http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyYwx16Nnww
THAT IS ALL.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Monday, 28 March 2011
My Extremely Very Excitable Murray Gold Post
KJAGHEBAKWJGTIOHNJZVHSDKEJAQNNMXZVNKJBNGKFSFNAMFRNGJHEVGFKPWO.
Ok, that's out my system now. Might even have a competition with that-see how many words you can make :') Anyway, the soundtrack from A Christmas Carol was out last week so i thought this would be an appropriate time to have my little "I LOVE MURRAY!!" rant. So here it is:
In my personal and humble opinion, Murray Gold is one of the greatest composers in the world. This is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89T0xtfYta0
Ok, hats off to Katherine Jenkins, she does make this spine-tinglingly good HOWEVER i think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written ever. This is not the only reason for loving Murray Gold. NO WAY. Over 6 soundtracks, Mr Gold has produced some of the most triumphant, delicate, exciting, emotional pieces of music i've ever heard. Really. Vale (from the Specials soundtrack, disc 2) is just INCREDIBLE. One sec, i'll prove it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGW5fL6bhCY See? I cry just listening to this sometimes. Even if you didn't know the story behind this piece of music (David Tennant's last scene...big dramatic finale type moment), you can't deny that it has real emotion and truth to it. GENIUS, i'm telling you. Genius.
Need a lullaby?? Look no further...Murray supplies many a good bedtime song including http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1sadZktyos and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR3VDn14D4Y <3 I was about to write 'music to my ears' here but then i realised that's exactly what it is. Ahem.
Shivers- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goeBFfW9NLA, excitement- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND9-z0EBEnk, tears- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-DhjidQxk
Another reason to love the man-he is hilarious. Follow him on Twitter for nuggets like "Thought 'Iron Lady' was a female version of the Robert Downey movie. No. It's about Mrs Thatcher. My music pitch will be way off" and "Hey aliens...Grbnu Sprknt 'Earth', vf grusket yrprik 'not tasty' frgtyt 'Glenn Beck' vf 'Colonel Gaddafi' strywp 'very tasty'".
I don't think Blogger wants me to put anymore links into this post which makes me sad. HOWEVER some other good tracks are 'Doctor's Theme', 'This is Gallifrey-Our Childhood, Our Home', 'A Dazzling End', 'Westminster Bridge', 'Voyage of the Damned Suite' (it's 10 minutes but stick it out, it's SO worth it), 'With Love, Vincent', 'UNIT Rocks', 'Songs of Captivity and Freedom', 'Rose's Theme' and 'Only Martha Knows' <3
Listen to him. You know you want to.
Ok, that's out my system now. Might even have a competition with that-see how many words you can make :') Anyway, the soundtrack from A Christmas Carol was out last week so i thought this would be an appropriate time to have my little "I LOVE MURRAY!!" rant. So here it is:
In my personal and humble opinion, Murray Gold is one of the greatest composers in the world. This is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89T0xtfYta0
Ok, hats off to Katherine Jenkins, she does make this spine-tinglingly good HOWEVER i think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written ever. This is not the only reason for loving Murray Gold. NO WAY. Over 6 soundtracks, Mr Gold has produced some of the most triumphant, delicate, exciting, emotional pieces of music i've ever heard. Really. Vale (from the Specials soundtrack, disc 2) is just INCREDIBLE. One sec, i'll prove it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGW5fL6bhCY See? I cry just listening to this sometimes. Even if you didn't know the story behind this piece of music (David Tennant's last scene...big dramatic finale type moment), you can't deny that it has real emotion and truth to it. GENIUS, i'm telling you. Genius.
Need a lullaby?? Look no further...Murray supplies many a good bedtime song including http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1sadZktyos and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR3VDn14D4Y <3 I was about to write 'music to my ears' here but then i realised that's exactly what it is. Ahem.
Shivers- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goeBFfW9NLA, excitement- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND9-z0EBEnk, tears- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-DhjidQxk
Another reason to love the man-he is hilarious. Follow him on Twitter for nuggets like "Thought 'Iron Lady' was a female version of the Robert Downey movie. No. It's about Mrs Thatcher. My music pitch will be way off" and "Hey aliens...Grbnu Sprknt 'Earth', vf grusket yrprik 'not tasty' frgtyt 'Glenn Beck' vf 'Colonel Gaddafi' strywp 'very tasty'".
