In this episode of Score THIS, we take a journey to Trash Island for Wes Anderson’s stop-motion adventure, Isle of Dogs. After the dogs of Megasaki City are banished following an outbreak of canine illness, twelve-year-old Atari Kobayashi steals a small aircraft and embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue his beloved companion, Spots. With help from Chief, Rex, King, Boss, and Duke, Atari uncovers a conspiracy that threatens every dog in Megasaki.

We explore Alexandre Desplat’s Oscar-nominated score and his fourth collaboration with Anderson. Rather than relying on a traditional symphonic sound, Desplat creates a distinctive musical palette built around thunderous taiko drums, saxophones, recorders, jazz bass, piano, percussion, and male voices. The score’s persistent rhythms capture the dogs’ movement and survival instincts, while its sparse melodies and unusual instrumental combinations complement the film’s precise stop-motion animation.

We break down how cues such as “Shinto Shrine,” “The Municipal Dome,” “Six Months Later + Dog Fight,” “The Hero Pack,” “Sushi Scene,” and “End Titles” shape the story. We also discuss the soundtrack’s use of silence and its musical references to classic Japanese cinema, including selections connected to Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai and Drunken Angel.

From the pounding drums that drive the adventure to the quieter musical moments behind Atari and Chief’s growing friendship, Desplat’s score balances suspense, humor, melancholy, and hope. The result is a carefully constructed musical world that feels every bit as handcrafted as the animation itself.

Grab your spots and follow the pack as we explore the rhythmic world of Isle of Dogs on Score THIS.

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTube

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Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/24/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

Autobots. Decepticons. Synths. Guitars. And one of the most explosive animated scores of the 1980s.

On this episode of Score THIS, we travel to Cybertron to revisit The Transformers: The Movie (1986) with returning special guest, TekForce. Together, we explore Vince DiCola’s electrifying score—a powerhouse fusion of synthesizers, electronic textures, pounding percussion, and rock-driven energy that gives the film its larger-than-life identity.

From the devastating arrival of Unicron and the fall of Optimus Prime to the rise of Rodimus Prime and the climactic “Light Our Darkest Hour,” we break down how DiCola’s music brings emotion, momentum, and mythology to the Transformers universe.

We also discuss the film’s unforgettable collection of rock songs, its darker and more ambitious tone, and why its soundtrack and score continue to resonate with Transformers fans decades later.

Till all are one.

Sidenote: We are specifically going over the complete music score release, Lighting Their Darkest Hour.

For more information on TekForce, check out these links:

Music | TekForce

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Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 8/11/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

RIP Peter Cullen (1941-2026)

In this episode of Score THIS, we step into the TARDIS to revisit Doctor Who Series 1 and the unforgettable journey of the Ninth Doctor. We explore how composer Murray Gold revitalized the sound of Doctor Who, blending sweeping orchestral themes, electronic textures, haunting vocals, and emotional character motifs. From the wonder of “Rose” and the terror of “Dalek” to the heartbreaking finale of “The Parting of the Ways,” we examine how Gold’s music gave the revived series its energy, humanity, and sense of adventure. Absolutely fantastic!

Note:

Doctor Who (Series 1) episodes discussed were:

Episode #1 “Rose”

Episode #6 “Dalek”

Episode #9 “The Empty Child”

Episode #10 “The Doctor Dances”

Episode #12 “Bad Wolf”

Episode #13 “The Parting of the Ways”

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

And please follow and subscribe to our newly launched YouTube page, Score THIS! - YouTube

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 9/3/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

What happens when technology doesn’t just change the way we live—but takes control of who we are?

In this episode of Score THIS, we dive into Upgrade (2018), Leigh Whannell’s stylish and brutal sci-fi thriller, and the pulse-pounding score by Jed Palmer. From Grey Trace’s transformation after a devastating attack to STEM’s increasingly dominant presence, we explore how the music drives the film’s shifting balance between humanity and machine.

With special guest, Marcus Pinn, we break down Palmer’s electronic textures, aggressive rhythms, unsettling sound design, and recurring musical ideas, examining how the score mirrors Grey’s physical transformation and the growing conflict between man and technology.

