* must be primarily instrumental (Spiderman is just Sony singles and doesn't count).
* can't list trilogies as separate entries (Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, whatever--all one entry).
* only the whole album qualifies. Can't count just one great or famous song (Breakfast at Tiffany's "Moon River" is fabulous, but great movie themes is a separate list altogether).
* and Broadway musicals don't qualify (otherwise I could hand the whole list over to Andrew Lloyd Webber and be done with it).
Are we okay with this? Then here are my bids.
1. The Mission by Ennio Morricone. I didn't care for this slightly odd, slightly depressing Robert DeNiro movie but "Gabriel's Oboe" can move to tears.2. The DaVinci Code by Hans Zimmer. I know there's a lot of controversy over the movie, the book, whatever. I loved the movie and thought the music was terrific. "Chevaliers de Sangreal" is beautiful and a perfect climax to the movie--though I do think Russell Crowe should have played Robert Langdon. Or maybe Daniel Craig. Yea, Daniel Craig.
3. Star Wars by John Williams. And I really don't need to say anything about it.
4. Nicholas Nickleby by Rachel Portman. It's the happiest, sweetest music. Perfect for this fabulous film. The opening credits are clever and cute and the closing scene with it's accompanying music makes my husband very sappy and cute.
5. Chocolat also by Rachel Portman. Overtones of Latin, a bit of the supernatural. A wonderful audio trip every time I listen to it--Johnny Depp dancing in your dreams and the smell of chocolate in my nose.6. The Piano by Michael Nyman. Never saw the movie but I fell in love with the soundtrack and this one I still listen to. I even bought the sheet music for the piano too.
7. Titanic by James Horner. I know it's old, I don't listen to it anymore really but it was great when it came out and is worthy of the number seven spot on this humble list.8. Master and Commander by Iva Davies. Blends contemporary with classical beautifully and is great background music.
9. Sabrina by John Williams. Everything John Williams has ever written sounds epic. Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Harry Potter, everything. But this one is different and I love the jazz element. It doesn't hurt either that Sting sings "In the Moonlight" on this one and you know how I love Sting.
10. Out of Africa by John Barry. I enjoyed Dances with Wolves' soundtrack years ago too but this one is even better. Every time that soaring, symphonic swell plays I'm seeing pink flamingos on the African savanna. Not a bad thing to see.11. Hero by Tan Dun. I'm not a fan of Asian movies or music (sorry) but this movie was probably the most beautiful, visually stunning thing I've ever seen. The music matches the cinematography.
12. Lewis and Clark by "various artists." This was Ken Burns' series on the two famous explorers and the music, like The Civil War, is full of American folk music that I never tire of hearing. At least not yet . . .
13. Lord of the Rings by Howard Shore. You didn't think I'd make a list without including Lord of the Rings did you? Loved the whole thing, start to finish and the music was great. I'd pay to see that concert Howard Shore put together with orchestral pieces from the soundtrack. My favorite part might be where Arwen is grieving (in a future vision) over Aragorn's tomb, it's the most beautiful, touching, haunting melody.And you may be tired of hearing about this but so many of you were so kind to nominate and vote for me and now the final voting phase of the Share the Love Awards has begun. So if you have time to click through to this link and vote just one more time you'd have my undying affection. While you're at it don't forget An Island Life, Izzy Mom, Her Bad Mother and The Zeus Excuse which all deserve awards too. I have the link attached to the button on the sidebar. Click the image to find the voting page.
More about the Thursday Thirteen meme.
Technorati tags: Thursday Thirteen, soundtracks, movies, lists
81 comments:
I loved the Titanic sound track too. And Star Wars...who doesn't love that one. Great list.
I don't think it helps that I haven't seen most of these movies. Sometimes, being a reluctant sampler of pop culture means being eternally clueless...but I agree with your basic rule: it must be instrumental, or at the very least, original and not a group of singles (Batman from 1989, many other teen-aimed movies). If I like the singles, chances are I already own the album. What drives me mental, though, is movies that market both a "soundtrack" (the aforementioned list of singles) and a "score" (the original, instrumental, incidental music). I was tricked into buying a few faux-soundtracks when what I really wanted was the score (which, in a few cases, wasn't marketed.)
(Meanies.)
Great list!!
I love that TItanic soundtrack too.
Happy TT!!
i am so with you on titanic! that movie made it into my tt this week! have a happy! now, off to vote! :)
Great list--I'm anxious to go watch many of these again now. *g* Happy TT! Joely
Hans Zimmer has good music. I thought the Lord of the Rings music was a little on the dark side, but then again, there was a lot of darkness in that movie.
My 13 are up.
