Interactive Poll Ate: Movie Soundtracks

Raff wrote: Annie Lennox is one of my favourite vocalists, as is Lisa Gerrard (I love deep voices, both in men and in women).  I was not familiar with Mary Fahl (though I might have heard her name), and loved the song by her you posted. On the other hand, I am not a fan of Anne Rice. I tried reading Interview With the Vampire, and quit it halfway through. Maybe I should give it another try.

  I also love Lisa Gerrard (as well as Annie and Mary, now documented). Mary Fahl became first noticed with The October Project (on PA, but there were arguments, apparently, on if they belonged here).  She is not on as a solo artist.  I only really liked the first self-titled OP release, the second was certainly listenable, but after she left, I am not a fan of them without her, it was her voice that made me listen.  I would venture to guess that there were strains within the band.  I love most of her solo works as well, as she is very versatile.  Perhaps her straying from one "type," to another has kept her from greater fame.  Which, as we all know, can be both a blessing and a curse.

Lewian wrote: Logan: Also to you thanks for your detailed comments. I appreciate it. Actually I heard this track from Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence before I watched the film, and loved it immediately just because of the music. However my final nomination is Wim Mertens, to which you didn't get through. Despite your appeal, I still find it more appealing (sic!) to nominate something that is maybe new to a bigger number of people here. By the way, I also got the Mertens Belly of an Architect soundtrack album before knowing the film and was convinced by the music alone (although I don't have complaints about the film either).

I wish my comments had more detail. I still plan to edit more comments into that post on other videos that came later than the Cristi one (I stopped there for now). The Wim Martens I had heard as I have seen The Belly of an Architect as well as many other Peter Greenaway films (has been one of my favourite filmmakers). Michael Nyman is one I considered for his work with Peter Greenaway. Like maybe this, which might sound good covered by 1990 Cardiacs:



Not about to discount it, but one issue I would have had with it is that it is now written as original music for the film. He had realeased a version of that piece in 1983 and belly sia 1987 film. I do wish we had the film OST version to judge.

This was one of the rules I struggled with how to phrase and implement:

"4. I planned for this to be original soundtrack music. In other words, if this was not composed or at least adapted for the soundtrack, then I wouldn't consider it (unless perhaps I am convinced to adapt the expectations). At first I was wondering, if for instance, I should allow Wendy Carlos adaptations, such as the Beethoven adaptation in A Clockwork Orange or her variations in The Shining, but then I thought, yeah, I don't want such music not to be included. I love, say, Cat Steven's “Trouble” from the Harold & Maude soundtrack and that was used for the film before being on his album, so I think that could count? I want to leave things to people's discretion as much as makes sense, and be open to amending the expectations."

At first I was thinking to say that the music should have been composed originally for the film, but then I decided that I did want to allow adaptations. It made me wonder about various S&G music used in The Graduate at the time. Funnily enough, I remembered that Moshkito was a fan of Wendy Carlos and one of the reasons I wished to allow adaptations was in case he wanted to post a Wendy Carlos one. As he is a big film buff, and we share many of the same film loves, I had hoped for his participation. Most times I make a topic I'm anticipating individual's contributions. Thought The DarkElf might want to post a Cat Stevens Harold & Maude track. Thought Micky might do "Goldfinger" and Icarium might do "Take My Hand" by Toto off the Dune soundtrack. I often get things wrong. Anyway, as much as possible, I do like the idea of leaving it up to the reader's discretion. Being despotic about what is and should be acceptable, and overly rule heavy, is a buzzkill.