It’s Upgrade—a film where the body is the battlefield, the machine is the weapon, and the score keeps the system running.

For more information on Marcus Pinn, check out these links:

PINNLAND EMPIRE

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Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 6/27/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

In this episode of Score THIS, we dive headfirst into the wonderfully bizarre world of Earthworm Jim — the 1994 cult-classic game that turned a worm in a super suit into one of gaming’s most unforgettable heroes.

Joining us for this episode is special guest An Hobbes, as we explore the game's outrageous visual style, surreal humor, chaotic gameplay, and most importantly… its unforgettable music.

From explosive action to bizarre environments and moments of pure video game madness, Earthworm Jim has a soundtrack that refuses to play by the rules. We break down the sounds, influences, memorable themes, and musical personality that helped make this game so distinctive.

So grab your Super Suit, watch out for Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, and get ready to go GROOVY!

For more information on An Hobbes, check out these links:

Instagram

Music | An Hobbes

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 6/12/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

On this episode of Score THIS, we're stepping into the shadowy world of Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, where hip-hop, philosophy, and cinema collide through one of the most distinctive film scores ever composed. Joining us is special guest Jim Search, as we break down RZA's groundbreaking soundtrack and explore how it shapes every moment of Jim Jarmusch's cult classic.

From Ghost Dog's quiet rooftop reflections to the film's tense assassinations and meditative final confrontation, we'll examine how RZA's minimalist beats, haunting melodies, and atmospheric textures become the voice of the film's lone samurai. Along the way, we'll discuss the score's production, its influence on hip-hop and film music, and why Ghost Dog remains one of the most unique collaborations between a filmmaker and a music producer. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Wu-Tang Clan, a lover of film scores, or discovering this masterpiece for the first time, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

For more information on Jim Search, check out these links:

Instagram

Jim Search Official Music - Listen to songs on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music | Check for Videos on Linktree

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

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Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 6/17/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

In this episode of Score THIS, we're joined by special guest K-Murdock as we dive into the groundbreaking score of Blade Runner. Together, we explore how Vangelis crafted one of the most influential soundtracks in film history, blending lush synthesizers, haunting melodies, and ambient textures to create the sonic identity of Ridley Scott's dystopian future.

From the atmospheric opening of "Main Titles" to the emotional finale of "Tears in Rain," we break down how the music shapes the film's world, enhances its themes of humanity and identity, and continues to inspire composers across film, television, and video games. We also discuss the score's production, its lasting legacy, and why Blade Runner remains a benchmark for electronic film music.

Join us for an in-depth conversation celebrating a true cinematic masterpiece from 1982 with the sci-fi classic, Blade Runner.

For more information on K-Murdock, check out these links:

Kyle Creates Audio

Instagram

Music | K-Murdock

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 3/23/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling

In this episode of Score THIS, we march into one of the most emotionally powerful films ever made—Edward Zwick's Glory (1989). Following the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all-Black regiment organized to fight for the Union during the American Civil War, Glory combines unforgettable performances with one of James Horner's most celebrated musical scores.

Join us as we explore how Horner's sweeping orchestral writing, haunting trumpet calls, and the unforgettable Boys Choir of Harlem elevate every triumph, sacrifice, and heartbreaking moment throughout the film. From the stirring "A Call to Arms" to the devastating "Charging Fort Wagner" and the reflective "An Epitaph to War," we break down the score scene by scene and examine how its themes have made it one of the defining film soundtracks of the late 20th century.

Whether you're a longtime admirer of James Horner or discovering Glory for the first time, this episode celebrates a film and score that continue to resonate decades after their release.

Questions? Comments about our episodes? Email us at Scorethispod@gmail.com! We welcome all listeners to offer films, games, and TV shows for us to cover, but please keep the emails on topic! It makes reading them easier and we can respond quicker that way! Also, follow us on Instagram.

Available on all streaming platforms.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded on 5/18/26

Score THIS Scale explanation voiced by: Mia Shilling