Congratulations on being almost done! I know what you mean about the end of the series. We viewers (at least me and my friends) have a similar attitude. We want to know how the story ends, but we don’t want it to end.

Perhaps a multi-disc release is in order? Or is choosing songs for a CD kind of like choosing what to put on a resume-you want to convey as much info as possible in the smallest amount of space and time?

Anyway, have fun at your signing. I’m sure the line will be long and the awed fans plentiful :).

Left by hydroxyl.jill on December 9th, 2008

I was also going to suggest that if it’s hard to decide on tracks for one disc, why not two? (actually, why not a Season 4.0 disc and a Season 4.5 disc?)

Wish I still lived in Southern California…

Left by dmz on December 9th, 2008

So far we have a consensus. A two (at least)-disk set is called for, for the final season.

You know we’ll gladly cough up the additional money for more music.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on December 10th, 2008

2CD set for Season 4 might be a good idea.

If there isn’t the material for a 2CD set, but too much for a 1CD set, how about some bonus cues of unreleased music from previous seasons, or perhaps get Brendan’s song that he created for Galactica but rejected on CD.

Unfortunately, I won’t be there, ironically enough, due to some kind of Galactica Fan Club thing I’m attending.

I like the clips I’ve heard so far on the LaLaLand web site though.

Left by OneBuckFilms on December 10th, 2008

When I see things like “CD signing” I always get hopeful I’ll see “in Ann Arbor” or something close to me, but oh well. :)

I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your work and this blog. BSG and TSCC are two of the best shows on television right now and it’s no coincidence, I’m sure, you work on both of them.

I have a question, if you’re willing, and my apologies if it’s been covered before: How much are you kept up to speed in regard to plot? I ask for two reasons, one, because I imagine composing a score knowing what the end result of a particular story line will be would allow you to really understand the score better, and the second reason I ask is more selfish than anything … with TSCC moving to Friday nights, and low ratings, it’s outlook is looking grim. I was just curious–and I’d ask this to anyone involved in the show–if the writers have a plan to wrap up loose plot lines by next spring or if we might be left with a bunch of mysteries if it’s not renewed for Season 3?

Left by adamczar on December 10th, 2008

Sounds like a plan then with the one CD. Just be self-indulgent and make the leftovers like… a two-fer. I won’t complain.

Left by GungaDin on December 10th, 2008

Dark Del. does a TON of signings! Have fun !

“Battlestar Galactica’s most recent episode, “Revelations,” was named the Number 6 best episode of television this year by Time Magazine”

Meh, BSG should have been swimming in awards up to this point! But like you mentioned at the Seattle EMP – You’re in pretty good company with Edward James Olmos, and Mary McDonnell and neither of them have won any awards for BSG.

Hell I can’t really think of one “weak link” in the entire production of BSG.

Would be pretty cool to do something like the Howard Shore COMPLETE LOTR’s recordings, or I just got in the mail today – The Dark Knight-Original Motion Picture Soundtrack(2 CD Special Edition) by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. Comes with a nice book as well.

dave
CFPrez
http://bearmccrearyfans.yuku.com

Left by daveCFPrez on December 10th, 2008

I would love to attend the CD signing but unfortunately I’m on the other side of the US!

Thanks for the update about your status on the final score. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished with this show. As much as I hate that it is ending, it has been epic and you are responsible for a great deal of its success.

I am looking very forward to hearing your completed season 4 score and soundtrack and following your blog for each episode!

Left by MattH on December 10th, 2008

Yeah! What Dave said re awards. I’d argue that “The Hub” was better than “Revelations,” but I’m a sucker for awesome CG and the ending of “The Hub.” The simplicity of major chord progressions and happies were the best way to end something as momentous as a series-long arc (cylon resurrection), and the beginning of another (equal footing between humans and cylons). I also think “Guess What’s Coming to Dinner” was brilliant.

Regardless, it’s nice to see Battlestar getting some props in the mainstream.

Left by hydroxyl.jill on December 10th, 2008

“future releases, including unreleased tracks from all four seasons, will definitely come after the last soundtrack.”

