Monday, January 25, 2016

Soundtracks

I am wondering how many people buy soundtracks now that our way of listening to music has changed (Well, not for me but for most people). 

Here is a list of what ROLLING STONE once rated as the best. http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/lists/the-25-greatest-soundtracks-of-all-time-20130829/help-1965-19691231

Here are this years Oscar nominees? 


I have seen all of these movies but could not tell you a thing about the music. I only notice the music if they use music I already know.  

Do you still buy soundtracks? Do you notice them? Is it possible that I cannot listen to words and music at the same time?  

12 comments:

Jeff Meyerson said...

No. I used to buy soundtracks back in the vinyl days - not that many but some - but haven't in a long time.

Rick Robinson said...

There are soundtracks and soundtracks. The ones on that Rolling Stones list are, not surprisingly, compilations of songs used in movies. As such they're fine, some very good indeed, if you want to listen to rock songs.

But for me, the REAL soundtracks are those with music composed for the film, such as John Williams' music for Star Wars, or Howard Shore's for the Lord of the Rings films, or the music for THE REMAINS OF THE DAY by Richard Robbins. In many ways, these original motion picture scores are today's classical music, and much of it is very good, independent of the film. When I see a film with an original score I'm almost always aware of the music, because I pay attention to it. But it shouldn't be obtrusive, it's meant to support and enhance the film.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I think I would enjoy most of those soundtracks more on a stereo or such at home rather than at the movie. Where they get lost in the words and images for me.

Scott D. Parker said...

Yes, I still buy soundtracks. Bought the new Star Wars ST the day I saw the movie. I am a bug fan of John Williams (who isn't?) and others, including Michael Giacchino, the man J. J. Abrams uses a lot. I got his Jurassic World ST and Tomorrowland. I might get a compilation ST--Guardians of the Galaxy--but he movie has to be special.

pattinase (abbott) said...

So the music has to evoke an experience for you? Has there ever been an outstanding soundtrack to a poor movie, I wonder.

Deb said...

Haven't purchased a soundtrack for years (THE BIG CHILL might have been the last); but a few weeks back, I happened to catch THE HOAX (a good movie about the Howard Hughes/Clifford Irving "autobiography", btw) and loved the music by Carter Burwell, a composer with whom I was unfamiliar but who has a large body of work per imbd. I got one of my daughters to download the theme for me.

pattinase (abbott) said...

What a shame it must be to write a great soundtrack for a lousy movie and never even get it heard or distributed.

George said...

I'm sure John Williams's soundtrack to STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS will sell a zillion copies. I used to buy more soundtracks but I've slowed down.

Chris said...

I love soundtracks. It's the only thing I listen to when I write. I can listen to rock music when editing photos, but still prefer soundtracks (or classical music). I can't believe The Revenant wasn't nominated for its soundtrack. Fury Road is also very good. The Assassination of Jesse James. The Last of the Mohicans. Game of Thrones. Red Cliff. All great to listen to.

Rick Robinson said...

I agree with Chris, especially on The Last of the Mohicans, an excellent soundtrack.

Anonymous said...

Interesting question, Patti. I pay attention to the music when I see a film, but almost never buy the soundtrack.

Cap'n Bob said...

I was never a big music buyer and I can't remember ever buying a movie soundtrack, unless you count Woodstock.