The Sweeney O.S.T.

Sometimes You Have To Act Like A Criminal To Catch A Criminal

September 10th sees the launch of the CD of music from the new motion picture 'The Sweeney'.  I can remember the classic 70's cult cop show with its catchy theme tune and look forward to seeing how the new revamped, updated version starring Ray Winstone and the amazing Ben Drew aka Plan B compares.

Nick Love has directed the film so I am imagining a gritty portrayal of the police drama as the hardened police officer and his trusted sidekick tackle the crime ridden streets of London together.

I have been sent a copy of the music from the film which comprises of the original score composed and produced by Lornes Balfe who has most recently worked alongside famous film composer Hans Zimmer on Dark Knight Rises and Inception.

The score itself evokes the dark and gritty nature of the movie and brings to mind the modern city streets and the criminal underground of London.

The remixes of the Sweeney theme tune have been heavily influenced by Dubstep and Electro creating a very contemporary tracks giving a modern twist to a classic for a new generation.  John Legend and Katy B add vocals to two of the tracks Getting Nowhere and Crossover.

I was a bit disappointed not to see a Plan B original included in the soundtrack (I love that man) so I will instead look forward to seeing him acting as Carter to Ray Winstone's Regan!

The Tracklist

Score
Opening Titles
Regan's Beginning
Country Surveillance
Put Your Trousers on, You're nicked!
Makin Talbot
Trafalgar Square
Fog Horns
You're Extinct
Couldn't Help Her
Regan Rebels
In Prison Out For Blood
Carter Solo
End
End Credits - Sweeney Remix
Magnetic Man - Getting Nowhere
Magnetic Man - Crossover
Sweeney Theme - Dr P
Sweeney Theme - Barry Adamson

The film is out on general release from 12th September 2012

Pandamonium in the Park

July the 9th was my son's 2nd birthday, it was also the date of Pandamonium in the Park, a family friendly festival   held at Althorp House in Northamptonshire. Sainsbury's teamed up with Dreamworks to put on a day with a Chinese flavour in celebration of the cinematic release of Kung Fu Panda. It seemed like the perfect day out to celebrate Freddy's special day.

I was extremely honoured to be a VIP guest of Cadbury which meant that not only did we get in to the festival, we also had access to the beautifully themed VIP tent where amazing Chinese food and other refreshments were served in very plush surroundings.  We rubbed shoulders with the Chinese Ambassador and other dignitaries, whilst enjoying the wonderful hospitality!

Althorp house was a wonderful venue for the event and the sun was shining.  The festival was supported by a whole host of household brands, Finish, Vanish, Kellogg's, Crusha, Baking Mad.com, Jammie Dodgers, Flora and of course Cadbury.  Every brand had a family orientated activity zone offering cookery demonstrations, cake decorating, crafts, fun and games for everyone to enjoy.

Cadbury Spots vs Stripes Minute to Win it Games

Making Kellogg's Rice Krispie Cakes

The Crusha Milkshake Parlour

Natural Confectionery Company Arts and Crafts activities.

Vanish Splash Attack

Chinese entertainers performed throughout the day, the ultimate of which were the Chen Brothers whose Dragon Dance is renowned world wide.  The skill involved as the two man dragon jumped across a series of thin poles to a dramatic musical accompaniment was breathtaking.

Huge kites shaped like dragons and tigers flew in the sky.  Shaolin Monks and martial arts experts gave demonstrations, giving a real taste of China. A stage saw performances from BGT winner Jai and Nickolodeon's Big Time Rush during the afternoon which was fabulous for the kids.

Big Time Rush

Me and my two eldest Joe and Meg.

Kung Fu Panda played on the big screens and the children had a chance to be photographed with the star of the film Po!  Freddy was not impressed about being photographed with a 7 ft tall giant panda, but his sisters were happy to meet him in the VIP tent.

Po from Kung Fu Panda

The highlight of the day was the concert of John Powell and Hans Zimmer's music.  Between them they have composed the music to over 100 films  and won numerous awards including an Oscar, Golden Globes and an Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award.  Collectively, their music has been in films such as Inception, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean and of course Kung Fu Panda 1 and 2!  This concert was a world exclusive and I felt very honoured to be a part of it.

The Main Stage

The Hans Zimmer and John Powell concert begins.

The full philharmonic orchestra played music from a host of films including Shrek, the Bee Movie, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda.  Renditions of "I like to Move it Move it" and "Kung Fu Fighting" were sung by the man who does the the voice of King Julien in the Penguins of Madagascar and provided a fun-filled culmination to the day.  I loved how the musicians clearly loved what they did and were full of energy and enjoyment for their work.  Hans Zimmer himself was awesome, dancing around the stage whilst giving a note perfect performance.  Simply genius! 

Freddy had a marvellous day taking part in the activities, listening to the music, playing in the VIP playground and being with his big brother, sisters and future sister-in-law!  It was the perfect venue for a birthday party!

Freddy fell fast asleep after his exciting day at Pandamonium in the Park...thanks to Sainsbury's, Cadbury and the other brands and performers who made this a day to remember!