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

[Taikomochi 783]

Pan's Labyrinth.

I saw the blu-ray at the weekend and the music opened right up. I've always liked the lullaby but the rest of the score had been a bit 'meh' until now. I think that the more towards the extremes a score is (either old school or RCP), the harder it is for me to appreciate out of context.

I particularly like how the lullaby

stops suddenly as if the hummer is breaking into tears at the end of A Princess, as I think that's when Ofelia finally dies and we get the beautiful overhead shot

. I can't remember if it's like that in the film, but it's so effective musically.

Since Mercedes is humming, yes, it is like that in the film.

[avalanche 0]

Listening to the new Gremlins release... again. The sound is so clear and detailed, a revelation! My favorite release of the last few months, easily.

Edit: I love the little "drunken strut" at the end of "First Aid," when Billy is attempting to use the orange juicer. A wonderful 30 seconds!

[Maglorfin 195]

Today, I'm listening a lot to Bond Back In Action 2 which I bought at SAE for $8.95. What a bargain! From what I've heard so far, the disc is great and it's SO cool to finally have the awesome Arrival at Chateau Drax / Freefall cue on CD! Flight Into Space is also very interesting (as you might have guessed, I'm a big fan of Moonraker soundtrack ), so very well known and loved from before but approached differently (still beautifully here). Some cues (like Hercules Takes Off) I find too fast and others (like Koskov Escapes) too slow but that's only because I'm used to original tempos; I'm sure they'll grow on me eventually. I also bought Bond Back In Action (for $3.95!!!) but it'll have to wait awhile. Congrats to The City of Prague and Nic Raine for pulling this off, after being initially sceptical towards those guys, they are beginning to earn more and more respect from me.

[Richard Penna 2,082]

The Ides of March.

Varese took their time releasing this, but it's appeared on Spotify at last. There's a pretty catchy motif running through the score and a nice trumpet theme. Very Desplat-esque with the rhythmic piano material. I won't be surprised at all if this gets an oscar nod.

And the good news is that every highlight I remember from the film is here; most likely the complete score. Although I'd personally swap the first and last tracks.

[crocodile 6,294]

A.I. Artificial Intelligence

It is one of the better scores in John Williams' career. And while the CD presents it in a rather different way than many would like, I'd say it makes for a fantastic presentation anyway. Feels almost like a concept album, a symphonic work that stands on its own. I like it this way.

Which doesn't mean the score as composed for film is worse. It's just that I think the album is very interesting listening experience. Despite the inclusion songs and horrible sound quality.

Karol

[Brónach 490]

I find the songs clash with both the score and the film.

[crocodile 6,294]

They're awful, yes. But I meant the score only. Songs didn't even make it into my iTunes library.

Karol

[Trent B 317]

La-La Land's release for Die Hard. I absolutely love it, glad I bought a copy. I wasn't into collecting Limited Edition titles the time Varèse released theirs and I refused to pay for what it was going for on the secondary market. This is by far the best presentation of the score and the track by track analysis by Jeff Bond was a very informative read.

The sound quality is also absolutely stunning MUCH better than the old Varèse set.

[Maglorfin 195]

Great, Trent, now I really can't wait to receive it!

[Brónach 490]

Seriously, how can music be this badass?

[Trent Hoyt 13]

I've been listening to anything Christmas related.

Die Hard 2

Jingle All the Way

Next up:

Home Alone

Rocky IV

[Roll the Bones 2,967]

Hook.

[Shane 0]

Space Above And Beyond. A superb presentation of Shirley Walker's music. I'd forgotten just how much variety there was in the music since I could only remember the main theme.

[Trent Hoyt 13]

I got Space Above and Beyond ordered. Maybe I should re-watch the show during my Christmas vacation.

[Shane 0]

I got Space Above and Beyond ordered. Maybe I should re-watch the show during my Christmas vacation.

I'll have to get around to picking up the DVD set as I haven't seen the show since it first aired. I saw the entire series but when I read the liner notes I was surprised at how many episodes I could remember nothing or almost nothing about.

[Trent Hoyt 13]

I bought the dvd set when it first came out. I remember watching it during one of my breaks from college. I remember still enjoying it as much as when it first came out. I have a soft spot for 90s sci-fi tv shows. New technologies were coming along and all shows were using them. They might not have been the best effects but they did have some charm.

