Azkaban soundrack first online review

[Sandor 459]

I'm so sorry if this has already been posted in another thread. But if it's not: have fun reading; although I find the review a little lacking. The two truly stand-out tracks: Buckbeak's Flight and A Window To The Past are not even mentioned...

http://www.soundtrack-express.com/osts/har...arrypotter3.htm

Bye,

Roald

P.S. ofcourse there have been many fan reviews (which are just as interesting (if not more!)), but you know what I mean with this topic right?

[Rogue_Leader 2]

Did this person get the actual soundtrack CD ahead of time or are they just reviewing it from the online music?

[Morlock 9]

Thanx for the heads up, I've been looking for reviews.

[Yoda Longbottom 0]

I must confess the review I'm expecting most eagerly of all is the Filmtracks review. Regardless of how much I often disagree with the reviewer about many points, it's the one I'm after the most.

I usually like to read Dan Goldwasser's (spelling?) reviews at soundtrack.net, but since that site has NEVER awarded any Williams' score with five clean stars if my mem'ry serves me well, I don't expect much from them this time around as well.

Just an unrelated note from me. Now back to topic...

By the way, did FilmScoreMonthly ever released Part Two to the "Seven Things I Love About Attack of the Clones Score" article/analysis they have wrote up some time ago? I haven't been able to come across what they promised would come besides the first seven tracks of the score reviewed. Or was the Part Two just part of the printed magazine?

Thanks to anyone who knows.

[Morlock 9]

The only reviews I really put stock into are FSM and Clemmenson, as they're the only one's I know who are sort of intelligent. I wonder what that idiot Dan Hobgood thought of it, what with the 'evil leitmotif' and all.

[Docteur Qui 1,248]

I'm looking foward to Clemmenson's as well, I finally want him to say the words "He did it." For the last two Potter reviews he's been saying that Williams missed the mark for another classic, I haven't heard the score for PoA, but judging by people here I think it must be pretty good.

Yoda: LOL It's bad enough he gave TPM five stars, but AotC?? I know Across the Stars was good, but not good enough to redeem the whole score. Four stars, at the most.

[Morlock 9]

TPM is amazing. All you people of earth are idiots.

[Justin 2]

Yoda:  LOL It's bad enough he gave TPM five stars, but AotC?? I know Across the Stars was good, but not good enough to redeem the whole score. Four stars, at the most.

I think he wants to give every Star Wars score 5 stars.

Yes, TPM is an amazing score.

Justin

[Ray Barnsbury 8]

Fun Clemmenson quote of the day: "The love theme from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones alone exceeds the combined music from the Harry Potter films in scope." I love Across the Stars, and this quote is still ridiculous to me.

Ray Barnsbury

[JoeinAR 1,759]

Fun Clemmenson quote of the day: "The love theme from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones alone exceeds the combined music from the Harry Potter films in scope

what a stupid f#$%ing idiot he is.

[Docteur Qui 1,248]

That's the quote that always gets me... As if "Fawkes" doesn't soar above "Across the Stars". Clemmenson is ridiculously biased in his Potter reviews, though it's unclear where he's biased. He picks apart the scores, comparing them to every other Williams score in a similar genre, commenting on their predictibility and cliched ideas, but he still gives them 4 stars. Is he revieweing the score as it is, or as compared to Williams' other works?

[Justin 2]

Here are some other good quotes from his Potter reiews...

While the mass populus is most familiar with memorable scores for blockbuster films such as E.T. and Home Alone, the knowledgable fans of Williams' work know that the master's most thematically rich and layered score to date is Hook

Unfortunately, this first Harry Potter score is no Hook, and nor does it really coming close to being of the same caliber.

The finely tuned ear of a veteran film music collector will recognize all of the themes and motifs in Harry Potter as being simple variants on those heard in Hook, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Home Alone, and half a dozen other Williams scores.

Even with all that said, however, John Williams on auto-pilot can still compose and produce better music than any other in the world.

Even fans of John Williams have prefered, on the whole, the new Star Wars scores over those in the Harry Potter series.

