| Product: |
Doctor Who: Series One & Two - Murray Gold - Soundtrack |
| Date: |
09/07/08 (143 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Captures every mood, releases emotion, helps to undertand characters
Disadvantages: One or two tracks a bit ordinary!
Doctor Who started way back in 1963, with William Hartnell playing the Doctor! And his performance must have been so strong as we as a whole are still obsessed with this gripping programme, 44 years later!
In the 21st Century, we have met two new Doctors. The 9th Doctor was played by Chris Eccleston, a cheeky chap. But at the end of Series 1, the Doctor regenerated, and introduced us to our latest 10th Doctor, David Tennant! The first companion we saw with Chris, following through to David in Series 2 was Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper. She was a fun-loving, bubbly girl in her late teens, devoted to the Doctor, but when she was lost in the Parallel Universe, the Doctor was on his own. Our latest series aired on television in with our tenth Doctor, but this time he has a new companion, Martha Jones, a trainee Doctor (of humans) caught in the Doctor's clasp!
It was only a matter of time before a soundtrack cd for Doctor Who was to be released! So it was no surprise when, in early 2007, BBC released a jam-packed album filled with 31 fantastic tracks from Series 1 and 2 Doctor Who episodes!
*****
1. Doctor Who Theme - TV Version
The first track on the cd is appropriately the opening music to the show, the beginning of each adventure. When this theme echoes through the television sets and out into our homes, we are forced to stop whatever we are doing and sit in front of the TV, as if we were possessed.
There is something about this theme tune which makes it like none other. Not only does it have a catchy beat which infiltrates its way into your head day or night, but this piece also manages to sound up-to-date and fit in with the present day music, but in some way in manages to keep its original feel and meaning. The voice of Doctor Who.
2. Westminster Bridge
This piece was first played in Rose, the opening episode to 21st Century Doctor Who. We can hear it when action strikes, and the Doctor (Eccleston) and Rose (Piper) are running across the bridge - hence the name.
Westminster Bridge starts off quite slow, but after several seconds, it almost changes completely, speeding up, giving a certain energetic feel. The catchy rhythm could give anybody the motivation to get up and run, which is why I think it was a good choice for the scene! It does not last very long, just a few minutes, but it is amazing, a great way to start off the show!
3. The Doctor's Theme.
Who does the show circle around? The Doctor, of course! It is only fair he has his own set piece of music! Something to be played in the more emotional scenes, a piece that can win him over before it hit's the second bar. Something that goes straight to our heart.
This piece has an eerie drone to it, showing the depth of the Doctor, but at the same time reflecting that he is alone, hurting. Sort of reminds us the Doctor may have two hearts, but they are easily broken. Such an emotional piece. I am listening it as I type just now, a lump is growing in my throat.
4. Cassandra's Waltz
It goes without saying that this piece was created for the Lady Cassandra. Well, she is 'the last human' (yeah, right!) so she deserves it! It is the sort of piece you would expect to hear in a show associated with aliens, very mysterious and 'futuristic'. It also helps to give Cassandra that sly, cunning edge. When I close my eyes, I can see her sliding around, obviously up to no good!
5. Slitheen
Ah, I love those little green terrors! Straight away, this piece launches itself into 'action', no warning. It is quick and powerful, straight away alerting us there is trouble. It is heard when we see the pig-pilot crashing into Big Ben, helping to paint a picture of trouble.
I love the slitheen, and I feel they go great with this music. It is not to weak - the slitheen are not shown to be cowardly and soft. At the same time, the piece is not overpowering, making the green creatures seem defeat less and brawny. As the piece is played in several of the slitheen episodes, it is certainly fitted well and are connected with one another quite nicely! Gives the slitheen just that little bit more to them!
6. Father's Day
For those of you who have seen Father's Day, you will know how emotional it is, all those feelings and memories squeezed together. It goes without saying that the music to fit could not be heavy. This piece starts off to be exceptionally soft and delicate, and portrays a certain feeling of woe. It does get a bit more power half way through, as if its heart is broken and it is crying out. Murray says, "Father's Day really needed a nostalgic theme. Something that made you feel you'd heard it before". I guess this theme did do that, and for me it brings out all sorts of emotional, surprisingly not all negative. This theme is well connected to the episode.
7. Rose In Peril
This theme comes from the last two episodes in Series 1, Bad Wolf and Parting Of The Ways. Two episodes when nothing is clear. Emotions are endless. One minute everything seems to be on top, the next minute nothing is certain and the battle is weak. The separation of the Doctor and Rose seem to be staring them in the face, and this theme adds to the tension. It has a definite feel of lust about it, a piece used well to reflect the emotions of both the Doctor and Rose when they are alone and confused. Rose In Peril is one of my favourite pieces from this series and will stick with me always.
8. Boom Town Suite
Oh what a theme! What an episode! This piece cheers you up straight away (especially after just listening to the last track!) It is all happy and pleasant, everything seems clear. But then about thirty seconds into the piece, it unexpectedly slows down and softens, as if something is not right all of a sudden. It becomes a lot more gentle, which I think is quite weird for a slitheen episode! I guess this theme sort of sways you a bit, makes you think.