OK – that’ll do too.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on December 11th, 2008

Would love for you to, once the series wraps for you, to release individual episode soundtracks like they did for Babylon 5 a few years back. There are just certain episodes, particularly from the fourth season that I would love a complete score for, like the Hub and Revelations. I would think there would be some market for that kind of release.

Can’t wait for the final 10 and the Plan, keep up the amazing work.

Left by razgriz1138 on December 11th, 2008

Also, I may have missed this being said prior, but any word on you getting the job for Caprica, especially since it’s been green-lit?

Left by razgriz1138 on December 11th, 2008

That’s awesome to hear. I wished I lived somewhere near Burbank, but I don’t. I live in Regina, SK, Canada, where I apparently wont be able to get the Terminator: TSCC Soundtrack until the 23rd. :’-(

Left by seandgibbonsy on December 11th, 2008

Bear,
I totally wish I could be there for your signing…too bad Burbank is such a trek from my house. Call me a little slow, but I just got in touch with the outside world, and realized a couple of days ago that it was you that wrote the soundtracks for BSG, etc. (It’s an even crazier story of how I stumbled upon the info.) I feel rather embarrased to admit that to you, don’t take it too personally though; I was a part of your fan club before the world knew who you were.

I am really excited the release of your new soundtrack. I will definitely be checking it out..BTW, I throughly enjoyed reading all your commentary on you blog. It is littered with your humor. I found myself cracking up at every turn.

Anyways, good luck with your signing and may your following increase.

A bien tot old friend,
Diana B.

Left by daballer on December 11th, 2008

Two CD’s I wouldn’t mind, but if you take the same route and have something later to fill in the gaps, that’ll work too.

Good to hear that there’s still more after the series’ run is over, in “The Plan”, even if it’s probably a one shot deal, unlike what Sci-Fi is doing with Stargate SG-1/Atlantis. Why must the good shows go away? I just hope they don’t make us wait until the “The Plan” to tell us who the final Cylon is!

And I havew to echo razgriz1138; are you going to be working on Caprica in any capacity?

Left by Revelation 23 on December 12th, 2008

Rev 23: I’ll bet cubits to doughnuts Bear already knows who the Final Cylon is…and he ain’t tellin’!
And now that the webisodes are up and running, can someone please pass the Chamalla please?

Left by Macker on December 12th, 2008

Hey man, thanks for the heads up on the La La Land release of the Shirley Walker Batman: TAS score. That was a big one for me growing up. I think it has a lot to do with my love of deep orchestral pieces and iconic character themes.

I’ll see you at the signing and I’ll have my camera on hand as per usual.

Left by AndrewCraig on December 13th, 2008

After seeing the first webisode of BSG: The Face of the Enemy today, I was wondering: Did you write new music for the webisodes or was it al reused material?

Left by Thomas on December 13th, 2008

Bear McCreary is the final cylon!
That’s why the final four were hearing the music.
It all makes sense now!

Left by MattH on December 13th, 2008

By the way, I bet there’ll be a Battlestar Galactica Blu-Ray pack (with everything from the miniseries to “The Plan”). But will there be a BSG soundtrack pack ?

The FAQ says :
“Once the series ends, I plan on releasing additional CDs of material that never made it on to any soundtrack CDs thus far.”
So it’ll probably take a lot of time before we have everything BSG-related released. Still, a 5-discs pack (4 seasons + unreleased material) would be awesome. But I guess it is a bit early to talk about that yet ?

Left by keger on December 13th, 2008

Hey Bear, although it’s still a pretty long way to the next BSG Soundtrack release, it would be interesting to hear from you how this album assembly process will look like?

Are you going to record some pieces or cues especially for the cd or are you just changing the mix? I would love to hear new suites of themes/motives not covered in a continuous single track already, like the B section of the Roslin and Adama Love theme :)

Regarding different recorded versions for cd and show:
In the Pegasus Episode the piece “Lords of Kobol” sounds different than the album release. Did you record those two versions together or the album version later?
(By the way it would be great to get that unreleased piece someday, i think it has a great flow and even a different instrumentation with that up and down chord)

Left by Fedragal on December 13th, 2008

Would love a recap of the signing if anyone went !!

dave
CFPrez
http://bearmccrearyfans.yuku.com

Left by daveCFPrez on December 13th, 2008

We’re terribly happy that the wait for your TERMINATOR: The Sarah Connor Connor Chronicles will soon be over! Thank you for your work and we look forward to your future works, the inspiring melodies and the realms you help to create with your music.