For shame, you have no Elfman on your list. Edward Scissorhands is one of the best scores..and there is a score soundtrack to Spiderman. Another great Elfman score Batman.
happy tt!
This is a great list and I thought I was the only one who appreciated the Sabrina soundtrack.
Oh wow, another soundtrack lover! But I so very rarely go to a movie anymore (that isn't animation) that it's hard for me to pick. Love Star Wars. REALLY love Pirates of the Caribbean (it's just jaunty and exciting...spices up my winter, thinking of Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom). I'll have to check out Lewis and Clark, sounds like I'll love that one. How about The Wind and the Lion? Old score, awesome music. Schindler's List: Itzak Perlman makes me cry. Glory...The Last of the Mohicans...Harry Potter...Gone With the Wind. I haven't bought a soundtrack in so long, but dang, I have a bunch. ; )
I'm sure many will be surprised, but I have never seen the "Star Wars" movies! I'm not really sure why - just haven't! I loved "Chocolat". I am a fan of old movies and old music.
I love music and can get lost in it for hours! Nothing better than some classic rock to help the housecleaning go faster! Great List!
#6 the piano! WE saw that movie in college. It is a bit bizarre, but I liked it. The soundtrack though we loved also. We had it on tape and wore it out. I feel so old typing that! :)
I love the Titanic soundtrack as well. My favorite is probably to Thomas Crown Affair. I love that CD.
I didn't think I'd have so many closet Titanic fans. And yes, I hate it when there are several version of the movie "soundtrack" and you get tricked into buying the wrong one.
I loved the Batman Begins, but only one or two of the tracks, then they all seem to sound the same. Of course that's kind of the way with some of these. But when you only have 13 spots you have to cut somewhere.
Also, love the Pirates of the Caribbean (and Gladiator) theme though it falls under the same issue as above. That's why I love itunes, buy one track, leave the rest alone.
And as flattered as I am that you've commented and visited, if you haven't seen Star Wars then SHAME ON YOU! Get over to Blockbuster right now and check it out. Sigh. :)
Will the soundtrack of THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS qualify? It's mosty by Jan Michel Jarre...am not even sure if I got the spelling right, but I love the whole album!
Sounds like I'd better listen to the Last of the Mohicans, having never seen the movie I didn't include it. But Jarre did The Mosquito Coast which I loved. Also Henry V too I think, which I loved.
I was a little embarrassed to include The Man from Snowy River. Didn't like the movie too much but thought the music was good. But as my husband says it's so "80s/90s" that's it's embarrassing to admit to seeing.
I love the Last of the Mohicans, but one of my all time favorites is Pirates of the Caribbean. If I am having a bad day, I can just get in my car and crank up the volume - it helps me to calm down.
Fun list, thanks for sharing!
Star Wars is an amazing soundtrack and Last of the Mohicans is also a favourite, but I think I'd have added Braveheart to the list. I blame it all on my parents.
I know that they're really instrumental, but I constantly play the Platoon, Leon and The Crow soundtracks in my truck.
Congratulations! on being a finalist! :O) I voted for you... again. :O)
Terrific Thursday Thirteen!
My TT is posted.
Have a wonderful day!
Happy TT'ing!
*^_^
(=':'=)
(")_ (")Š
Raggedy
I love lists.
I love the soundtrack to the mission it's one of the CDs I play on the awful drive home ... great list!
LOVE. THIS. POST. Soundtracks are practically the only types of CDs I'll buy. CDs... do people still buy those?
Anyway, I'd have to agree about The Last of the Mohicans. *hand grasping heart* It's sooo good.
Also loved Legends of the Fall. Memoirs of a Geisha. Frida... although that one's not primarily instrumental. And, what am I forgetting... Braveheart!
Congrats on being a finalist! Off to vote now that I'm all done hogging up your comments.
I love the Titanic sound track. But this blog really made me realize I'm not too up on these things. :)
Check out my TT.
Soundtracks are my OBSESSION. Well, Scores, not soundtracks. I go for the original, instrumental music as well. (Ok, I love "Highlander", but it's Loreena Mckennet and Queen. What's not to love?)
Here are just a few loved ones:
(In no order)
Glory
The Patriot
Simple Twist of Fate (Steve Martin early 90's film. GORGEOUS tunes)
Emma
Rudy
Man in the Iron Mask (CHEESY, but I love it. Sorry!)