Williams' music for the Harry Potter series sounds, to the trained Williams ear, to be nothing more than rehash.

The third book is even more frightening, which makes the issue of substandard action music even more weighty.

The lengthy emphasis on the Fawkes theme, which isn't particularly memorable in the first place, is a curious aspect of especially the album of music from the film.

It is less complex than the Star Wars scores, and therefore less alluring for repeat listens by the trained Williams listener.

Justin

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I agree with everything that has been said in the above post.

Bravo Justin, for bringing the truth to light.

[Mr. Breathmask 480]

I don't get mad at this. I just laugh at it.

Bwahahahahahahaha! Git.

- Marc

[Docteur Qui 1,248]

Even fans of John Williams have prefered, on the whole, the new Star Wars scores over those in the Harry Potter series.

This is where he loses me. And many others.

The lengthy emphasis on the Fawkes theme, which isn't particularly memorable in the first place, is a curious aspect of especially the album of music from the film.

This doesn't even NEED to be discussed. Not only is Fawkes criminally underused, but it's second to only Hedwig's Theme as the most memorable (perhaps not recognisable) theme in the series.

Another thing. When I listened to Fawkes I felt an overwhelming euphoria of happiness and sheer beauty. And that was on the terrible quality AOL Listening Party. When I heard "Across the Stars" in crisp, clear quality on the album, I felt very little. If anything I felt it was out of place on the album.

[tpigeon 3]

That's the quote that always gets me... As if "Fawkes" doesn't soar above "Across the Stars". Clemmenson is ridiculously biased in his Potter reviews, though it's unclear where he's biased. He picks apart the scores, comparing them to every other Williams score in a similar genre, commenting on their predictibility and cliched ideas, but he still gives them 4 stars. Is he revieweing the score as it is, or as compared to Williams' other works?

Well, that first statement is sort of unfair since Across the Star is in Fawkes the Phoenix. And as for everyone ripping Clemenson, I would actually agree with him in his ratings for the last two Potter and Star Wars scores. I think The Chamber of Secrets CD was much closer to a five star album than the Sorcerer's Stone, but I think they both deserved ****.

Ted

[AC1 3,565]

While the mass populus is most familiar with memorable scores for blockbuster films such as E.T. and Home Alone, the knowledgable fans of Williams' work know that the master's most thematically rich and layered score to date is Hook

Unfortunately, this first Harry Potter score is no Hook, and nor does it really coming close to being of the same caliber.

The finely tuned ear of a veteran film music collector will recognize all of the themes and motifs in Harry Potter as being simple variants on those heard in Hook, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Home Alone, and half a dozen other Williams scores.

Even with all that said, however, John Williams on auto-pilot can still compose and produce better music than any other in the world.

Even fans of John Williams have prefered, on the whole, the new Star Wars scores over those in the Harry Potter series.

Williams' music for the Harry Potter series sounds, to the trained Williams ear, to be nothing more than rehash.

The third book is even more frightening, which makes the issue of substandard action music even more weighty.

The lengthy emphasis on the Fawkes theme, which isn't particularly memorable in the first place, is a curious aspect of especially the album of music from the film.

It is less complex than the Star Wars scores, and therefore less alluring for repeat listens by the trained Williams listener.

All the above quotes are the exact reasons why I haven't bought the The Philosopher's Stone score. I genuinely hope the third one is better.

PS. It was not until recently that my collector's urge for completeness made me decide to purchase it anyway. The very low price also helped.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[King Mark 2,924]

But I agree with some remarks,because none of the 2 first Potter scores is in my personnal top 10 list either.It struck me the other day watching PS on TV just how many times Hedwig's Theme is quoted every 30 seconds and it made me wonder if Williams actually saw this film or just wrote music to be used wherever.But PoA feels different,we'll see....

K.M.

[Morlock 9]

While the mass populus is most familiar with memorable scores for blockbuster films such as E.T. and Home Alone, the knowledgable fans of Williams' work know that the master's most thematically rich and layered score to date is Hook

Yes

Unfortunately, this first Harry Potter score is no Hook, and nor does it really coming close to being of the same caliber.

