Unravel “Unravel” is a breathtaking and emotionally profound song from Björk’s 1997 masterpiece album, Homogenic. While tracks like “Jóga” and “Bachelorette” often get the spotlight, “Unravel” is a quiet, stunning gem that showcases Björk’s unique artistry. Homogenic is one of my favorite albums, and formative […]

Ezio’s Family “Ezio’s Family” is an iconic piece of music from Assassin’s Creed II. Composed by Jesper Kyd, the theme has become synonymous with the game’s protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Its gentle, melancholic motif perfectly captures the essence of Ezio’s personal tragedy. While the […]

Chichina Directed by Walter Salles, The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 is a biographical drama that chronicles the transformative road trip taken by a young Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto, across South America in 1952. The iconic soundtrack is from Gustavo Santaolalla. His song “Chichina” serves […]

Exit Music (For A Film) Exit Music (For A Film) is a somber track by the English rock band, Radiohead. Released on their landmark 1997 album, OK Computer — “Exit Music” has become a testament to the band’s ability to create brooding, cinematic music. The […]

[no spoilers] Weapons I wouldn’t have seen Zach Cregger’s Barbarian had it not been for the recommendation of a few friends. Upon first glance, the film seemed to be about a woman’s chance encounter with a psychopath. I felt like I had “the gist” and […]

Lima Lima is one of my favorite tracks from Gustavo Santaolalla’s The Motorcycle Diaries soundtrack. Rather than his usual minimalist approach, Lima really displays Santaolalla’s guitar prowess. I had an opportunity to see Gustavo Santaolalla play live in Pittsburgh (in 2013) with his band Bajofondo. Rather […]

Zephyr I initially set out to re-record Gustavo Santaolalla’s ‘Rein’ from the soundtrack of Biutiful (2009). I had shared it on my blog over a decade ago, and with much-improved sound quality, I was eager for a fresh take. But as often happens, my ear […]

F1: The Movie, immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of Formula One racing. The film stars Brad Pitt and is directed by Joseph Kosinski. If you mashed up the films — Top Gun: Maverick, and Days of Thunder (with Pitt’s own Tarantino character) Cliff Booth […]

Mathilde I wrote this piece well over a decade ago. I had already been a guitar player (and teacher) since my early teenage years — but only began experimenting with fingerstyle composition in my mid-30’s. It’s is actually the first “fingerstyle song” I ever wrote. […]

Parting Ways Gustavo Santaolalla’s iconic guitar motifs, which are essential to the The Last of Us games, form the backbone of the HBO series’ score. While many of the original tracks have been adapted—often revised, shortened, and retitled—Santaolalla has also woven in brand new compositions. […]

All Things New At some point in your life — you’re going to need help from a higher power. You’ll know when the time comes, because you will have completely run out of earthly solutions. I’ll preface this by mentioning I’m not a goodie two-shoes […]

The Path (A New Beginning) Within the critically acclaimed video game and HBO series The Last of Us, Gustavo Santaolalla’s “The Path (A New Beginning)” symbolizes hope, amidst a brutal world. Whether the song accompanies a hopeful glance across a ravaged landscape, or a moment […]