The latest “song of the day” is chosen as I continue working on a particular film review about an alien invasion and war. I’ve chosen a particular favorite piece of film music from 14 years ago to be the latest song of the day.
“Klendathu Drop” is from the film soundtrack for the scifi/war/propaganda film Starship Troopers. This film wasn’t well-received when it first came out and it’s film score by Basil Poleduris was similarly dismissed. In the intervening years since the film’s release more and more people have begun to appreciate both film and soundtrack. Basil Poledouris’ soundtrack for this film has become a fan favorite of not just his soundtrack work, but of just fans of film soundtracks and scores.
Just listening to this particular track is quite invigorating and really does a good job into making one think about doing very heroic things. Poledouris’ really makes great use of both the brass and percussion section of his orchestra. The percussion giving the whole song a militaristic, martial tempo while the brass (once again an inordinate amount of French horns as Poledouris is fond of using) helps give it a swelling, patriotic melody. Halfway through the song we get the addition of strings to signify a calm to the storm that’s about to be unleashed (the song is used in the first planetside landing where the Mobile Infantry get its ass kicked every way til Sunday).
Even if you’re not a fan of the film this song at the very least makes for great listening.