Erik Woods

NEW EPISODE | THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flagship-show-top-25-scores-of-the-21st-century-episode-7-scores-5-1/ In this final part of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will conclude the countdown with the presentation of scores 5-1. In this episode, you’ll hear selections from Conrad Pope, Daft Punk, John Williams, John Powell and James Newton Howard. Enjoy!

NEW EPISODE | JEFF BEAL EXPLORES THE WORLD OF METROPOLIS https://www.cinematicsound.net/talking-soundtracks-interview-with-jeff-beal/ Jeff Beal is a prolific composer who has scored hundreds of films and series, including House of Cards (Netflix), Rome (HBO), Carnivàle (HBO), and Monk (USA Network), as well as the films Pollock and Appaloosa and numerous acclaimed documentaries. His recent project is a new symphonic score for the 1927 silent film classic Metropolis, widely regarded as one of the most influential films ever made. In addition, the five-time Emmy winner recently scored the Peacock/Universal series All Her Fault, starring Sarah Snook, creating an ever-dark and ominous backdrop to the high-tension thriller series based on the novel by Andrea Mara. In April 2026, for the Cinematic Sound Radio Podcast, Jason Drury had the pleasure of talking to Jeff about both scores via Zoom from a composer’s summit in Prague, where he was due to premiere his score for Metropolis, to picture conducting the Czech National Symphony Orchestra the following day. During the show, as well as hearing music from ALL HER FAULT, you will be hearing exclusive clips from METROPOLIS, which is due to be released in 2027. Enjoy!

That caught me off guard. I knew about Brian May's contribution but I didn't expect it to sound like a mix of Queen AND ABBA! I'm curious how this is going to work in context. -Erik-

NEW EPISODE | THE BEST SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY: PART 6 - SCORES 10-6 https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flagship-show-top-25-scores-of-the-21st-century-episode-6-scores-10-6/ In part six of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will continue the countdown with the presentation of scores 10-6. In this episode, you'll hear selections from Don Davis, Edward Shearmur, Bear McCreary, John Powell, and Howard Shore. Our final episode in the series will be available soon. Stay tuned.

NEW EPISODE | THE ESSENTIAL SOUNDTRACKS - STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-essential-soundtracks-star-trek-first-contact/ Today on THE ESSENTIAL SOUNDTRACKS, Erik Woods, Robert Daniels, and Randy Andrews continue their journey through the STAR TREK films and their soundtracks as they discuss the eighth movie in the series, STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT. You’ll hear them discuss the film in great detail, including such topics as the selection of Jonathan Frakes as director, the design of the new Enterprise E, Worf’s return, the Defiant, the special effects as created by Industrial Light and Magic, the Borg Queen, and more. Also covered in great length is Jerry Goldsmith’s incredible score (with help from son Joel). STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT was released on November 22, 1996. James Cromwell, Alfre Woodard, and Alice Krige join cast members from the 1987 series STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION who were starring in their very first solo STAR TREK motion picture. In the film, the Borg travel back in time, intent on preventing Earth’s first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight, reaching warp speed. The original soundtrack album was released at the time of the film’s release on GNP Crescendo Records, featuring 44 minutes worth of score with two licensed songs. On April 2, 2012, GNP Crescendo Records announced a limited-edition collector’s CD pressed to 10,000 copies. It features the complete score by Jerry Goldsmith with additional music by his son Joel, newly remastered by recording engineer Bruce Botnick, with an accompanying 16-page booklet including informative notes by Jeff Bond and John Takis. The album is still available to purchase at the time of this recording. NOTE – Our Patreon-only episode includes an extra segment discussing the cue “The Dish.” You can listen to that version HERE. Enjoy the show! The Essential Soundtracks Theme by Alexander Schiebel.

ANNOUNCEMENT! 'PLAY MORRICONE FOR ME' JOINS CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO https://www.cinematicsound.net/play-morricone-for-me-ep-1-first-film-scores/ Welcome to the inaugural episode of PLAY MORRICONE FOR ME on CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO. You have no idea how thrilled I am to welcome Jack Criddle and his terrific program into the CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO family. I’ve been an admirer of Jack’s show for quite some time; it reminds me a lot of Ley Bricknell’s FILMIC program… eclectic, unique, exceptional, and downright entertaining. Similar to Ley, he plays stuff on this show I never would have thought to play. So, strap yourself in because once you hear the words “Play Morricone For Me,” you are in for a ride. Please give a warm CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO welcome to Jack in the comments below. – Erik Woods SHOW NOTES Producer & host Jack Criddle started broadcasting PLAY MORRICONE FOR ME—a film music radio show with an inclination towards cult and genre scores—in 2017, on the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ station. The program switched to a prerecorded format in 2020, has highlighted everything from spaghetti westerns to cannibal movies to Disney songs, and has featured such guests as John Sayles, Fabio Frizzi, Ben Model and the B-52’s Pat Irwin. To celebrate the beginning of PMFM’s new home on Cinematic Sound Radio, Jack turns his attention to debut film scoring gigs by some of the world’s great composers. These range from the relatively obscure, like Morricone’s IL FEDERALE, John Barry’s NEVER LET GO, and Quincy Jones’s THE BOY IN THE TREE, to the well-known and celebrated, like CITIZEN KANE, CAPTAIN BLOOD, DEEP RED, SHAFT and more. Enjoy!

