Rarely does a film's soundtrack inform its production and pacing as much as Antonio Sanchez's percussive score for Birdman. Sanchez worked closely with director Alejandro G. Iñárritu to record demos for each scene, with the director providing cues as Sanchez played. Iñárritu then took those recordings to the film's set to help guide the action that would be captured by the camera. Once the film was cut Snachez went back into the studio to record the final score with additional direction from Iñárritu. The sound of the drum kit was altered to represent the age of the theater that Birdman is attempting to make his comeback in. Drums we detuned and cymbals were piled on top of each other. As the film progresses the score becomes more chaotic with layers of multiple drum tracks. The classical pieces included on this release represent the music that would have been coming out of the radio in Birdman's apartment, as well as the show itself.

• 180 gram pressing
• includes 12" x 12" insert with liner notes from the director
• music label: Milan 2015

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2015