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Iconic scores of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Days of Thunder’ make triumphant return on vinyl
A nostalgic revival for vinyl enthusiasts
Vinyl enthusiasts and Tom Cruise fans alike have a reason to celebrate. ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Days of Thunder, two of Cruise’s most iconic early box office hits, are being released on vinyl with expanded scores for the very first time. On October 18, the New York-based label Enjoy the Ride Records will unveil these editions, each on double 140-gram LPs. Following a limited-edition CD release in 2023, these albums will offer the complete original cues from their respective films, along with never-before-heard demos and alternate takes.
Rediscovering ’Top Gun’
Harold Faltermeyer’s electrifying score for Top Gun has captivated audiences since its original soundtrack debuted in 1986. Interestingly, only one cue from Faltermeyer’s music made it onto that release. In 1999, an expanded edition added the instrumental track “Memories.” This new vinyl release goes even further, featuring all original music cues and bonus tracks, encapsulating the adrenaline and romance of this cult classic.
Track List:
Side A
- Main Title* - 2:41
- Carrier Takeoffs and Landings** – 1:46
- Two Migs, Not One†/Cougar Chased by Mig/Mav Flips the Bird/Cougar’s Troubled Landing – 6:58
- Mav Goes to Fightertown** – 1:49
- Jester Flying*** – 3:10
- Tower Flyby* – 1:10
- Viper Comes Down on Mav - 0:50
- Mav and Goose In Room – 2:06
- Dinner at Charlie’s§ – 1:32
Side B
- Mav Says Goodbye to Charlie§ – 2:40
- Love Scene§ – 3:41
- Mav vs Viper – 2:11
- End Locker Room and Photo - 0:46
- Aerial Sequence** – 1:27
- Goose’s Death/Memories – 4:10
Side C
- Mav Reflects in Goose’s Room/Board of Inquiry/Charlie and Mav in Airport Bar – 11:03
- Viper’s House Pt. 1# – 1:15
- Viper’s House Pt. 2 – 1:57
- Carrier Ready Room and Takeoffs# – 2:47
Side D
- Mav is Launched/Mav Bugs Out/Mav Returns to Battle/Return to Carrier* – 11:11
Bonus Tracks
- Top Gun Theme (original demo – May 4, 1985) – 3:34
- First Shot of Mav and Goose (unused)* – 0:53
- Don’t Worry About the Mig (unused)§ – 0:24
- Top Gun Theme (extended album mix) – 4:44
( consists of “Top Gun Anthem”; consists of “Danger Zone”; consists of “Mighty Wings”; § consists of “Take My Breath Away”; † contains material not in film; # contains an interpolation of “Top Gun Anthem”)
These tracks are housed in a stunning gatefold jacket, featuring the iconic film poster and stills from the movie. The vinyl pressing is limited to 1000 copies, split across various themed color variants. Exclusive colors will be available at EnjoyTheRideRecords.com and select retail shops worldwide.
The thunder rolls: Zimmer’s powerful contributions
While unlocking the high-octane energy of Top Gun is a thrill, let’s not forget Hans Zimmer’s rousing score for Days of Thunder. This soundtrack, initially overshadowed by David Coverdale’s “Last Note of Freedom,” finds new life in this expanded release.
Track List:
Side A
- Days of Thunder (Main Title) – 3:08
- Rowdy Drives/Who Is This Driver? – 2:06
- Let Me Drive/Cole Drives Rowdy’s Car – 2:26
- Car Building – 2:05
- Darlington – Cole Wins – 4:47
- You’re Home/Daytona Race/The Crash – 3:29
Side B
- The Hospital – 2:20
- Wheelchair Race – 0:37
- Rental Car Race* – 3:50
- Claire Arrives at Her Apartment – 1:55
- Physical Kiss – 1:05
- Cole Blows His Engine – 1:10
- Wheeler/Cole Smashes – 2:25
- Cole at the Laundry/Cole Agrees to Drive Rowdy’s Car - 2:11
- Cole and Harry Fight/Harry Talks to Car – 2:52
Side C
- Cole in Truck/Pre-Race – 3:52
- The Last Race – 10:20
Side D (Bonus Tracks)
- The Hospital (alternate) – 2:21
- Wheelchair Race (alternate) – 0:38
- Claire Arrives at Her Apartment (alternate ending) – 1:53
- Cole Blows His Engine (alternate) – 1:12
- Pre-Race (alternate mix) – 2:25
- Days of Thunder (Main Title) (rock arrangement) – 4:59
(* contains material not used in the film)
This album comes encased in a gatefold jacket, adorned with the film’s poster and stills, mirroring the luxurious presentation enjoyed by Top Gun. Again, limited to just 1000 copies, fans need to act fast to secure their piece of cinematic history.
The endurance and relevance of vinyl
Beyond the sentimental value, the return of these scores on vinyl signifies a larger trend: the enduring fascination with analog sound. Vinyl has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years, not merely as a retro fad but as a medium treasured for its rich auditory texture and collectible appeal.
For enthusiasts, there’s an irreplaceable charm in the tactile experience of vinyl— from the artwork and sleeves to the visceral act of placing the needle on the record. This revival is equally indebted to the intricate efforts of preservation and expansion provided by labels like Enjoy the Ride Records, enabling new generations to emotionally and physically connect with music classics.
What makes this release special?
Both albums are not mere reissues but carefully curated collections that reflect and enhance the original compositions. The inclusion of alternates and demos provides an intimate glimpse into the creative process of Harold Faltermeyer and Hans Zimmer. Such releases are not only a chance to revisit beloved film scores but also an educational journey into film score production, offering a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship involved.
These records cater to an audience that values quality and nostalgia, as well as those looking to explore the legacies of two of the most influential film scores of the late 20th century. The meticulous effort to restore and expand upon these soundtracks is evident, delivering an auditory experience that matches the visual splendor of the films they accompany.
As we wait for October 18, anticipation builds not just for the music, but for the communal celebration among fans and collectors. By bringing these scores back to vinyl, Enjoy the Ride Records allows us to reconnect with the echoes of cinema’s past, transforming them into timeless treasures for the present and future.
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