Mike & Tony – The Hosts
The 2GuysTalking TERMINATOR Podcast
http://www.terminatorpodcast.com

Left by TerminatorPodcast on December 15th, 2008

Hey, Bear! I am going to make a ridiculous request; if in the final episode there is one of those awesome montages, such as in Kobol’s Last Gleaming or Home, I would really like the version of The Shape of Things to Come theme to be a fugue in at least 4 part counterpoint. That would be really incredible, and I am sure you can give the hallowed J.S.Bach some stern competition. In any case, I am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with for these last 10 episodes. Keep on rockin’!

Left by Ciel on December 16th, 2008

Is anyone’s LaLa order marked as shipped? It was supposed to ship on the 16th but it still says “will ship in 4-7 days” whenever I track it.

Also Amazon says the release date is the 23rd now?

Was it pushed back again? I was hoping to finally listen this weekend. :(

Left by adamczar on December 17th, 2008

Hi adamczar,
Same problem here. Look at my comment at Bear’s last blog post about the TSCC release… ;(
Sandra

Left by Sandra on December 17th, 2008

Thanks for your statement Bear. I’ll be checking with Virgin Megastore at Times Square NY tomorrow (my last day here) and will state the result ASAP here. Maybe they have already received their copies already. Never give up hope, right? ;)
Cheers,
Sandra

Left by Sandra on December 17th, 2008

Yay my Rest Stop: Don’t Look Back CD has arrived :D

Wow it is so cool. Some of my favourites are “Tom And Marilyn” and “Cleansing The Sinner”. “Jesus, He Forgives You Too” is a really fun track too.

I hope there is going to be a Rest Stop 3. I noticed John Shiban wrote about the possibility of another sequel in the album notes. Fingers crossed :D

Hey Bear do you have any other feature scores on the horizon for when Battlestar Galactica has ended? Or are you going on a well earned holiday!? Scoring 3 TV shows and a feature must be very hard work.

Left by neowardog on December 19th, 2008

Unfortunately, Virgin Megastore in NY did not have the TSCC soundtrack on December 19th either, so I had to go back home to Switzerland without it ;(.

Left by Sandra on December 20th, 2008

Terminator TSCC soundtrack signed copy showed up in the mailbox today. (Seattle, Wa.)

Thanks Bear !!

dave
CFPrez
http://bearmccrearyfans.yuku.com

Left by daveCFPrez on December 20th, 2008

Mine arrived too! It’s amazing the mail carrier made it through all this ice and sliding buses and snow that shuts everything down.

Now to listen to it before the power goes out….

SWEEEET!!!! Can’t wait for all the clanging and the banging and the amazing orchestrations and the overall awesome in this disc!

Looking at the track list again, I’m grateful to television for making you be so incredibly prolific. Keep it up, mister Bear!

Left by hydroxyl.jill on December 20th, 2008

Just received the signed copy of TSCC and it rocks hard. If you’re going to be at NAMM this year the beverage is on me.

Also, I think you’ll enjoy the accordion in this song:

http://mog.com/darth87/blog/54345

It sounds like bagpipes on Quaaludes.

Merry Christmas,
Vada

Left by vadadean on December 20th, 2008

Finished listening to TSCC and loved it. One suggestion, re-master the sucker for non-TV. It’s a little over compressed and missing some air. Bex Marshall has a good recording in the same music genome as “Samson and Delilah” but “breathes” better.

http://mog.com/darth87/blog/274416

Merry Christmas,
Vada

Left by vadadean on December 21st, 2008

Noooo you didn’t…! I guess I left NY one day too early. Now I have to wait for Amazon.com to finally send my copy to Switzerland. Gods!!!!
But I’m happy for you guys ;)

Left by Sandra on December 22nd, 2008

Frabjous, frabjous, frabjous, frabjous, frabjous! Callay, callee, callai, calloh, callooh!

