I purchased this CD at the same time as the Tribute DVD (I still have some catching up to do with Poledouris) -- and just on a first listen I thought it was utterly gorgeous. I'm curious about the 7 min. segment mentioned earlier (well years ago really!) in this thread. Is it available on any other legimate release?
It's avaiable from PROMETHEUS RECORDS.
Ford A. Thaxton
And its in my top five of regular listens. Absolutely beautiful work. Its a pity one can't get the dvd (without it being unmentionable)for this series. I have the VHS.
This is a great score indeed. I don't know that it tops Lonesome Dove for me but it's great non the less. So glad that we are able to get releases like this one. I couldn't imagine creating such beautiful music and not being able to hear it outside of the film or series.
Here's hoping for White Fang! my most sought after Poledouris work.
After 'all these years,' my love for this score remains undiminished. Hard though it is to pick favorites from Basil's music, this one remains my #1.
By the way-- Ford, you mention that the 7-minute unreleased mystery cue discussed back in 2006 may be available from Prometheus records? Is this on a collection album of some sort? I would be really interested in picking it up and hearing more. And naturally, if there was ever a second volume of Amerika music released. . . well that would excite me as much as FINALLY getting more music from Red October or Conan! Once again, thanks for all of your help in getting Amerika released for us in the first place!
Hmm. I'll have to give this one another whirl. When I first received it I listened to it once, didn't find it very memorable, and have somehow not listened again since. Now I'm excited to rediscover it!
I've been going through a Poledouris phase lately and popped this in. I believe this was one of the last soundtrack releases Basil was involved with, and according to Ford above in this very thread, it was one he cared about more than any other. It is easy to see why, as it is one of his greatest scores. I wonder if there's any chance for an expanded release with all of the material he wrote for this 7 episode series. Perhaps Ford might consider producing it for LLL (probably a three disc set)?
Even if it does happen, I'll be holding onto my Prometheus because it's a great album on its own (and somehow I ended up with "05/3000"!)
I remember watching this series in its entirety when it was shown in the UK many years ago. It was a bit stodgy and overlong, but I remember liking it overall. However, I don't know how much that had to do with Poledouris' music. I filled two 90 minute cassettes with his music taken straight off the film, but I was ecstatic when this CD was released, to finally hear the music without dialogue and sound fx. It's a great presentation and programme overall and captures all the main highlights from the series. I'm gonna give it a listen over the weekend, thanks to this thread.
Funny, I just listened to the Prometheus disc again a couple weeks ago and this thread pops up again. It is indeed one of Poledouris' best, a marvelous score.
I remember when the mini-series aired, and even at 17, was aware of the controversy surrounding the subject matter. As a teenager, I found it a bit long but very enjoyable. It's certainly a Reagan-era movie.
Whatever one thinks of the mini-series, the score is magnificent.
This is one of Poledouris' most emotional works and if there really is music that exceeds the current cd, bring it on. I would be surprised if he would not find this release appropriate.
