Varèse Sarabande Records release the jazz-based score to Whiplash. Andrew Neyman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man's life. Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability-and his sanity...

The score for Whiplash is one that you'll either love or hate... depending on whether you're a fan of jazz or not. If you've seen the movie, then obviously you'll know what to expect. It's also a score that incorporates the occasional scene or line from the movie. Personally I'm never a fan of these - as if I'm buying a soundtrack, I'm doing so because I want to listen to the music on its own, not with quotes thrown over the score. Thankfully they are used sparingly here and the 'Good Job' segment, which tells the origins of how how Charlie Parker became so talented, actually adds to the score.

Track listing:

01 - 'Snare Liftoff' [Dialogue]
02 - 'Overture' - written by Justin Hurwitz
03 - 'Too Hip To Retire' - written by Tim Simonec
04 - 'Whiplash' - written by Hank Levy
05 - 'Fletcher’s Song In Club' - written by Justin Hurwitz
06 - 'Caravan' - written by Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol
07 - '"What’s Your Name"' [Dialogue]
08 - 'Practicing' - written by Justin Hurwitz
09 - 'Invited' [Includes Dialogue] - written by Justin Hurwitz
10 - 'Call From Dad' - written by Justin Hurwitz
11 - 'Accident' - written by Justin Hurwitz
12 - 'Hug From Dad' - written by Justin Hurwitz
13 - 'Drum & Drone' - written by Justin Hurwitz
14 - 'Carnegie' - written by Justin Hurwitz
15 - 'Ryan / Breakup' - written by Justin Hurwitz
16 - 'Drum Battle' - written by Justin Hurwitz
17 - 'Dismissed' - written by Justin Hurwitz
18 - 'Good Job' [Dialogue]
19 - 'Intoit' - written & performed by Stan Getz
20 - 'No Two Words' - performed by Nicholas Britell and Justin Hurwitz - written by Justin Hurwitz
21 - 'When I Wake' - written by Justin Hurwitz
22 - 'Casey’s Song' - written by Justin Hurwitz
23 - 'Upswingin’' - written by Tim Simonec
24 - 'First Nassau Band Rehearsal / Second Nassau Band Rehearsal / Studio Band Eavesdrop / Studio Band Rehearsal After Breakup' - written by Tim Simonec

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Darren Rea