Guess what arrived here today…

Pah-rump bump bump bump… pah-rump bump bump bump…

And, Bear, that little grace note in Sarah’s theme STILL has me fighting back the tears every time it comes up.

I’m impressed by Thomas Dekker’s contribution to the liner notes. Intelligent… insightful… he expresses himself better than I do.

Well… time to submit this and switch to a better speaker set.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on December 22nd, 2008

OK I’ve had it with Amazon. I cancelled my order with them as they still haven’t shipped the CD and ordered the TSCC soundtrack directly from Lalaland Records.

Left by Sandra on December 23rd, 2008

Now that I’ve listened to T:TSCC through better speakers…

- “Sarah Connors’ Theme” may just have supplanted “Roslin And Adama” as Most Beautiful And Heart-wrenching Character Theme (IMAO, of course.)

- Because of the networks’ practice of shoving the closing credits off to one side (and *completely* overdubbing the music) in favor of a promotion of some other programming, I’ve NEVER heard the T:SCC closing credits theme. Until now. I wish “the them” at the networks realized what they’re depriving us of, in this case in particular.

Excellent work again, Bear.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on December 23rd, 2008

…I wish “the them” at the networks realized what they’re depriving us of, in this case in particular. …

Then again, maybe they DO realize that, but do it anyway.

- M `o”o’

Left by Meowlin on December 23rd, 2008

Long time lurker, firt time poster (just in time fo rthe hollidays)…
Just recieved my copy of T:SCC, and was blown away by “Samson and Delilah”–I had high expectations going in (I’ve gotten all of your scores and soundtracks since the first season of BSG), but those were far exceeded by what I heard. My additional thanks and appreciation to all of the Bear love going on around here.

BTW, more kudos for BSG–MSN.coms “year in review” for TV includes Galactica http://tv.msn.com/tv/year-in-review/favorite-tv-moments/?GT1=28103&photoidx=10, as did Time magazine, both with regard to Best Episode (as you alluded to above) and as #8 in their Top 10 TV Series of the year.

Left by robbmann on December 24th, 2008

In reading your contribution to the liner notes of the T:SCC soundtrack, two words stuck in my mind in particular: baritone violin. I googled the term and came up with two vastly different definitions. The first is a standard violin tuned an octave lower:

http://www.standingstones.com/barifidd.html

The second is an instrument that kind of resembles a cello, but isn’t a cello:

http://www.newviolinfamily.org/8tet.html

Which were you using? I suppose, given the other instruments (two standard violins and a cello), I might assume the former, but… Benny Hill was half right (about “when you assume”).

- M. \”?

Left by Meowlin on December 25th, 2008

Hello Bear,

First time poster de-lurking here to say that I’m so happy to have the SCC score at last. I’ve been waiting for this ever since I first heard the Sarah theme when watching the Pilot. Bravo! As a fan of yours during the past years of BSG, I’m so happy to add this to my collection. I even ordered a copy to come to my place on vacation for the holidays since I couldn’t wait to get home and get my copy from LaLaLand! It arrived today and I’ve been spending the last 64 minutes in a geek listener’s bliss!

I was able to meet you briefly during Comic Con this last year and it was one of the true highlights of the weekened for me – I hope to meet you again someday and say thanks in person for all your work! Sorry that 2009 is so frakking full for you already, but your fans will be sure to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

A question – will there be a follow up/another volume of the Sarah Connor score since the season’s going for 22 episodes? My favorites in early season 2 is when John puts the chip back in Cameron in ‘Sampson and Delilah’ – that arragement of the Sarah theme made my hair stand on end! And the Sarah theme from the ending of ‘Automatic for the People’ when Sarah’s looking at the basement wall/in the shower.

Thanks again Bear! Can’t wait to see what you bring us with BSG/SCC in 2009!

Left by lenageek on December 27th, 2008

Love ALL the BG albums, LOVe the REst Stop ALbums, Love the Wrong Turn ALbum…Would love the SCC album if there were more Raya Yarbrough on there.Yeeeah that would really put it over the top for me. Right now it could be my first. More Raya.Awesome Brendan McCreary track for sure -but more Raya next time.
P.S.
Thanks for signing my CDs. You’re totally hot btw.