Last of the Mohicans
The Man From Snowy River
Angels in America
Mary Poppins
Pearl Harbor (Good tunes, sucky movie)
Uncorked (Obscure little movie with Minnie Driver. AMAZING guitar music)
Titanic (Though I get mocked for it. I think Horner did a better job on Glory, though)
ALL Danny Elfman (Corpse Bride, Black Beauty and Edward Scissorhands are my faves)
Rachel Portman (Emma, Cider House Rules, Chocolat)
Patrick Doyle (Henry V is his masterpiece, Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McFee, Bridget Jones)
And of course, anything John Williams (Jurassic Park didn't get enough kudos for me)
I could go on for a million and a half years, but I think I have subjected you to more than enough.
i am always amazed and in awe of people who know the names of the composers and all the tiny details about songs, songwriters, lyricists and the whole thing... Me...I am really bad at it... I just know what I like listening to and that's it... Nothing else... bad huh??? I liked the Titanic soundtrack as well as The Lord of rings, and starwars myself... that much I know atleast...
Snot. I forgot Lord of the Rings AND Braveheart AND Harry Potter!. Rob Roy is another awesome one if you love all things Scottish.
K-I swear I am shutting.up.right.now!
There are quite a few that I've not heard but my wee brother's a film score nut so I'll e-mail him the list and see what he can let me listen to! Obviously I know the big ones (3,5-7,10,13) which are fab.
Happy TT.
I'm so impressed that you remembered all these. I'll often sit through a movie and think "wow, what a great score!" but the next day, I'll have forgotten.
Maybe I should make notes and buy the soundtracks.
Oh--speaking of soundtracks--when the first Star Trek movie came out, I decided I wanted that soundtrack as the music when I got married. Fortunately, I got over it. :)
I love Chocolat as well. And Titanic moved me to tears the first few months I was listening to it. Still sends shivers down my spine from time to time.
Mine's up! Hope you can drop by!
I would have to go with Last of the Mohicans and then Schlindlers List. Great idea for a list, my T13 is up.
Another to add to your fantastic list...
The Last Emperor...
Great list. My favourite soundtracks are: Dirty Dancing; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Living Out Loud
I'd agree with LOTR. :) Most of the others I am not familiar with, but that gives me some new things to check out. :)
Great list! I loved Titantic, but Mr. Holland's Opus is my favorite soundtrack ever. We are big soundtrack fans here.
Have a super day!
you must listen to last of the mohicans! (and see it to, while you're at it. it's good!)
i also love, love, love the piano. such a beautiful soundtrack. don't bother with the movie.
you've inspired me. i'm off to browse itunes!
wow, great list. love the titanic, lord of the rings, and star wars as well
happy tt!
You listed several of my favorites as well. Star Wars will remain iconic forever, and Chocolat, Master and Commander, and Hero are all terrifically scored. What a great idea for a Thursday Thirteen!
Happy Thursday to you!
The only ones I have are Titanic and Out of Africa. I love both of them. I'll have to check out some of the others. This is a great list. The other ones I love are Pulp Fiction and Sid and Nancy.
Great list. I love the Garden State Soundtrack!
Star Wars and Titanic I love...I can see where Chocolat would be good too but I haven't heard it yet! Thanks for sharing!
Okay, voting done--
Now, my vote for best soundtrack:
Rain Man
Ooh, you've just given me a great start to soundtracks I must now go and download, thank you!
I'm off to the library to see if they have any of these soundtracks. The only one I own is The Mission. I once found a wonderful Ennio Morricone Greatest Hits collection (several CDs). He wrote a lot of famous music for spaghetti sesterns and gangster films. Anyway, thanks for all the great suggestions.
And congrats on the finalism (new verb!). You deserve it and it's nice to see ONE blog I recognize on the list.
Medicine Man has a great soundtrack. Remember Sean Connery? MMmmmmm. Sean Connery.
I agree, the Mission is great and Titanic is good, though I cant get passed Celine Dion
Ahhh, great list! Hans Zimmer rocks. I agree with all of your choices, and I would add Gladiator and Braveheart, too. :)
Happy TT to you!
I have seen most all of these movies and I am going to check out these soundtracks. I have been looking for some things to play during homeschooling and some of these might be great for that!
Thanks for the list!
Yeah, Daniel Craig...YUMMY!! Schindler's List's soundtrack was very touching for me, and the movie was just very sad and good too.
I didn't watch the Titanic, couldn't stand it one bit so not sure what the sound tracks was like.
I don't really think about soundtrack's too much, but everytime I hear "A Life So Changed" (track #12) from The Titanic, I want to cry.
Hey. Switching up your rules a bit... What about the "Colonel Bogey's March" from "The Bridge on the River Kwai"?
Ha! Now that's a fun tune from a soundtrack. [chuckle]
Oh I love that tune and that movie. I'm a real old movie buff (or reel old movie buff if you prefer) and will probably do lists on my favorite classics, and definitely favorite movie themes (like Moon River or Colonel Bogey's March)
My list of favorites are:
*Henry V is one of my favorite and it was done by Patrick Doyle.
