Lakeshore Records deliver another rousing score in the form of Marc Shaiman's music for LBJ. After powerful Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson loses the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination to Senator John F. Kennedy, he agrees to be his young rival’s running mate. But once they win the election, despite his extensive legislative experience and shrewd political instincts, Johnson is sidelined in the role of vice president. That all changes on 22 November 1963, when Kennedy is assassinated and Johnson, with his devoted wife Lady Bird by his side, is suddenly thrust into the presidency. As the nation mourns, Johnson must contend with longtime adversary Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and one-time mentor Georgia Senator Richard Russell as he seeks to honour JFK’s legacy by championing the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964...

I don't want to do composer Marc Shaiman a disservice here, and this is really meant as a compliment more than an insult, but I was reminded of so many other composers work when listening to his score for LBJ that it was like discovering an old playlist I hadn't heard in ages.

'Motorcade Leaves' is incredibly similar in style to Alan Silvestri's theme from Night at the Museum; 'Kennedy on the Phone' has a ring of Howard Shore's music for Mrs Doubtfire; 'Assassination' brought to mind David Arnold's work on Stargate and Independence Day; and 'Dinner and Funeral' reminded me of Dennis McCarthy's work on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

There are 25 tracks in total (48 min, 57 sec) and this is one of those scores which is almost impossible to not play from start to finish. It washes over you, with each track delivering something new and exciting.

The album ends with the score's two most beautiful tracks 'The Speech' and 'Let's Get to Work'. The perfect way to conclude an incredible emotionally charged score.

It's a beautiful album which is an essential edition to your soundtrack collection.

9

Darren Rea