Battlestar Galactica Season Three Soundtrack Review By Ian M. Cullen The great thing about TV show soundtracks is the fact that you do not have to be a fan of the TV show or the movie in order to appreciate the soundtrack. Though admittedly being a fan, or just being aware of the show helps. With Battlestar Galactica, I am not exactly the greatest fan of the new show, but love the music and pretty much always have. That said though my enjoyment of the music comes from the fact that it is what I call ambiant music. As in music which is relaxing and you can play anywhere without even needing to associate it with any given TV show. I had much the same feeling when I watched Highlander III and heard the soulful voice of Loreena McKennitt sing the tragic celtic ballad Bonny Portmore. Bear McCreary is obviously influenced by Celtic and Folk music because it seems to have been a constant mainstay of Galactica and probably the very best aspect of the shows musical score. The season 3 Music CD kicks off with the sombre ‘Distant Sadness’ which featured fairly heavily throughout the episode occupation and included some beautiful vocal work by Raye Yarbrough. The CD continues with some of the best aspects of McCreay’s musical contributions to the third series. It is worth noting that more vocal work is present on this set. Thankfully there are not as many drum orientated tracks on this set, which is something I feel was overdone on the prior two albums. That said though we still get a spattering of drum compositions which though sound good can outstay there welcome. Another nice feature of this CD is the track ‘Battlestar Sonatica’ which is a nice piano solo by composer Bear McCreary. And of course it all ends on the much talked about new composition of Bob Dylans classic song ‘All Along The Watchtower’ which brings the CD to a nice end. To sum up, regardless of whether you’re a fan of the TV series or not. You still have some very high quality music here which borrows from a great many influences and styles. If you have a liking of Celtic music which I do. Then you have a lot to listen too here. All you have to do is shut your eyes put the CD in your Hi – Fi turn the sound up as much as you dare, engage your surround sound if you have it, and just let the music transport you elsewhere and enjoy. Regardless of whether you like the TV series or not. This soundtrack album is every bit as worthy as Stu Phillips Original Orchestral Score which was used throughout the original series. |
