Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

The characters of Daniel Handler's popular children's book series spring to life in this playfully macabre screen adaptation from director Brad Silberling. Contemporary scoring master Thomas Newman may launch the musical proceedings with the brief, Disney-esque flourish of "The Bad Beginning," but the sound of a needle being brusquely dragged across that record brings us to the composer's true intent: a teasing romp through occasionally dark, rhythmically charged musical corners. Employing his patent take on post-modern impressionism to a greater degree than he did in Finding Nemo, Newman gives a decidedly contemporary spin to the oft-cliched concept of children's music. His score is a an inviting fusion of his tense, ever-inventive, ensemble studio concoctions and a Euro-Goth sensibility inspired by the film's visual sense. Alternately bright and brooding, with a surprise at nearly every turn (not the least of which is "Loverly Spring," a full reprise of the score's creepily saccharine opening song), Newman's score is yet another tribute to his restless, seemingly boundless creativity. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Surpisingly Good Soundtrack

I fell upon this hidden gem completely by accident. I really wasnt expecting all that much from it since I wasnt that thrilled about seeing the movie (I still havnt), but I was veru suprised. Thomas Newman certainly brings a unique sound to the table, and he has distinguished his sound (in my mind anyway) from composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Howard Shore, and so on.

As I said, I've nver seen this movie, however, the music is good enough that it stands on its own as a listenable album without the need of visual aid to make it work. I get a kick out of just listening to the tracks and conjuring my own scenes in my head. Or, if the occasion calls for it, there are enough mellow tracks to keep me in a relaxed state or provide a good backdrop for a working enviornment.

I also enjoy this soundtrack for its musical inovation. I can honestly say I dont have anything that sounds like this. I dont know if that says more about the compser or about the score as it pretains to the film, but regardless, it is an enjoyable experience. All in all, a pretty damn good score. Give it a shot, its worth it.
May 21, 2008

Inventive,dark,entertaining and one-of-a-kind....

I wasn't really too familiar with Thomas Newman's work until this score came out. The only score I had heard was Meet Joe Black and naturally, it happens to be one of my favorite scores. But this one...
Truly one of a kind. I had been a fan of the books so I was looking forward to the movie. I loved the movie and the music...was perfect for this film. Even for the books, out of the ordinary,unfamiliar and down right eerie. This film captured all of those things. Though throughout most of the album, you will hear blaring horns, awkward rhythms, and moody and waving volume, Newman did place a few soft, very peaceful themes for the Baudelaires giving the listener a few moments to calm down and relax.
It is a wonder Thomas Newman DIDN't win the award but you should never let an award define your music or your taste in music. March 5, 2008

What cool music !

Got this for my son who is a HUGE Snickets fan. I am a professional musician, and was really impressed by the very edgy and creative writing done for this film. It made us laugh, dance,and listen pensively. Wish I could write like this ! January 7, 2008

Newman does it again!

Thomas Newman is one of the most versatile composers of film scores around. His previous works have all been of a very high quality and with Lemony Snicket he certainly doesn't disappoint. Newman has the ability to create a varied score and yet make it entirely identifiable as his own style. Each piece of music fits its corresponding scene of the film like a glove. As unique as the cinematography is, so to is the music.
Newman succeeds in bringing across to the audience the emotion of the characters on the screen, and it's a testiment to his skill and talent that his music can be listened to apart from the film and still be enjoyed as much, if for other reasons.
The final three tracks are particularly special. 'One last look', 'The letter that never came' and 'Drive away' will, I'm sure, take you back to the touching final scene in the burnt out Beaudelaire mansion.
Happy listening to this very special work. November 7, 2006

anxiety, determination, melancholy and triumph

This music is very emotionally expressive. I really know nothing about music so I won't even try to give an educated review. What I can say is that I and my children LOVE listening to this music. We happen to be fans of the books and the movie, but you don't really need to have experienced these things to enjoy the music. The music paints its own landscape well. October 31, 2006

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