Thursday, December 31, 2009

Jurassic Park Movie Suite

Jurassic Park Suite
Music by John Williams


When the first rising of the notes captures your attention, you realize immediately that you are listening to the genius of John Williams. Sure, he is able to re-invent the art of the motion picture score over and over again, but it rarely falls flat and always impresses us when we hear it for the first or hundredth time. The themes from this motion picture score give us the chills before offering us a glimpse of hope and the grandeur of what was on the screen. With a timing of just 19 minutes, renew yourself with this, the best of the Jurassic Park movie suites. Enjoy. -MJ

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Jurassic Park 2 The Lost World Movie Suite

Jurassic Park 2 Suite
Music by John Williams

Taking the themes and cues from the first movie score, Mr. Williams rises to the occasion with the sequel, as he expands, retro-fits and somehow makes it all sound so familiar, yet new and exciting to the listener. I don't know how he does it, but this is almost as good, but certainly not better than its predecessor. With a timing of just 20 minutes, this movie suite just works. I hope you enjoy it. -MJ

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Jurassic Park 3 Movie Suite

Jurassic Park 3 Suite
Music by Don Davis


If you are at all familiar with the works of Mr. Davis, you know that he is best known for his excellent scoring of the Matrix Trilogy. For reasons unclear, John Williams decided not to score this motion picture as he had done for the previous installments, so here we have Mr. Davis taking the well-known themes written for the originals and adding his flourish to the mix. It is a commendable job. If you appreciated the first and second J.Park's, then this short movie suite (at just 15 minutes) will not disappoint you either. Enjoy! -MJ

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Out Of Africa Movie Suite

Out Of Africa Suite
Music by John Barry

Always a personal favorite of mine, the music from this movie is filled with lush strings, glorious moments and some unforgettable themes that combine to form a great movie suite. Mr. Barry certainly gave us his best on this award winning motion picture score and with a timing of less than 15 minutes it is way too short for my tastes, but it's still a great 15 minutes. Hope you enjoy. -MJ

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Dances With Wolves Movie Suite

Dances With Wolves Suite
Music by John Barry

Bordering in the area of over 3 hours of music, John Barry should be forgiven for a large amount of repetition that one endures when listening to the entire motion picture score for Dances With Wolves. On the other hand, the movie suite takes the very best of what was scored and it comes out very nicely at just under 20 minutes. Sweeping vistas, tender moments and inspiring themes of inner strength await you. I hope that you enjoy. If you like John Barry, coming up is another excellent suite by him. -MJ

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Saint Movie Suite

The Saint Suite
Music by Grame Revell

Falling neatly between the comfort of a plush hotel bed and the cure of a hot bath, is where this movie suite resides. There is no denying that we like the themes that Mr. Revell brought out for this motion picture score. In the nether world of Movie Score lovers, this one is rated up there with the best because the music works from the beginning to the end. What we end up with is a joyous movie suite that times out at just under twenty five minutes. You can't help but enjoy this one! -MJ

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Movie Suite


Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Suite
Music by John Williams

For the latest chapter in the ongoing Indy chronicles, Mr. Williams returns to the tried and true formula for his music. Right out from the start, the familiar march reminds us that there is no question what this music is for. Many of the heart-warming themes from Raiders are rekindled while a basic underlying theme brings it all together. Will there be another? Who knows, but certainly this movie suite keeps me wanting for more. I hope that you enjoy. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/odpw3m4h4a0o9ot/IndnJns4%26ThKngdmofThCrystlSkllSte.zip

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade Movie Suite


Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade Suite
Music by John Williams

Returning to his Indy roots, Mr. Williams brings a whole lot of new themes as well as bringing back some of our favorites for this episode. Easily my favorite of the four Indiana Jones movie suites, this times out at just under thirty three minutes. Sure hope you enjoy it! -MJ

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom Movie Suite


Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom Suite
Music by John Williams

Taking most of his cues from his earlier work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, Mr. Williams turned up the juice and delivered a comfortable sequel. Unfortunately, there are only a few new themes and there was plenty of mood music to sift through. This could have been better, but we only ended up with a movie suite with just over seventeen minutes of intense enjoyment. When I can get my hands on the extended version of this motion picture score, I promise to re-do this suite someday in the future. Until then, enjoy! -MJ

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Monday, November 30, 2009

Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark Movie Suite



Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark Suite
Music by John Williams

Perhaps the best known theme in movie score history is the march from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Sure, you're probably humming it to yourself as you read this, but there is so much more to this music than just the march. You'll relive every moment of adventure with these brilliant themes that intertwine throughout the body of this work to take us away from our everyday lives while immersing us into a time and place that will live on forever. With a timing of just under 33 minutes, you'll wonder where the time went. As always, I hope that you enjoy. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0k97kwi0966eer/IndnJns1%26RdrsofThLstArkSte.zip

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Beowulf Movie Suite


Beowulf Suite
music by Alan Silvestri

Whether or not you enjoy the animated style represented by this movie, if you haven't had a chance to listen to this motion picture score, then get this movie suite. Mr. Silvestri starts right out with a pounding set of themes that drive home the horror and adventure awaiting you, the listener. With a timing of just under thirty minutes, I am certain that you'll enjoy this. -MJ

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Terminator The Movie Suite




Terminator Suite
Music by Brad Fiedel

The synthesizers that weave in and out of this motion picture score are seemingly unstoppable as they drive toward the inevitable conclusion. Mr. Fiedel fills his chasm of sound with bleakness that still offers a note of hope within the pounding theme that is repeated over and over again. With a timing of just over twenty four minutes, this music suite may not have one orchestral instrument within its tapestry, but you'll still want to add it to your collection. Hope you enjoy! -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x2jbzcc46pwwed0/Trmntr1Ste.zip

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Terminator 2 Movie Suite



Terminator 2 Suite
Music by Brad Fiedel
A motion picture score can immerse you into the images on the screen, filling you with a wide range of emotions. Mr. Fidel took the themes that he constructed for the first Terminator movie and raised the bar for this episode. Terrifyingly dark and brutally relentless, he takes us on a journey we will never forget. This music is filled with synthesizers and strange sounds that must emanate from the future. My favorite of all the Terminator movie suites, this is way too short, but at just under twenty minutes, it is intense. Enjoy!! -MJ

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Monday, November 2, 2009

Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines Movie Suite


Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines Suite
Music by Marco Beltrami

Bridging the earlier electronic Terminator scores of Brad Fiedel with the purely symphonic score of Danny Elfman, Marco Beltrami has done a wonderful job with this music. His minimalistic approach starts out lightly with strings and a soft electronic background, gradually building to the finale with orchestra and synthesizers. He only borrows the original Terminator theme for his final minute, to remind you that this music has a past while it sends you into the future. With a timing of just over sixteen minutes, it is short, but it certainly belongs with the other three Terminator movie suites. I hope that you enjoy. -MJ

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Terminator Salvation Movie Suite



Terminator Salvation Suite
Music by Danny Elfman

The most recent installment of the science fiction classic stands on its own merits considering the state of the art in computer generated action, but Mr. Elfman has taken the themes of his predecessors and brilliantly infused them with his own idyllic brand of sound. The result is a thunderous tour-de-force which is demanding to listen to, but ultimately rewarding to complete. With a timing of just under twenty minutes, this movie suite delivers and of course, I hope that you can enjoy it. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zp6d6gd66dkv2ur/Trmntr4SlvtnSte.zip

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

War of the Worlds Movie Suite



War Of The Worlds Suite
Music by John Williams

This is the last of the "space-themed" movie suites for awhile, but phew, what a great sounding suite it is. This is intensely engrossing music that pulls you in and never really lets go until the very end. Sure, you'll hear some of Mr. William's featured hooks and nuances, but still it's quite different while it seems vaguely familiar. With a timing of just over 25 minutes it is a fitting finally to my space-themes. I certainly hope that you'll enjoy. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sm0uhhu466z5797/WroftheWrldsSte.zip

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Apollo 13 Movie Suite



Apollo 13 Suite
Music by James Horner

As I continue to share in the "space-theme" movie suites, we come to a work that was sorta lost-in-the-shuffle. When listening to this score, it tells the tale of bombastic adventure and unrequited longing for something that has long passed us by. The tale is real. The story is based on the truth. And the music is just about right, as it serves us with the majesty of a doomed space flight that barely makes it back to mother earth. I'm a fan of James Horner and if you like some of his other "Space Movie" motion picture scores, then I'm pretty certain that you'll enjoy this, too. At least I hope so. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/hyswr3bi4bu62ci/Apll13Ste.zip