Left by ISing4Cylons on December 29th, 2008

IS4C: “Would love the SCC album if there were more Raya Yarbrough on there.Yeeeah that would really put it over the top for me. … more Raya next time.”

That’s something I’m hoping might be upcoming – a track featuring the Sarah Theme scored for a vocalist – and Raya Yarbrough was the first name that came to my mind as well – no lyrics – or if lyrics, then in a language so obscure that it doesn’t matter – but preferably just voice.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on December 29th, 2008

Greetings Bear,

this is the first time I’m writing, but I have been following your blog for quite some time now (I love the music from BSG’s “The Hub” the most!). I have been composing music for only three months as a pleasurable hobby and I was wondering if it would be possible for you to have a listen to my track and say a few words of comment or criticism about it. I know that some composers are contractually bound not to listen to other people’s music or you might simply not have the spare time, but if you would be willing to have a listen, I could post a link to my first track. I know you’re a busy person, so if it’s not possible, then no problem :-). I’d rather you spend all of your time making such quality music for BSG, Eureka and others :-).

Left by Wanderlust on January 2nd, 2009

Well,

here’s my song if anyone wishes to have a listen :-).

http://www.mediafire.com/?x5nmyxdzjj2

It’s a really simple 8-minute tune in an 18 MB download. I only compose as a hobby, so obviously this is a really simple thing, but it gives me pleasure nonetheless :-).

Left by Wanderlust on January 3rd, 2009

“the baritone violin … sounds like the violins, only meaner and more bad-ass.”

Yea, verily.

I’d bet you could score something for the tromboon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tromboon

and make it sound good. Or at least appropriate.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on January 3rd, 2009

Bear,

Annie Wilkes here, lol. If there is anyone I can write to help ensure you are the composer for Caprica please let me know.

Also, when are you playing a BSG concert on the east coast? An opera house here in Capitol City would be mighty fitting, IMHO.

And I am so grateful to read that you will be releasing an expanded cd.

Lastly, when are you, Raya Yarbrough and your brother going to put out a rock cd with covers and hopefully originals similiar to Watchtower? That would make my year. I’ve downloaded every possible rendition and I think yours rules with Hendrix in a close second. And I’m not blowing smoke – Hendrix rocks but your version is so fraking kick ass. I love listening to it while reading the metro, lol.

Mark

Left by Mark in DC on January 5th, 2009

Bear, thanks very much for doing the CD signing in Burbank, it was great to meet you, even briefly. I’m a big fan of T:SCC and it’s been fun to meet the cast and you. Sure hope you guys get a third season also.

The CD is fantastic, I love it. Some of my favorites are of course Sarah’s theme, also Derek’s Mission and John & Riley. The theme you did for Dr. Silberman is amazing and so haunting. It’s just awesome. It fit so well with his scenes in The Demon Hand. Great stuff.

Thanks, again!

Left by Gary on January 5th, 2009

* Oops – should read ‘riding the metro’…

Left by Mark in DC on January 5th, 2009

QUOTE
“the baritone violin … sounds like the violins, only meaner and more bad-ass.”

Yea, verily.

I’d bet you could score something for the tromboon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tromboon

and make it sound good. Or at least appropriate.

- M. \”/

Left by Meowlin on January 3rd, 2009
UNQUOTE

Heck – Bear could make incredible wonderful music with only a stick and a stone I bet!!!

Left by Sandra on January 6th, 2009

Bear,

Thanks. Yes I have Raya’s album and thank you for your brother’s links. He’s got a great voice – it sometimes reminds me a little of Freddy Mercury’s. Raya is just fraking amazing.

I know you are busier than hell but I hope you think further about the cover album. Maybe it could even be associated with BSG – something like Covers Galactica. Caprica would be an ideal show to introduce them as well. I just love the Galactica sound you created and I fear my despair once it is off the air.

Now I’m off to buy Rest Stop!

Much thanks,

Mark

Left by Mark in DC on January 7th, 2009