I don't think Blogger wants me to put anymore links into this post which makes me sad. HOWEVER some other good tracks are 'Doctor's Theme', 'This is Gallifrey-Our Childhood, Our Home', 'A Dazzling End', 'Westminster Bridge', 'Voyage of the Damned Suite' (it's 10 minutes but stick it out, it's SO worth it), 'With Love, Vincent', 'UNIT Rocks', 'Songs of Captivity and Freedom', 'Rose's Theme' and 'Only Martha Knows' <3
Listen to him. You know you want to.
Friday, 18 March 2011
Movie soundtracks and why you can never listen to enough of them
This is going to be quite an excited post. I apologise in advance. Sooooooo...i'm having another music geek-out BUT this time it's not foreign!! Well, i suppose some of it is but it's instrumental so you don't have to worry. Much. So yeah, this time i'm reviewing composers-specifically movie/tv soundtrack composers. Gonna set it out a bit like my last post so you can scroll through them easily. Have fun!!
Peter Pan (2003)
Composer-James Newton-Howard (also known for: Pretty Woman, Space Jam, Batman Begins/The Dark Knight [with Hans Zimmer...more on him later], King Kong, I Am Legend, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Salt, The Last Airbender, Gnomeo and Juliet...)
You will almost certainly recognise some of this soundtrack. The track 'Flying' was used on an old Disneyland advert and is also one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. In my humble opinion. Listen if you like the film, listen if you never want to grow up.
Hook (1991)
Composer-John Williams (also known for: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Schindler's List and being a general musical genius.)
You might wonder why i'm reviewing a less-known soundtrack for John Williams. Well let's face it, most of you can probably hum themes from all the other films i've mentioned that he's done. This soundtrack (keeping on the J.M. Barrie theme just slightly) is phenomenal, very different from the Peter Pan soundtrack and very typical of Williams' style (which is in no way a bad thing). Listen if you like his other stuff. Or if you're a pirate.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Composer-Harry Gregson-Williams (also known for: Shrek, Bridget Jones, Flushed Away, Chicken Run)
This is one of my favourite soundtracks-fantasy is always the best place to start for a good score. Again, you'd probably recognise the main theme used in lots of tracks on this CD. Some really beautiful, sensitive tracks such as 'Lucy Meets Mr Tumnus'. Unfortunately, Gregson-Williams didn't compose the soundtrack for Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I cried. Listen if you like fantasy/war films.
Gladiator (2000)
Composer-Hans Zimmer (also known for: Pirates of the Caribbean, Inception, The Lion King [instrumental score], The Da Vinci Code, Cool Runnings [WIN], Muppet Treasure Island)
I LOVE THE ZIMMERMAN. Just saying. I actually haven't seen this film if i'm totally honest, but the soundtrack is amazing. 'Now We Are Free' is one of the best movie songs ever for me. Whilst we're on the subject of Mr Zimmer-The Lion King is an incredible soundtrack and i think you should go and see the show. Listen if you like to have your heartstrings pulled.
Titanic (1997)
Composer-James Horner (also known for: Avatar, Braveheart, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Jumanji)
I bought this soundtrack for 1p on Amazon. Best 1p ever spent. Ok, i would have paid a tenner...it's a beautiful score. Celine Dion aside, this is a great CD, i love his use of the electronic vocals on tracks like 'Southampton'. It's a triumph, to be perfectly honest. Listen if you're a big fan of the film or if you like James Newton-Howard (often their styles can be similar).
Doctor Who Original Television Soundtracks (2005-present)
Composer-Murray Gold (also known for: Torchwood, being my hero)
There's quite a lot i could write about these soundtracks/Murray. I have more of his music than any other artist ever. Even Steps. I'm talking like 8 hours. Almost. Even if you're not a fan of the show or even a sci-fi fan, i would recommend this music. There's so much diversity from the excitement of 'Westminster Bridge' to the weepyness (is that a word?) of 'Vale', David Tennant's goodbye music. I may possibly do a whole post about how amazing i think Murray Gold is but for now, i shall leave it at that. Listen if you like music.
Peter Pan (2003)
Composer-James Newton-Howard (also known for: Pretty Woman, Space Jam, Batman Begins/The Dark Knight [with Hans Zimmer...more on him later], King Kong, I Am Legend, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, Salt, The Last Airbender, Gnomeo and Juliet...)
You will almost certainly recognise some of this soundtrack. The track 'Flying' was used on an old Disneyland advert and is also one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. In my humble opinion. Listen if you like the film, listen if you never want to grow up.
Hook (1991)
Composer-John Williams (also known for: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Schindler's List and being a general musical genius.)
You might wonder why i'm reviewing a less-known soundtrack for John Williams. Well let's face it, most of you can probably hum themes from all the other films i've mentioned that he's done. This soundtrack (keeping on the J.M. Barrie theme just slightly) is phenomenal, very different from the Peter Pan soundtrack and very typical of Williams' style (which is in no way a bad thing). Listen if you like his other stuff. Or if you're a pirate.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Composer-Harry Gregson-Williams (also known for: Shrek, Bridget Jones, Flushed Away, Chicken Run)
This is one of my favourite soundtracks-fantasy is always the best place to start for a good score. Again, you'd probably recognise the main theme used in lots of tracks on this CD. Some really beautiful, sensitive tracks such as 'Lucy Meets Mr Tumnus'. Unfortunately, Gregson-Williams didn't compose the soundtrack for Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I cried. Listen if you like fantasy/war films.
Gladiator (2000)
Composer-Hans Zimmer (also known for: Pirates of the Caribbean, Inception, The Lion King [instrumental score], The Da Vinci Code, Cool Runnings [WIN], Muppet Treasure Island)
I LOVE THE ZIMMERMAN. Just saying. I actually haven't seen this film if i'm totally honest, but the soundtrack is amazing. 'Now We Are Free' is one of the best movie songs ever for me. Whilst we're on the subject of Mr Zimmer-The Lion King is an incredible soundtrack and i think you should go and see the show. Listen if you like to have your heartstrings pulled.
Titanic (1997)
Composer-James Horner (also known for: Avatar, Braveheart, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Jumanji)
I bought this soundtrack for 1p on Amazon. Best 1p ever spent. Ok, i would have paid a tenner...it's a beautiful score. Celine Dion aside, this is a great CD, i love his use of the electronic vocals on tracks like 'Southampton'. It's a triumph, to be perfectly honest. Listen if you're a big fan of the film or if you like James Newton-Howard (often their styles can be similar).
Doctor Who Original Television Soundtracks (2005-present)
Composer-Murray Gold (also known for: Torchwood, being my hero)
There's quite a lot i could write about these soundtracks/Murray. I have more of his music than any other artist ever. Even Steps. I'm talking like 8 hours. Almost. Even if you're not a fan of the show or even a sci-fi fan, i would recommend this music. There's so much diversity from the excitement of 'Westminster Bridge' to the weepyness (is that a word?) of 'Vale', David Tennant's goodbye music. I may possibly do a whole post about how amazing i think Murray Gold is but for now, i shall leave it at that. Listen if you like music.
Monday, 7 March 2011
"Anyone know any good songs?"
People are always posting as their Facebook statuses "anyone know any good songs?" First of all, this is a silly question. Everyone knows good songs. Really, they should ask "can anyone recommend me any good songs?" Much more appropriate. Anyhow. I know lots of good songs by some pretty damn good artists who are not very widely known, so i'm going to review some of these artists so that the next time you're short of good music, you know where to look :)
D'Nash-an amazingly good boy band from Spain. Ok so you don't speak Spanish? Well...who cares. Their songs are beautiful whether you understand them or not, and let's face it, most modern artists mumble their way through their songs, making it difficult to understand. If you like rock-pop type stuff then i recommend D'Nash. 'Amanda', 'Capaz De Todo', 'Está Vez Sí' and 'Yo Por Ti' are some of their best songs, in my opinion.
Heather Dale-a Canadian Celtic singer. Chances are you've never given Celtic music a second thought. Well...now's the time. She has an amazing voice, which is always a bonus and she writes all her own music. Score. She bases quite a few of her songs on Arthurian legends. A lot of her songs have quite a rock-style feel to them without losing that special Celtic quality. Try listening to 'Mordred's Lullaby', 'Crashing Down', 'For Guinevere' and 'Kingsword'.
