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 of their iterative songwriting adventures into the unknown. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 compare multiple versions of the film's ending. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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, and we compare the original 1983 music to the changes that were made in the 1997 Special Edition. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 explore and dissect some of the major new themes that greatly enrich the classic trilogy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 movies is also discussed, and we listen to the clever sound editing and effects that made the soundscape so memorable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 first film, A Fistful of Dollars, and its unique film score by Morricone. The history of how this film was made is discussed, as is the sound design and post-dubbing that makes the soundtrack of Leone's westerns so unique. Learn more...

Season 3 intermission Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 analyze the remaining songs from the middle of the film - all the way to it's dramatic finale. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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, along with stories behind this musical's development.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 down Elfman's use of rhythm, themes, and textures. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 his very first films with Burton: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, and Beetlejuice. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 into this cult classic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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 brothers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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 history of Casablanca's troubled production is explored, as is the time period: Casblanca debuted shortly after the United States entered World War II. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

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 at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 Ark. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 "Sounds of Silence" episode covers the four minutes and thirty three seconds that changed the course of music history, and features musicologist and composer Kyle Gann. The entire first season of Ephemeral is available now, and learn more at...

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 at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 Fellowship of the Ring itself. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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, and the overall style and approach of Shore's music is analyzed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 is uncovered. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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 your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers