1894 replies to this topic

[Berni99]

I am little disappointment, thats sounds like an 08/15 Film, not a Bond-Movie.

I want a Bondian Score

Edited by Berni99, 09 October 2012 - 01:58 PM.

[marktmurphy]

I'm getting a Serra vibe here. Not in the sound or fan backlash, but its swagger.

I think for better or worse Serra's soundtrack just draws a bit too much attention to itself. The score to the Aston/Ferrari bit is almost competing with what you're seeing on screen.
Hearing these snippets I can imagine seeing Skyfall and not noticing the soundtrack - in a good way. I think it's going to be really effective in setting the mood.

[JCRendle]

I am little disappointment, thats sounds like an 08/15 Film, not a Bond-Movie.

I want a Bondian Score

Wait to hear it in context on the big screen, I'm sure with the action, scenery and the such it will feel a lot more Bondian. Also, that's only a snippet of the full score, we'll have to wait and see how "Bondian" the rest of the score is.

[The Shark]

I'm getting a Serra vibe here. Not in the sound or fan backlash, but its swagger.

I think for better or worse Serra's soundtrack just draws a bit too much attention to itself. The score to the Aston/Ferrari bit is almost competing with what you're seeing on screen.

Everyone always brings up that cue, but that's the exception not the rule. "The Goldeneye Overture", "Run, Shoot and Jump", "Dish Out Of Water," "Fatal Weakness", "A Little Surprise For You," "Whispering Statues" and the unreleased cue when Bond's trapped in the Tiger Helicopter all add a hell of a lot of style and importantly edge (something that's been missing with Arnold) to the film. That's what I'm hearing here.

[marktmurphy]

I'm getting a Serra vibe here. Not in the sound or fan backlash, but its swagger.

I think for better or worse Serra's soundtrack just draws a bit too much attention to itself. The score to the Aston/Ferrari bit is almost competing with what you're seeing on screen.

Everyone always brings up that cue, but that's the exception not the rule. "The Goldeneye Overture", "Run, Shoot and Jump", "Dish Out Of Water," "Fatal Weakness", "A Little Surprise For You," "Whispering Statues" and the unreleased cue when Bond's trapped in the Tiger Helicopter all add a hell of a lot of style and importantly edge (something that's been missing with Arnold) to the film. That's what I'm hearing here.

It's the cue that demonstrates the issue the most, but all of those (save for Run, Shoot, Jump probably) do the same thing to differing extents. Statues worked decently though, yes.
There's a lot to be said for being bold, but it can't just be bold. Skyfall's already sounding a more complete piece to me.

[MattofSteel]

Sounds as definitively Thomas Newman as I'd been terrified it would a year ago. Conspicuous lack of the Bond theme, but then, these clips may well have been selected exactly for that purpose.

Honestly, I don't hate it. It does sound more Barry than Bond. I'm not sure yet if it's a good thing, but the fact that these are only (largely ambient) snippets and we know from that 'Train' clip there are absolutely sections of classically-Bond-sounding music throughout the film, I'll keep an open mind until hearing the whole album.

Congratulations, Shark. You win. Revel in it.

[marktmurphy]

I don't think there's much point in people who aren't Barry pretending to be him. Especially not big names like Newman.

[Wade]

Personally, I like it because it sounds like John Barry. Especially "Severine." Atmospheric, moody. That's the Bond music I've come to know and love.

[Vauxhall]

"New Digs" reminds me quite a bit of Newman's score to THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, which I enjoyed a great deal.

[marktmurphy]

Beyond a bit of lushness I don't see much Barry in it, but I agree it's very nice. Slightly dreamlike in a way.

[MattofSteel]

'Severine' is indeed a phenomenal track. 'New Digs' is the most Newman-esque sounding thing, but it kind of works as Bond music. Very plucky-string heavy, at times borders on sounding like some folk group of guitar players. (EDIT: But to Newman's credit, he knows exactly when to hit a horn or some strings to remind you it's Bond).

'The Moors' is a driving action queue that could be generic from any action film the last five years, and by time sounds uncomfortably similar to Newton Howard's Bourne Legacy stuff. But there are little flourishes here and there that give it some flavour. I'm sure it will work with the sequence - not like it's unexciting, or anything.

This is an interesting first taste. Again, we know from the other film clip there's some definitive 007 music in this film. I think this selection was chosen specifically to give us hints of the more original Tom-like stuff, sort of a first impression/preparation so when we hear the whole thing it doesn't come out of left field.

Ultimately, there are 30 tracks on this album and I'd doubt these three will be the highlights. Can't wait to hear more - wailing brass, that is.

"New Digs" reminds me quite a bit of Newman's score to THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, which I enjoyed a great deal.

It really does. Really does. I'm not sure that's good.

[univex]

Finally a different Bond sound that works! And I´m sure that, when the theme kicks in, we´ll feel it even more. People forget a soundtrack is a piece of sound that fits an image, and a moving one at that. This really sounds it belongs somewhere so that´s a nice clue as to the quality and thought behind the piece. Hey, I like it.

Can't wait to hear more - wailing brass, that is.

True. And we know for sure there will be wailing brass and Bond theme all over. It´s gonna work out just fine.

[The Shark]

Anyone else hearing Adele's SKYFALL in "Severine"?

[Yellow Pinky]

I was definitely excited to see a new composer come to the fore and hoped there would be new shades and textures that complemented the existing oeuvre while still staking new territory. I was happy when I learned of Newman's acquisition as I believed him capable of achieving that balance. When the train scene was released I was relieved with what I heard but disappointed that it was so typically Arnold sounding. While I have never been an Arnold basher, I have never been a devotee either.

