The Nightmare Before Christmas (CD - 1993)

The 2006 re-release of the soundtrack to Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS features a bonus disc containing both cover tunes by alternative acts and a set of composer Danny Elfman's demos. Goth performer Marilyn Manson contributes a tense, bristling version of "This Is Halloween," and pop singer Fiona Apple offers up a beautifully wistful rendition of "Sally's Song," leaving room for tracks by popular emo-rock bands and Elfman's entertaining extras.

With its gleefully morbid and mischievous songs, the soundtrack to THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is just as adored as Tim Burton's 1993 stop-motion animated classic itself. While the movie deftly blends the Rankin-Bass holiday aesthetic with Hammer-style horror, Danny Elfman's expertly follows suit, his score meshing seamlessly with the fantastical tale of Jack Skellington and company on ghoulishly festive tunes such as "This Is Halloween" and "Making Christmas." The album includes vocals by actors such as Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee-Wee Herman), Catherine O'Hara, and Patrick Stewart, with Elfman singing a number of character parts himself, most notably Jack. For devoted fans of the film, particularly goth-inclined listeners, this collection is essential. minimize