What Is The Last Score You Listened To? (older scores)

[crocodile 8,051]

The Boxtrolls by Dario Marianelli. Again, I know. But then it's probably the closest thing to a John Williams score this year. Not necessarily in his classic era but parallels with The Adventures of Tintin can be made, surely. Same sort of classical symphonic style with some quirky instrumental touches and great thematic development. Surprised nobody talks about this.

Karol

[Quintus 5,399]

LMAO one of the male celebs on Strictly Come Dancing just did a pasodoble to the Superman March, it was hilarious

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

I saw!

Pretty cool

Btw, did Bruce die? Or did the BBC not want to risk using a presentor from the 70's?

[Koray Savas 2,251]

The Boxtrolls by Dario Marianelli. Again, I know. But then it's probably the closest thing to a John Williams score this year. Not necessarily in his classic era but parallels with The Adventures of Tintin can be made, surely. Same sort of classical symphonic style with some quirky instrumental touches and great thematic development. Surprised nobody talks about this.

Karol

I bought it based on all the positive talk here and was underwhelmed. Only gave it a passing listen though. Need to spin it again.

[Quintus 5,399]

He stepped down from the show this season after introducing the first episode. He says live TV has become a bit too much for him at his age, which is fair a fuckin' 'nuff.

[crocodile 8,051]

The Boxtrolls by Dario Marianelli. Again, I know. But then it's probably the closest thing to a John Williams score this year. Not necessarily in his classic era but parallels with The Adventures of Tintin can be made, surely. Same sort of classical symphonic style with some quirky instrumental touches and great thematic development. Surprised nobody talks about this.

Karol

I bought it based on all the positive talk here and was underwhelmed. Only gave it a passing listen though. Need to spin it again.

But then, you didn't like The Adventures of Tintin either, did you? I guess this is a matter of preference, really. From a technical standpoint of traditional composition and orchestration, this score is absolutely ahead of most competition. Easily. Brilliant in the film as well.

Karol

[KK 3,307]

I've been listening to that score lately. It's excellent from a technical standpoint. Marianelli's finest action writing, colourfully done with some fine-tuned orchestration. But underwhelming is still the feeling I get as well. I feel this score may have benefitted from a stronger melodic presence for its themes, than his usual subtler motivic writing. And this score is missing the big set-pieces that tied Tintin together so nicely.

Regardless, it's missing something to make me love it entirely. But it may be too early to tell, as you so aptly put it, his scores are growers.

[crocodile 8,051]

They always are. You might need to watch the film, perhaps? Just listen to how he adapts his boxtrolls theme into so many different uses.

Karol

[Not Mr. Big 4,653]

Stepmom

This used to be one of my least favorite JW scores. It's grown on me overtime though the album is still too long.

[crocodile 8,051]

It might be all true. But the main theme is absolutely gorgeous. And a perfect choice for this time of a year. In the long run, I might prefer this work to some of more acclaimed drama works of maestro (some of them).

Stepmom

Karol

[Not Mr. Big 4,653]

It's a very relaxing listening experience.

[Matt C 456]

George and the Dragon - Gast Waltzing

At its best, Waltzing is channeling Patrick Doyle but with his own flair (especially in "Battle of the Pics" and "George and the King"), with a bit of John Barry woven in. The love theme for the princess is glorious, with the female soprano -- especially in "Search Loona" and "Meet Princess". When Waltzing keeps up the orchestral adventure ruckus, it remains very enjoyable. The modern percussion in cues like "Intro" do a disservice to this very fine score otherwise.

I really have to commend the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, the players are put through their paces and the quality of the performances rival that of London and Los Angeles. Magnificent.

[publicist 4,643]

DRACULA UNTOLD - Ramin Djawadi

Depressing hackwork that seems to wear its lack of any musical finesse or indeed just of any engaging idea, however small, like a badge of honour.

[Not Mr. Big 4,653]

Can't wait for Djawadi's Warcraft!

[BloodBoal 7,538]

Can't wait for Djawadi's Warcraft!

You can already hear more than half of it in Dracula Untold and Game Of Thrones, I'm sure.

[Incanus 5,725]

DRACULA UNTOLD - Ramin Djawadi

Depressing hackwork that seems to wear its lack of any musical finesse or indeed just of any engaging idea, however small, like a badge of honour.

That is Djawadi for you. Or possibly Djawadi and the makers of the film.