These samples really hit where I hoped the new score would go in terms of not trying to ape Arnold or Barry, but give nods to the past while showing a willingness to try something new and, to quote The Shark, edgy. Knowing that there are some direct nods to Barry and the classic Bond theme (thanks to the train scene preview video), I am happy to hear these new bits sound more like Newman. I'm hoping we get a nice blend of these throughout Skyfall. Color me hopeful!

[crheath]

Not bad. Definitely sounds like Newman, some of it sounding like Shawshank Redemption. Like others, I'll wait till I see the movie before really judging it.

[MattofSteel]

Can't wait to hear more - wailing brass, that is.

True. And we know for sure there will be wailing brass and Bond theme all over. It´s gonna work out just fine.

Agreed. If we didn't have that train clip, I'd be losing my collective right now. Screaming profanities at Shark, as if it was his fault.

But I think you're right - the traditional Bond sound being 'absent' in parts of these cues means that when it hits, it will hit even harder. I can't imagine Mendes would so painstakingly direct a film that evokes past tradition and imagery while saying, "Now give me music which absolutely doesn't reflect that."

Anyone else hearing Adele's SKYFALL in "Severine"?

Ha. I've been straining my ears, listening for any hints. Where are you hearing it, specifically?

UPDATE: Conveyed my cautious optimism to Tony Lewis via Twitter, he tells me not to worry - it's "all" there.

[The Shark]

But I think you're right - the traditional Bond sound being 'absent' in parts of these cues means that when it hits, it will hit even harder.

Great point. It's the equivalent of using silence in film to enhance the impact of music. When the Bond theme's blaring all the time it becomes wallpaper and cheapens it, like having Disneyland in your backyard. But in moderation it works brilliantly.

[marktmurphy]

Nice to hear so many harmonies being played everywhere. Feels very nicely layered.

[The Shark]

Loving that E > Cadd9 progression. Pure Newman.

[JazzyBond]

I love it so far with New Digs, I assume being the track for his Turkey side trip, being my favorite. No need though for all of this "already better than Arnold" talk though. David Arnold has done some phenomenal work for the Bond series and will do so again I'm sure in the future. Even the great John Barry didn't compose every Bond movie during his time with the franchise (TSWLM, FYEO). So it's a fresh change to have Newman doing this one and it sounds great but let's not dump all over Arnold IMHO he's just as great!

Edited by JazzyBond, 09 October 2012 - 03:15 PM.

[Harry Fawkes]

Sounds great. I've already per-ordered the soundtrack. Loved Road to Perdition, Meet Joe Black and simply adored The Adjustment Bureau.

Just the man for the job and the right candidate to take over from Arnold.

[univex]

Loving that E > Cadd9 progression. Pure Newman.

Yes, indeed.

[Harry Fawkes]

Oh, yeah, And I'd love to see Arnold score one more Bond movie.

[The Shark]

I love it so far with New Digs, I assume being the track for his Turkey side trip, being my favorite. No need though for all of this "already better than Arnold" talk though.

Why can't we be honest? Not all of us love his scores are much as you.

[univex]

I can't imagine Mendes would so painstakingly direct a film that evokes past tradition and imagery while saying, "Now give me music which absolutely doesn't reflect that."

If we go by what he said in the mini doc about Skyfall´s secrets, I´d say you are spot on. The Bond theme is a given for this one, we just have to wait for it, which makes it even more enjoyable. A pleasure delayer of some sorts.

[MattofSteel]

I can't imagine Mendes would so painstakingly direct a film that evokes past tradition and imagery while saying, "Now give me music which absolutely doesn't reflect that."

If we go by what he said in the mini doc about Skyfall´s secrets, I´d say you are spot on. The Bond theme is a given for this one, we just have to wait for it, which makes it even more enjoyable. A pleasure delayer of some sorts.

Asked as much to Tony a few moments ago. Reply: "you are so very right! Remember also that its a very Mendesian trait to not approach every film with the same bag of tricks."

Mendesian. New word of the day. I feel like I'm about to start throwing it around a lot.

[junkanoo]

The beginning of "New Digs" sounds like "The Warriors (Main Theme)" meets Tangerine Dream's "Love on a Real Train"

The beginning of "The Moors" revisits the same idea (but understated) but (in the second half) then sounds much like another Warriors' track ... "The Fight" minus the electronic stuff ... somewhat reinterpreted but with some of the same drum vibe.

Edited by junkanoo, 09 October 2012 - 03:21 PM.

[Double-0-Seven]

Just clicked in a few places to get an idea. I don't want to hear the whole thing until I see the film nor do I want to look at too many track titles. I am very happy with what I hear. I'm a big fan of David Arnold so I was a little worried with the announcement of Thomas Newman. I knew he was a very capable composer but wasn't sure if he'd offer what I personally expected for a 50th Anniversary Bond score. As this is Craig's first "proper" Bond movie (in a sense), it only seemed appropriate that the music would have to follow suit. Newman has laid all my fears to rest. I was worried we'd get a GoldenEye score for the 50th!

[The Shark]

Tangerine Dream's "Love on a Real Train"

Which is itself a rip-off of Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians.

[JazzyBond]

I dont pretend to be a musical expert but what is so bad with Arnold? I felt he really outdid himself with the QOS soundtrack. Even though Newman's work here sounds fine and I'm sure the soundtrack wil be excellent I'm not hearing anything that is blowing away Arnold here. But we can all agree to disagree. I just feel that Arnold is a self admitted huge Bond fan who tries his best to give fellow Bond fans what they want to hear. Newman maybe taking it as another job in a long list of jobs lined up.

Edited by JazzyBond, 09 October 2012 - 03:22 PM.