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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Lost In Space Movie Suite

Lost In Space Suite
Music by Bruce Broughton

An inspiring journey into the musical mind of Bruce Broughton promises to take us into places seldom visited by mere mortals. In other words, this movie suite offers themes, moments of grandeur and lyrical passages of enduring tenderness. The only complaint that one could have is that at just over 16 minutes, this movie suite could have been longer. I hope that you enjoy it nonetheless. -MJ

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Monday, October 5, 2009

Starship Troopers Movie Suite


Starship Troopers Suite
Music By Basil Poledouris

Staying with the "star" theme, here is a work by Basil Poledouris that is filled with relentless marches, daring action themes and even a love theme. It is different than anything else he did, yet it still feels like it was composed by him if you are familiar with his other scores. You have to listen to see the similarities with this work and others he has done like Conan, Flesh & Blood or Les Miserable, to name a few. Certainly, it is fun to listen to and with a timing just shy of 15 minutes, it is short and sweet. As always, I hope you enjoy. -MJ


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Monday, September 28, 2009

Stargate Movie Suite


Stargate Suite
Music by David Arnold

Filling the void produced by yet another science fiction feature, the composer brought forth an energetic motion picture score that is filled with surging strings and heavenly voices that melt into an uplifting and rousing movie suite that can only be called excellent.

Never a fan of Mr. Arnold, I give him kudos for this music. He has certainly brought me over to his side because he has had loads of fun with this and so should you. It is a good thing not to take some movies too seriously. While watching the movie, much of the music is lost in the action on-screen, so when I came across this soundtrack, I was surprised to find some wonderful themes that can easily stand on their own. With a timing of 33 plus minutes, it is a bit longer than the norm (Is there a norm??). As always, I hope that you enjoy. -MJ

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Lord of The Rings - Fellowship of The Ring Movie Suite


Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship of The Ring Suite
Music by Howard Shore

Delivering to us an epic score, Mr. Shore has built a symphonic picture of Middle Earth that stands for all time. His themes are darkly laced with drums and horns that blast out when needed while his subtle treatment of the Hobbits and the Elves treasure the swift passage of time. Focused and serious this movie suite is for the purist as it speaks to us of another time and place. With a passage of only 33 minutes, it is only a moment in time. I really hope that you enjoy this. -MJ

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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Lord of The Rings - The Two Towers Movie Suite


The Lord of The Rings 
The Two Towers Suite

Music by Howard Shore

Without a note of pretext, this score perfectly links the first and last installments of the LOTR epics. Dropping us into the textured landscape of a medieval kingdom the themes of this movie suite have Celtic airs and relentless battle scenes. Of the three, this is my favorite LOTR movie suite. With a timing of just over 28 minutes I hope that you enjoy. -MJ

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Lord of The RIngs - Return of The King Movie Suite


Lord of The Rings - 
Return of The King Suite
Music by Howard Shore

The majesty of this motion picture score is sometimes overwhelming. Mr. Shore expands on his previous themes from the earlier scores and closes the book on this fine example of an epic film saga. The timing of this movie suite sits at almost 25 minutes. And you may ask, should it have been longer, considering the amount of the original score with over three full hours. You listen. You decide. And as always, I hope you enjoy! -MJ

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Planet Of The Apes Movie Suite



Planet Of The Apes
Music by Danny Elfman

We can all agree that Danny Elfman is one prolific composer. He also experiments with sound, so much of his work is unusually brilliant even when it is a bit different. The legendary collaboration with director Tim Burton is only equaled by John Williams and Steven Speilberg, so there are many, many movie scores out there. Today we are offering one of Mr. Elfman's unique pieces which is not purely symphonic, since there is much use of synthetic (electronic) sounds blended in with the orchestra. Still, this movie suite delivers a sonic punch that will make you listen over and over again. Well, at least it did me. With a timing of 28 minutes, it is just about the right length. I certainly hope that you enjoy. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/04hxny259h52qqy/PlnetOfTheApsSte.zip

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Willow The Movie Suite



Willow
Music by James Horner

This motion picture score certainly rates as James Horner's best. True there are so many others that are just as good, but the driving themes, eerie horrific moments of fear and adventurous battle sequences all melt into a wonderful musical experience. Since some of you haven't heard this, I recommend that you download the movie suite which clocks in at almost 33 minutes of bliss. Even if you don't agree, I hope you'll enjoy. -MJ

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Braveheart Movie Suite



Braveheart Suite
Music by James Horner

This is easily one of Mr. Horner's premier scores and maybe even his best. Running the gamut from tender themes of love, love lost, death, revenge and epic battles intertwined with the celtic sounds of Scottish pipes, this is one movie suite that really delivers on the promise. With a timing of just over 30 minutes, when this score was released back in 1995, my original movie suite was taken from an LP to cassette and then again from CD to a CD and now has been remastered to share it with you in pristine digital formats.

