Speed

Review by Thomas Glorieux:

Mark Mancina's first major score presented both a challenge and a serious test. This was the first student of Hans Zimmer to join the world, today a lot of them are called Zimmer clones alias the ones of the Media Ventures factory. Now factory isn't the word to use but Mark Mancina surely uses Zimmer's strategy and scoring techniques, later they would all develop in their own musical way but so far Mancina maintained a Zimmeresque sound. And that sound was liked and approved by a lot, Mancina became the steady composer of Jan de Bont (scoring Speed 2 and Twister) and especially the crowd liked what they heard. Speed will never be the milestone but it set the name Mark Mancina in the records, and it injected energy into the career of a promising young composer. What has Speed that we can not find today, well not a lot that differentiates it from the other main Media Ventures action scores, but at that time it sure offered its personality. The main aspect of a score is the theme and here its the main theme, represented with heroism and speed in 'The Rescue' or as a pseudo love theme in 'End Title'.

Surely what happens is the begin that rocks and the middle that nags. However sequence them in the correct order and you have the better sound in general. Other prime exciting moments are 'Rush Hour', 'The Gap' and 'Helen Dies', offering a brief but sorrowful version of the main theme. The rest somewhat disappoints and doesn't make a lot of worthy listening. But Speed surely offers its goods and it brings Mark Mancina into the wrong genre, he as any other Media Ventures composer can score action, but that's not all what he can do. Moll Flanders, Return to Paradise and Tarzan brought him more diversity and opportunities. People that see Speed should also be careful if they choose the right release. I first picked up the main song album, with the hit song Speed. So you have to watch out what you choose. In general, Speed is solid action music with several highlights and it generates a response, it delivers a pace and an energy. So don't think about driving a vehicle when your listening to this one.

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Tracks

Single Disc

1. Main Title (3.37) Excellent Track

2. The Rescue (4.02) Excellent Track

3. Entering Airport (1.00)

4. Rush Hour (6.03)

5. Helen Dies (2.16)

6. The Gap (2.49)

7. Choppers (0.59)

8. Pershing Square (3.19)

9. Elevator Peril (0.28)

10. Fight On Train (1.20)

11. Dangling Feet (0.34)

12. City Streets (1.41)

13. Wildcat (1.04)

14. The Dolly (1.29)

15. Move (2.06)

16. Pop Quiz (2.24)

17. Freight Elevator (2.30)

18. Elevator Stall (0.51)

19. End Title (1.49)

Correct Order: (1 - 9 - 18 - 15 - 11 - 17 - 16 - 4 - 13 - 5 - 12 - 7 - 6 - 3 - 14 - 2 - 8 - 10 - 19)

Total Length: 40.32

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

=== Link to Composer Site: Mark Mancina ===