Intruder (Compilation)

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Of all the bootleg compilations I own of Zimmer and company, there mostly seemed to be a problem with it. Hans Zimmer Anthology didn't contain much new to the ear after all those other compilations which seemed to be a problem if you were searching for this one and containing the rest and To Zoe was a mixing job that didn't do the music justice, with stopping when it did and not when the music supposed to do it in its place. And yes, Intruder also has a problem, it is so goddamn enjoyable! While at first, the score seems to have the biggest problem with containing music of four different composers (especially Trevor Jones feels out of place) and that the music does have selections that aren't really the cream to listen to on their own CD release. But all that is forgotten when you start playing this newly adoring score, since it is a mixing job that covers not only highlights but makes bad scores look really good. It is the testament of whoever that produced this album that he made it so perfectly for those exploring new hidden treasures, but also sounding so wonderfully organized at times that the listening experience is top notch and that the music itself shines instead of the production values. Intruder is the compilation to get if you want to have simply a good time.

I'm guessing here, the production date is '97, since there is not one score covering a later year. But also because at that time, Trevor Jones' G.I. Jane was considered so Media Ventures' like it was untrue not to buy it. And the reason why it is inserted is because it is of course true for starters. G.I. Jane is so close to MV standards, it deserves to be here, and also that it makes the score sound really good. The suite of G.I. Jane is one of the best mixes to find on the release, covering all the best released tracks and performing the main theme more then once. Another great mix is K2. I'm wasn't really fond of it, but everything is here fixed what was wrong on the original. The grand time of the two tracks is reduced to 8 minutes and all the dead moments are vanished, since they took the best moments to enjoy. In fact, I really would listen to this all day and forget I actually own the original version. That's how good it is. Same with Pacific Heights, not the greatest listening experience but they surely took the best minute of the piece, that gives you the feeling you are listening to the biggest hidden treasure of Zimmer. Trust me, it was the only piece deserving to be put here. Speed is one of those mixes that is good but could have been better, mostly these mixes pick too much the short pieces and glue them together. It is still enjoyable but not truly astonishing. The Peacemaker is the same since it sort of bounces between the good selections through and forgets to let it end on the highest order, with the fantastic climax of track 4. Sadly for us of course.

Other tracks to mention are Moll Flanders that mixes only two tracks together, and luckily one of them is 'Sparrows', being a good enjoyable rush. More, Twister is a mammoth 14 minute track that basically covers any highlight and mixes overall good portions together. At times it is a bit too much but that it compensates with a whole load of musical magic coming of Mancina's score. Fools of Fortune is a surprise, 1 minute only but so enjoyable it is unique, very playful piece with piano and flute. And A World Apart is a mix between Days of Thunder (yeah true), Beyond Rangoon and The Power of One, closing the score with a good note. One track I have to mention though and that is Backdraft, my favorite score. It mixes the last two tracks together but there is something unique about them. The Funeral music for instance adds a higher doses of choir in it and actually also a trumpet solo accompanying the grand main theme performance and 'Show me your Firetruck' is actually the electronic synth version (like heard examples of in More Music from Gladiator with the battle) and really sounds true to the original, covering a little less choir but still containing the awe and most importantly oomph. Basically, any track here doesn't disappoint, each one containing either a wonderful editing job or a perfect musical voice. It remains the best compilation I have so far of the bootlegs. People can consider this a black market bootleg, a compilation of different styles and a odd mix of choices, but it surely presents one of the best mixing productions out there, delivering you a load of musical excellence in the best possible listening experience.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. K2 (8.10)

2. Pacific Heights (1.28)

3. Speed (3.45)

4. Moll Flanders (4.19) Excellent Track

5. G.I. Jane (8.40) Excellent Track

6. Face Off (1.38)

7. Backdraft (5.36) Excellent Track

8. Radio Flyer (1.41)

9. Twister (14.15) Excellent Track

10. Fools Of Fortune (1.03)

11. The Peacemaker (9.23)

12. Toys (6.10)

13. A World Apart (4.07)

Total Length: 70.28

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=== Link to Composer Sites: Hans Zimmer & Mark Mancina ===