The next suite to be posted here is also from James Horner and it too is considered to be his very best. I'll leave it to you to decide. Until then, enjoy! -MJ

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Dune, The Movie Suite


Dune
Music by Toto

This is one of those motion picture soundtracks that has been with me since it first crossed the soundscape. Either you like or you dislike this music, there just doesn't seem to be a middle road with this. The movie suite covers the important themes as well as possible in just under 27 minutes. A little like the "spice" it grows on your consciousness. So I entreat you if you've never listened to this, give it a try. You just might like it. Enjoy! -MJ

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Bram Stokers Dracula Movie Suite



Bram Stokers Dracula
Music by Wojciech Kilar

The esteemed Wojciech Kilar, a maestro from Poland has scored the music for over a hundred movies (most outside the USA) as well as written many symphonies and other orchestral works. This music is not something that you want to listen to alone in a dark room, it's that malevolent, but if you are interested in movie suites, then you'll probably find a place for this one, because it has a way of getting under your skin that is really quite enjoyable. Is it different? Sure is. But not so different that you want to miss this unique movie suite. Enjoy! -MJ

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Magnificent Seven Movie Suite



The Magnificent Seven
Music by Elmer Bernstein

Some say that this is the best western movie suite ever. Some even say it's the best motion picture soundtrack of all time. Some others say that it was the first "real" motion picture score of the modern age of movies. Still others say that it is a boring, monotonous work of cookie dough. What does Sir Malcolm say? Of course, he says that this movie suite is pounding, full of wonderful themes and goes from zero to one hundred instantaneously! It is extremely fun to listen to and yes, maybe it's a little repetitious, but it is certainly one of the best that there ever was. And of course, I really hope you enjoy!! -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1yqmqb25gtz5w8j/MgnfcntSvnSte%2CThe.zip

MP3 FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/s8k4ack6439wtgh/MagnificentSevenSuite%2CThe.mp3


Sunday, August 9, 2009

DragonHeart Movie Suite



Dragon Heart
Music by Randy Edelman

There are strange times afoot, yet if you listen to this movie suite, it will sweep you away to a land of dragons, knights and willing maidens begging to be rescued. This score sat on the shelf collecting dust, but when I began to listen to it, I was struck by the themes that Mr. Edelman scored. Still fresh, yet with a purpose all of their own this had to be my next suite. Okay, maybe there is one theme in particular that get's overplayed, but who cares? At just over 20 minutes, it will be over before you know it. Hope that you enjoy. -MJ

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Friday, August 7, 2009

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie Suite



Harry Potter 6 And The Half Blood Prince
Music by Nicholas Hooper


Taken from the recent blockbuster, this movie suite represents just what we're getting in motion picture scoring today. Mr. Hooper builds on the sounds and the distinctive feel that he has given us before. This is really dark stuff. Eerie. Creepy. Scary. All come to mind, yet in the end, it just get's us prepped for the last chapters yet to come. We can hardly wait for next year. Hope you enjoy. Next post, I will bring out a classic recently rediscovered by yours truly. -MJ

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https://www.dropbox.com/s/mflllcsrsoroy59/HarryPotter6%26TheHalfBloodPrinceSuite.mp3



Rants and Ravings of a Fine Lunatic

Okay, there are blogs out there with opinions as big as zepplins. There are also blogs where a person can share an interest and a belief that goes beyond opinion and borders on the obsessive. Here at movie suites, I try to tell it like it is when discussing a motion picture score, yet it must be understood that these are my own opinions, as such as they may be. Certainly when it comes to movie suites or even movie soundtracks in general, my opinion certainly can and does come from an obsessive point of view.