Edited by Logan - July 07 2020 at 16:49

Lewian wrote: Logan wrote: I wish my comments had more detail. I still plan to edit more comments into that post on other videos that came later than the Cristi one (I stopped there for now). The Wim Martens I had heard as I have seen The Belly of an Architect as well as many other Peter Greenaway films (has been one of my favourite filmmakers). I should have expected that. Michael Nyman is one I considered for his work with Peter Greenaway. Like maybe this, which might sound good covered by 1990 Cardiacs: Not too bad that cover idea, although I've got to say that Michael Nyman's version doesn't exactly fire me up; Nyman has some good ones too, though (was thinking of the Piano, as I had written earlier). Not about to discount it, but one issue I would have had with it is that it is now written as original music for the film. He had realeased a version of that piece in 1983 and belly sia 1987 film. I do wish we had the film OST version to judge. This was one of the rules I struggled with how to phrase and implement: "4. I planned for this to be original soundtrack music. In other words, if this was not composed or at least adapted for the soundtrack, then I wouldn't consider it (unless perhaps I am convinced to adapt the expectations). At first I was wondering, if for instance, I should allow Wendy Carlos adaptations, such as the Beethoven adaptation in A Clockwork Orange or her variations in The Shining, but then I thought, yeah, I don't want such music not to be included. I love, say, Cat Steven's “Trouble” from the Harold & Maude soundtrack and that was used for the film before being on his album, so I think that could count? I want to leave things to people's discretion as much as makes sense, and be open to amending the expectations." At first I was thinking to say that the music should have been composed originally for the film, but then I decided that I did want to allow adaptations. It made me wonder about various S&G music used in The Graduate at the time. Funnily enough, I remembered that Moshkito was a fan of Wendy Carlos and one of the reasons I wished to allow adaptations was in case he wanted to post a Wendy Carlos one. As he is a big film buff, and we share many of the same film loves, I had hoped for his participation. Most times I make a topic I'm anticipating individual's contributions. Thought The DarkElf might want to post a Cat Stevens Harold & Maude track. Anyway, as much as possible, I do like the idea of leaving it up to the reader's discretion. Being despotic about what is acceptable, and overly rule heavy, is a buzzkill. When nominating this I wasn't aware of that; I have it on the soundtrack album, and I heard it for the first time when the film was already out. Also, honestly, if you are serious about making it a rule, it should read like this: "Tracks need to be either composed for the soundtrack or at least adapted to the film. No older songs that are just used for the soundtrack are accepted" - rather than writing an essay on it that at the end seems to leave all kinds of stuff open. tl;dr. I am happy with clear rules, and I am much less happy with this kind of thing that ultimately doesn't rule out anything but still has the potential to make people who post something that is different from your "at first I was thinking"... "I don't want" non-rules feel bad. I actually do feel a little bad to have broken this strange thing that ultimately is meant to be a rule disguised as a super-flexible non-rule. Well, I'll survive that, but I will leave Mertens in the competition. If you want, you can find the film version and say that that should be assessed rather than the one I have posted, but for me, soundtrack theme or not, it's still about the music.

I'm fine with you including it. Even if that were a hard rule, I wouldn't expect everyone to research it well enough to know (nor should one expect the poll starter to do such leg-work)

I phrased it in that way so as not to make a firm rule, but instead I had hoped to open that point up to discussion. I was going to bring it up in the topic about these polls, but decided instead that if people had opinions, suggestions,or wanted clarifications on my OP they could share them in this thread. And I like to leave some things open to individual interpretation. I actually had written a better first post, but lost it just as I would soon submit it with the misclick of a button (closed my tab somehow). I ended up posting my original draught that I composed off-site, but I had made lots of changes in the post-box before losing it. Frustrating when that happens, but I didn't want to go through that process again.

What I was more concerned about was people posting old songs and things used in later films, such as a 2018 film using the original 70s version of Paul Anka's She's Having my Baby, but if, say, The Angry Anuses came up with a significant remake, I thought maybe that would be okay.

I considered that numbered list to be more suggestions to consider than hard rules. Most important to me was that the formatting was standardised, being lazy and not wanting to have to research, edit the titles, and type the names down myself -- just want to copy-paste what is written as the title into the poll options with minimal editing (perhaps some if the titles are long).

