I have always felt that in many Godzilla movies the music moves the films and is as integral as the story lines and special effects. Nowhere is this truer than in the Godzilla vs. Megaguirus CD Soundtrack, from the first pounding footsteps and vibrant bass refrain to the skyrocketing climax.
Let me hasten to say I am not a professional musician, nor even a very talented amateur, although I noodle around on the piano, play a fairly mean soprano recorder, and occasionally warble in the shower. Nevertheless, I love music, and count myself among those who say things along the lines of, “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.” I know what music I like, and I’m particularly fond of the classical, noisy, romantic stuff the Russians and Germans are so good at--the more crashing chords and soaring crescendos the better.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that Michiru Ohshima’s dramatically exuberant score for the second film in the Millennium Series has quickly become my favorite Godzilla music. Ms. Oshima, the first woman to step to the podium in the Godzilla film series, proved she is every bit as capable as anyone to write thrilling music to evoke our favorite saurian’s ponderous footsteps and city-bashing ways, not to mention how well she captures the molting Meganulon with quivering and shrieking violins that almost, but not quite, set your teeth on edge. Sweetly haunting melodies accompany the few quiet moments in the film. All this is great, but Ms. Oshima really shines when it comes to scoring for percussion. What terrific fun it must be to be a tympani or snare drummer in her orchestra! I dare anyone to listen to the thundering main title and theme that re-occur throughout the score without clapping, stomping your feet, or drumming your hands to the beat–if you can move your hands that fast!
My copy was purchased on Amazon.com, but a catalog is available from gnpcrescendo.com.