The Sand Pebbles

The Sand Pebbles is a score of Jerry Goldsmith that I can not get into. It's all fine and dandy, but somehow the tone doesn't do it for me. This album, a re recording done in 1997 is a short presentation whilst Club releases of both Intrada and Varèse offered completer versions later on. Truth is, if I already have problems getting into the music now at 40 minutes, will it ever do it for me in 70 minutes or more? Truth is, The Sand Pebbles is more dramatic than expected. Many love versions of both the Chinese as the American theme appear too frequently, all the while short but powerful threatening cues open and close the score. But it's perhaps because it's so soothing and nice that I don't get into the war vibe of the story. The "Overture" is nice and powerful, and the statements of love do give a nice overall feeling, but in the end it's one of the Goldsmith scores I'll rather pass and choose to hear in various cues instead. Goldsmith completists will already have acquired the many many releases before and after this re recording I suppose, so why listen to little old me?!

"Overture" somehow sets the tone.
The love themes are gentle but nice.
A re recording that does everything right sound wise.
Perhaps too much gentle love music, and not enough suspense and action?

Track Listing

1. Overture (2.30)
2. Main Title (2.52)
3. Getting Aquainted (4.00)
4. Repel Boarders (3.02)
5. Changsha Dock (1.55)
6. Death of a Thousand Cuts (4.54)
7. My Secret (3.46)
8. Jake and Shirley (4.33)
9. The Wedding (5.43)
10. Frenchy's Death (2.31)
11. Maily's Abduction (2.38)
12. Final Mission (3.34)
13. Almost Home (0.33)

Total Length: 42.31