Hans Zimmer, Elektra/Asylum, Released: November 25, 2003
Format: CD
A beautiful, dark, melancholy, and truly cinematic
soundtrack. This is fresh, original work, devoid of cliche.
Audiophile quality? Absolutely. The use of many different types
of instruments, including authentic Japanese instruments and synthesizers,
paint a rich tapestry -- an audio system needs to be accurate in
order to discern the myriad types used. Deep-bass performance may
be gauged during passages in which Taiko drums are used. They are
really big drums -- about two meters in diameter. When one stands
next to a Taiko and somebody strikes it, the effect is felt.
This recording convincingly demonstrates the effect of a Taiko drum
within the confines of current, playback technology.
This is more of a true orchestral score that is both action oriented
and melodic. Zimmer makes dramatic use of percussion and choral
material, and yes there is a nice Celtic vocal sung by Moya Brennan
for the early, end credits. The main theme for Arturius and his
knights is one of the best that Zimmer has produced. It is Arthurian
in nature, if that makes sense, but has a certain Roman gravitas
as well. The score seemed a perfect fit for the film and works
very well as a soundtrack recording. Nicely produced by Hollywood
Records, but the packaging is a little disappointing.
![Last Samurai (Score) [SOUNDTRACK]](../images/B0000DZTIW.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)
Last Samurai
King Arthur [SOUNDTRACK]
Hans Zimmer, Hollywood Records, Released: July 27, 2004
Format: CD
Composer Hans Zimmer picks up that gauntlet, producing an orchestral score bristling with massed brass, chorus and percussion -- if little of the indigenous mysticism that made his work on Gladiator so rewarding. What there is of that precious commodity is frontloaded via the song "Tell Me Know (What You See)," his evocative opening collaboration with Clannad's Moya Brennan. From there, Zimmer emphasized this version's Eastern conceits with a half-dozen suites of cues that thunder in the Russian classical tradition -- and all the melodic range of "Jingle Bells." Zimmer--not to mention Poledouris--has done it better, but fans of outsized orchestral Gothic moodfests may yet take this one to heart.
A grand, bold, sumptuous, coherent score with a magnificent choir and memorable themes (especially the main theme), along with synthesizer backups for the large orchestra. Reminiscent of the composer's scores for Crimson Tide and Gladiator, although of matching quality. Still, it would be great to see what the composer could do with a completely orchestral approach to the score, both on the levels of composing and the producing of the music.
King Arthur
Artemis Records, Released: August 24, 2004
Format: CD
Alan Parsons, as an engineer and producer, worked on classic albums like the Beatles' Let It Be, Abbey Road, and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, for which he earned one of his ten Grammy nominations. In 1976, Alan and his partner Eric Woolfson, formed their own, ground-breaking progressive rock band, The Alan Parsons Project. The Alan Parsons Project had two Top Ten Albums, six Top Ten Singles and were awarded 3 platinum and 7 gold records by the RIAA. Now simply know as Alan Parsons, he has turned to the genre of electronica to display his musical and engineering genius. As with all his previous efforts, this album will test the limits of your audio system.
Alan Parson --Ultimate . New Remastered 2004 Arista release.
Al Stewart -- Year of the Cat. 2004 Rhino remaster.
Al Stewart -- Time Passages . 2004 Rhino remaster.
New (2004) Al Stewart -- Greatest Hits compilation from Rhino.
Alan Parsons -- Works. 2002 BMG/European 2-CD set. 20-bit Super Bit Mapping Remaster. Anti-corrosion / super durable Gold CD
The Best of The Alan Parsons Project -- 2002 Japanese exclusive compilation featuring 16 tracks and K2 24 bit mastering. Highlights include, 'Eye In The Sky' & 'Don't Answer Me' . BMG/Arista/RCA Japan. 2002.
Alan Parsons Project -- Platinum & Gold Collection. 2003 US Arista remaster.
Yes -- 90125. 2004 Rhino remaster.
Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition [HYBRID SACD]
Spandau Ballet -- True 20th Anniversary Remaster (SACD; 2003). The sonics on this release are almost as good as the Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs LP release from 1984. The MFSL release comes out a bit ahead because it is not equalized.
HDAD 2011 (DVD-A; re-issued from classicrecords.com) - The Alan Parson Project - "Eye in the Sky". Transferred from the original 2 track analog master tapes provided by Alan Parsons this title, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, offers a sonic treat which is characteristic of Parson's work both as an engineer and as a musician. Songs such as the title track, "Children of the Moon", "Psychobable" and "Step by Step" among others ring out with a never before heard clarity showing Parsons as the master of sound he has always been. This is a work of art and will push a modern stereo system to its limits trying to reproduce all that was originally laid down on each track. A sonic and musical tour de force!
Alan Parsons- Turn of a Friendly Card.DVD-A, HDAD-2006. The fifth release in 1979 from Alan Parsons Project after the string of successful releases including I Robot, Pyramid and Eve. Transferred for the first time from the original FLAT analog masters supplied by Mr. Parsons who both produced and engineered this sensational title. The improvements in terms of low level detail and clarity were dramatic enough to persuade us to reissue this title on LP as well as on DVD audio. All previous editions of this title on ALL formats have been transferred from production masters - we are a generation earlier here with the tape Alan mixed to 26 years ago. The songs include: Games People Play, Time, Nothing Left to Lose and the title track among others. This album unlike most plays front to back with one great tune after another. Not to be missed if you grew up in the 70's and even if you didn't. LP mastered and cut on Classic's All Tube cutting system by Bernie "The Wizard" Grundman.
HDAD 2003. I Robot - The man behind the recording of "Dark Side of the Moon" is none other than Alan Parsons. If you want to hear what is his definitive recording and a bit of the Dark Side then this is it. I ROBOT was produced and engineered by Alan at Abbey Road Studios and is an audiophile's dream recording.