Huh? You probably could care less about my opinion, so I'll get on with the issue at hand. While listening to the latest scores for the latest movies (Summer of 2009) I am really quite concerned. Where have all the themes gone? Where is the movie tune that everyone knows? Why is it that so much of the new soundtracks are simply mood music (moodtracks) and not the symphonic portraits that they certainly could be? It may be true that for every three or four moodtracks out there, there is at least one gem among them. It may also be true that there are upcoming motion pictures with unbelievable movie scores that will certainly rewrite history. Sure hope so.

That's why we have movie suites, where we can take the special cues, emotional themes and memorable passages and then carefully merge them into a listenable masterwork. Just remember when the movie suite has a timing of only 15 minutes from a 2 hour movie, you can imagine just how much mood music was left in the recycle bin.

Okay, sorry about that. I rarely rant and rave, but felt that I had to get this off of my chest. Thanks for listening. Enjoy the music! -MJ

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix Suite



Harry Potter 5 And The Order of The Phoenix
Music by Nicholas Hooper

As the intensity of the story of Harry Potter increases, so too does the complexity of the score and movie suite that accompanies each episode. Mr. Hooper, an award winning composer from the British Isles has brought a refreshingly complex symphonic reading to this motion picture score. There is only a momentary recall of the original John Williams theme, but all the rest is new as it thrusts us into the action. If you like this, you'll really like the next episode, also scored by Mr. Hooper. Until next time, enjoy the music. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lbm2q2eyrralyue/HrryPttr5%26ThOrdrofthePhnxSte.zip

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Suite



Harry Potter 4 and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Music by John Williams

Returning to Harry Potter for the fourth episode, we find that once again this score was penned by John Williams. Using his excellent abilities to take us on a trip to another time and place, while putting us in the middle of the action. The music is darkly foreboding always promising sinister events that will manifest just around the next corner. Many of the themes in this movie suite are familiar, and the hope is that you will want more, rather than less when the 15 minutes have played out. Enjoy. -MJ

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Monday, August 3, 2009

Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire Suite



Harry Potter 3 And The Goblet of Fire
Music by Patrick Doyle

As the characters in the Harry Potter saga grow up, so to does the music that surrounds their exploits. Using some of the themes written by John Williams, our composer has built on the foundation remarkably well. This music weaves into the fabric of this episode perfectly and carries us deeper into the fantasy world of Hogwarts, Dumbledore and of course Harry and his friends. The composer sits precariously on the razor blade between darkness and the light delivering an excellent movie suite.

The timing for this ticks in at 37 minutes, the longest of all the episodes. Enjoy. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/poq40ycdji7l9e9/HrryPttr3%26ThGbltofFreSte.zip

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets Suite



Harry Potter 2 And Chamber of Secrets
Music by John Williams

For his second Harry Potter score, John Williams builds new and interesting layers on top of his earlier work for the first Harry Potter episode. The well received Hedwig Theme is here as well as other less known but familiar themes. There is a strong sense of darkness pervading the aural atmosphere yet the composer rises above that to deliver a fun, likeable movie suite that pulses with a lifelike quality of its own.

The timing on this is a bit over 27 minutes. As you may have wondered, my owl, Mac, has returned from the infirmary and is in top form. Watch for my coming Posts. Enjoy! -MJ

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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Harry Potter & The Socerers Stone Suite



Harry Potter 1 And The Sorcerers Stone Suite
Music by John Williams

Ah yes, another wonderful movie suite by the extremely talented John Williams. The music is haunting, yet magically inviting to the ear as it takes us to the fantastic world of Harry Potter. You could not have asked for a better start for this series of movies. Certainly, once you listen to this, you'll be demanding for the rest of these movie suites. All in good time, since my owl, Mac, has a sore wing and my posts may or may not be affected. Enjoy. -MJ

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Star Wars The Clone Wars Suite



Star Wars - 
The Clone Wars Suite
Music by Kevin Kiner

As of July, 2009 this is the last of the Star Wars movie suites that I'll have unless there is something new on the horizon. Kevin Kiner has orchestrated and penned the scores for many movies and plenty of animated works. There isn't much about him on the web yet, but in the case of The Clone Wars, let's be willing to let the music speak for itself, which it does admirably. The feel is edgier than John Williams, while the pacing is frantic. This film was designed for the family and pre-teen male filmgoer, so there is always something happening on screen and with the music. Certainly it stands on it's own merits and with a timing of just over 25 minutes, it certainly isn't very demanding of your time. For the final time, "may the force be with you." Enjoy...MJ