*Schindler's List (John Williams)Though the voilinist Itzhak Perlman makes the soundtrack. He plays with such feeling.
*Power of One (Hans Zimmer) Once again is it is the African vocals that make the soundtrack so wonderful.
*Dead Poets Society (Maurice Jarre)
*Lord of the Rings soundtracks, especially the end credit music (Into the West).
I am not a closet Titanic fan. That was altogether a horrible film.
I forgot the best one;
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. It has the most incredible soundtrack and is as much a character in the movie as Clint Eastwood. Who can forget "Wa ah ah ah, Wah Wah Wah!"
Though I didn't care much at all for her movie, I thought Sofia Coppola did a great job in picking out the songs for the "Marie Antoinette" soundtrack .. it's great songs are still on my CD player, long after the movie left my mind
I love the "Chocolat" and "LOTR" soundtracks. LOVE.
Loved Titanic and the music from LOTR! wonderful list
I voted for you! :) Congrats on making it to the finalist category--I think you should make it all the way :) Good luck
Shadowlands soundtrack is the TOP of my list!
Interesting story about Shadowlands . . . I went to see it and went into labor. I still haven't seen the whole movie. :)
I can't believe I am the 60th comment!! WOW 60!! That is amazing.
I LOVE the Mission soundtrack. How about Dances With Wolves. GREAT one!
The soundtrack from LOTR was just amazing!!!
Hmm. I actually love everything in your list. My 3-year old wants to add the soundtrack to Backyardigans, though.
Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/
Oh the Out of Africa soundtrack is one of my favorites. : )
I really love the Gladiator sound track. You have some great choices here. :)
Happy TT!
The Piano soundtrack becomes even more moving once you've seen the moving. The plot and music are so intertwined you know at what precise moment in the song(s) what is happening where.
It's my 2nd favourite movie ever. So I'm obviously biased ;)
"seen the MOVIE" obviously...
The Lord Of The Rings was an amazing soundtrack (to match an amazing movie). The song Eowyn sings at her brother's tomb is heart-breaking, but so beautiful.
I've been listening to the soundtrack from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe recently. Tumnus's lullaby gives me chills. I'm not a big fan of Alanis Morisette's typically bitter songs, but her Wunderkind on this soundtrack gives me a thrill every time I hear it.
Great list! I am sad to say that I don't think I've listened to any of those soundtracks. But I love me some showtunes, so if you decide to do a TT on Andrew Lloyd Weber, I am right there with you!!
Been a long time since I've thought of "The Mission"!
Been a long time since I've thought of "The Mission"!
One of my favourite soundtracks is for Amelie by Yann Tiersen. Love the mix of what can only be described as part carnival, part French cafe. Thanks for posting such a great list. This is my first week participating in Thursday Thirteen.
A great TT as usual, Michelle!
I love the music of Hans Zimmer.
I´m glad you´ve made it to the finals... I´ve voted for you already.
Good luck!
Thanks a lot for the meet&greet idea - it´s so much fun!
Have a great weekend!
Lord of the Rings and The Mission....Awesome! Great list!! Love all of these!
Hey! We're still playing the Meet and Greet over at the TT hub, so I thought I'd drop in here and visit, as I've already visited the most recent commentors.
Bummer you don't have any Michael Kamen on your list. I know he did the score for X-Men and Mr. Holland's Opus. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.
Have a great week!
An excellent soundtrack is the one to Princess Mononoke. In fact, any Joe Hisaishi soundtrack is something special.
I love the Pirates of the Carribean soundtrack, too, but the CD is too short. I can't believe that's all there was in the movie.
I voted for you, Michelle!
i know that this is a bit late but i just discovered your blog and you will probably never read this, but the greatest soundtrack in the whole world is for Conan the Barbarian. it is so beautiful! i used to listen to it over and over again when i rode the T in boston! thanks for the list, carrie goss
Sure I'll read it! I read every comment. It's just harder to respond when they're "anonymous" but that's still okay.
I've never even seen Conan so forgive my ignorance, I'll have to see if they have it at our library (my favorite place for good soundtracks)
I love your list! Have to put in a vote for Last of the Mohicans! It is VERY good. And I love pretty much anything by Hans Zimmer.
Also, I LOVE The Man From Snowy River - the movie AND the soundtrack AND the poem and don't feel the least bit embarrassed to admit that.
Great choices all, but my single favorite would have to The Muppet Movie .. it's as great now as it was when I was 8 years old
I would have to add the soundtrack from BraveHeart. I love that Celtic music.
My fav? The soundtrack from Urban Cowboy. :-)
great list i want pirates of Caribbean themes too...
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