It is no Hook, but does come close

The finely tuned ear of a veteran film music collector will recognize all of the themes and motifs in Harry Potter as being simple variants on those heard in Hook, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Home Alone, and half a dozen other Williams scores.

There are familiarities in mood, but not actualy similar themes or motifs (aside from Glideroy Lockhart)

Even with all that said, however, John Williams on auto-pilot can still compose and produce better music than any other in the world.

Certainly true.

Even fans of John Williams have prefered, on the whole, the new Star Wars scores over those in the Harry Potter series.

Sort of true, but wrongly phrased. I would choose TPM over the HP scores, but that does not extend to AoTC, not by a long shot.

Williams' music for the Harry Potter series sounds, to the trained Williams ear, to be nothing more than rehash.

Not true. Familiarities in feel occaisionaly, but nothing more.

The third book is even more frightening, which makes the issue of substandard action music even more weighty.

The action music is perfectly fitting the movies. The movies don't have that many action scenes, and the ones there are are scored magnificently.

The lengthy emphasis on the Fawkes theme, which isn't particularly memorable in the first place, is a curious aspect of especially the album of music from the film.

First of all, it appears 3 times on the cd, that's hardly a lengthy emphasis. Second of all, it's as memorable as it gets.

It is less complex than the Star Wars scores, and therefore less alluring for repeat listens by the trained Williams listener.

It is less complex, but no less alluring for repeat listend. And the vast majority of scores are less complex than the SW ones.

[Justin 2]

The third book is even more frightening, which makes the issue of substandard action music even more weighty.

This is one that really gets me pissed. The action music in CoS is incredible. The best aspect of the album. I mean come on here.

Justin

[JoeinAR 1,759]

Here are some other good quotes from his Potter reiews...

While the mass populus is most familiar with memorable scores for blockbuster films such as E.T. and Home Alone, the knowledgable fans of Williams' work know that the master's most thematically rich and layered score to date is Hook

Unfortunately, this first Harry Potter score is no Hook, and nor does it really coming close to being of the same caliber.

The finely tuned ear of a veteran film music collector will recognize all of the themes and motifs in Harry Potter as being simple variants on those heard in Hook, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Home Alone, and half a dozen other Williams scores.

Even with all that said, however, John Williams on auto-pilot can still compose and produce better music than any other in the world.

Even fans of John Williams have prefered, on the whole, the new Star Wars scores over those in the Harry Potter series.

Williams' music for the Harry Potter series sounds, to the trained Williams ear, to be nothing more than rehash.

The third book is even more frightening, which makes the issue of substandard action music even more weighty.

The lengthy emphasis on the Fawkes theme, which isn't particularly memorable in the first place, is a curious aspect of especially the album of music from the film.

It is less complex than the Star Wars scores, and therefore less alluring for repeat listens by the trained Williams listener.

Justin

Justin, thanks for the opportunity to reiterate that Clem boy is a stupid f#$%ing idiot.

and I'd also like to say that Hook is sadly overrated, and it is not as good a score as Harry Potter (IMHO, which is really the only one that matters), both the film and score included. TPM is a very good score, AOTC is a piece of crap (by JW standards), but neither brought the new film score fans into the fold the way HP did.

Joe, who has the worlds finest Hook score but finds it just ok.

[AC1 3,565]

It's the first time that in a series Williams gets better with each album. That means there's was plenty of room for improvement from the beginning.

I think everybody in the industry felt that Williams was on automatic pilot when he did The Philosopher's Stone.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[JoeinAR 1,759]

I think everybody in the industry felt that Williams was on automatic pilot when he did The Philosopher's Stone

did you personally poll them?

I think most people here felt Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a better score than the Chamber of Secrets. There are few who would say COS is better than SS/PS.

[Unlucky Bastard 7,765]

Clemmenson's not that bad. He's can be insightful and informative, yet seems to slur facts his way (as displayed with the above quotes).

Even though his reviews are entertaining, I've disagreed with him many times. Still, I think he has the best film score reviewing website out there.

