2011
Universal
Robert E. Howard's Conan the barbarian stories are still recognized as intriguing fantasy nearly eighty years after they were written. Since that time Conan has been revived in more novels by many different authors, numerous comic books, a cartoon, a tv series and two films. Now the sword swinging Cimmerian is back in another film. This soundtrack features music by recording artist, composer, and producer Tyler Bates. Bates has done more than sixty soundtracks including 300, Watchmen, and SuckerPunch. He is know for blending styles to form exciting and frequently surprising passages. This soundtrack is no exception. I'll examine just a few of the standout tracks on this disc. "His name is Conan" is a grand, flowing entry with a slightly melancholy feel. "Cimmerian Battle" is a slightly choppy romp with quick pace changes that really sets the atmosphere."Horse chase" is an intense multi-layered charge that quickly cuts into the heart of the songs. "The Temple" is an eerie passage that begins with a subtle barely audible sound, but rises up after a bit to catch your attention."Skull mountain" features a swirling array of sounds that will have you repeating the track to try and soak in all that is transpiring.
"Wheel of torture" is a thick pounding assault and certainly one of the most aggressive tracks on this soundtrack. There are a few tracks that are just alright, but overall this a very active and intriguing soundtrack.
I notice you didn't say that it's good. "Active" and "intriguing" aren't normally terms I see associated with movie scores that are good. When I see reviews using those terms to describe music, it usually means 'the composer tried real hard, but didn't succeed'.
ReplyDeleteBeing a fan of the original Poledouris score, I know up front that Bates cannot deliver something on par with that. What I'm hoping for, is something that fits the movie, and is pleasurable to listen to. Having heard a few of the songs myself, I agree with your assessment that the score is "active" and "intriguing", yet it seems to be missing "pleasurable to listen to" part as most of Bates' scores do.
"When I see reviews using those terms to describe music, it usually means 'the composer tried real hard, but didn't succeed'."
ReplyDeleteI don't know what other reviews you were reading to get this opinion from, but yes the soundtrack is good and I enjoyed it very much. Not great, but certainly likable.
"What I'm hoping for, is something that fits the movie, and is pleasurable to listen to"
I found most of it pleasurable to listen to. Obviously I have to see the film to know if the music will be good fit, but I definitely expect that it will.
Thanks for dropping by.