Royal Scottish National Orchestra - Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire [Enhanced CD]
![Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire [Enhanced CD]](/images/Star-Wars-Shadows-Of-The-Empire-Enhanced-CD-B0000014YD-L.jpg)
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Free Music Notes for Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire [Enhanced CD]
Free Music Review: One of my favorite film scores - and it's not for a film
Hit: 5 Stars
My first encounter with Joel McNeely's "soundtrack" to Shadows of the Empire was in the N64 game that used themes from both this album and the classic trilogy scores. After discovering the existence of this CD, I quickly bought it and was not dissapointed at all. Although McNeely did not try to emulate John Willaims beyond the use of a few sound cues (and wisely so), the music still feels like Star Wars. Even with his own style distinct from Williams', McNeely's music fits into the universe as if it were always there. In fact, even listening to the soundtrack now I will occassionally think to myself "I could have sworn THAT was in the movies!" My apologies to Star Wars buffs and Williams fans, but I have always felt this score maintains the feel of the original trilogy more than Williams' compositions for the prequels. And perhaps that's how it should be - after all, "Shadows of the Empire" takes place in the midst of Episodes IV-VI, while the prequels are years removed in the timeline.
My only complaint is that McNeely doesn't weave the traditional Star Wars "end credits" theme into the last track. I would have loved to hear him reprise his earlier themes in one finale. But I guess with this being a novel and not a film, McNeely made a creative decision to leave that out. All in all this is a wonderful CD, and one of my favorites in my collection.
Free Music Review: Awe-Inspiring! An Exquisite Departure From Williams!
Hit: 5 Stars
One of my top favorite scores...and it isn't even to a film!
This soundtrack has more originality to it than anything I've heard experimented on Williams' Star Wars music. McNeely, the underrated and overlooked film composer has once again struck gold...BIG TIME!!
I could rant and rave about how good this score is, but the truth is you just have to find out for yourself. There are so many things happening that just aren't "Star Wars"-sounding...and yet, just the opposite is true.
"The Destruction of Xizor's Palace" is the best song on the album. This 10-minute (wow!) track is quite exciting but my favorite part is the incredibly moving climax (in which I usually find myself holding back a tear or two as I turn up the volume).
Between the choral work, exotic percussion, violin solos, brilliant brass and lovely lyrical themes, I perceive elements of Jerry Goldsmith, 40's Hollywood music, modern Classical music, Batman: The Animated Series, Bernard Herrmann, and of course, John Williams!
This is definitely Joel McNeely's finest work to date...
Take a chance and buy it.
You won't be disappointed, trust me.
Free Music Review: The Galaxy has a new evil...
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw this CD about two years ago in Florida and kinda wanted it then, but opted for thr flipper sountrack instead... Ever since then I wanted this CD, and two years later I got it. All I can say is, well, WOW! If you've ever played the SotE PC-CDrom Game then you'll immediately recognise some of the music from the game on the cd, only in their full version. From the classic Fanfares of the main theme, the action filled tempos of the "Battle of Gall" and the Softer, reflective side of "Night Skys" to the contrasting theme of the battle between the Romance and Evil sides of Prince Xizor in "Xizors theme" everything about this CD is trueto the overall name and fame that SW music is famous for. The stirring soundtrack instills the feeling of actually being there and once you play it you become part of the SW Universe. You feel the coldness of Xizor, explore the Majesty of Coruscant and take part in the climatic Skyhook Battle all from the saftey of whatever you're listening to the CD with ^_^ All in all, you can't go far wrong with this CD. A must for anyone who loves StarWars or are just fans of classical based music.Free Music Review: A Risky Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
This soundtrack could very well have been a blasphamous train-wreck. Thankfully it was not. In fact it is a masterwork, one that in scope and sheer intensity rivals Williams' scores on many levels. This is Joel McNeely's best work and certainly should have acted as a wakeup call to Hollywood. (It wasn't) Unlike Williams, McNeely has tons of fun with his music. 'The Southern Underground' for instance, a almost quirky depiction of one of the vilest places in the Star Wars Galaxy has michevious fun with the setting. It steers away from the brooding quality SW scores often have, yet miraculously maintain the tone. Xizors Theme rivals Vaders, and is a great tune, one that Williams should definatley borrow for the big screen. My complaints actually have nothing to do with the CD. They have to do with the fact that following this masterpiece, no other SW books were scored. Zahns trilogy should definatley get the McNeely treatment as well as Kevin J. Andersons' Jedi Academy novels. A theme for Thrawm and the Sun Crusher? I'd buy that.Free Music Review: This a must-own for every Star Wars fan!
Hit: 5 Stars
I picked up this CD awhile back, not knowing what to expect, because John Williams isn't the composer, and it is based on a novel, Shadows Of The Empire. But let me tell you that this is one of the best instrumental soundtracks out there on the market.If you have read the Star Wars novel Shadows of the Empire, then you will appreciate this CD even more. Joel McNeely did a fantastic job, and I mean fantastic, by creating compositions that match the feelings and attitudes of a novel perfectly. The sounds are slightly familar to John Williams' score from the first trilogy, but a lot of it is very fresh material.L For those of you who know who Prince Xizor is in the book, you will find that his music fits his character like a glove. Battle of Gall and Beggar's Canyon are also two other good ones on here.
You will find that the tunes will stay in your head long after you listen to them, and you'll like them so much that you won't mind! THIS is why soundtracks are made. I guarantee your enjoyment!