Michael Giacchino Incredibles / O.S.T.

Composer: Michael Giacchino. Disney's THE INCREDIBLES features not only extraordinary storytelling and animation, but also a musical score equally exquisite in its construction and scope. Combining rich orchestral tapestries with big-band jazz and a healthy dose of 1960s-era rock, the score by composer Michael Giacchino recalls the work of such legendary composers as Elmer Bernstein, Henry Mancini, and Lalo Schifrin. Highlights include "Lava in the Afternoon," which is a mix of lounge-jazz and film noir overtones, and "Saving Metroville," a rocking piece that features vociferous timpani, ominous string effects, and loud trombone bellows. "Kronos Unveiled" and "Mr. Huph Will See You Now" employ wispy harp arpeggios, dark percussive effects, and chirpy flute trills. But perhaps the most stunning track on THE INCREDIBLES is the swinging big-band chart entitled "Life's Incredible Again." This piece uses sharp brass punctuations and smoky saxophone motifs to create a joyous party atmosphere. Overall, this soundtrack is both exciting and thought-provoking, due to Giacchino's imaginative compositions, Tim Simonec's colorful orchestrations, and the wonderful studio players who render this music so vividly.

• Genre: Soundtracks
• Format: Vinyl