EDIT: Basically, if my OP criteria seemed wishy-washy and loose it's because I was still in the questioning stage and trying to think what works well. I just brought it up really because I remembered that being one of the issues I was really questioning before making the topic. The nominations are kosher to me.

Edited by Logan - July 07 2020 at 18:58

^ Funny you should mention that as I was just composing a post on that. I planned to add the poll choices by Thursday, hopefully early Thursday morning (PDT). I would like everything finalised by tomorrow evening Vancouver time at the latest (so in 27 hours or so though I'd rather sooner). I would like to put down a master list ASAP to ensure that I have made no mistakes, nor have those who posted them (had hoped to just copy-paste what people wrote down as their nominations). Once in the poll I'd rather not edit them. And because so many vids get posted with alternates, I might make mistakes when it comes to the final choice. I had hoped that people might post their final pick in the first post that they added a video to.

I don't know how many are still undecided, and I doubt more will join still, maybe one or two.

Was writing this before I saw your post: By the way, it doesn't seem like anyone else, who hasn't already participated, is still interested in adding to the list. Maybe one or two will still join in. As soon as everyone seems confident that they have finalised the choice, I can post them. I had planned to wait until Thursday (perhaps early Thursday morning PDT) to add the choices to the poll. I would like to make a master list of the final decisions before entering them in this topic (maybe by tomorrow, then if mistakes are made people can correct me before I put it in the poll), or I can copy them straight from the posts and paste them in the options. Not sure how many if any are still undecided that have posted. I have to properly read the last two pages of this topic.

EDIT: If people are confident, I'd like to add them to the poll in the next few hours, but I think maybe I should make a master list first.

Edited by Logan - July 07 2020 at 18:24

I'm going to go through and just mention the tracks that I felt the strongest about among the people that posted more than one track.  I won't be on tomorrow, so I figured I would do it now, but I didn't make extensive notes, just noted which ones I liked the best so that you can all have a little input on what to put down as your one contending track.  Of course, just because I like it doesn't mean you have to pick that one, who do you think I am, POTUS?

Edited by TCat - July 07 2020 at 18:37

Logan wrote: EDIT: If people are confident, I'd like to add them to the poll in the next few hours, but I think maybe I should make a master list first.

I'm sure about my pick. It evokes intense emotions in me. If not already nominated, I could've chosen The Imperial March, too. Or even Cry Little Sister. I'll listen to all your nominations, and will choose my favourites among them. Ahahah, I'm Captain Obvious, now. I wanted to mean, I'll not be hasty, or choose the ones directly that I already loved. Open mind, people. That is being just, and more fun for me. If some of your nominations surpass my "already strong contenders", I'll applaud you, like this. 

Edited by Shadowyzard - July 07 2020 at 19:31

My pick is definitely my pick.  Although I do love the other two I chose, the Romeo and Juliet theme just says, "I'm a soundtrack," the most to me.  And an ageless film.  I also play a version of this on the harp.

Edited by Snicolette - July 07 2020 at 19:59

^ Excellent.

