Radio Flyer

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Its always the same, when it is good we have to find the bootleg to hear it. There are many cases of music not delivering virtue on disc but many more of giving that on dubious releases, meaning promos or in the worst case bootlegs. And one that Hans Zimmer fans simply will treasure to the day they die is Radio Flyer. It is also one of Zimmer's lighter sides but more, it delivers these insane fanfares of adventure. It is all what translates so well on disc, having the more summer feel with light bouncy tones, having the harmonica and flutes to address that in musical language and full fanfares, perhaps all with synthesizers but just this purely divvying musical load of fun and pleasure. Zimmer mixes the music in three chapters and each is running long enough to deliver all kinds of twists. Radio Flyer is one of those scores which is perfect for a fun listen, a bouncy mood and just what Zimmer does with the music is sensational for you to enjoy it.

Perhaps most of all, it has those comical tones, to translate better to the adventures of the two young boys who face their summer as one of adventure, pleasure and fear. And all that is what Zimmer throws at you, in good working order. The flutes are mainly those light tones that directly transport you to the good times, the harmonica and even a children's choir is all to make it more childish but in a good way. Just one time it is perhaps a bit silly when in the middle of track 2 'Radio Flyer Part II', a children's choir starts singing (ta ta ta ...) but this is perhaps 10 seconds of your time. The first part has short bursts of adventure but all that is witnessed the best in track 3 'Radio Flyer Part III' when K2, White Fang, Drop Zone and the rest is mixed in full avand garde music with great effect, truly something the Zimmer fans will like, even with pure fun jazz at the end. The score also has in minor ways a darker edge to the music, briefly heard at the end of the tracks 1 and 2, this represents the fear the youngest kid has for his stepfather. But not in any way does this spoil the mood because that is the important factor that keeps Radio Flyer so enjoyable from begin to end.

When a soundtrack truly gets inspirational music from the composer, it is not hard to see the scenes fly before your eyes (especially when you have a little remembrance of the movie to help you with and clear track titles). It then all works so good as music that lets your mind work and lets you enjoy the music better and bigger. Radio Flyer is one of those examples coming of Zimmer's list, and frankly it is one to treasure because he really didn't got the opportunity again, it is sadly one of his few smaller kids drama's. Radio Flyer hasn't got main themes that you remember at the end but more shows pure diversity and potential in 30 minutes. And mainly is good listening material for for - or background. I hope this score sees some kind of treatment, added material, better sound and simply a legitimate release that people can discover it too. There are many releases of Zimmer and other composers that deserve attention when they simply transport you to memories of life, that let's your imagination work.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Radio Flyer Part I (9.58) Excellent Track

a) Building The Flyer

b) On The Road To Geronimo

c) Lost Secrets And Fascinations

2. Radio Flyer Part II (7.01)

a) Expeditioning

b) Mix The Potion

c) Four Discoveries

3. Radio Flyer Part III (13.38) Excellent Track

a) Sampson And Shane

b) Fisher's Legend

c) The Big Idea

4. The Name Game: Shirley Ellis (3.00)

Total Length: 33.36

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Hans Zimmer ===