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Dredging up this ancient thread to say WATCH THIS SPACE... The Air Force Band is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and the Band's commander/conductor Col Larry Lang got to do a nice interview with John Williams regarding his time in the Air Force. It'll eventually be posted on the band's website and I will be back to post a direct link when it is available.

Gladiator I've only ever seen this film one other time, and it was years ago. I was not a fan as it rang pretty hollow for me. But a lot seems to have changed, and it's aged very well for me! I still don't buy it as some "profound" take on the genre, and some of the drained colours rub me the wrong way. But there's something strikingly old-fashioned about its sensibilities, at least when compared to the big budget flicks of today. It has a "refreshing" air of classic Hollywood epic that just works as an experience. You can't help but sit there and be taken away by the melodrama of it all. And a huge part of that owes itself to Zimmer's score, whose mix of Wagnerian, sturm-und-drang character and new-age elements essentially define the film. It's only ever let down by the blaring synth overdubs in the louder action moments (a prevailing weakness of early Zimmer scores of this kind...would love to see a live-to-projection performance someday). It's big, impressive, manipulative and very effective. Tie that in with great performances, and expertly choreographed action scenes and you have a rather fine picture indeed.

I wouldn't bother to get it, no. MV Gerhard posted that an expanded version from his label is coming out next year, and it will surely include the LP program, so just wait for that!

10 Cloverfield Lane by Bear McCreary Karol

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Nixon (Williams) Revenge of the Sith (Williams) The Eiger Sanction (Williams) A Dangerous Method (Shore)

Amazing!

The Secret of NIMH by Jerry Goldsmith: This is a top rate animation score to be sure but even after a number of listens I don't find myself giving it unequivocal top marks overall. Some magic is oddly missing in this score for me. Looking for Richard by Howard Shore The Lost World: Jurassic Park by John Williams Jaws by John Williams The Patriot by John Williams First Knight by Jerry Goldsmith

It is the lyrics to this fine piece:

I sort of wish the film/score were coming out in the later months of the year. As a post-2010 Williams fan, I've gotten used to the idea of getting a new Williams score when the weather is cold.

Someone call me Stiff, please!

Sleepers - John Williams Edge of Darkness - Howard Shore

Loved it. A great, diverse program. I especially enjoyed hearing music from Munich, War Horse, and Lincoln.

I absolutely can't get this tune out of my head lately. This has happened quite a bit since late 2011.