9. I'm Coming To Get You
Scared. Frightened. Terrified. Just three of the words that come to mind when this piece is first played. This piece, associated with the daleks at the end of Bad Wolf, fits in nicely. The power of it shows triumph in the daleks, puts fear into the nation, gives out a warning that there will be trouble. It makes your heart pound, your head spin in confusion. Nothing is clear anymore.
10. Hologram
The Parting Of The Ways is a very emotional episode, especially when we have to see the Doctor regenerate at the end, young Rose confused, the nation upset. This theme fits in nicely. It isn't too slow, but slow enough to help make everything seem so much clearer than before, making things seem that little bit happier. It gives a chance for things to make sense. I feel this piece has a sort of 'magical' powering in it. Wonderful.
11. Rose Defeats The Daleks
Look at the title of this theme. What does it tell you? Instantly you think, 'victory'. This scene, again from Parting Of The Ways', is very important in the history of Doctor Who. A mere 'mortal' girl manages to do something that has been dreamed of for years - overpowering the terrifying daleks, creatures set out to kill. Personally, I thought this piece would have been a lot stronger. I think it starts off a bit too slow, and doesn't have enough strength to it. Though, it is a good theme.
12. Clockwork Tardis
This piece is from The End Of The World, an episode which is one minute peaceful, the next everybody is rushing around in a panic! This theme shows both sides. It is quite quick, but at the same time it has an elegant outcome. I like this piece quite a lot as it is not one I would usually associate with an episode of Doctor Who. But that does not mean it does not suit, it still fits its purpose!
13. Harriet Jones, Prime Minister
This piece was played in World War Three, an emotionally speedy episode involving Britain's Prime Minister. She opens up her heart and releases her feelings to us, and this theme fits in nicely, very caring and moving. It also shows a bit of her bond with the Doctor as well. To me, this piece is not one that sticks in your head, but it is quite effective!
14. Rose's Theme
Rose. She's full of emotion. Feeling. It would take a lot of time to sum her up in words. But this theme, heard throughout both series' when poor Rose is in distress, grieving and hurt, helps us to understand the situation, share her feeling. She is a young girl away from home, with somebody who started out to be a complete stranger, then becoming the only person she needs, deep down. I cannot listen to this piece without getting pricks in the back of my eyes. It's beautiful.
15. Song For Ten
Wow. Never in my life have I heard a better song on Doctor Who! This piece, sung by Neil Hannon, is used in Christmas 2005 episode, 'Christmas Invasion'. We hear it towards the end of the episode, in the Tylers' flat, when everybody is happy and laughing. The world has just been saved, Rose and the Doctor are reunited, and the whole family are together on Christmas Day! "I wish today was just like every other day...". Those words say it all!
16. The Face Of Boe
Such a magical, mysterious creature the Face Of Boe is. Full of age and wisdom. This theme is echoed out in New Earth, when the Face Of Boe is ill, breathing his last, fighting for his life. It is such a good piece, with such a caring feel to it. Very upsetting, I might add, though I like it. It opens up your heart and releases everything.
17. Unit
A piece centered around Torchwood. Torchwood spells trouble, and so does this theme. It has a heavy back beat to it, almost like an army marching, getting closer. Everything seems dark and dangerous, nothing is safe. I don't like this one.
18. Seeking The Doctor
This piece is used whenever anybody is trying to look for the Doctor. The first time, when the Doctor first leaves Rose in the beginning of Series 1, and she hunts for him on the internet. It is heard again in Love and Monsters when the guys involved in LINDA are on a search for the Time Lord. This piece is very mysterious, which is quite fitting as at that point in the episodes, that is what the Doctor is made out to be.
19. Madame De Pompadour
This piece comes from The Girl In The Fireplace, an episode which mixes 17th Century France with alien technology. An episode centered around one 'Madame's' world. Reinette's character is reflected through this theme, showing emotion and feelings for the Doctor. Amazingly, this piece has both a sorrowful, yet romantic feel to it. By that, I am stunned.
20. Tooth And Claw
A very active piece of music, to say the least. It starts off instantly with power. It is a very threatening piece of music, which slots in quite adequately with the heavy tension of the episode. What better way to mix Warriors and Werewolves than to toss them together into one great theme?
21. The Lone Dalek
As a nation, we have always seen the Daleks as terrifying creatures. But in 'Dalek' in Series 1, we are made to feel sorry for 'it'. One poor dalek, helplessly chained up all alone. You cannot possibly turn a blind eye to such a transformation. And the music. It makes you feel almost guilty for ever hating the creature. This theme, in some way, seems sly as it makes you feel such a way about a dalek you would not normally.
22.New Adventures
A piece of music used in Parting Of The Ways, an episode with many faces. Used to portray new adventure, both exciting and threatening. It adds to the wonder of the whole episode. In my opinion, I think it is a very powerful piece, in the sense that everything seems to come across as 'normal' in that point of the episode, even though it is clearly not!
