1 |
Queen Bitch |
2 |
Everyday People |
3 |
Rock The Boat |
4 |
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) |
5 |
Hello, Hello |
6 |
Prelude No.7 in E flat [The Well Tempered Clavier - Book 2 BWV 876] |
7 |
Harvey's Theme 1 |
8 |
Main Titles |
9 |
Harvey's Will |
10 |
The Castro |
11 |
The Kiss |
12 |
Politics Is Theater |
13 |
New Hope |
14 |
Harvey Wins |
15 |
Proposition 6 |
16 |
Repealed Rights |
17 |
Gay Rights Now! |
18 |
Dog Poo |
19 |
Vote Passes |
20 |
Briggs Pushing |
21 |
The Debates |
22 |
Weepy Donuts |
23 |
Harvey's Last Day |
24 |
Give 'Em Hope |
25 |
Postscript |
26 |
Harvey's Theme 2 |
27 |
Anita's Theme |
28 |
Main Titles Sax Solo |
SOUNDTRACK REVIEW:
It was five years ago when California born composer Danny Elfman was nominated for an Oscar for his work on Tim Burton’s Big Fish (2003). The emotionally heartfelt score lost out to Howard Shore’s grand score for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Five years later, Elfman has gotten his fourth Oscar nomination for his work for director Gus Van Sant’s film about California’s first openly gay elected official Harvey Milk.
Those familiar with Elfman’s works will recognize this as one of his warmer and more uplifting compositions. “Harvey’s Theme” and “Main Titles” evoke images of hope and optimism, characterized by arrangements of lush strings. The occasional tinkling of light percussions and pianos add nice sentimental touches to these tracks. Listen out for the saxophone in the latter track which gives the soundtrack a unique sound.
The main theme is subtly weaved into the cues that follow. Be it the quietly soothing “Harvey’s Will” or the grandiose “New Hope”, the gently calming effect on your ears will be obvious. Elfman features some very lovely choir voices in cues like the romantic “The Kiss”, the funnily brief “Dog Poo” and the inspiring “Postscript”. These are also signature lightweight Elfman material that will please his loyal fans.
The occasional use of acoustic guitars in “The Castro” and “Repealed Rights” add variety to an otherwise standardized score, and these short cues will immediately catch your attention. Another special track on the album is “Gay Rights Now!” which features hurried orchestrations that emphasizes on hurriedness and acceleration. The album concludes with a saxophone rendition of the Main Titles, which makes the listening experience a relaxed one.
Also included on the soundtrack album are familiar songs like David Bowie’s “Queen Bitch”, Sly & the Family Stone’s "Everyday People" and The Swingle Singers’ “Prelude No. 7 in E Flat”. If you have watched Van Sant’s Oscar nominated picture, these songs will add context to the overall hopeful feel of the album.
ALBUM RATING:
 
Recommended Track: : (25) Postscript
Review
by John Li |