[crocodile 6,294]

War Horse, again. This time I payed particular attention to the middle section of the score, which, I think, is terribly underrated. Can't say I understand the comparision between the action sequences in this work and a general trend in modern scoring. It's clearly Williams of JFK and Far and Away all the way through. Interesting is the fact that none of the main themes appear in this section (I wonder if that's the case in the film as well?). I think that delay and coldness is exactly what gives the finale its punch. The whole album is very well put together. I don't know the story but emotionally it makes perfect sense just from listening to the album. I won't declare it the best drama score in Williams' career, but certainly, as far as soundtrack presentation goes, it is one of the strongest.

Karol

[Taikomochi 783]

Poltergeist

I don't like Jerry Goldsmith. It's probably my own tastes, but I just don't find his work to be accessible or really enjoyable outside of the films they accompany. But damn, I should have given this score a chance a long time ago. Carol Anne's Theme is just plain fucking beautiful, and I love all of its references throughout the score. I highly enjoy the entirety of this score and have had it repeating all day.

On a side note, I had no idea about the creepy laughing at the end of Carol Anne's Theme the first time I heard it, so, as I lay awake in my bed in the darkness, listening to it for the first time, it scared the shit out of me. I thought a bunch of demon girls had broken into my room or something, until I realized it was my iPod...

[indy4 152]

War Horse, again. This time I payed particular attention to the middle section of the score, which, I think, is terribly underrated. Can't say I understand the comparision between the action sequences in this work and a general trend in modern scoring. It's clearly Williams of JFK and Far and Away all the way through. Interesting is the fact that none of the main themes appear in this section (I wonder if that's the case in the film as well?). I think that delay and coldness is exactly what gives the finale its punch. The whole album is very well put together. I don't know the story but emotionally it makes perfect sense just from listening to the album. I won't declare it the best drama score in Williams' career, but certainly, as far as soundtrack presentation goes, it is one of the strongest.

Karol

Agreed, although I don't hear that much JFK or Far and Away. I do hear some War of the Worlds and SW prequels.

[Marian Schedenig 5,520]

The action writing in Warhorse is on a level of musical quality and complexity which I believe today only a handful of composers working in film are capable of achieving.

[Richard Penna 2,082]

The action writing in Warhorse is on a level of musical quality and complexity which I believe today only a handful of composers working in film are capable of achieving.

I think many of them can, but their projects don't ask for it. Just like I think most composers are capable of writing a truly great theme, but it takes the right director to ask for the right thing.

[indy4 152]

The action writing in Warhorse is on a level of musical quality and complexity which I believe today only a handful of composers working in film are capable of achieving.

I think many of them can, but their projects don't ask for it. Just like I think most composers are capable of writing a truly great theme, but it takes the right director to ask for the right thing.

Even if they had the right director, I don't think most composers would have the technical skills to compose action music as complex as WH. A few might eventually attain this level as they become more experienced, but I think a lot of it is also a matter of sheer talent that JW was gifted with. I do agree with you that if composers were paired with the right director, most of their work would be substantially better.

[Incanus 5,519]

War Horse, again. This time I payed particular attention to the middle section of the score, which, I think, is terribly underrated. Can't say I understand the comparision between the action sequences in this work and a general trend in modern scoring. It's clearly Williams of JFK and Far and Away all the way through. Interesting is the fact that none of the main themes appear in this section (I wonder if that's the case in the film as well?). I think that delay and coldness is exactly what gives the finale its punch. The whole album is very well put together. I don't know the story but emotionally it makes perfect sense just from listening to the album. I won't declare it the best drama score in Williams' career, but certainly, as far as soundtrack presentation goes, it is one of the strongest.

Karol

Agreed, although I don't hear that much JFK or Far and Away. I do hear some War of the Worlds and SW prequels.

I agree with crocodile on this as well. It is a very strong album and the middle section is an essential part of the journey. Plus I have a weak spot for Williams' trumpet themes. The action and dramatic music of the middle portion of the album is really in the vein of Williams' older scores like Far and Away and JFK mixed with the elegiac writing of his post 2000 drama scores. E.g. the mounting dissonances of the blaring brass groups in Charge and Capture are reminiscent of the musical style Williams used in the Motorcade piece in JFK. At the moment I can't get enough of this score.

[Quintus 5,391]

I don't like Jerry Goldsmith.

Does not compute.

[publicist 4,484]

I agree with crocodile on this as well. It is a very strong album and the middle section is an essential part of the journey.

I condensed the album to a manageable 40 minutes for my iTunes and that's a lot already. With so much music i want to listen to, i just don't bother with underscore that doesn't interest me musically anymore.

[Brónach 490]

I really like the middle section of War Horse.

I don't like Jerry Goldsmith.

Does not compute.

Indeed.

