Aug 27: Legend

Alongside the recent passing of the legendary Dolly Parton, we also had the announcement of the passing of Tim Curry. He played the Lord of Darkness in the 1985 Ridley Scott film Legend and was also in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which features a few well known songs on the soundtrack.

Legend actually had 2 soundtracks.

Ridley Scott's choice was Jerry Goldsmith...

Initial audience reaction was not what they expected...

A new version of the film was edited with a new soundtrack.

To give the movie a score that might resonate more closely with younger viewers, the production brought in German New Age synth band Tangerine Dream. The band had previously scored movies including Firestarter, and even Risky Business, using their signature ethereal synths. Unlike Goldsmith’s score, which was tightly tied to each beat of the film, Tangerine Dream’s score was more rangy, and loosely atmospheric. The Tangerine Dream soundtrack sounded quite clearly like a Tangerine Dream soundtrack.

European viewers generally saw the film with the Jerry Goldsmith score. American audiences mostly saw the Tangerine Dream version.

Much debate has followed. 

Here's the Tangerine Dream OST.

Aug 21: 2024

From my Spotify Wrapped for this year, there were a few albums which I listened to the most during this year. I had a busy year working on writing projects, and other related consultancy work.

This was the album I listened to the most. The band has created the best option for anyone wanting to listen to the music of Yes.

There are some lovely instrumentatal moments on this album.

The final track is particularly good and is a love story to Jon's wife, who has been his supporter for decades.

Also in 2024, there was the release of new material from Clannad's 'Legend' album linked to the Robin of Sherwood TV series. I've blogged about that separately.

Public Service Broadcasting released 'The Last Flight': an album that ended on Howland Island - the final destination which Amelia Earhart was heading for when she disappeared. Here's a remix of that final track. It was particularly good when I saw it being performed live at the Barbican Hall, with an orchestra....

I also liked this album from 'The Cure' - not my usual music choice, but this has a good overall feel and got a lot of plays this year...

What were your favourite pieces of music from 2024?