Snicolette wrote: So far, to save it being a novel.  If final selections change, that may change and I know there are likely more to come.  Bold for second listen to vote, still keeping to haven’t really heard before, since there is enough that I will also enjoy here outside of being for sentimental reasons.  If I remarked in the thread about knowing a piece already, and by “knowing,” this time, I do mean having heard it enough that , they will not be on my voting list.   Page One: Logan:  Ennio Marricone, class act, of course I know of him via The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, but actually haven’t seen many films that he scored.   Wicker Man, Loved that, wispy vocals, kind of melancholy, pretty instrumentally not voting, but want to hear again   Jean Pierre Mirouze, not as fond of this one, kinda wah-wah-y  Could see how it could fit a film, but I wouldn’t have it on my playlist. Psych Paul:  Lisa Gerrard, glad someone included her.  Her soundtrack music is just as great as DCD, imho.  Hauntingly beautiful. Gentle & Giant;  John Murphy In The House Starts off nice and eerie and builds and builds, then drops back again.  I enjoy this kind of a piece.   Grumpyprogfan:  Spinal Tap Big Bottom:  Classic!  Of course very familiar and love the film (who doesn’t who ever worked in the rock n roll oeuvre?).  We also had the honour of carrying them on our buses and they put on a fine show at the Universal Ampitheatre.  I prophesy disaster:  Ennio Morricone Magic & Ecstasy:  Not so much a fan of this one, too Batmannish for me.  I am sure it suited the film, however, considering who composed it, which is really part of the job of the composer for films, after all. Rushfan4:  Of course I know this one, as you’d guessed.  I am probably the only human of a 1st world country (at least for the moment, still) who has never watched an entire Star Wars film from start to finish, however. TCat:  Mark Isham Mrs. Soffel  So beautiful, I remember the film as well.  A haunting piece of music. Gerard McMann:  Cry Little Sister I could hear this one growing on me, I vaguely recall it, but never did see the film, even though it’s the kind I might be interested in, from what I know of it. "I Am Weary (Let Me Rest)" - The Cox Family - from "O Brother Where Art Thou"  I LOVE that film also….they also had a fun version of “Man of Constant Sorrow,” which I first heard by The Kaleidoscope on a reunion LP they did (When Scopes Collide), also with a great version of “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” on that one. Shadowyzard:  Tan Dun Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Wonderful film and such fitting music for it.  Danny Elfman, The Batman theme.  Not a big fan of the Batman film enterprise, but I am a fan of Danny Elman and the music is very moving.  Basil Poledouris - "Prologue/Anvil of Crom" - Conan the Barbarian OST  Music fits, again not a fan of the franchise here.  This would be another one, like Batman, where I’d be more interested in the music than the film.  Harry Potter, I do enjoy the films, actually, and love the music.  Son was the right age when the books came out, so he would read them, then give them to me, as they were released in subsequent years.  John Williams worked out of The Village Recorder, where I worked for a few years, really a nice guy, we did a lot of film work and video post-production there. The Armenian girl from The Voice, I take it?  She’ll be a big surprise when they turn around….reminds me a little of Annie Haslam’s “Rockalise.”  Good thing there weren’t any water glasses at the judge’s tables. Lewian The Insects Creep Soundtrack ~  Might go along great with the film, but I am just not a fan of this kind of music, unless it hits me in a quirky kind of way.  Nino Rota La Dolce Vita….Now you’re talking.  Love Fellini films and this fits the film so perfectly.  Enjoy it as it’s own music aside as well. Ryuichi Sakamoto Good Morning Mr Lawrence.  I recall this one very clearly, enjoy it just for the music as well as the film.  Wim Mertens "The Belly of an Architect".  Now this one, I just love.  Could certainly be a winner for me, if it’s your final selection, as both unheard before and I enjoy the video of them playing the piece live.  And kept hearing it in my mind’s ear, afterwards. Page Two Meltdowner:  Aaron Copland, Our Town Suite:  lovely serene music, the main melody is so sweet truly gives the feeling of a small town, in contemplation of it’s normal life.  I can hear this becoming an earworm, already still hearing it in my mind’s ear. Lorenzo:  Concerto ZBIGNIEW PREISNER: ""Van den Budenmayer en mi mineur (SBI 152) Version de (1798)" FROM: "The Double Life of Veronica", Very haunting, angelic choral voices.  