[crocodile 8,051]

It might be still a tad too early... but I'm now listening to Alan Silvestri's A Christmas Carol. It might not be exactly very fresh in its approach but makes for an excellent disc. It has everything - some terror, comedy, air of wonder and mystery, some action even. And main theme is absolutely fantastic, one of the more memorable themes this composer has ever written. On top of that, well balanced album listening experience contains pretty much everything one might need from this score and still not outstay its welcome. Will be listened to a lot in the coming months.

Next up... E.T. (superior original album)

Karol

[Quintus 5,399]

I've never heard as much ET music as much as I have this past couple of months.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Are you using it on the kiddo's?

[Incanus 5,725]

Are you using it on the kiddo's?

Lovely parenting and conditioning if he does. They'll thank him later!

[Quintus 5,399]

It's got to the point now where they just ask for the music on YouTube (on tv) rather than spinning the blu-ray. Just last night they listened to Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye for the umpteenth time, my daughter knows it like the back of her hand but even my 2 year old boy loves it. Abandoned and Pursued is too scary for Issey though (but Bruce thinks it's great).

Oh and I get moaned at if I don't play the "proper" E.T.'s Halloween cue (it MUST be the extended one only )

Which is annoying because I prefer the film version.

[DreamTheater 131]

Star Trek - Giacchino

OK, this is a fine score (speaking for the 45 minute album here), however I have some issues with the mixing, certain parts are too soft, like lacking in power. Don't know if this was a conscious decision but it's certainly noticeable.

I prefer this to the sequel score by a mile and I have no need for the expandeds of either Trek. Sometimes it goes to show that short albums such as this one is what Giacchino should put together and not his usual longer presentations. Not everything works better expanded or on two discs.

Lethal Weapon 3 - Kamen & Clapton & Sanborn

Musically it's absolutely the most fun and exciting of all 4 for me, and this one nicely spreads out all the good stuff over the entire runtime of the disc, not like LW2 at all.

What makes this score, and the 4th one too, so much fun is the intricate interplay between the themes (and solo instruments) that follow their characters on screen.

There is no clear musical progression, it's really writing to what the situation of the scene demands and how the characters act. The old style of scoring so to speak, only done in true Kamen style.

Sometimes it's a stroke of genius the way he crafts his cues around the character themes. It's exactly by listening the scores away from the film I can hear how much thought has gone into it.

LW3 has a nice mix of comedy, action and drama, true to the style and atmosphere of the film, just wanting the audience / listener to have a super duper time.

Like with Die Hard, Kamen was able to give these films a musical identity. Who can imagine any other kind of score in these flicks? Anything other than this would simply be not as good or memorable.

So I give this one a 4 out of 5, it has so much good ideas going for it, I couldn't give it any less.

[lonzoe 18]

[Not Mr. Big 4,653]

Next up... E.T. (superior original album)

Karol

I still haven't heard the original album. I'm fine with the 2002 expansion.

[Unlucky Bastard 7,782]

Next up... E.T. (superior original album)

Karol

I still haven't heard the original album. I'm fine with the 2002 expansion.

The original album is a completely different experience. To me it's richer and more rounded. And there's loads of material on the OST that the expansions don't have.

[Incanus 5,725]

Next up... E.T. (superior original album)

Karol

I still haven't heard the original album. I'm fine with the 2002 expansion.

The original album is a completely different experience. To me it's richer and more rounded. And there's loads of material on the OST that the expansions don't have.

It seems most of the original album is made up of nearly what sounds like concert versions of the material heard in the actual film score but it is indeed a fantastic album. Entirely different experience but a highly focused concept album.

Medal of Honor: European Assault by Christopher Lennertz: While broadly in the same style as Giacchino's preceding scores this music tries very hard and has some excellent moments but on the whole is rather middle of the road work despite the rather big orchestra and choir employed. It shows Lennertz grasp of the orchestra and he does do some nice allusions to different ethnic sounds like the emblematic male chorus for the Soviets and even quotes Giacchino's Nazi theme from the previous scores but some emotional spark is missing while as I said the music tries hard, perhaps too hard, to achieve it. Still a very solid effort and an entertaining listen just the same.

[crocodile 8,051]

It's perfect, apart from the fact that I'd rather have Over the Moon be the final track (instead of penultimate). The expanded release is good for its inclusion of darker stuff (which is good) but the short album flows much better.

