Marcus Telcontar
Apr 16th, 2002, 06:27:32 PM
Your hereby warned I might put a spoiler in or two in this discussion, so if you dont want to see that, then I'll give my score first.
8/10 - Better than TPM, loses out on lack of originality
Now read on if you have heard it or are interested.
Joh Williams is yet again the composer for what is now the fifth soundtrack to a Star Wars movie. The review was done using 192 Kps MP3 encoded files on a Dell Inspiron 8100 with Sony headphones. Amibent noises were reduced to a minimum to give the reviewer maximum concentration on the music itself.
So, what have we got?
The soundtrack comprises of 14 tracks of various styles. One of the things that you do notice on first viewing is that there is not much new. If you are familiar with John William's music and Star Wars in particular, then you have heard it all before - but there is one exception I make note of at the end. Common themes we have heard, like the Imperial March and the Tattoine theme from ANH reappear and are worked in, sometimes quite cleverly and disguised, sometimes, like as in Track 13, blatantly. At these times, you knwo you are listening to a Star Wars soundtrack and the images of past moives are drawn up.
Thence, score 3/10 for being original. Cause, it's not.
Putting that aside, lack of originality is not a bad critique. One of the failings of the TPM soundtrack was that it simply didnt really link in well to the rest of the sounds Williams has created. This time, has he ever. Most tracks have some form of link to the past and everytime you realise that, it enokes warm feelings of fondness and memories. What really annoys the hell out of me tho is that any "chase" music sounds so damn formulaic and so done before. There are some really good touches (Guitar solo!) but on the whole, the chase and DRAMATIC MOMENT music is not good - it has a 30's feel to it, it's all been done before, move on please. I will however have to say the music improves twards the end and Track 13 is masterful. Look out a 4:16 on this track for a true blood chill. Tracks 10, 11, 12 are also very good, especially when they contain elements of ANH, ESB and ROTC... plus track 2
On a whole, 7/10
NOW..... Notice I have not mentioned Across The Stars, track 2. I deliberatly have done that because I want to bring this track out seperatly. This is the "love" theme and the basic 'tone' of this track permiates through the soundtrack. At any point the tone appears, the soundtrack reaches another level. Quite simply, Accross The Stars is a new and memorable musical grab, which I rank up with The Imperial March. This is a pure Star Wars type track, sad, moody and image inspiring that is just brilliant. This is without a doubt one of the finest tracks you will hear and in the context of AOTC, one the most important.
On the weight of Across The Stars, the soundtrack rises above it's flaws. You may not agree with me as the Imperial March or Duel of The Fates seems more impressive - it's not. Across The Stars carries the soundtrack. It has power and a depth and real, raw emotion.
In total, 8/10. Well worth listening to, especially to Across The Stars. That in itself is a 9.5 / 10.
8/10 - Better than TPM, loses out on lack of originality
Now read on if you have heard it or are interested.
Joh Williams is yet again the composer for what is now the fifth soundtrack to a Star Wars movie. The review was done using 192 Kps MP3 encoded files on a Dell Inspiron 8100 with Sony headphones. Amibent noises were reduced to a minimum to give the reviewer maximum concentration on the music itself.
So, what have we got?
The soundtrack comprises of 14 tracks of various styles. One of the things that you do notice on first viewing is that there is not much new. If you are familiar with John William's music and Star Wars in particular, then you have heard it all before - but there is one exception I make note of at the end. Common themes we have heard, like the Imperial March and the Tattoine theme from ANH reappear and are worked in, sometimes quite cleverly and disguised, sometimes, like as in Track 13, blatantly. At these times, you knwo you are listening to a Star Wars soundtrack and the images of past moives are drawn up.
Thence, score 3/10 for being original. Cause, it's not.
Putting that aside, lack of originality is not a bad critique. One of the failings of the TPM soundtrack was that it simply didnt really link in well to the rest of the sounds Williams has created. This time, has he ever. Most tracks have some form of link to the past and everytime you realise that, it enokes warm feelings of fondness and memories. What really annoys the hell out of me tho is that any "chase" music sounds so damn formulaic and so done before. There are some really good touches (Guitar solo!) but on the whole, the chase and DRAMATIC MOMENT music is not good - it has a 30's feel to it, it's all been done before, move on please. I will however have to say the music improves twards the end and Track 13 is masterful. Look out a 4:16 on this track for a true blood chill. Tracks 10, 11, 12 are also very good, especially when they contain elements of ANH, ESB and ROTC... plus track 2
On a whole, 7/10
NOW..... Notice I have not mentioned Across The Stars, track 2. I deliberatly have done that because I want to bring this track out seperatly. This is the "love" theme and the basic 'tone' of this track permiates through the soundtrack. At any point the tone appears, the soundtrack reaches another level. Quite simply, Accross The Stars is a new and memorable musical grab, which I rank up with The Imperial March. This is a pure Star Wars type track, sad, moody and image inspiring that is just brilliant. This is without a doubt one of the finest tracks you will hear and in the context of AOTC, one the most important.
On the weight of Across The Stars, the soundtrack rises above it's flaws. You may not agree with me as the Imperial March or Duel of The Fates seems more impressive - it's not. Across The Stars carries the soundtrack. It has power and a depth and real, raw emotion.
In total, 8/10. Well worth listening to, especially to Across The Stars. That in itself is a 9.5 / 10.