Will have to see if the melody comes back to haunt me. ENNIO MORRICONE AND JOAN BAEZ: "THE BALLAD OF SACCO AND VANZETTI" A surprise to hear Joan Baez with Ennio Morricone. Ear-catching,  the tension of the buzzing sounds along with the flawless clarity of Joan’s voice.    Ennio Morricone - Gabriel's oboe - Film The Mission Absolutely loved that film.  And what a beautiful, serene piece of music, although, of course the film does not remain serene.   A Filetta - U Lamentu di Gesù - Music inspired by the Film Passion Also love this, very emotional, gorgeous   Another Mel Gibson 2006 film, "Apocalypto," has a fantastic soundtrack.  The film had very mixed reviews, but I remember loving the music throughout.  I gave it a quick listen again and couldn't decide what I enjoyed best to use here, so went with more familiar pieces to me.  James Horner composed the music, a very non-traditional score with exotic instruments and a Pakistani vocalist amongst other things.  . George: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - "Technically, Missing" - Gone Girl  Carried Trent and NIN on several tours, so got to see them live.  That said, this is very different and more my style.  A slower, more insidious feel than the NIN music, at least to me, maybe because of no vocals telling me where to place my mind?  I dunno.  I like this kind of build/wash of sound thing that sometimes drops and turns into something else.  Very atmospheric.  Akira Ifukube - "Gojira Main Title" - Godzilla (1954)  Of course I remember this movie, the music is very fitting for it and like the trivia on the roar…orchestral and ominous.  Ramin Djawadi feat. Tom Morello - "Pacific Rim" Sounds like it goes well with an animated film (I’m assuming from the pic).  Not ear-grabbing for me. Page 3 Raff:  Simon & Garfunkel, Scarborough Fair from The Graduate:  Definitely iconic soundtrack for me.  My older sisters snuck me in to the drive-in to see it in 1967, as I was only 9....every time I hear "The Sound of Silence," brings me right back there, as well as this piece.   Howard Shore: Gandalf vs Balrog LOTR Definitely know these soundtracks forwards and probably backwards.  Son and I saw the films first run in theatres, then the extended versions, many many many too many to count times.  These are always in my top 10 of favourite films ever (even with the parts that don't follow the books), although I lump them as one film if doing a list and I love the soundtracks.  Books too, read and re-read numerous times.    Sadly I do know both of these, so will not be a potential vote for me, no matter which one you select, but I do love these, both. Mickey:  Dr Zhivago ~ Lara’s Theme:    Another classic one, absolutely gorgeous.  I also loved the book.  Cross of Iron:  Despite the cheery children’s voices and recorder, why do I get a sense of foreboding?  Especially with the injection of spooky strings sneaking and the march music…..I have a feeling it’s not going to stay very joyful.  Definitely goosebumps.  Then seeing the opening scenes with the music, chills.  Never saw the film, have a feeling I should.  Then, more chills with the Melancholia opening.  Stunning.  I haven’t been in a theater since early 2014, most films these days don’t do much for me, but I think this one, I would have enjoyed.   Somewhere In Time:  Loved the book and the film.  And Paganini.  My son’s great uncle was an expert on Paganin (Oscar Shapiro, he died quite a few years back, also was twice a Chess Grand Master….additionally was a really fun guy, great sense of humour). Link to his obit https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2002/jan/3/20020103-034610-4488r/   I am sticking to my if I know it rule, not to vote on it, though  (as far as a final choice of yours, or anyone’s)  The Fifth Element, very pretty, juxtaposing the refined classical beauty and grace with the starkness of the more mechanical-looking aliens, then intertwining them. Cristi:  Bruno Nicolai "the case of the bloody iris"  Very 70’s sounding to me, as is fitting, given the date of the film.  A little too light for me, in tone, not a style I gravitate to.

Now I feel that I can read and respond having listened to most everything. TCat also put together great stuff. Regarding my selections, I Love The Wicker Man soundtrack and film. It's beautuful if you get a chance to listen to it in full.

A couple of my other favourites from it:

Almost went with this.



As for the Morricone, that was decided as my choice the moment I decided to do this. It works for me.

Some of those wah-wah type tracks are something of a guilty pleasure, especially from European 60s and early 70s rather erotic comedies and dramas (French and Italian mostly, but then I seem to heavily gravitate to a lot of music from those countries). I like sw**ky music from the swinging days of yore.


Edited by Logan - July 07 2020 at 20:59

No pressure of course. :)

I confirm that "Foundations of Stone" will be my selection. Sorry I couldn't find anything more obscure!