APE FILES:
Dropbox links available, post comment

MP3 FILES:
Dropbox links available, post comment


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Star Wars Shadows of the Empire Suite


Star Wars - 
Shadows of the Empire Suite

Music by Joel McNeely

If you wanted to tell me that this isn't a movie, you would be right. That basic flaw shouldn't detract from this fine suite taken from a score that exists in a time and place that for of us is far, far away. By the way, if you didn't know, this whole project was designed with the blessing of George Lucas and was going to be a film, but it never made it past the video game.

Starting with John Williams' famous Star Wars opening theme, McNeely weaves a brilliant tapestry of sound while carrying his own themes and feelings from his music that should be heard. This suite will be familiar, yet new and exciting. Once you've examined it, you'll be glad you did. -MJ

APE FILES:
Dropbox links available, post comment

MP3 FILES:
Dropbox links available, post comment


Monday, July 20, 2009

Star Wars 1 Suite


Star Wars 1 Suite - 
The Phantom Menace

Music by John Williams

Without a doubt, this is my favorite score of the first three episodes. The themes and fight sequences with the chorus and full orchestra knock me out every time it's heard. The race sequences are astonishingly complex and heart stopping and then it's time for another light sabre fight. Very cool!

I hope you enjoy this, the last and final installment of the Original Star Wars movie suites. There are still two more Star Wars movie suites to pass on, so stay tuned and may the force be with you. -MJ

APE FILES:
http://www.mediafire.com/?nvmjdlqzkeofkrx

MP3 FILES:
http://www.mediafire.com/?93ay63w8847tz8a

Star Wars 2 Suite


Star Wars 2 Suite - 
Attack of the Clones

Music by John Williams

The blossoming love story of this episode consumes the music with many passages of sweeping strings and softer moments of reflection. It fits so well between episode one and three that it could not be any other way. When listening to this you'll be drawn back in, like we all are. Most of us prefer the power passages and thunderous music that John Williams brought us up on, but it's this movie suite that really shows us what a great composer that he really is. Simply elegant! And what about the final battle sequences? Enjoy. -MJ

Star Wars 3 Suite


Star Wars 3 Suite - 
Revenge of the Sith

Music by John Williams

John Williams really pulled all the stops out for this score. It has everything including the original themes we have come to know and love as well some new, lyrical themes that just grab you by the shoulders and make you listen! Certainly whatever could be written by yours truly has been said before, and no doubt, much better. Timing for this movie suite comes out at only a bit over 24 minutes, but it drives right from the beginning to the end. Enjoy. - MJ

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Thursday, July 9, 2009

Star Wars 4 Suite


Star Wars 4 Suite - 
A New Hope
Music by John Williams

Considering that this music was composed in 1976-1977, is a testamonial to the excellence that it is still played and listened by millions of music fans the world over. As we watched and listened while each theme was introduced to us for the first time, we couldn't help it as we fell in love.
At this point I think that's all I should say about this movie suite, except that I hope you enjoy it.
Oh yeah, "Luke, use the force..." Until next time. -MJ

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Star Wars 5 Suite


Star Wars 5 Suite - 
The Empire Strikes Back

Music by John Williams

So much happens in this episode, that John Williams had music during nearly every moment of film. Taking that monumental work of arrangment and reducing to a 36 minute movie suite was fun, yet very rewarding. This score brings us Yoda and Lando and so much of Darth Vader whose presence is felt at every bar of the music. Sometimes suttle, sometimes in your face, but beware because Darth is just around the next corner. I hope you reconnect with your side of the force. Till next time...MJ

APE FILES:
http://www.mediafire.com/?2kb5e40lgeo8u85

MP3 FILES:
http://www.mediafire.com/?w1lid39mqa984ya

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Star Wars 6 Suite


Star Wars 6 Suite - 
Return of The Jedi

Music by: John Williams

Sure, there are many of these Star Wars movie suites out there far, far away, but I feel as though I would be remiss if I did not post my versions of these classic tour-de-force motion picture soundtracks.
A music library would not be complete if it were missing this episode 6, since the music stands by itself and delivers on promises made in the earlier episodes. So, go to the well, draw from the well and drink.