I think most people here felt Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a better score than the Chamber of Secrets. There are few who would say COS is better than SS/PS.

Funny, I find myself listening to the CoS soundtrack much more than PS/SS.

[Justin 2]

I think I enjoy the CoS CD more than SS but on a whole SS is better.

Justin

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

SS is a far superiour soundtrack.

CoS is OK, but feels awfully rushed.

[Ollie 859]

I just listen to the music I love and could really care less about anyone's reviews.

[Justin 2]

[jamesie 1]

I agree with Stephancos in the fact that CoS feels as if Williams didn't have much time to make the score (which he didn't). However, I love CoS and always will... I too listen to CoS more than SS just because of the more memorable, varying themes, unlike SS which has the repeating (though thouroughly enjoyable) Hedwig's theme.............. On a side note, has anyone besides me noticed that if you speed up Across the Stars that it sounds EXACTLY like the opening part of the Prolouge from Hook?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I agree with Stephancos

Then atleast have the courtesy of spelling my name correctly.

Stefancos- who's not German!

[jamesie 1]

Well, that's just lovely, considering I didn't ask you the correct way to spell you name...

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

Since the correct spelling of my name can be found on this MB about 8000 times I would hardly think you would need to ask me.

[AC1 3,565]

My opinion might seem to be the law but, Stefancos, you talk like you're a man of the law.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

My opinion might seem to be the law

Utterly wrong, you think your opinion is law.

but, Stefancos, you talk like you're a man of the law.

All I ask is that the proper spelling of my screenname is respected.

[AC1 3,565]

Like a said, it "might seem" like it's the law.

Now I know you're not fully with me.

----------------

Alex Cremers

[jamesie 1]

Ok, I'm gonna ask this again cause I really wanna know if I am not the only one hearing this: At the beginning of "Prolouge" in Hook, does it not sound exactly like a sped up version of Across the Stars?

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

Actually this has been discussed long ago, when AOTC was first released.

There is a similarity, certainly.

For me Across The Stars still sounds like Luke's theme re-orchestrated into a epic theme.

[tpigeon 3]

I too have always felt that way, Steef. How he related Across the Stars to Luke's theme is rather ingenious.

Ted

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I see.

Ofcourse if Horner would have done the same it would have been heavily critisized.

But when Williams takes an easy short cut it's called "ingenious" :roll:

- Deck 15 (Star Trek Generations, Dennis McCarthy) a better score then AOTC, btw.

[fommes 126]

I see.  

Ofcourse if Horner would have done the same it would have been heavily critisized.  

But when Williams takes an easy short cut it's called "ingenious"  

I completely agree, but I don't think this critique applies here, as those themes belong to the same series of films...

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I disagree.

I do not think AOTC belongs to the same series of films as Star Wars 1977 does.

[fommes 126]

Well, yeah, from a 'fanboy' () point of view not of course (including my own), but strictly theoretically it does. (Just presume the prequel trilogy were as good as the original trilogy...)

[tpigeon 3]

The difference is, Williams did it intentionally and specifically.

Ted

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

I have yet to see prove of this.

So far most Williams fans deny that a similarity excist.

[fommes 126]

The difference is, Williams did it intentionally and specifically.

Sure, when Horner is listening to his latest CD, all of a sudden he cries out: "Hey, there it is again! Dadadadunn! Where did I hear this before?"

[fommes 126]

So far most Williams fans deny that a similarity excist.

Why would they deny it? It's not a negative thing, and moreover, it's pretty obvious I guess...

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

A lot of people just don't hear it.

Like they refuse to hear that the theme in Augie's Municipal Band is The Emperor's Theme.

[fommes 126]

I admit I wouldn't have heard it myself, but indeed, the similarity cannot be denied once again.

[ChrisAfonso 159]

Augie is the Emperor's Theme, but AtS being a variation on Luke's theme is a bit far-fetched IMHO.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,251]

You see Lotman, they just refuse to see it.

Chris, ever try to just hum both themes?

Forget about the notes...just hum the melody.

It's very similar.