The Empire Strikes Back: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Special Edition)
Composer: John Williams
London Symphony Orchestra
1997 Release

WARNING! THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS!

It’s been thirty years since The Empire Strikes Back, the much-anticipated sequel to George Lucas‘ 1977 mega-hit cultural touchstone Star Wars, opened in theaters around the world and the impact it made upon audiences and critics has not dulled a bit, and for good reason. The movie proved that the success of the first Star Wars film was no well-timed fluke and even a movie that essentially paid homage to space operas, samurai films, and westerns could evolve beyond its influences and become its own beast. Best of all it was better than Star Wars in every possible way: the script by Leigh Brackett (screenwriter of such classic films as The Big Sleep, Rio Bravo, and The Long Goodbye) and Lawrence Kasdan (who later went on to co-write Raiders of Lost Ark and enter his own directing career) opened up the universe Lucas had created and expanded the scope with an epic, serpentine tale that was more darker, richer, and emotional than the original and overflowing with memorable characters, and quotable dialogue; the direction by Irvin Kershner was professional and assured; and the cast, free of George Lucas’ stilted writing and relative inexperience with actors (despite the fact that he had directed the actor-heavy American Graffiti to great success), were able to give deeper and more nuanced performances under the direction of the deferential Kershner.

It’s just about that time: Spike Jonze‘s Where the Wild Things Are is about to finally be released in theaters on October 16, 2009. It’s been a while since the trailer was released and our excitement was at an all-time high, so right here and now you can listen to the entire movie soundtrack free online. Even better, while listening to the music that shall accompany this beautiful film, you can also check out a bunch of new images from the movie and its production. The soundtrack contains original songs by Karen O And The Kids — Karen O as in the singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

As you all likely know, the movie has endured a battle to get to our eyes, with rumors at one point claiming that the movie had been entirely scrapped and Jonze taken off the job by Warner Brothers because it was too dark and they wanted it more aimed at kids. Thankfully it was decided that the original vision was obviously the best, and things moved forward as planned.

Where the Wild Things Are is based on the novel by Maurice Sendak about a young boy named Max (Max Records) who becomes angry with his mother and travels dangerous seas to mystical lands inhabited by large creatures known as the Wild Things who decide to make Max their king.

Click on over to the other side to listen to the soundtrack and check out the images. The soundtrack was also released yesterday on CD, MP3, and vinyl. May I suggest throwing on the music before enjoying the pictures. Sets the tone quite nicely. Head on over to io9 for more images.

Today’s MP3 album deal of the day over at Amazon today is The Wizard Of Oz: Original Soundtrack for only $3.99.

This deal coincides with the upcoming release of the 70th Anniversary of the film on Two-Disc Special Edition DVD and its first time on Blu-ray with the Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Box Set (both scheduled for release this Tuesday, September 29, 2009).

The MP3 album comes with 17 tracks, all of which are the original performances from the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, the young girl from Kansas who one day finds herself in the merry old land of Oz. “Over the Rainbow,” the Munchinland sequence, and “We’re Off To See The Wizard” are among the many songs on the album.

Today’s MP3 deal of the day over at Amazon today is the soundtrack to the movie Singin’ In The Rain for only $2.99.

I know, some of you are kneeling over in shock that I’m writing about music that isn’t metal (hey, that’s not even rock!), but I am still a movie lover, and let me tell you, I LOVE movie soundtracks and scores, especially if they’re from a musical.

This one is a true classic movie and one of the greatest musicals ever. I’m planning on listening to the soundtrack all night and think about my dearly departed loved ones who introduced me to classic movies like Singin’ In The Rain as a child (excuse me, I’m getting verklempt just thinking about it).

The 1952 musical comedy starred the singing and dancing talents of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds — that’s Princess Leia’s mom for all you geeks out there, and that was enough for me to watch the movie when I was little.

The MP3 deal of the day over at Amazon today is the Tron Soundtrack for only $1.99.

This is the original motion picture soundtrack to Disney’s 1982 scifi film, featuring two songs from the rock group Journey — “Only Solutions” and “1990’s Theme” — along with a score by composer Wendy Carlos.

The 19-track score contains analog Moog synthesizer and GDS digital synthesizer compositions, along with non-electronic pieces performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

A sequel to the original Tron, titled Tron Legacy, is scheduled for release in 2010 and will contain at least one Journey song (“Separate Ways”) and feature a film score by electronic artists Daft Punk — a sample of it was debuted at the Tron Legacy viral marketing event at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.