Koyaanisqatsi [Antilles/Nonesuch]

by Steven McDonaldParodied more than once, derided, blessed, hailed as a wonder, and decried as a travesty, this (abbreviated) soundtrack is capable of generating fascination and annoyance, often simultaneously. The truth is that this isn't merely minimalism -- it's expressive minimalism, with some impressive nuances. Given the space to breathe, the music here is breathtaking, and becomes even more so when properly linked, in its full form, with the film's visuals. The later Powasqaatsi did not live up to the first film in either a visual or musical respect.