Music Reviews: Dinosaur Soundtrack, Dinosaur Song Factory, Disney Karioke Vol. 1 & 2
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Dinosaur Soundtrack

It is hard to imagine what movies would be like without the soundtracks these days. It as also amazing the impact the musical score has in the visual interpretation of the audience. With these two thoughts in mind, it is imperative to note the achievements of James Newton Howard and the score to the Walt Disney Pictures animated movie Dinosaur.

In the score to this epic movie, Howard brings to life many interesting rhythms and motifs to bring a sense of direction to the visual work on screen. Not unlike the rhythms used in The Lion King, he brings many African rhythms into the mix of the musical structure. This utilization bring an emphasis of simplicity and an air of naturalistic values. Both of which bring to life many evoking qualities and emotions.

Howard is a master at musical style and feel. His utilization of percussion and woodwinds at the beginning of Aladar and Necra evoke a playful setting. The work transforms with the introductions of voices and strings to create a party-like atmosphere. The broad lines in the strings create a musical river of motion that transcends to the final resolution into the smaller ensemble and oboe solo.

During The Carnotaur Attack, the sounds of low brass pulsating the sense of imminent danger along with the flowing and pitch bending in the strings brings to the forefront the peril of the attack. The use of the French Horns to revel the cry of the wild into the foreseeable destruction which lays ahead evokes a strong emotion that one only wishes they would never have to endure that type of attack. The moment soon resolves with the crescendoing horn. The moment of fear is now over.

It has been said that the musical score should not take away nor distract you from the film in which it was written for. Dinosaur is a great example of this adage. The long musical lines punctuated by the driving beat of percussion sets the musical landscape only to be outdone by the lush visual landscape of the film itself. James Newton Howard was put together a nice score to enhance the visual image. I’m not sure I would play this score in my own sounds system at home on a daily basis, but appreciate the contributions to the film.

Dinosaur Song Factory

One of the many great things to come out of this film is Disney’s Song Factory - Songs inspired from Aladar’s Adventure. This is a great and fun CDRom that enables the user to compose and record their own music. The interface is actually quite simplified. The screen has the optional songs listed on the left of the screen. You can choose which of the eight songs you would like to compose with. The songs included Dino Beat, Big Rock, The Herd, and Break an Egg. These tunes are very well thought out and offer a variety of sounds and rhythmic feels.

Composing music is as simple as typing on the keyboard. You have four different rows in which you can create the sounds. My first concern with the product before working with it was the realization of wrong notes. The music did change chords and I wondered if this would be a problem. To my delight, and as the product states “…you can’t hit a wrong note!” They are right. Even the musically challenged person can make some fun and exciting music with this program. The program automatically eliminates wrong note problems by changing the note to fit within the chord, even if hitting the same key.

This software is perfect for young kids who are looking for a way to explore their musical talents. This is a very easy program and should foster many hours of fun and excitement when young aspiring composers share their compositions with their families.