23. Finding Jackie
This piece was first heard in Love And Monsters, when Elton goes searching for Jackie. That is unusual! Usually the character at the centre of the search is quite mysterious and unpredictable! And when Elton found Jackie, I did not think it would turn out the way it did! The quick motion of the piece gives an effect of determination and desire, which I think makes it quite comical.
24. Monster Bossa
Heard in Boom Town, this theme sort of adds adventure to the episode, whilst making everything quite relaxed. Again, for me this piece doesn't really grab my attention, it is all too basic with no real hidden depth about it.
25. The Daleks
A theme from Doctor Who dedicated to the one and only's, the Daleks. Creatures indescribable. I was surprised when it started off to be quite slow and patient, but when it began to pick up speed, grew into a piece of music so commanding and dominant, it all made sense. It shows the mystery of the daleks, gives them a feel of pride and power. Puts the fear into anyone!
26. The Cybermen
The Cybermen appeared in Series 2 with a bang, they are very controlling creatures, to say the least. This theme instantly makes them seem unpredictable, unexplainable. It opens up many questions about the metal men. Who are the cyber men? It explains these creatures, whilst leaving them uncovered at the same time. Incredible.
27. Doomsday
Watching this episode is a real struggle. Of course, the theme music bursts your heart right open. It floods your eyes. It controls your thoughts. Its as if it commanding you to cry. I love the way it starts off with a strong pulse, which if I remember rightly, was supposed to reflect Rose's heartbeat as she searches for her Doctor. The sorrow in it blends well with the sense of determination. But one thing it shows. Love.
28. The Impossible Planet
One of my favourite episodes. Unfortunately, not one of my favourite tracks. In my opinion, it sounds like something that should belong in a Disney movie or such like. It is too...ordinary. I feel I have heard it all before, the basic rhythm, nothing special comes to mind when I hear it.
29. Sycorax Encounter
Evidently, this theme music comes from The Christmas Invasion! It is heard when the sycorax ship darkens over the city of London, scaring us all when we sit curled up on that fine Christmas evening! It is not an extremely heavy piece, but the odd drum beats which seem to infiltrate their way into the piece every few bars are brilliant!
30. Love Don't Roam
"But of all the strange, strange creatures, in air on sea or land! Oh my girl, my girl, my precious girl, I love you, you understand!"
Those lines from this song sung by Neil Hannon in The Runaway Bride. It was quite a shock to hear, in one sense, as the Doctor had just lost his Rose in the previous episode, so love was the last thing wanting to be thought about. But on the other hand, considering the episode was based on a wedding, it made it appropriate. The song itself, I like, very catchy and classic! But with the episode, I don't feel it fit in well!
31. Doctor Who Theme - album version
If you love the TV theme, then you will love this! It still clutches the classical d-d-d-dum beat. The part we all know and love that drones its way through the opening credits! But there is a particular part in it where it goes quite high and changes for literally a split second, just to break the piece up. It's magnificent!
*****
All these were written by Murray Gold (with help from a few others) and performed by BBC Wales Orchestra. Clearly, they are all very talented!
*****
Together, the 31 tracks last for 75 minutes. Those 75 minutes are thrilling, a great way to relax! If you want to release every emotion possible with the help of just one cd, then this is the perfect tool!
**Looks**
On the front cover for the cd, there is a picture of Billie Piper (Rose) and David Tennant (10th Doctor). They are smiling, as if to say "Come and buy this cd, it will make you happy!" Crazy. But effective. The background is blue, a colour often associated with Doctor Who! Though, since this cd covers themes from both Series 1 AND 2, then I feel a picture of Chris Eccleston should have made its way onto the front as well! Nevertheless, it looks effective!
There are several pictures on the song guide inside too! The first one is of Eccleston, taken from one of the final episodes, with the Controller barely visible behind him. On the page opposite, is the album introduction. Turning over, there is a guide to the first 11 tracks, then an image of a cyber man faded through mist next to it. A great image, but a bit pointless as there is nothing about the cyber man tracks on that page! Turning over once more will reveal a track guide for themes 12 to 20, and an image of nothing more than half of Tennant's face, and Piper's arm, picture from New Earth. Though, it is quite a bright image though, so it draws you away from feeling negative! The centre of the little booklet does not have any writing on it, just a double-page image of the town of New New York, and Matron Casp in the middle! The picture on the next page, following more theme guides, is my favourite! It is a picture of David and Billie next to each other, looking very mischievous, as if they were up to something (by which, I mean saving the world!) Their looks are warming and relax any tension given through the songs! Overleaf, there is the final two tracks, and then an image of a giant dalek ship. I never realized how funny they looked until now! On the back inside page is a section full of those predictable 'Thanks', next to a rather humorous image of a slitheen looking shocked! And on the back, there is a dark image of Dalek Sec, an image which could be used in place of a scarecrow!
The cd itself is an almost-royal blue shade, with time lord numbers plastered all over it in an aquamarine shade. It looks busy and detailed!
When the cd is removed though, an image of the Tardis - empty - is revealed. Why is it empty? Well, because they are all away, saving the world! :P
*****
This television soundtrack album is outstanding! Nothing is missed out, there is at least one track for every mood thinkable, and most importantly, it captures everything! A must-have for any Doctor Who fan!
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