Song for the End Credits of AUJ Movie

[Morthoron]

The Song of the Lonely Mountain

Thought I'd post my comments here, because they are literally "gushing" and "swooning" over this song on TheOneRing.net. I would have to get argumentative, and you know I am too polite for such abrasive commentary.

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).

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?

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.

[Bêthberry]

Hard to imagine, I know, that I am agreeing with you, Morth but I have to say I am similarly underwhelmed.

I suppose the movie is supposed to be about an 'obbit, but this is too ethereal to suit my sense of the dwarves.

Maybe we'll have to hear it after the entire soundtrack?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I too am not impressed. Just how much was Howard Shore involved in this arrangement, I wonder? It's way too busy to be memorable. The original version of this melody which we heard in the first teaser/trailer was definitely more Dwarvish and compelling. After the good credit songs LotR had, I find this one not at all attractive to me. I liked even Gollum's song at the end of TTT better!

[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"!!