Now and Then

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Whenever a composer like Cliff Eidelman (being a personal favorite of mine) tackles a project, I know there will be something on the score that will make it interesting, good or unique. Is it the theme or sound, mood or orchestral performance, piano accompaniment, it is the kind of interest for finding it that made me purchase a soundtrack like Now and Then. And truth be told, it just took me 15 minutes of the movie to convince my theory, mostly it are the themes that interest me and for a dramatic movie it offered more then I imagined. In reality it is a project Rachel Portman worthy, filled with Eidelman's own personal touch and several Thomas Newman moments, surely for a fan of the three composers it was the easiest thing on earth to like what Now and Then offered, nothing special but just good enough for little old me. I discovered rather quickly that the themes are important in Cliff Eidelman scores, but it surely isn't the only thing. The main theme in 'Main Titles' brings memories, recollections to mind and since this is all what the movie is about, I actually like it a lot.

The emotional theme for Sam, one of the four girls and if I'm not mistaken the girl on the left at the back cover photo is a better developed, typical Eidelman theme, gorgeous and just the kind you don't expect for such a family movie, but it always works and receives attention in 'It's my Mom', 'Sam's Dad Leaves', 'Best Friends for Live' and 'Pete Saves Sam'. It perhaps isn't much for several people but I personally find it a great theme and fills the movie with this undeniable kind of emotion. Thomas Newman's bouncy trademarks returns in 'Secret Meeting', 'Spirits are Here' and 'The Pact' and be ready for Rachel Portman's thick string work in 'Rest in Peace Johnny', the finest track on the score. Perhaps it isn't all spectacular or innovative, but sometimes I don't wish it any other way and Now and Then, for its running length can amuse me. It isn't filler nor background music and for its sweet nature it is a testament to Eidelman that even this mellow string and woodwind score can do the trick. Cliff Eidelman fans in particular, being more the fan of the Free Willy type of sound then the Star Trek dark territory mood will find amusement in the listen of Now and Then, and if you accept both Rachel Portman as Thomas Newman with their typical trademarks, then surely it will satisfy you. Overall, watching a movie or listening to a soundtrack like Now and Then isn't earth shattering, it will do me no wonders, but I need it on occasions, I simply go for it now and then.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title (3.05) Excellent Track

2. Remembrance (1.57)

3. Secret Meeting (2.11)

4. On The Swing (1.27)

5. It's My Mom (2.33)

6. Spirits Are Here (2.17)

7. Sam Dad's Leaves (1.57)

8. It's A Girl (1.48)

9. Roberta Fakes Death (1.26)

10. Best Friends For Live (3.07)

11. Pete Saves Sam (2.28)

12. The Pact (3.10)

13. No More Seances (1.44)

14. Rest In Peace Johnny (4.24) Excellent Track

Total Length: 33.52

The use of artwork or photos is posted for non profitable reasons

=== Link to Composer Site: Cliff Eidelman ===