Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Epic A To Z Challenge Finale: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess "Staff Credtis!"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Here we are, gang! The end of the challenge. And what better way to send this off than with one of the greatest legends of all "time"? It wasn't long ago when I played my first The Legend of Zelda game, and I'm really glad it was Twilight Princess. It's enough for me to buy the Nintendo system for this title alone. Toru Minegishi, Asuka Ota, and Koji Kondo composed this score (you need three composers for something this epic). Shut up and take my rupees, Nintendo!  


This has been a truly epic month of blogging for me. I hope it was for you, too. I'm dizzied by all the awesome themes, and amazed by how many new blogs I've found and new friends I've made. Thank you for participating, and thank you for sticking around and listening in.

I think it's time for a little break now. I'll see you guys next week. There may be cause for celebration (and prizes), so stay clicked!

I'm David, and "shadow and light are two sides of the same coin."

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

A To Z: Young Frankenstein "A Transylvanian Lullaby"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Ready for a golden oldie? There are lots of pretenders today, but none of them have come close to topping the parody genius of Mel Brooks. My favorite? Young Frankenstein! John Morris did a great job carrying this film, to which this lullaby-like track is from. If you're in the mood for a good laugh, then go for a "rolls in the hay" and rent this sucker.


Tomorrow is the A to Z Finale! Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and I suppose I am a little "Abby Normal ..."

Monday, April 28, 2014

A To Z Challenge: The X-Files "Theme Song"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I never had the chance to get into The X-Files when I was younger (it came on way past my bedtime), but that didn't stop me from catching up with the adventures of agents Mulder and Scully on the SyFy channel, and digging the music by Mark Snow. Aliens, monsters, and paranormal are difficult to believe, but man ... This show made me want to!


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "you have to be willing to see ..."

Saturday, April 26, 2014

A To Z: The Walking Dead "The Mercy of the Living"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

There is that magic moment in every show that must happen to capture an audience, and man, did the guys behind The Walking Dead do it for me with this track within its pilot episode. Who would think that such serenity could exist in the score of an undead world? Bear McCreary nailed this score, and the scene it was first used for took my heart hostage and made me a devote watcher. It also showed how I could finally write the zombie novel I've always wanted. Don't die, Daryl.


There will be a new track on Monday. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "I'm doing things, Lori ... Thaaaaangs ..."

Friday, April 25, 2014

A To Z Challenge: V "Escape from the Mothership"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Color me shocked if you know about V (The Visitors), the sci fi miniseries from the 80's that spawned a reboot in the late 2000's. You owe it to yourself to find this show and watch it if you haven't. Basically, the story is about a bunch of aliens who come to us for help, but a group of suspicious humans investigate and learn of the alien's true intentions. Scary! Step back into the 80's with this track from Joseph Harnell.



There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "we have come in peace (yeah, right!)"

Thursday, April 24, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Unbreakable "Unbreakable"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

This may come as a surprise to you, but when I'm asked what my favorite superhero film is, I say Unbreakable. It's the best example of ultra subtle and realistic super abilities I know. It's also super hard to go wrong with James Newton Howard helming the score. This is one of those stories that I wish I'd written, and this film helped fuel my desire to include great twists in my writing - not my trademark, so no worries ...


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "they call me Mr. Glass, because I break like glass."

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Terminator 2 "It's over, Good bye"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

What I consider to be the best film by James Cameron to date (sorry, Avatar), Terminator 2: Judgement Day is the perfect example of what a real sequel should be ... Outdo the original in every single way. In fact, it outdid the original so well, the others that followed haven't come close. The metallic score by Brad Fiedel rocks. Hasta la vista, baby!


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "there is no fate but what we make ..."

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Sword Art Online "A Tender Feeling"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

You thought I was going to do Star Wars today, didn't you? Psych! :D

A fairly recent discovery, Sword Art Online is an Anime that follows the adventures of near-future gamers who are neurologically linked to a Massively Multiplayer Online game (MMO) and can't log out. Any attempt to free themselves from the game, they die. Die in the virtual world, you die in real life. The only way to survive is to defeat the game. How's that for a high-stakes plot? I'm ten episodes into it now, so hopefully the rest is just as good. The chemistry is killer! Enjoy this track from Kajiura Yuki.



