch with the Doctor from various phones and communication devises, so it's name is most appropriate! The piece is quite strong and full of action, much like the music heard in the warrior scene, Tooth and Claw, Series 2. I thought it would have been more emotional as they try to find the only man who can save them. Nonetheless it was still a good piece.

'''26. Song of Freedom''' - 2:52
The final songs in the series' are always usually happy, full of joy to see them out. This is heard in the final episode when everybody, all my favourites, are all hugging in the Tardis after their triumph. It is such a magical moment, I cry every time (I actually cry throughout the entire episode but that's just...). There is an almost-singing sound in this piece, with a very catchy jivy rhythm beat and incredibly strong smiling tempo. I am crying now. Oh dear.

'''27. Closing Credits Series 4''' - 1:07
As each episodes ends dramatically on a twist, with the exception of the final, which ends on a 'high' (me in floods of tears!), the closing credits see us out, with the screeds of names scrolling up our screen. This theme is not much different to the other series endings, apart from the EastEnders style opening overlapping the start, and brings back memories of when I was at Blackpool in the Doctor Who museum, as it could be heard overhead. It is a gorgeous piece, a perfect way to end it!

And so we're done! There was not a single weak link in that CD, each one superlby written by Murray Gold and played by BBC National Wales Orchestra. With many of them, as they played I could picture their equivalent scenes in my head, which brought out a lot of emotion, and yes over the few hours I wrote that, I cried many times! It's great for releasing emotion, and there is certainly at least one track on there to suit your mood!

If you like Doctor Who, or just want to sample something a bit different, then I highly recommend this! You can buy it for £10 from HMV, but if you look around you may be able to find it for a bit less. I could not possibly choose between this or the other Doctor Who Soundtrack CDs, and it was definitely money well spent!

Now, I best be off, my Tardis awaits...

© Amy 2009

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