Dcole4

Fair. Each Tolkien fan has their line in the sand that they won't cross. I respect that. For me, I have always held the books far away from the "adaptations." PJ's films consistently stray wildly off the path but I still love them. This series is an even further departure from the lore (in the sense they have to 'connect the dots') but the tone and writing presented thus far feels respectful. I don't agree with all of their choices but that's to be expected. "Adapting" the second age was always going to require wild swings from the artists involved.

Having watched the episodes last night, I think that this piece is a bit unfair. Don't get me wrong, this is expensive fan fiction through and through but (imo) it's tastefully done. They match the tone and rhythms established by PJ & co (more LOTR than Hobbit, but obviously not matching the former). If you go into this with an open mind... you might enjoy it for what it is: a love letter to the mythology and a chance to see exceptional artists interpret this world, nothing more.

I really hope the melody of "Wandering Day" gets more love throughout the series. The Main teaser had a pretty epic riff of it. It'd be funny if it accidentally became a main theme similarly to how "Misty Mountains" started as just a song the dwarves sang and later became the power house theme of AUJ.

Man, this score gets better and better the closer you listen to it.

Damn, I wish we could crowd fund the book or something. I want this damn thing and the rarities haha.

When is this getting released? I'm excited for the show (Which, unlike many, I remain optimistic about)... but I'm probably more curious about this music. On first listen I haaaaated the two tracks but I think that was my initial rejection to it not being Shore. Upon re-listening it I've decided to keep an open mind and see how Bear weaves together the greater tapestry of the soundtrack.

Yeah this, to me, is a nightmare scenario. They can't use Howard Shore's themes and Bear is handcuffed and forced to make something that sounds "familiar" rather than create something bold and interesting of his own. What we'll get is a bargain bin version of what Howard Shore did. Hope to be proven wrong but this is really terrible news to me. I had hoped the new composer would have freedom to collaborate w/ Shore in some areas and run free on their own in other areas.

No, but I expected a bit more of a contribution... I always expected someone else to do the heavy lifting.

If Doug is here/can elaborate... that would be greatly appreciated. I'm still very excited in the show and have faith it'll be good.... but this has totally taken the wind out of my sails. Shore's music was 80% of what I was looking forward to.