May the force be with you. -MJ

APE FILES:
http://www.mediafire.com/?yt8rbx55rbktthw

MP3 FILES
http://www.mediafire.com/?cxbwopqhd28xcvu

Friday, June 12, 2009

John Adams Suite



John Adams Suite
Music by Rob Lane

This suite is from the HBO mini-series about one of our least understood Presidents.

Scored by Rob Lane who is a very busy composer for mostly television who shared additional credits with Joseph Vitarelli, the music starts out with a resounding theme that invokes the days of the original thirteen colonies with the fife and drums and the drive to achieve something greater than mere existence. Although the music lifts you up, it sustains itself until there is no question that independence was not only necessary, but our destiny. If you ever listened to the music from Last of the Mohicans and liked it, then you will enjoy this just as much.

Please also notice that the timing of this is over 30 minutes, but there was so much to sort through to end up with this movie suite, I hope you'll forgive me for the length. Until next time...enjoy.  -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j0mzohskj5dx4b8/JhnAdmsSte.zip

MP3 FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xp5hruhzkipmjgf/JohnAdamsSuite.mp3

Friday, June 5, 2009

Adventures of Conan Suite



Adventures Of Conan Suite
(from the Sword And Sorcery Spectacular)
Music by Basil Poledouris

I know what you're thinking. This music is not from a motion picture, so it is not a movie suite.

Okay, I know, but it was written by Mr. Poledouris after he scored the movies and the themes presented here are so similar that they can be considered to be an extension of the original music written for the Conan movies. Orchestrally this music is pulsing and rousing with attitude just like both of the first two suites so if you'll allow me some latitude, I've made some minor changes and offer this as the last and final installment for all the lovers of the Conan Trilogy. At least until someone does a remake. I certainly hope that you enjoy! -MJ

APE Files:
MP3 Files:

Friday, May 29, 2009

Conan The Destroyer Suite



Conan The Destroyer Suite
Music by Basil Poledouris

Okay, the sequel is not nearly as compelling as the first movie, but the music contains so many similar themes and passages that to listen to one and not the other is just a shame. I always enjoyed this and now since the CD is virtually impossible to find at any price you should certainly add this to your collection. This music was ripped from a pristine vinyl record (remember those?) and lovingly processed by myself, so there is a certain warmth that you won't find from a digital master, but there is a slight remnant of hiss. Sorry about that.

Anyways, I hope that you enjoy my second installment in the Conan Trilogy. Huh? Did I say trilogy? Sure did. Stay tuned for the final Conan movie suite coming here in the near future.  Thanks for visiting. - MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zwit172tt0a4eqg/CnnThDstryrSte.zip

MP3 FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/86o3kco20g67e5a/ConanTheDestroyerSuite.mp3


Saturday, May 16, 2009

Conan The Barbarian Suite



Conan The Barbarian Suite
Music by Basil Poledouris

Considered by many to be the single best movie soundtrack ever composed for a motion picture, the late, great Basil Poledouris pulled out all the stops for Dino DeLaurentis's Conan.

The Anvil of Crom theme leaps out at you while the Riddle of Steel theme keeps us guessing about what's yet to come. The action sequences are literally gut wrenching while the swirling of the string sections are surreal in all the romantic places. If you have never listened to this music, you'll be swept away by it. Of course, if you've been a fan since the movie was released as I am, then this Movie Suite will fill the bill. Next time, we'll revisit Mr. Poledouris as we return with the sequel. -MJ

APE Files:
MP3 Files:

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Matrix Revolutions Suite



Matrix Revolutions Suite
music by Don Davis

The final installment of this cult trilogy takes us into familiar territory, yet there is something on the edge of reason that keeps us listening for something new. Don Davis wraps up the music of the trilogy with plenty of new themes here and you'll enjoy them if you liked what you've already heard before because he expands the ground work without tearing the fabric.

When I don't have time to watch, I can listen and relive the auditory enjoyment of this fine motion picture.

Next time we'll visit with one of my favorite composers of movie scores; the late, great Basil Poledouris and his landmark music with the Conan the Barbarian movie suite. -MJ

APE FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/70ozdepkvvdsft4/MtrxRvltnsSte.zip

MP3 FILES:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i207kfa2m7o2yau/MatrixRevolutionsSuite.mp3