I'm currently watching Band of Brothers again on the BBC. I noticed now (haven't seen the series for a long time) that there isn't actually very much music in each episode. It seems that the soundtrack album (70 min.) is almost the complete score then if I'm correct. Anyone here knows how much is missing actually?
Great album and definitely one of my favorite Kamen scores. The only thing that's a pitty is that you can clearly hear it was recorded by different engineers on different locations. Seems like Kamen finsihed (composing / recording / mixing) all the episodes one by one before starting on a new one.
Never much rated the Die Hards, and Licence to Kill was, well, what it was, but Band of Brothers is a heart-felt and sustained work of excellence.
Tall Guy, your post reflects my own view on Kamen and Band of Brothers.
Always loved Suite Two:
Here's a (mostly) piano rendition of the BoB theme that I rather like:
I've always believed that Kamen's Band of Brothers builds on Williams' score for Saving Private Ryan (great score, though the film itself is a mixed affair for me), though I wonder if both scores take their cues* from another, earlier work(?)
Good to see an old thread been resurrected rather than a new one been started.
I was under the impression that Mr. Kamen wrote several hours of music for Band of Brothers and that the CD was just a taster. Am I wrong?
I've only watched the miniseries twice; when it debuted in 2001(!) and again last week. The album hits many of the dramatic high points and is a fine listen on its own. Having said that, it works beautifully within the series itself and like the best film music, knows when to "lay low" and let the other sounds and images do their stuff.
If there are any other cues that add to the onscreen experience but were not on the album, I hope anyone reading this will point them out.
Hey, I LOVE KAMEN and BAND OF BROTHERS! Hell, I'm playing his IRON GIANT score as I type. BUT! Everytime I comment in a thread, Bill shows up with some loony Star Wars pun to try and wigg me out. The guy won't stop goin on abbaaaarrrrr it! Kid's crazy! He's becoming (HA!) unhinged. Someone take him out for me!
Never much rated the Die Hards, and Licence to Kill was, well, what it was, but Band of Brothers is a heart-felt and sustained work of excellence.
Based on the tragic lack of posts in this thread, it would appear we are the enlightened minority among a bevy of "Die Hard" Michael Kamen fans.
This is definitely my most listened to Kamen score, second being The Dead Zone. I rewatched Band Of Brothers last year and both it and it's score remain, for me, a benchmark achievement. I would love to hear a two CD release as, though there may not be a wealth of additional themes, nevertheless Kamen puts his existing themes through so many variations that it deserves an expansion.
I don't have anything important to add, but I'll just add my voice to the chorus of praise for this great score. The Iron Giant is my personal favorite Kamen score, but I agree with the idea that Band of Brothers is actually his magnum opus. I would happily buy an expanded version.
This is definitely my most-listened to Kamen. A terrific score in the series, and a terrific album. As much as I enjoy it, I can't imagine I'd have any interest in an expansion – the album is a great presentation, and having recently re-watched the series with my sons, there wasn't a single piece of music in it that made me think "I wish this were on the album."
