Now to Goldsmith:
Yes most of his cd's these days are short and many of them miss the entire end title which, to be honest drives me crazy. His style has changed as well, he has has become more main stream in certain ways. Gone are the atonal, off rythims that characterized him in the 70's and 80's. Yet he still writes great music. While I was happy (sort of) with "The Mummy", I love "The 13th Warrior".
Goldsmith had also to endure critics telling him he couldn't write one good melody, which we all know is ablsolutely false.
Anyway, I just thought I bring this matter up and see what you guys think since I really respect all of your comments and opinions and am just glad to finally be able to talk to people who know what I'm talking about.

Tell me what you think, and be honest I'm a big boy, I can handle it...

Now, having said that, not all change can be good- but it isn't all bad. Let me just get Williams out of the way: It is an understood and foregone conclusion that he is one of if not the best. His current work for Star Wars: Episode 1, quite simply, is classic and has recognizable themes, and arguably his best thematic movie music in years.

GOldsmith: I have been a fan of his for almost as long as I've been alive, the first soundtrack I ever bought was his, and now, some twenty years later, he still manages to amaze. The Mummy was actually a score I enjoy a lot more than The 13th Warrior, but both were excellent, full-blown releases that showcase his current abilities best. I do miss having the kind of sounds we heard in the 70's and 80's- but as much Goldsmith's style has evolved, the 90's will show that his greater use of orchestra hearkens to the heart of the material he began with at the start of his career- the musicality rather than the effect of the sound of the music. In simpler language, he's letting the melodies and chords be the effect rather than the extraneous sounds they can make. And sometimes that works better for some films. The material present depends on so many other factors, sometimes the composer can hardly be blamed. One factor is age. Goldsmith has slowed down to three projects a year, he says, because the toll has been taken on his energy to commit to more than three films. He's had an explosion of music come out from last December to now. Let's let him rest. With rest comes the ability to do better work.

My greatest hope is that Goldsmith and Williams will continue to work long enough so that I may see them in concert, something I've never had the pleaure of doing- and meeting either one would be fantastic. I envy you for having the opportunity to and ecstatic you did meet Williams.

Now for Goldsmith... I don't think his getting boring at all... I think he's getting bored. I bought both The Mummy the day after I saw the movie, because I liked it so much. (In fact, I would have bought it the same day if Best Buy had been open). The 13th Warrior is great, too. But there's really not a lot of complexity or originality to them. I guess if I enjoy the scores, then I technically have no good reason to complain. All I can say is, it's a good thing Goldsmith is doing this. If a lesser composer took the same approach I don't think the music would be nearly as enjoyable.

But Widescreen's statements (particularily "he's letting the melodies and chords be the effect rather than the extraneous sounds they can make") make a good point. I'll have to think about this a bit more. Hmm....

SFT

Scott, regardless of what people say - I mean, I get upset when these composers get thrown around and criticized by everyone... but in reality, I still love their music. I love their style. And I'll continue to listen to their music... old and new.

SFT

NP: Alien, Jerry Goldsmith (FINALLY GOT IT!!!!!!!)

Oh...on that note...ALIEN is one of Goldsmithīs best scores along with The Omen. And it was composed in 1979...see?......70īs!

I'm a hardcore Goldsmith fan (as you know). I own the Alien score, but I rarely listen to it. Why? It's just doesn't do anything for me. All I ever hear is a bunch of horror/noise and only a few melodic key points. I can see where it might appeal more to an Elfman buff. I would be interested in hearing you justify why you think it's "one of Goldsmithīs best scores."

~Jeron

PS - Oh, and personally, I like the Omen II better than the first score... II carries over all the themes and the haunting chorals, but develops them more. The score is much more animated.

Jeron - Why is Aliens one of Goldsmiths best scores? Well, I just love what he did with the movie. I love the sense of isolation and fear that he gave it. I love the weird instrumentation he used to get the right effect on screen.
Not only did he created a musical identity for one of the most famous creatures in movie history, but the Alien score was also very ahead of itīs time.
It may be a very unnerving listening experience, but it is certainly very interesting. Besides, who says that "a bunch of scary material" isīnt fun?

And a question for you Jeron: Iīve been wanting to get my hands on the complete Alien score for some time now, but I have heard that the sound quality on the bootleg is awfull. Is that true???

Scott - I like Jurassic Park alot. It could have been a litte stronger in the thematical department, but the action cues are some of the best Williams has ever done.
And First Knigt, well I rushed out and got that the minut I saw the movie. It may not be very original, but the love theme is worth every penny. In fact, Iīm about two days away from getting the complete score.

- I donīt have the expanded score, but I would really love to have it.
Itīs funny actually. About two years ago I went down to my local CD store and asked them if they could get a hold on the Alien score for me...they said they would try. So I waited and waited and waited. Then, some time later, I went down there again, and they said that it would be impossible to get it, because it was a rare UK import CD. Naturally, I was very sadened. At that time, I didīnt even have a computer yet, so there really wasīnt any other way I could get a hold on it.

So, today, Iīm in town looking for a new jacket and deside to visit that same CD store...you never know, they might have something interesting. And there, in the "soundtrack" section (wich of course is alot smaller than any of the other sections) I found the Alien score by Jerry Goldsmith. I was stunned...I think I starred at it for like a minut before I finally came to my senses.
Then I got out my wallet and bought it right away. For only 25 dollars.

I guess they must have had my order for the score floating around somewhere in their computer-system, and just thought it would never result in anything and gave up on finding the CD...but then suddenly it arrived..two years after I ordered it. And since none of the people who worked there two years ago work there now, they didīnt know who the hell ordered it. So they just put it on the shelve, figuring it would never be sold anyway...and then I came along. I feel like a miracle has taken place.

SFT

NP:...well, do I really have to tell you?

SFT

GO, CHARGERS!(1-1)
Screw the Dodgers!

NP. First Knight(Jerry Goldsmith)****

NP. Symphony No.1 "Jeremiah"(Leonard Bernstein)

Just thought I mention that