Michael Giacchino’s UP and Ratatouille Soundtracks – Vinyl Editions Reviewed [Mondo Music]

We review two outstanding scores, from one phenomenal talent, and that man is Michael Giacchino for Disney-Pixar’s UP and Ratatouille

Film scores and accompanying music compositions probably pick up more merited adoration in today’s film loving world than ever before, not to say we can’t respect those from the past (and certainly do) but with an affluence of top talent on show, and easy access to streaming services and social sharing, you can understand why the finest composers working right now find themselves on the A-list, much like the top Hollywood actors.

Today’s spotlight is on two outstanding scores, yet from one phenomenal talent, and that man is Michael Giacchino. We’re throwing in a triple threat as well because alongside Mondo Music and Pixar (c/o Walt Disney Records), this entire setup creates a wonderful connection for these two iconic soundtracks, which are UP and Ratatouille no less, which are out now on vinyl for your record collection!

Ratatouille – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP

So, not only are these two beautifully created animated movies, their success has led to them even finding their into the collective pop culture psyche, and Michael Giacchino’s score for Disney-Pixar’s UP is a fine way to start in this regard. Not only an Academy Award winner back in 2010 – and no-one could deny its exquisiteness, the very nature of the film and this score instantly connect with any human life on the planet, and that of wanting better or making plans.

After the title treatment, and We’re in the Club Now, we hit that equally heartbreaking and timeless opener Married Life, which represents not just a lifetime in its storytelling, but that piano motif sets the tear ducts into his early action, with the visual storytelling, obviously with more to come. Stuff We Did is also a personal favourite, and for me every piece fires up the film into its uniquely created world right through all the drama, up through to the Ellie Badge, which holds just as much of a exquisite sincerity as the film itself does.

In terms of the physical product, you’ll be getting a Sky Blue 180g double vinyl, remastered for this format, with the perfect artwork from Nicole Gustafsson that keeps that Pixar vibe alive, as it displays a cordially soft palette from the front cover, with that Jungle-like colour-fest with Kevin and Russell in full flow. The record sleeves themselves also keep the story going, with additional liner notes from film writer Drew Taylor, which only adds to an overall wonderful setup.

UP – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP

And then, one of those films that you can find endless attachments to whether it be through food or life, or your love for rodents – yes, you guys – and especially artistic, charming ones at that! With The Bear doing its epic thing right now, you’d also be hard-pushed to not see a little bit of Carmy in Remy, our tiny chef rat and his obsessive love for all things food (and a bit of panic) – and yes, I’m pushing the link but love them equally!

So, if you hadn’t read between the lines, or been living in a roof full of rat families, this time you’ve got Mondo and Walt Disney Records partnering up for the premiere vinyl release of Michael Giacchino’s score to Disney-Pixar’s Ratatouille, from 2007. This superbly detailed and intricate film was released to global praise and genuine admiration, and Giacchino’s score also garnered him that first Oscar nomination – obviously with more to come!

As well as a fine example of Pixar getting everything right, Giacchino’s score highlights the composers individual flair for an emotional score that could enhance the scene situation – where he was asked by director Brad Bird to “…express the taste of food with music,” and, boy, does he bring that across with gusto. Stand out compositions being with the lovely Le Festin, sung by Camille, and it never drops the spoon into the soup after that, lingering with jazz and French-feeling escapism, light and melodic yet perfectly balanced, and This Is Me, the thematic setup that accompanies this wonderfully unique tail… [sic]

So, as well as finding that wonderful balance of storytelling and music, Michael Giacchino’s Ratatouille in this form, from Mondo, arrives in a 2-LP set as coloured green 180g records, with more excellent artwork from Nicola Gustafsson – and this time liner notes from Brian Satterwhite, a film composer very much in his own right! Another excellent addition to your collection!

Both of these on vinyl are available now, and as a huge Pixar fan, or Disney-Pixar as we’re calling it these days of course – I definitely recommend if you’re fan or know someone who’d love them in their collection, links below!