Customer Reviews

Xena: Warrior Princess - Original Television Soundtrack, Volume Two

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Xena: Warrior Princess--Volume 2" is an excellent follow up to the first CD of music from the popular television series. Composer Joseph LoDuca has produced music which maintains the distinctive style he established for the series: exotic, tribal, female-powered music with a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean flavor. But on this CD LoDuca widens his musical range, even including some delightful comic material.

The CD begins with the familiar (but still thrilling!) main title music, and moves on to a marvelous selection of new pieces. Highlights include the haunting, melancholy "At Mother's Tomb"; "Sword Play," with its excellent percussion effects; and "Homeland," which makes great use of female vocals (both solo and group).

Some of the more colorful tracks include "Stowaway," which incorporates Celtic-sounding elements; "Solstice Night," a lullaby-like song which employs a children's chorus to impressive effect; and "More Fun and Games/Feather Fight," which includes musical parodies of both Italian western movie music and a popular Christmas carol. And of course, there is the delightful "Ballad of Joxer the Mighty," a parodic gem with a Monty Pythonesque flavor. Sample lyrics to "Joxer": "Joxer the mighty, he's very tidy / Everyone admires him; he's so handsome it's a sin."

This CD demonstrates that Joseph LoDuca is one of television's most innovative and talented composers. Diverse and rewarding, "Xena--Volume 2" is an essential disc for those interested in the art of fantasy/adventure music.

Though not as wall to wall brilliant as the first compilation, this one has some music not to be missed!

For one, track #2. Such sadness and beauty, melancholy and comfort. I can't hear this track enough!

Then on to track 3! LoDuca storms the heavens with his choral comps and arrangements with the orchestra!

Track 4! This man reminds me so much of Williams. This track evokes memories of the second Indy movie (Temple of Doom). Relentless, serious horns and the insistent ride cymbal.

There really is so much genius in this edition as well. Oddly, the only one I didn't really care for is the most popular cut: Joxer's song. Don't get me wrong, it's enjoyable, but it doesn't have the power and beauty of many of the other cuts on the album that I like to listen to. As a composer, Joxer's ballad isn't his magnum opus obviously, but it's a fun one. Xenites should enjoy it.

But, my God, man! Some one in Hollywood start using this man in movies! With so many potential heir apparents to Williams, this man is not even mentioned? Travesty.

Okay, one more track I have to mention. #7. The man can use percussion like I've only heard Williams and McNeely. Probably better. And track 11. A rousing use of meter change and bagpipes and -- of course -- percussion.

For the love of God: GET THE CD!

Mr. LoDuca has done an excellent job with this CD for Xena fans alike to enjoy. I have Xena Volume 6 and that is all I ever listen to now, but now I can listen to a different variety. Every single song from Main Title to Imposter is just great and done exquisetly. It has a fantastic variety from Season 2 and I especially like Caipoera Fight because it reminds me of the episode Destiny and when Xena and Velasca fight on the ropes for the Ambrosia. I would recommend this to anybody even if they don't like the television show they would definetly like this CD. I would also recommend this to any die hard Xena fan as well.

I'm a fan of good TV / Movie scores. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Trevor Rabin's work. In between that, the Xena soundtracks by Joseph LoDuca has been keeping me entertained. He has a style / sound all his own. The success of Xena Warrior Princess not only comes from the talented people who were in front and behind the camera, but also to Joseph LoDuca whose music was as important to the show as anything else. And now that the show ended it's run, what a better way to relive one of the most original programs to come to TV in a while, than to play this, and the other CD's in the Xena Warrior Princess collection.

In closing I would like to say that I believe that composers who work in film like Joseph LoDuca, Trevor Rabin, and John Williams, just to name a few, are really the Beethoven's of modern times.

Gary Brown Houston, TX.

The sequel volume to number 1. Unfortunately most of the tracks are not as catchy or memorable as the first album. Perhaps LoDuca should have waited until there was more material available. Possibly the highlight is the Joxer Song (ug!), this time wothout the sound effects and oohing and ahhing, or whatever the damsels were doing....

Vol. 2 is as good as vol. 1 and provides more of Joseph LoDuca's excellent song style. It gives a thrilling glimpse into the stories of Xena. Also, check out the cd from the Bittersuite musical episode that showed this past season.

I think it would be helpful if you listed all the songs on the CD so people will know what they are getting. And a audio allowing people to listen to a sample of the songs also would help.

I LOVE THIS CD! I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO LIKES DIFFERENT MUSIC WHICH WOULD INCLUDE DRUMS AND CHANTING, ORCHESTRA PEICES, WOODEN FLUTE PEICES AND EERY YET WONDERFUL MUSIC. A GREAT MUSICAL JOURNEY.

This soundtrack really influences the mood you are in. Squeal makes me feel very energetic, whereas songs from Destiny make me feel depressed.

LoDuca has done it again! This soundtrack is as captivating as the first. The music allows you to see the episodes as you listen.