John Williams: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (2LP, soundtrack) [DISNEY]

Why you'll love it

This 35th anniversary 2LP set is remastered on 180g vinyl in a gatefold jacket, with Laurent Bouzereau producing the reissue. Williams composed, conducted and produced the score himself for Steven Spielberg's 1989 film.

This edition

• 2LP set
• 180g vinyl
• Remastered
• Gatefold jacket
• 35th anniversary edition

About the album

The third Indiana Jones film added Sean Connery as Indy's father, and John Williams responded by writing the series some of its warmest music. Performed by the Hollywood Studio Symphony, the score keeps the famous Raiders March but builds new themes around the Grail, the Nazis and, crucially, a father and son who can barely stand each other.

"Indy's Very First Adventure" scores River Phoenix's young Indy on a runaway circus train, "Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra" is a breathless concert piece in its own right, and "Escape from Venice" races along the canals. "Belly of the Steel Beast" is pure tank-chase muscle, while "The Keeper of the Grail" and "Finale & End Credits" give the series its most heartfelt finish. Williams sequenced the cues for listening rather than strict film order, so it plays like a symphony.

Orchestrators Herbert W. Spencer, Alexander Courage, John Neufeld and Patrick Hollenbeck helped shape the sound, and Mary Hogan coordinated this reissue for Walt Disney Records. We've had the Raiders March stuck in our heads since 1981 and have decided, on balance, not to seek treatment.

Also at Kops: more John Williams on vinyl · browse Soundtracks

Tracklist

Listen

On Walt Disney Records, a reissue of the 1989 soundtrack.