[MSM 85]

They're awful, yes. But I meant the score only. Songs didn't even make it into my iTunes library.

Karol

I love them, there in my fav songs section on iTunes

[Taikomochi 783]

I don't like Jerry Goldsmith.

Does not compute.

That would be the only thing you people read. I am not saying he is not good or talented. I just don't enjoy his work. Personal preference.

[Charlie Brigden 5]

Does not compute.

[BloodBoal 7,532]

[Brónach 490]

"Bzzzzzdgrgrgrgglglglg."

[Maglorfin 195]

I thought a bunch of demon girls had broken into my room or something, until I realized it was my iPod...

[crocodile 6,294]

Tora! Tora! Tora! by Jerry Goldsmith

A very atmospheric low-key score with very creative use of an orchestra (is that Alex North influence I'm hearing there?). The 14-minute suite from the Patton re-recording album was a much smoother version of it, but I have to say I like both, for different reasons. It won't satisfy crowds, but damn, this is Goldsmith at his creative peak for me. An oriental Planet of the Apes!

Die Hard by Michael Kamen

While the harsh brass writing represents (quite typically) a masculine action, it is so surprising how "light" and full of mischief the score is. It's a perfect Christmas music for me, with all those ominous ever-present sleigh bells, among other things. There is nothing serious about it, which makes it so much interesting than "standard" thriller music. The bootleg I had didn't do it justice, because of its horrible sound quality. It's the kind of music where "texture" is a key word so that did matter a great deal. Not necessarily the easiest listening experience, but so much rewarding when you actually... pay attention.

Iris: Cirque Du Soleil by Danny Elfman (which I also got today)

Karol

[Maglorfin 195]

The Blue Box - Superman III. I love this score as represented in the box. Already the opening Main Title (The Streets of Metropolis) is a great track!

[Charlie Brigden 5]

The Pops Britannia suite of JANE EYRE.

"The Return" is maybe John's finest hour.

[crocodile 6,294]

Which cue is that in the actual score?

Karol

[Incanus 5,519]

Which cue is that in the actual score?

Karol

It is partly a reworking of the final track Reunion and the main theme but Williams expands it typically for the concert suite. A truly wonderful piece.

Keisuke Wakao Plays the Music of John Williams album contains a supremely lyrical and beautiful interpretation of the piece for a chamber orchestra and oboe well worth checking out.

[crocodile 6,294]

Oh I see, it's a fine piece indeed.

But my favourite cue/theme from the score is Restoration.

Karol

[Incanus 5,519]

Oh I see, it's a fine piece indeed.

But my favourite cue/theme from the score is Restoration.

Karol

That too is on the Pops Britannia album but only retitled At Lowood for some reason. It is definitely my favourite as well. You can't beat Williams when he goes all religioso in his music.

Well since I mentioned it I had to take another listen of

Keisuke Wakao Plays the Music of John Williams: Such a beautiful album and one of the best re-recordings/reinterpretations of Williams' most romantic and lyrical melodies by the oboist Keisuke Wakao and members of the the BSO. The orchestrations are deftly prepared by Kazunori Maruyama who also plays the piano in all but the last selection, The Days Between from Stepmom, where Williams himself on piano performs a duet with Wakao. The whole album is a soothing, relaxing and inspiring experience that makes you marvel yet again Williams' immense gift for lyrical, beautiful and delicate writing and melodies that touch heart and soul. Oboe as is just perfect to interpret this music, bringing out new colours in some themes, while retaining the flavour of the originals in others, the chamber orchestra arrangements somehow translating to almost as powerful renditions as full orchestra ones on the soundtrack albums despite the small size of the ensemble. It is difficult to pick highlights in such a cavalcade of masterful themes but The Face of Pan from Hook, Main Theme from Accidental Tourist and The Return from Jane Eyre remain particular favourites of mine.

[crocodile 6,294]

Zodiac by David Shire

Fantastic, underrated score.

Karol

[indy4 152]

Oh I see, it's a fine piece indeed.

But my favourite cue/theme from the score is Restoration.

Karol

That too is on the Pops Britannia album but only retitled At Lowood for some reason. It is definitely my favourite as well. You can't beat Williams when he goes all religioso in his music.