Karol

[Incanus 5,725]

It's perfect, apart from the fact that I'd rather have Over the Moon be the final track (instead of penultimate). The expanded release is good for its inclusion of darker stuff (which is good) but the short album flows much better.

Karol

I am very glad to have both. Some kind of complete release containing the complete score (which we still don't have grrrr) and the OST album would be more than welcome.

[crocodile 8,051]

I'm sure it will happen eventually.

Karol

[Koray Savas 2,251]

Rising Sun is the best non-Giacchino MOH. I'm bummed that EA dumped the franchise again and opted for more half baked Battlefield games instead.

[Jay 37,477]

I think it will too - Mike Matessino hinted as such here.

[DreamTheater 131]

Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend - Goldsmith

I love its charmingly playful nature and Rambo-esque action music.

One would need a heart of stone to not fall in love with the theme for the baby dino.

Jerry's creativity knew no bounds during that fertile period.

4 out of 5

[Marian Schedenig 8,240]

It's not an action score, but what action music there is is on a solid third place behind Rambo II and Total Recall.

And it has the Braveheart theme.

[Sir Hilary Bray 235]

Listened to some of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy and then Raise the Titanic. The latter one of those scores that elevates far beyond the movie which I suppose wasn't too hard. Shame, Richard Jordan was a favourite of mine. Still would like some proper effort of the book. Never happen for many reasons. Anyway...Memories of Titanic is fantastic and though the main theme gets a couple of airings, the way it comes along in "Russian Threat/Titanic Enters New York Harbour" is something else in this reporters book.

[Faleel 5,406]

King of Kings.

Next up... E.T. (superior original album)

Karol

I still haven't heard the original album. I'm fine with the 2002 expansion.

Knowing you, I think you would end up mostly preferring the OST.

Star Trek - Giacchino

OK, this is a fine score (speaking for the 45 minute album here), however I have some issues with the mixing, certain parts are too soft, like lacking in power. Don't know if this was a conscious decision but it's certainly noticeable.

I prefer this to the sequel score by a mile and I have no need for the expandeds of either Trek. Sometimes it goes to show that short albums such as this one is what Giacchino should put together and not his usual longer presentations. Not everything works better expanded or on two discs.

I prefer the "expandeds".

and I prefer Into Darkness, much more "intelligent" and better mixing.

[DreamTheater 131]

It's not an action score, but what action music there is is on a solid third place behind Rambo II and Total Recall.

And it has the Braveheart theme.

There's still Rambo III to consider, which is excellent in the action department (or all departments if I'm being honest)

Can't say I've ever heard the Braveheart theme in Baby though...

[Jonesy 55]

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Alexandre Desplat

Moonrise Kingdom

[DreamTheater 131]

Lethal Weapon 4 - Kamen & Clapton & Sanborn

First off, the action music is great, the Butters theme (a harmonica) is a nice touch, especially when combined with those of the other characters.

However, there seem to be less moments of that aspect or humour in the music in the fourth.

The problem with LW4 it has its moments, but as the film was so densely scored, almost the entire runtime, it's not all as interesting or fun.

Also a lot of the exciting stuff is mostly recycled from the earlier scores. But it's most welcome as the rest isn't nearly as good.

The film remains a lot of fun and contains many of my favourite character moments of the series.

But the score while good and appropriate is just a tad too long, a bit dull and recyled at moments.

All in all it's still a worthwhile 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Marian Schedenig 8,240]

There's still Rambo III to consider, which is excellent in the action department (or all departments if I'm being honest)

Rambo III is a great score that's seriously harmed by the lousy orchestra performance. A Tadlow rerecording would be great.

Can't say I've ever heard the Braveheart theme in Baby though...

Listen to the string counterpoint at 2:42 in The Rescue.

Of course, Mars also shows up in The Jump.

[publicist 4,643]

It's not the BRAVEHEART theme per se but the 4-note Sons of Scotlamd theme (that also is basis of the climax).

[Incanus 5,725]

Sleepy Hollow by Danny Elfman

The Wolfman by Danny Elfman

[Unlucky Bastard 7,782]

Who's Danny Elfman? Is he a short fella with pointy ears?

[Incanus 5,725]

No no no, it's this guy!

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

She is hot!

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

From your collection?

[publicist 4,643]

There is a shared Dropbox for all members.

[BloodBoal 7,538]

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

Impossible! Proof it!

[BloodBoal 7,538]