Customer Reviews

Carnivāle (Soundtrack from the Original HBO Series)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As much as there is a certain resemblance in Jeff Beal's work for the music of the HBO Series "Carnivale" to the work of other top-notch composers such as James Newton-Howard or Howard Shore, I keep on being reminded more of the goth-based and medieval-sounding bands like Dead Can Dance as I go through the album. There is not a single weak spot in the entire 20 tracks.

All in all, comparisons aside, this is a fantastic and highly "visual" album, that can perfectly stand alone, but it also makes me want to see the series even more. If you enjoy this album, you will also like: "The Insider", "Baraka" and "Whale Rider".

Jeff Beal and his crew have created something very special; something which rises above the rest.

There has only been two other times in my 22 years of living, where I have listened to a cd all the through twice, then purchased it on the spot. This makes three.

Carnivale will take your mind on a deep journey of imagination, and if you are like me, a writer, you will quickly get the urge to spray your creations on the written page. It echoes with familiar tones with the likes of Thomas Newman (The Green Mile, Fried Green Tomatoes, The War) and no doubt fans of his will love this rising star. Jeff Beal is also known for his works on the tv show Monk and the soundtrack for "Pollock".

What a work of art this is. The sweeping, haunting, mood's in tune will last with you for quite a while. I have allowed several friends and family members to listen to it, causing them to immediately want their own copy.

Carnivale is a hidden treasure. It is never too dark, but never to light. A wonderful blend of imaginative fuel. ~saos~

The fact that Jeff Beal won an Emmy for his work in Carnivale speaks for itself. Carnivale has a superb storyline and fantastic acting, but the music is something that greatly attributes to the success of this show as well. Just like the series, the music sets the tone for an environment of depression and decay superbly. Jeff Beal has a talent for composing amazing music, haunting and beautiful. Some of the tunes still send chills down my spine, and I recall the scenes so very clearly. From the main title theme of Carnivale, Jeff Beal astounds us with music that represents the show...layered and eerie, good and bad, soothing and disturbing all at the same time. If you love Carnivale, this will make a nice addition to your collection, I believe that the show cannot be seperated from the music, thus making it a very worthwhile investment. Trust me on this.

Varese Records and HBO's acclaimed original new series "Carnivale", featuring the extremely entertaining score from Jeff Beal, inclusive with all the magic this talented composer can muster...takes place in the Heartland of America during the 1934 dust bowl...the 12 episode dramatic series illustrates the social havoc during the Great Depression.

The duties and task of composing a musical journey was given to Jeff Beal...his dark magical approach is a refreshing welcome with such cues as "CARNIVALE END TITLE(BEN'S THEME)", string instruments blend choral and brass brilliantly..."JUSTIN AT MR. CHIN'S(JUSTIN'S THEME)", impressive and impeccable capturing the moment and era of history..."LODZ AND BEN", creepy and emotionally gripping with outstanding orchestration..."WE CAN BE SAVED", mysterious interludes prevail with haunting overtones.

A "film-score-buffs" dream come true, with plenty of room to spare...highly addictive cues that will leave you wanting more of the same...hats off to Varese Records, Robert Townson (executive producer), Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman who composed and produced the "MAIN TITLE THEME", gets under your skin and stays there...this is a must have for all music collectors who can't get enough of top notch composing...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 60:07 on 26 Tracks ~ Varese Records 66627 ~ (12/14/2004)

This album is easily one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. The music is austere but deeply moving, in a way that effectively evokes what 1930s Dustbowl America must have felt like. I'd agree with other reviewers that not a single track misses the mark; I've owned the album for about a week and have listened to it repeatedly, and have yet to reach for the "Next Track" button on my CD player. Jeff Beale has done a great television series proud. I look forward to hearing more of his work in the future.

I'm slowly beginning to discover the talent that is Mr. Jeff Beal. I'm a major film/tv score fanatic, and I hadn't even recognized his name when I started watching the HBO series Carnivale in 2003. The score was... unbelievably haunting and mesmerizing from the get-go. By the end of the first episode, I was in love with the series *AND* the music. I even contacted HBO personally to try and find out if/when a CD would be released!

It finally is and I couldn't be happier. This soundtrack brilliantly encompasses the series, such as the aura of each of its engaging characters and pivotal milestone moments that make this series so enticing.

Even when Carnivale is long gone from television, I will always treasure this rare gem of a score. Two words: simply brilliant.

Week to week, the scoring on Carnivale simply amazes me. I've found myself bringing up old episodes on Tivo just so I could listen to the haunting themes that accompany - enhance - the dialogue on the show.

I know that this is "throwaway" incidental music for a TV show that only a few people watch, but I'm very grateful that it has been made available for those of us who have noticed just how marvelous it really is.

This soundtrack captures all the emotion and the tension and the passion of the series. This is what tides me over every week while I'm waiting for the next episode!!!!

What a great way to honor the haunting score by releasing it on CD. I've been looking all over for this! The familiar opening and ending music will draw you in. You can relax as the rest of the score floats through your subconscious. It's almost ambient, but so lyrical. I enjoy Beal's layering of themes and motifs... the rushing in and out of ideas... they flow over you like a slow fog on a early spring morning.

Carnivale is probably the best-underrated gems of the last ten years. Jeff Beal compliments this moody classic with a score than is riveting and heartfelt. I know that there is alot more music that the show has that the soundtrack does not so hopefully, there will be another soundtrack on the way.