Customer Reviews

Battlestar Galactica - The Plan / Razor

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm sure it's no secret by now (if you have followed my reviews) that I am a huge fan of Bear McCreary. His work on the Galactica soundtracks has been, by and large, the best that TV has to offer. In addition, I greatly enjoyed the feature Razor, and while there were some heavy weaknesses in The Plan, I enjoyed that one as well. But the problems is that this soundtrack, like the feature films, requires a pretty solid understanding of the Galactica universe in order for them to be enjoyed properly. What I mean is this: without the intimate knowledge of the musical themes of Galactica and without having seen the context of the music on this particular album, you may find it a little repetitive at times. One reason why I love the regular season Galactica albums is that one can enjoy them without having seen any of the series, because the music works on so many levels and can be enjoyed for the amazing pieces of music they are regardless. Here, the Kendra Shaw theme basically dominates the Razor tracks, and the Apocalypse theme dominates a good portion of the Plan tracks. Not that I think this is bad music by any means...but it IS a weaker collection than his previous album releases because there is far less range that can be demonstrated with these two movies (understandably).

So my advice is this: if you want to be introduced to the world of Galactica soundtracks, start yourself off with season 3 or 4, the best of the bunch (particularly 4). If you like what you hear, then you might consider either checking this album out or, better yet, watching the show yourself.

Now, to those of you who are Galactica fans (like me) and appreciate the movies and their scores on all levels, then this is of course a must-own album just like all the rest. The way he takes his fully developed compositional ability (and arsenal of numerous character/concept themes) and applies them to old events in The Plan tracks is fantastic. His use of the Kendra Shaw theme as almost the sole musical idea in the Razor tracks is genius given the nature of her character and her role in the narrative. There is some great material here, but you may only appreciate it if you are immersed in the exceptional saga that is the music of Battlestar Galactica.

I'm going to be straight forward and honest here. I've never watched Battlestar Galactica. The only times I tune into the SyFy Channel are to watch terrible made for TV movies like Sharks In Venice starring Stephen Baldwin. Anyway, I have heard nothing but praise for Bear McCreary's work on the series. Granted, taking a look at his filmography probably won't impress you and the films he's done aren't gonna do more in the impressions department, but let me tell you right now that this is some great stuff.

The score is a combination of two separate Battlestar Galactica "events". The Plan is more or less a 2-hour movie that aired after the completion of the series. Razor can also be considered a stand alone film (it aired between seasons). For thematic and cohesive purposes McCreary decided to combine the two scores for this unified release. I almost didn't believe what I was hearing when the first track started. "This is music from Battlestar Galactica?" is pretty much what I said aloud. I rarely dabble in TV scores because they usually lose focus over the span of seasons and most of the score is filler. LOST is one exception to this. I found the second exception. Every track here is genuine storytelling. Thematic and melodic material carries you on an amazing journey. The music stands on its own in an immense way. It's a rock infused percussion propelled soundscape with ethnic flavors that creates an immersive atmosphere.

This was my first Bear McCreary experience and I'm hooked. I know I'm probably missing the big picture here since I haven't looked at the other seasons' scores, but I love what I hear here. My initial impressions of Battlestar Galactica have changed. Never would I have imagined to find such grand and emotionally driven arcs in a score to a series for the SyFy Channel. Listen to the first track and I guarantee you'll want to continue. If you're a fan of modern scoring you will love it. I can't speak for purists or traditionalists because they are stubborn and think anything that isn't a 70 piece orchestra is bad. If you're a Battlestar Galactica or Bear McCreary fan then I'm sure you know how great this is. If you are not fans of either then jump in and take a listen.

Battlestar Galactica; so much better than the vast majority of sci-fi series, now or in the past. The music to BSG, again, better than most of what's avaiable and one of the things I was going to miss with BSG ending was Bear's soundtrack CDs.

Yet here's one I hadn't heard of, and I'm thinking most other BSG fans in the UK haven't either. Granted, The Plan was shown later here than in the US, and the CD is on Amazon UK as an import, but still, I was greatly pleased to see this available.

So, how good is it? Outstanding. Bear is a true artist and it's a joy to listen to his genius. Like all his work, the more you listen to it, the more you'll enjoy it. It's natural that with any film soundtrack, it's going to relate more to that specific story rather than the collected music from an entire series, but as with other great film music, that's just a given.

Having heard the music from Stargate Universe, vainly trying to ape BSG, you realise just how good Bear is. I have to say that I'm not yet as impressed by Caprica, but then that just shows that a composer for television series needs good material to work with, and Caprica is no BSG.

Now, if only they'd make more BSG films, and need more music, I'd be a happy bunny.

Bear McCreary's original soundtrack for the two Battlestar Galactica "events" Razor and The Plan is the final Galactica album - and it might just be the best. I thought the season 3 soundtrack broke the boundaries of what a soundtrack could achieve. Not just a collection of music that supports the show, it exists as a beautiful piece of art all on its own. Season 4 expanded on that, giving us an even richer experience. It all culminates here in the soundtrack for The Plan, in particular.

The familiar Galactica motifs are back in full force: taiko drums, ethnic soloists, duduks, and chunky hard rock guitars. All the musicians involved should be commended for their tremendous, emotionally charged music. I'm continually amazed that such fully realized music could come about as the result of made-to-order music, created to support characters and events in a television series. It is to BSG's credit that they made music a significant plot-point in the final two seasons, bringing deserved attention to McCreary and the musicians.

If you've enjoyed the seasons 3 and 4 soundtracks, this is a must-have. Even if you've never seen Battlestar Galactica (a brilliant show I recommend wholeheartedly), you can enjoy this album. It's some of the most exciting, wonderful music I've ever heard, and I simply couldn't praise it enough or recommend it more highly.

I've been a fan of Bear McCreary's work for a long time and even seen him in concert. His various soundtracks for Battlestar Galactica have shown an incredible range. This soundtrack covers two of the BSG movies, so he is not drawing from as much work. Still, it's a very enjoyable album. Of course, the main theme, "Apocalypse" gets the most play. It's actually based on the opening riff from Bear's version of "All Along the Watchtower" and it works really well. If you've enjoyed his previous work, you won't be disappointed.

Bear McCreary does great work once again, for the Battlestar Galactica Plan/Razor cd. Loving the sax and the violins, his wife Raya and her beautiful voice. I hope that he keeps up all his great work.

This guy McCreary is outa sight. Best soundtrack music ever for a series or movie,all of the releases.

I have all of of the soundtrack music that Bear McCreary has written for Battlestar Galactica and I must say that this has some of the best music that he has written thus far.

Bear McCreary shows he is once again a master of modern orchestra music. Glad that the music from both of these BSG movie soundtracks were not relegated to a dusty shelf. If you relish listening to this music while you work, drive or sit at home and read, this soundtrack will add to hours of enjoyment. He even managed to include a live track from one of the Battlestar Galactica concerts last year, featuring Raya Yarbrough (soon to be Mrs. Bear McCreary) and her lovely voice. Bravo, Bear, on another great one!!

Bear McCreary said that songs on this album are a tribute to the fans as a way to end the series. This album truly represents just that. While there's not much here that you haven't heard before throughout the series ("Apocalypse" being the welcome and surprising exception), McCreary somehow manages to take everything you've heard before to the next level. In short, enjoying this music is bitter sweet in that it is simply delightful in spite of the fact that these may be the last notes by McCreary for a series that is no more.