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"American Tail Overture" does a exemplary job of introducing the listener to every theme that will be heard in the rest of the score. Horner's done this before with many of his other scores, but there's just something about this arrangement that I really enjoy. It is also the track that gives us the first taste of the western influences that I mentioned previously. One of my favorite cuts from the album is "Cat Rumble." It has a robust energy about it. The music makes you feel as if you're in the middle of late Ninteenth Century New York City. I have know idea why I say this because, logically, I wasn't alive during that time. However, I have a feeling this is darn near what you would've expected to hear during that time period. During this track, villain Cat R. Waul's racous theme emerges. Surprisingly enough, Horner uses it properly throughout.
After this track, New York is left far behind and the rest of the score is pure West. This is a good thing too. The vocal song "Way Out West" does a fine job expressing what all of the N.Y.C critters think will be waiting for them out there. It is witty and booming with flavorful energy. Fievel and his family's journey into the unforgiving wilderness is closely underscored by the moody track entitled "Green River/Trek Through the Desert." The weariness of every creature in the wagon train is accented by slithing strings which convey the baking sun's rays. While listening, I could tell that Horner had fun writing music for a western backdrop. Light doses of the fiddle and strong brass accentuate the aggressive perseverance of "Building a New Town."
Some of the best portions of this score are its quieter and soothingly elegant moments. "Reminiscing" is a short and tender piece of music that is a nice break from the rousing surrounding material. After being threatened by a band of no-good marauding cats, Fievel is forced into a duel toward the film's end. But not without a little help from his bloodhound hero, Sheriff Wylie Burp. During "In Training," one can definitely hear Horner's tribute to Aaron Copland's RODEO. This leads directly into the dramatic track called "The Shoot-Out." After Fievel's inevitable victory over the cats, the music is rightfully joyous and satisfying. Before I finish, there are some things I must also include.
As many of us may know, Horner creates some of the most ravishing vocal songs for his animated projects. For FIEVEL GOES WEST, he and Will Jennings composed a modern classic with "Dreams to Dream." Both versions of it appear on this disc. The first of which, the pop rendition sung by Linda Ronstadt, is breathtaking. Ronstadt does an excellent job. The other version is the one heard in the film itself. Also well done. It is just as memorable as "Somewhere Out There." The other song on the album is "The Girl You Left Behind." It has a feel to it similar to "Way Out West." None of the songs in the film are intrusive and the themes are put to instrumental use thoughout much of the score. In conclusion, if you're in the market for an excellent James Horner score, or just great music in general, AN AMERICAN TAIL: FIEVEL GOES WEST is just the ticket. Never a low moment in this invigorating release.