Koldun-a Belorussian pop singer. This guy is incredible. He has such a fabulous voice. Ok, yeah, another foreign artist. Well, he does some songs in English as well as in Russian, so if you really can't deal with the language then there's still some stuff out there for you. If you want to listen to some of his Russian stuff, i'd recommend 'Nastroysa Na Menya' and 'Tsarevna'. If not, look for 'Work Your Magic' and 'I Surrender'.
Globus-a world/orchestral band from goodness knows where. I love these guys. They are a bit Celtic-y again but honestly, great music. Their stuff tends to be quite different because there's a couple of composers so i reckon you'll like at least some of their stuff. I would recommend 'Orchard of Mines', 'Prelude', 'Europa' and 'Take Me Away'. They sing in English. Mostly.
Lovers Electric-an Australian (i think) pop-synth duo. Again, fabulous vocals from Eden Boucher, and David Turley looks a bit like the guy from Owl City. Literally no-one has heard of this band and it's such a shame because they're absolutely brilliant. Quite modern as well if you're not convinced by all my Celtic music. Best songs are 'Stay Awhile', 'Honey', 'Love Waits' and 'You Got It'.
The Rasmus-a Finnish (but sing in English) goth-rock band. You actually may have heard of them-yay!! Even if goth-rock isn't your thing, their songs are brill. The lyrics can be a bit over-the-top gothy ("drink this blood and we'll become immortal") but some great melodies, especially from their second album. I'd recommend 'In The Shadows' (you may recognise this track), 'Sail Away', 'Still Standing' and 'Keep Your Heart Broken'.
I hope that you'll like at least one of these artists, i've tried to put a bit of a selection. Just give them a chance-it may blow your mind.
D'Nash-an amazingly good boy band from Spain. Ok so you don't speak Spanish? Well...who cares. Their songs are beautiful whether you understand them or not, and let's face it, most modern artists mumble their way through their songs, making it difficult to understand. If you like rock-pop type stuff then i recommend D'Nash. 'Amanda', 'Capaz De Todo', 'Está Vez Sí' and 'Yo Por Ti' are some of their best songs, in my opinion.
Heather Dale-a Canadian Celtic singer. Chances are you've never given Celtic music a second thought. Well...now's the time. She has an amazing voice, which is always a bonus and she writes all her own music. Score. She bases quite a few of her songs on Arthurian legends. A lot of her songs have quite a rock-style feel to them without losing that special Celtic quality. Try listening to 'Mordred's Lullaby', 'Crashing Down', 'For Guinevere' and 'Kingsword'.
Koldun-a Belorussian pop singer. This guy is incredible. He has such a fabulous voice. Ok, yeah, another foreign artist. Well, he does some songs in English as well as in Russian, so if you really can't deal with the language then there's still some stuff out there for you. If you want to listen to some of his Russian stuff, i'd recommend 'Nastroysa Na Menya' and 'Tsarevna'. If not, look for 'Work Your Magic' and 'I Surrender'.
Globus-a world/orchestral band from goodness knows where. I love these guys. They are a bit Celtic-y again but honestly, great music. Their stuff tends to be quite different because there's a couple of composers so i reckon you'll like at least some of their stuff. I would recommend 'Orchard of Mines', 'Prelude', 'Europa' and 'Take Me Away'. They sing in English. Mostly.
Lovers Electric-an Australian (i think) pop-synth duo. Again, fabulous vocals from Eden Boucher, and David Turley looks a bit like the guy from Owl City. Literally no-one has heard of this band and it's such a shame because they're absolutely brilliant. Quite modern as well if you're not convinced by all my Celtic music. Best songs are 'Stay Awhile', 'Honey', 'Love Waits' and 'You Got It'.
The Rasmus-a Finnish (but sing in English) goth-rock band. You actually may have heard of them-yay!! Even if goth-rock isn't your thing, their songs are brill. The lyrics can be a bit over-the-top gothy ("drink this blood and we'll become immortal") but some great melodies, especially from their second album. I'd recommend 'In The Shadows' (you may recognise this track), 'Sail Away', 'Still Standing' and 'Keep Your Heart Broken'.
I hope that you'll like at least one of these artists, i've tried to put a bit of a selection. Just give them a chance-it may blow your mind.
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