Planet Wax: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Soundtracks on Vinyl

by Aaron Lupton

Other authorsJeff Szpirglas (Author), Christophe Beck (Foreword)
Hardcover, 2020

Status

Available

Call number

ML2075.L878

Publication

1984 Publishing (2020), 240 pages

Description

Do you crank up your stereo and conduct air symphonies to John Williams'Star Wars? Know all of the lyrics to "The NeverEnding Story" or "Xanadu?" Have a burgeoning collection of space disco albums? Well, pluck those Ceti Alpha eels out of your ears and open this book - we've got you covered. From the orchestral bombast of Jerry Goldsmith'sStar Trek: The Motion Picturescore, to the muscle-flexing might of Basil Poledouris'Conan the Barbarian, to the dreamy electronic soundscapes of Vangelis'Blade Runnerand the pop styling of theFlash Gordonsoundtrack, science fiction and fantasy films have inspired some of the most beloved and memorable soundtracks in film history. Planet Waxcovers the best, as well as the most unique and underrated scores the sci-fi and fantasy genres have to offer, while showcasing their original vinyl LP artwork over 240 pages. Franchises likeMad Max, The Terminator, and even theIndiana Jonesfilms are spotlighted, along with television classics such asDoctor WhoandStar Trek, makingPlanet Waxthe definitive discography of soundtracks from the films and shows of the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s that shaped multiple generations. Featuring over twenty interviews, including composers Stu Phillips (Battlestar Galactica), Laurence Rosenthal (Clash of the Titans), and directors Richard Donner (Superman) and Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II),Planet Waxchronicles an era in film and music when the sounds were given as much prominence as the interstellar imagery. Aaron Lupton and Jeff Szpirglas, co-authors ofBlood on Black Wax: Horror Soundtracks on Vinyl, will take you on the ultimate trip to the far reaches of both the cosmos and their record collections.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member dtw42
Being a film soundtrack fan, I knew this would be right up my street, and really wanted to like it a lot. In the end, I only liked it a middling amount. The coverage is fine - 5/5 for that. The writing is pretty good - 4/5 for that (the mateyness falls flat in a couple of places but the writers
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clearly are enthusiastic and know their subject). They've done research to find quotes from old interviews with composers and directors, and conducted some new ones of their own. The typesetting and layout are okay - 3/5 for those. But the proof-reading! Oh, dear, the proof-reading is what really lets it down - 2/5 for that. Typos and keying errors all over the place; it made me want to weep. If the guys at 1984 Publishing are planning on doing any more of these, drop me a line. I'll be happy to give the proofs a once-over at a basic rate just so the readers don't end up wincing through the reading experience.
Nice as a coffee-table book, though, with 3/5 of each page taken up with album cover art.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

240 p.; 11 inches

ISBN

1948221144 / 9781948221146
Page: 0.2844 seconds