I'm not familiar with what "recording guys" do, exactly, so I'm not comfortable pointing the finger at them.
However, I do know what is involved with orchestration and that IS where I hear the difference in Michael's music. Just go to the Kronos track from The Incredibles. The section that accompanies Bob on the computer looking up the list of dead super heroes has one theme and a simple chord progression that would have been just horrendous, were it not for some effective rhythmic development and the themes getting thrown around to all kinds of different instruments. But then look at something like Labor of Love, which I think is the most beautiful track in the movie. There is an arpeggio line in the middle range of the high strings starting at about 41 seconds in. And it's just stagnant. I didn't hear any expression in that line, it didn't get passed around anywhere until it was lost in the cello section for a phrase or two, it wasn't changed in any way other than to fit the chord progression... That, to me, really took away from that section and there are many like it in many soundtracks of his (again, all I've heard has been from cloverfield on.)

So whether or not Dan Walin has anything to do with what's been happening to Giacchino's scores, I can't say for sure. But, the point I would like to make is that it's very very difficult for somebody to record music that is lacking to begin with and, again, I think it's the orchestration that has been falling short. But, no matter who is to blame, I hope that his situation improves and he keeps kickin' the music out because I think that he really has the potential to be among the best film scorers of this generation.

As for Alexander Courage's theme being inappropriate... obviously a personal taste thing. I love both themes. Probably Goldsmith's a bit more since I grew up with it and it would've worked well with this film since there was so much Goldsmith influence throughout the soundtrack. But I'll tell ya, I think the Courage theme is the best track on the whole recording. I dunno how I feel about Giacchinoo's material getting thrown in there between statements, but I could tell that Giacchino and all involved were REALLY enjoying themselves when they put it together and I feel that is really important.

Anyway, I hope I haven't confused, offended, or bored you to death with this. Just thought I would be certain that I was clear in what I was saying.

Happy listening.

> Blame Dan Walin for Michael Giacchino's recent scores being bland. Hes the
> recording guy for it. He dropped Steve Smith after Mercinaries. You could
> tell because Steve Smith initially mixed Mercinaries but Dan Walin came in
> after.

> I thought that Alexander Courage's theme was a bit inappropriate for this
> flick. It was to tongue and cheek thought the movie is I would have loved
> Goldsmith's theme instead.