Song for the End Credits of AUJ Movie

[Eönwë]

Yeah, I was also a little disappointed when I heard it. Like, Estelyn, I much preferred the Dwarvish version of the song. It just feels more grounded and earthy, whereas this is a bit 'light' (I'm not sure exactly how to describe what I mean, but it definitely doesn't suit the Dwarves and their rock and metal worlld.

Of course, it is called The Hobbit, and I can sort of imagine it as Bilbo's echo of the original Dwarf song and the whole adventure, and then it doesn't seem too out of place. So, while I'm not that keen on it now, I suppose it just depends on its context, both musically and in relation to the film, so I can't really judge it fairly at present.


On another note, if you haven't already, you can also listen to this track called Radagast the Brown.



edit: So, I've just listened to the credits song a few more times. It still lacks the magnificence of those in the LOTR films, but it has grown on me a bit.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

But I didn't care for it, personally. No sir. Underwhelmed would be an understatement. The Maori chants do not mesh well with the dwarvish character I have come to know from the books; in fact, aboriginal chanting seems out of place in a high culture like the Naugrim (after all, we know the poetic meter and musical instrumentation of the dwarves directly from The Hobbit).

Agreed about the chanting. That brings to mind more of a Ghân-buri-Ghân feel for me.

Originally Posted by Morthoron

I also think the reedy nature of Neil Finn's voice does not project as inherently doughty and dwarvish - he looks and sounds more like a hobbit. It recalls for me any of the failed Chris DeBurgh or Al Stewart epic songs of the 70s and 80s. "A Spaceman Came Traveling" or "Don't Pay the Ferryman" anyone?

Don't be knocking Al Stewart, now, Morth. I'll bombard your PM Box with "Old Admirals".
Finn's voice almost makes me think of a slicker, modern version of this. Not really the sort of comparison they'd be going for, I'm thinking.

Originally Posted by Morthoron

I could have chosen ten to twenty other performers who could have composed a better song. I was rather moved by the performances of Enya and Annie Lennox in the previous movies. Not so here.

Enya has always to me complemented LOTR, even before PJ used her stuff in LOTR. I'm not sure how she would have done for what's supposed to be a simpler, more earthy story though.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I am currently listening to the complete soundtrack recording here. The link does not allow jumping or choosing, so it's something to play through from beginning to end.

There's no denying that Howard Shore is the composer! The beginning is very much connected to LotR themes - I assume we'll be seeing Frodo there. The dwarves' theme that we've heard in "Far under the misty mountains" shows up in variations - I do like that melody.

Have you already pinpointed favourite pieces?


edit - Ah, I just now am hearing the Rivendell theme from LotR!

edit: Concerning the final song - I just read the list of composers and it does not include Howard Shore. I am relieved. Quite frankly, a song that needs five (count'em - 5!) composers can't be good!

'nother edit - I've also heard the Lothlorien theme, presumably for Galadriel's appearance. And the orcs/wargs have music that sounds very similar to what we heard in LotR, especially at Orthanc. I suppose it's natural to emphasize the connection of this "prequel", as Jackson is using the story. I do hope there's not too much repetition though.

I am amused that there is a piece called "Brass Buttons"!!

[TheLostPilgrim]

Any of the songs from the books? "That's What Mr. Baggins hates" and the "15 Birds in Five Fir Trees" songs, for example?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I've already heard "That's what Bilbo Baggins hates", so that's apparently in the movie. It's fun! I'll have to listen more closely to the soundtrack for more...

[davem]

The whole soundtrack has now been uploaded to You Tube (which means that if you've got a YT Downloader extension for your browser you can also download it - not that I'm recommending anyone do that..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66dPXpSliHc

It also provides links to individual tracks if you click 'More'

[LordPhillock]

this is actually more something you'd hear at the end of "How to Train Your Dragon"
not the classical, encompassing, nuanced songs from "Lord of the Rings". This song is fine and enjoyable on its own, but it doesn't hold a candle to anything from the previous musical attempts in LOTR.

I know the argument will always come in when someone says "but it's a lighthearted adventure!" for the most part, yes it is; but the world is still the same. Things established in previous films need to be preserved to maintain continuity and that rustic ancient-sounding tone LOTR did so well.

The song feels like it was made - unfortunately - more to be hip with the kids of today and feels like it's trying to get to the charts, rather than keeping with that ancient musical flavor the LOTR films gave us. I'm also disappointed that there is no unique song made for the credits like each LOTR song had. "May It Be" had no relation to the score or themes in the actual film; same with "Gollum's Song". "Into The West" felt appropriate because it ushered an ending and made a musical conclusion using a motif from the score.
This one simply feels like: "we need a song at the credits because reasons." "Okay!"

as for "That's What Bilbo Baggins Hates". I heard the song as well! The only thing I see very confusing - and I vented this to a friend just a week ago, much to her annoyance - was that there is accompanying background score. No song in LOTR ever had that (Pippin's and Aragorn's song in "King" is justified since it was an emotional moment that the score had to back up with a heightened impression), and to keep to that realism, rather than trying to be goofy and happy, it would have been better to have kept it score-less. Therefore it would have felt more natural, real, and impromptu since I can imagine they made up the lyrics on the spot. Plus, the dwarves would seem more charming without the help of the artificial-emotion-boosters of the orchestra and would have made Bilbo seem far more annoyed.