Well since I mentioned it I had to take another listen of

Keisuke Wakao Plays the Music of John Williams: Such a beautiful album and one of the best re-recordings/reinterpretations of Williams' most romantic and lyrical melodies by the oboist Keisuke Wakao and members of the the BSO. The orchestrations are deftly prepared by Kazunori Maruyama who also plays the piano in all but the last selection, The Days Between from Stepmom, where Williams himself on piano performs a duet with Wakao. The whole album is a soothing, relaxing and inspiring experience that makes you marvel yet again Williams' immense gift for lyrical, beautiful and delicate writing and melodies that touch heart and soul. Oboe as is just perfect to interpret this music, bringing out new colours in some themes, while retaining the flavour of the originals in others, the chamber orchestra arrangements somehow translating to almost as powerful renditions as full orchestra ones on the soundtrack albums despite the small size of the ensemble. It is difficult to pick highlights in such a cavalcade of masterful themes but The Face of Pan from Hook, Main Theme from Accidental Tourist and The Return from Jane Eyre remain particular favourites of mine.

It's a great album.

[Romão 1,931]

Oh I see, it's a fine piece indeed.

But my favourite cue/theme from the score is Restoration.

Karol

That too is on the Pops Britannia album but only retitled At Lowood for some reason. It is definitely my favourite as well. You can't beat Williams when he goes all religioso in his music.

Well since I mentioned it I had to take another listen of

Keisuke Wakao Plays the Music of John Williams: Such a beautiful album and one of the best re-recordings/reinterpretations of Williams' most romantic and lyrical melodies by the oboist Keisuke Wakao and members of the the BSO. The orchestrations are deftly prepared by Kazunori Maruyama who also plays the piano in all but the last selection, The Days Between from Stepmom, where Williams himself on piano performs a duet with Wakao. The whole album is a soothing, relaxing and inspiring experience that makes you marvel yet again Williams' immense gift for lyrical, beautiful and delicate writing and melodies that touch heart and soul. Oboe as is just perfect to interpret this music, bringing out new colours in some themes, while retaining the flavour of the originals in others, the chamber orchestra arrangements somehow translating to almost as powerful renditions as full orchestra ones on the soundtrack albums despite the small size of the ensemble. It is difficult to pick highlights in such a cavalcade of masterful themes but The Face of Pan from Hook, Main Theme from Accidental Tourist and The Return from Jane Eyre remain particular favourites of mine.

It's an Autum album Took forever to track down, but it is indeed an hidden treasure

[Charlie Brigden 5]

Intrada's WOLFEN. God I love this score, it's great. Sounds amazing, too.

Heh, the clarity makes you hear even more parts Horner ripped off for Trek and Aliens.

[indy4 152]

Singin' in the Rain: A wonderfully optimistic album, and a great window into two eras that are long gone.

The Artist: I lsitened to this on the FYC website, and I must say it's quite good. Still nowhere near JW's two efforts this year, but still good.

War Horse: I just gave it my 3rd listen, and it's still fantastic.

[Taikomochi 783]

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows by Hans Zimmer

I've listened to it through once now. The first Holmes is my favorite work of Zimmer's, so I was afraid he would completely change up the style for this as he sometimes does for sequel scores, but the style of the first score is largely intact here. However, I feel it lacks the freshness of the first, and the score feels disjointed. I didn't like the first score at first, but it grew on me, so I'm hoping the same will happen here, perhaps after I've seen the film.

The track "Tick Tock" kicks ass, I think.

[Incanus 5,519]

The Adventures of Robin Hood by Erich Wolfgang Korngold: A masterpiece of film scoring and the model score for swashbuckling adventure music in general. The music is full of boisterous and heroic spirit, excellent orchestral writing and shock full of themes. Korngold weaves his musical ideas in and out of the fabric with balletic ease, each melody distinctive and quite memorable and as a whole form a tapestry of delightful complexity. The heroic Main theme and Love theme and Richard the Lionheart's theme are definitely my favourites among them. The Marco Polo release with Moscow Symphony Orchestra conducted by Williams Stromberg and score restoration done by John Morgan is the complete presentation of the score and a must for any Korngold fan. I would also recommend the album recorded the Utah Symphony conducted by Varujan Kojian containing about 45 minutes of the score since it is a very good and energetic interpretation of the score as well.

Also those who do not like the Golden Age sound do not bother since this score is quintessentially the heart and soul of Golden Age.

[BloodBoal 7,532]

[Jilal 436]

What is the best recording of that one? I've wanted to listen to it for a long time, but I still haven't! Oh, shock and horror!

"Contemplate this on the Tree of Woe."

[Incanus 5,519]

What is the best recording of that one? I've wanted to listen to it for a long time, but I still haven't! Oh, shock and horror!

That's a tough question. Both the Moscow Sympony recording and Utah Symphony recording are good with individual strengths. The Moscow recording is the complete score though.

[Jilal 436]

Thanks Incanus. Will definetely check this out.