‘Transformers’ Soundtrack Update Is An Enjoyable Re-Issue

The Transformers: The Movie will return to theaters for a brief run this fall.  The movie, which made its theatrical debut Aug. 8, 1986, will return to theaters for one week – Sept. 17-21 – to mark the 40th anniversary of its premiere.  As an added celebration of the anniversary, Reigning Phoenix Music has partnered with Hasbro Music to also re-issue the movie’s soundtrack.  The 10-song soundtrack is a full-on update from the original soundtrack, which was released by Scotti Bros. Records.  The record’s body is a track-for track mirror of the original, save for the performers, with the latest lineup of the so-called Knights of Unicron tackling the songs with the help of some very famous figures, including Stan Bush, who contributed to the original soundtrack.  Speaking of Bush, he returned to tackle ‘The Touch’ once again, breathing new life into this timeless classic.  The updated take of the movie’s theme is also of note, as is the update of “Weird” Al Yanovic’s ‘Dare To Be Stupid.’  When it and the other songs noted here are considered alongside the rest of the album’s entries, the whole makes this soundtrack such a fun offering for every fan of The Transformers.
Reigning Phoenix Music and Hasbro Music’s brand-new re-issue of the soundtrack for The Transformers: The Movie is a presentation that longtime fans will agree is a blast from the past that breathes great new life into the compilation.  This is proven right from its outset in the famous song, ‘The Touch.’  This is a song that even those who are not necessarily fans of The Transformers know.  Stan Bush, who originally recorded the song for the movie, returned to resurrect the song this time out.  And along with the current lineup of the so-called Knights of Unicron – Matt Harvey, Ross Sewage, and Gus Rios – the group delivers a performance that comes across like something pulled from a musical time capsule.  The update is even richer in its production than the original, making it that much more engaging and entertaining for audiences.  It is right there with the best works of Van Halen (from the Sammy Hagar years), Whitesnake and others of that ilk. 
On another note, the updated take of the ‘Transformers Theme,’ is another notable addition to the collection here.  Originally recorded by hair band Lion, the update here, featuring vocalist Brittney Slayes, enhances the original composition, giving it much more of a hard rock edge than Lion’s take.  Slayes’ vocal performance is a powerhouse in its own right.  Considering how many female hard rock vocalists try way too hard to do the whole operatic thing, Slayes’ delivery is a breath of fresh air.  She is so confident and strong alongside her instrumental companions.  Speaking of her companions’ work, Harvey shines on the guitar in his solos and as part of the whole while bassist Russ Sewage and drummer Gus Rios add their own depth to the whole, truly enhancing the song all the more.  The whole makes this take of the classic theme a step up from Lion’s performance.
The updated take of ‘Dare To Be Stupid,’ which was made famous by none other than “Weird’ Al Yankovic, is another notable new take here.  For those who might not know, the song had absolutely nothing to do with the movie.  It is one of those early examples of movie soundtracks starting to include pop songs just for the sake of having them as part of the soundtrack.  Yankovic’s original song was a full-on spoof of Devo’s music and the video just as much.  The updated take featured here, with vocals replaced by vocalist “Torch” is a complete tribute to “Weird” Al’s original.  It is a presentation that is sure to appeal easily to his fans and honestly to Yankovic himself.  It would be interesting to get Yankovic’s thoughts on this take, being a cover of a spoof.  As with the other songs noted here and the rest of the soundtrack’s entries, it improves on a work that was already entertaining and engaging in its own right.  When it and the other songs are considered along with the rest of the updates featured herein, the whole makes this new take of the classic soundtrack worth hearing at least once.
Reigning Phoenix Music and Hasbro Music’s brand-new updated soundtrack to The Transformers: The Movie is an interesting presentation.  Featuring updated takes in the same chronological order as the songs featured in the original soundtrack, it amps up those originals, and in turn improves on the original record from beginning to end.  The covers examined make that clear.  When they are examined in whole alongside the rest of the soundtrack’s entries, the whole becomes a presentation that audiences will find enjoyable enough to make the compilation worth hearing at least once.
The Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack – Reformatted Edition (heck of a title, huh?) is available now.  More information on this and other titles from Reigning Phoenix Music is available at:
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