Sons of War (Shadows and Nightmares)
Two Steps from Hell

A little bit of nice battle music to continue on with the new year. I might have to break down and buy an album at this rate. And the record companies think this produces more losses than gains.. right. I’d have never listened to these guys and just not bought anything were that the case.

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The Warriors
The 13th Warrior
Jerry Goldsmith

Also known of course, as “Eaters of the dead.” Too bad they thought such a movie title would be too scary/repulsive and not sell.

Io there do I see my father
Io there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers
Io there do I see the line of my people back to the beginning
Io, they do call to me, they bid me take my place amung them
In the halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live.. forever

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Fear Factory
Donkey Kong Country

An amazing track, it’s surprising how much good sound came out of the old SNES games. Good ambiance, fits well into games.

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First Love (Piano Instrumental)
Utada Hikaru

I was hoping to get an examiner article up today, but it needs review yet. So tomorrow hopefully and in the meantime here is a completely different instrumental. I haven’t had anything lighter on this list lately.

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Nothing Else Matters
Apocalyptica
Metallica Cover

Back from an age of Metallica music that I enjoyed. Its interesting to see what a clean translation can be made into nearly pure classical from metal or related genres. I wonder if classical would’ve retained it popularity had it worked into a similar style earlier?  Probably not, but it would’ve been neat for sure.

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Mystical Adventures
Part 1 & 2
Jean Luc Ponty

Ponty has always struck me as an interesting musician for sure, simply because there isn’t a tremendous amount of use of violins out there in more contemporary music. No vocals in this one, as with most of what I list.. there are actually 5 parts to the entire Mystical Adventures Suite.

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The Forbidden Kingdom
As One Tale Ends..
David Buckley

Incidentally, I liked this movie even with its Wuxia fluff in the combat. The soundtracks and visuals were pretty good, but the track at the end stands out in my mind..

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Secret Of Mana
Star of Darkness
Hiroki Kikuta

Secret of Mana was always an interesting game in that it was free control instead of the standard turn based style play. A good soundtrack and storyline for the game only helped out.

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Blade Runner
Main Theme
Vangelis

Going old school for this week!

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Willow
Elora Danan
James Horner

I always thought this was one of Lucas best works, and even today the movie still looks very good. The soundtrack to accompany it is likewise spectacular.

If you have any pieces you feel I should include, by all means let me know! This is meant to be a working library of mood setting music for gaming.

Technorati Tags: James Horner, Music, Willow