There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and don't forget to bring your teleportation crystals.

Monday, April 21, 2014

A To Z: The Return of the King "The Gray Havens"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I have a confession to make. No film has ever made me cry the way The Return of the King did. This is the exact track when this happened. Don't judge me. I was in a real low place in my life and thankfully the local small town one-screener was playing this at the time. Howard Score became a household name ever since and I scrambled to find all of his music. This is still my favorite of his. I'm tearing up again ...


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and Frodo lost his finger, and made Samwise cry.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Quantum Leap "Main Theme"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I knew I was in trouble once we got into the Q's. Luckily there's one old show that I can rely on. Quantum Leap truly captured my imagination as a kid, and I might add is among the more believable theories in time travel. Sometimes my siblings tuned in and cranked the volume just to see me run into the room so I could jam to the opening theme.


Come back on Monday for a new track. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "... Oh, boy ..."

Friday, April 18, 2014

A To Z Challenge: The Princess Bride "Once Upon A Time...Storybook Love"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

My wife said she'd disown me if I didn't include The Princess Bride (though I'm not exactly sure what she meant by that), so I'm playing it safe by showing some love for Mark Knopfler's score. It helps that I'm a fan of the movie. Seriously, if it weren't for the pirates, giants, and monsters, I would have given up on this "kissing" movie when my sisters introduced me to it. This introduced me to fantasy, too!



There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and Rodents of Unusual Size don't exist *one bites me*

Thursday, April 17, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Outlaw Star "Come On!"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Thanks to Cartoon Network back in the late 90's, I found Outlaw Star, a sci fi Anime that, to this day, I have yet to find another that's equally entertaining. The frequent twists and irreverent humor had a profound impact on me, so I had to tune in after school. The score by Kow Otani lived up to the premise of outlaws and pirates in space.


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "lay off my grappler arms, will ya, buddy?!"

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A To Z: Naruto Shippuden "Man of the World"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Considered the Game of Thrones of Anime, in terms of epicness, Naruto: Shippuden is a seriously epic series that will take years to catch up if you haven't watched from the beginning. Yasuharu Takanashi has a great ear for drawing the right notes to pique the emotion from the viewer, to which this track has to be among the saddest I've ever heard.


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and check your chakra before you leave ...

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Merlin "Love Theme"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I discovered this show not long ago, and considering how old the first episode is, I was impressed with the production value. King Arthur and Camelot was always something I had a hard time getting into, but spin the legend with a young Merlin, and I'm hooked. Since then I've caught up to the series and have found myself coming back to the score by Rob Lane Rohan Stevenson. These tracks have proved to be pivotal in inspiring the fantasy out of me when I need it most.


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "watch where you swing that sword, Clotpole!"

Monday, April 14, 2014

A To Z Challenge: The Last Of Us "The Last Of Us"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

My personal favorite game of 2013, The Last of Us took us on a tour of a post-apocalyptic world with zombie- like creatures, the likes of which we have never seen. Ellie has since been considered one of the best gaming characters in history. Composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, this score knows exactly what's going for it. Great, subtle tracks for writing.


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "whatever you do, make every shot count ..."

Saturday, April 12, 2014

A To Z: Knights of the Old Republic "Bastila's Theme"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Surprisingly enough, Knights of the Old Republic was my introduction to RPG gaming. Pretty good choice to start with. This title from BioWare eventually led to one of the most ambitious RPG developers around (Mass Effect, Dragon Age). Jeremy Soule composed the complicated score (game scores generally are), with plenty of nods to the original Star Wars score. Sometimes I couldn't wait to upgrade my lightsaber, just so I could listen to this track again. Feels like a dream, huh?


Come back on Monday for a new track. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "I thought meat-bags liked being called master."

Friday, April 11, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Jurassic Park "Journey to the Island"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Dude! Mr. Williams, we're not even halfway through the challenge and you're here for the third time (give others a chance, wouldja?). I had to pick Jurassic Park for today (I was totally obsessed with this movie --what eleven-year-old boy wasn't?). I often turn to this track when I, or one of my characters, is in need of adventure and wonder.


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and where's my can of cryogenic shaving cream?