NEW EPISODE | OFF-KILTER JAMES HORNER https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flag-ship-show-off-kilter-james-horner/ Over the past decade, CINEMATIC SOUND RADIO has produced numerous programs celebrating the life and music of James Horner, including a standout three-part documentary by Jason Drury that remains essential listening. I’ve also contributed several Horner-focused episodes myself, from explorations of his re-recorded works and end credit suites to in-depth analyses of Sneakers and Aliens alongside Randy Andrews. I had assumed I’d said all I wanted to say about Horner, but over the past year I’ve come across a few unusual scores while filling gaps in my CD collection, titles like The Name of the Rose, Where the River Runs Black, and Southpaw, that pulled me back in. Horner is widely known for his emotionally rich, melodic style, blending sweeping orchestration with subtle electronic elements and crafting memorable themes that carry a film’s emotional core. But beyond that familiar sound lies a more experimental side, where he embraced unconventional techniques and textures. In scores like The Name of the Rose and Commando, he explored eerie vocalizations, dissonant electronics, and unusual instrumentation, revealing a composer willing to take creative risks. Today’s program is dedicated to those bold, avant-garde Horner works that showcase his more unexpected musical voice. Enjoy!

TODAY IS THE DAY! The winners of the 2025 IFMCA Awards will be announced at 12:00 PM (EST) | 9:00 AM (PST) TODAY **LIVE** on our Youtube channel, link below. Who will win? Make sure you tune in and find out! -Erik-

NEW EPISODE | TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY – EPISODE 3 – SCORES 25-21 https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flag-ship-show-top-25-scores-of-the-21st-century-episode-3-scores-25-21/ In part three of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will begin the countdown proper with the presentation of scores 25-21. In this episode, you’ll hear selections from James Newton Howard, Mark McKenzie, Roque Baños, Andy Hull, Robert McDowell, and Panu Aaltio. Part four will be available next week. Enjoy!

NEW EPISODE | THE FLAGSHIP SHOW: TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY – EPISODE 2 – MORE HONOURABLE MENTIONS https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flag-ship-show-top-25-scores-of-the-21st-century-episode-2-more-honourable-mentions/ In part two of our seven-part series counting down the TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY, we will be featuring three more honourable mentions. In this episode, you’ll hear selections from Hans Zimmer, James Horner and Thomas Newman. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, I highly recommend doing so first. Part three will be available next week.

Welp. I think the theme is friggin' fantastic. Wonderful long-lined adventure theme that works so well in any variation! One of Silvestri's best. Spittin' facts my friend!

NEW EPISODE | THE FLAGSHIP SHOW: TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY – EPISODE 1 – HONOURABLE MENTIONS https://www.cinematicsound.net/the-flag-ship-show-top-25-scores-of-the-21st-century-episode-1-honourable-mentions/ Today’s episode is all about personal favourites. Over the next seven episodes of THE FLAGSHIP SHOW, I’ll be counting down my TOP 25 SCORES OF THE 21st CENTURY. These are the soundtracks that have resonated with me the most, scores that I believe deserve a special place in any discussion about the best music of the last quarter-century. While my list may not align with everyone’s tastes, it reflects the music that has left a lasting impression on me. In this special series, you’ll hear a mix of fan-favourite classics and perhaps a few surprises along the way. These are the scores that have stuck with me over the years, whether for their emotional depth, unforgettable themes, or the way they perfectly enhanced the films they were written for. I invite you to join me as we celebrate the music that has inspired and moved me personally. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this journey through 25 years of remarkable film music. In this opening episode, you’ll hear three honourable mentions from composers John Williams, Frederic Talgorn and Alexandre Desplat. Part two will be available later in the week. Enjoy!

Excellent news. I missed out on getting the physical album when it was first released. It's going to be great owning the expanded version of one of the best scores of the 21st century! -Erik-