Flipper

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

In 1996 Joel McNeely was noticed for scoring the book version of Star Wars, namely Shadows of the Empire which was used with stunning effect in a game, equally entitled SOTE. In that same year, McNeely composed a family icon that transended back to the big screen after countless episodes on TV and various family movies on the big screen. Flipper is the name and McNeely was the man of the game, composing as expected a typical family score with various highlights as original ideas. It might not make him very popular since his scores are usually consisting of some great tracks, an overall listening experience which is more solid then most scores, but there is indeed something that's missing. Perhaps simply the idea of him scoring some movies just not worthy of his talent, and wheter Flipper is one I leave that up to you. The score Flipper consisted of a song (deleted them) and score release, starting with songs of The Beach Boys, Tom Jones and others, some of them being classics of their own time. After that we have a short 30 minute running time devoted to McNeely, and it already starts wonderful with a full breeze of originalty coming your way. 'Main Title' starst with a breeze of calm music before a trio of vocals takes over the spotlight, underscoring the main theme before they come in unison which each later on to perform that main theme, with touches of brass through it. It ends the track with guitar statements of that theme. It is just so lovely and enjoyable to listen to, the sole fact that it captures the ocean breeze as the dolphings jumping out of the water makes it so charming. A wonderful opener.

Furthermore we have got the usual calm but beautiful music, 'Sandy Meets Flipper' is one where it captures a good secondary theme and 'Flipper Ballet' is one of the better tracks, where the secondary theme receives some air time as some brass fanfares (short ones). While Cocoon receives some brief glimpses in track 5 and 'Marv Meets Flipper' reveals the first part of music used in the trailer of Bicentennial Man, it is 'The Secret Weapon' which is another highlight, reminding me of the fun of various scores including Hook (due to McNeely's own Return to Neverland) and An American Tail: Fievel goes West, this is a moment where McNeely mixes in the two themes with a wonderful vibrant and fun pace. And at usual some darker and action oriented music is equally heard for the more suspense laden finale with a rescue of Flipper. Tracks 8 and 9 even carry some Goldenthal brass and string writing (especially in track 9) before the happy climax is reached (though not through the main but through the secondary theme), giving a satisfying yet brief finale. Which makes Flipper a nice and pleasant listen for both the McNeely enthusiast and the fan of the film. It doesn't make for earth shattering listening but though for fun family entertainment, with 'Main Title' being a very noticed track in that department.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title * (3.46) Excellent Track

2. Abandoned And Alone (1.46)

3. Sandy Meets Flipper (2.08)

4. Flipper Ballet (3.09)

5. He Belongs At Sea (2.59)

6. Marv Meets Flipper (1.57)

7. The Secret Weapon (2.59) Excellent Track

8. Sandy Searches (3.57)

9. Attack Of The Hammerhead (2.52)

10. Flipper Goes Home (3.34)

* Vocal performance by Crosby, Stills & Nash

Total Length: 29.08

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Joel McNeely ===