Thursday, April 10, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Independence Day "End Titles"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Often considered Roland Emmerich's best film (and David Arnold's best score), Independence Day took the concept of alien invasion to a new level with 15 mile-wide ships that can wipe out a metropolis in a single blow. It demonstrated how powerful the human race can be if we would unite ourselves to a common purpose. How about it, folks?


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "that's what I call a close encounter ..."

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban "A Window to the Past"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

After eight films, the Harry Potter franchise as given us over nine hours of tracks, perfect for all day writing binges. Is it possible to narrow it down to one favorite? This track from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, a very different score from John Williams's other Potter contributions, really stood out to me and has continued to do so.



There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and methinks my mischief is managed!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Gravity "Shenzou"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

This pleasant surprise from director Alfonso Cuarón genuinely took my breath away. A disaster in orbit and you have to find a way home without burning up? *shiver* Not only did the score by Steven Price win best original score (well deserved), Gravity also took home the most Oscar wins this year. But not best picture. Hopefully the academy will let a sci fi movie win someday. They gave one to a fantasy already ... 


There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and "half of North America just lost their Facebook."

Monday, April 7, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Firefly "Inara's Suite"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I couldn't allow this challenge to come and go without giving a nod to Joss Whedon's sci fi classic Firefly, which sadly amounted to only one season (networks are fickle like that). This track in particular from composer Greg Edmonson always takes me to a far away place.



There will be a new track tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and *holds up a string* "this food is problematic..."

Saturday, April 5, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Ender's Game "The Final Test"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

Ender's Game didn't get a lot of love in theaters (there was a lot against it, which had nothing to do with the actual movie), but they sure found an excellent composer in Steve Jablonsky. You may have heard his scores from the Transformers movies, and others. Rest assured, when I need a track to accompany an action scene, this will do!


I hope you enjoyed the music. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and why can't the enemy's gate be up?

Friday, April 4, 2014

A To Z Challenge: The Dig "Dimensions in Time"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

From the heydays of LucasArts's click-adventure generation came this marvelous gem known as The Dig, based on a concept from Steven Spielberg himself. It's about a team of astronauts, accidentally sent to an alien planet, where its inhabitants are extinct, and the humans have to "unearth" their technology to find a way home. I spent many good hours playing this on the PC back in the early 90's, and the score by Michael Land and Clint Bajakian carried it well. This was made into a game instead of a movie because we didn't have the technology to film it. Well, that was almost twenty years ago. Someone get on it!


I hope you enjoyed the music. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and beware the life crystals!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

A To Z: Castle In The Sky "The Destruction of Laputa"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

I have to tip my space helmet to Joe Hisaishi for the incredible scores he comes up with. "The Destruction of Laputa" from Castle in the Sky is among my favorites. I don't know what it is about inaudible vocals, but they always get to me. It was this and other films that introduced me to Anime, of which I've found many great shows (and tracks) since.


I hope you enjoyed the music. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and whatever you do, don't say "Balse" (oops!)!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

A to Z Challenge: Beyond Two Souls "Jodie's Suite"

 
For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

A recent favorite from the hit game Beyond Two Souls, this track left me feeling all mysterious and haunted by the unusual life of Jodie Holmes as she has to deal with a paranormal entity ever since birth. I enjoyed the game (review to come someday), but I loved the score by Lorne Balfe and Hans Zimmer even more. This is a great track to write with.


I hope you enjoyed the track, and thank you for stopping by.

I'm David, and cinema games are getting better and better!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A To Z Challenge: Artificial Intelligence "The Reunion"


For my first A to Z Challenge ever, I'm highlighting a favorite track from various science fiction and fantasy movies, games, and TV shows. Feel free to press play and listen while you visit other A to Z participants.

What can be trippier than a movie about a robot that is created to act like an affectionate child? Naming that robot "David" is what! When I saw Artificial Intelligence as a kid, I couldn't get the Blue Fairy voice calling my name out of my head for weeks, but what really haunted me is this fantastic score by John Williams. The Reunion is among the first tracks I go to when I'm in need of some serious "serenity now!"


I hope you enjoyed the music. Thank you for stopping by!

I'm David, and I occasionally dream of electric sheep ...