The Epitome of Haunting - Being a huge fan of THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD (both the novel and the film) I had to complete the trifecta by purchasing the original motion picture soundtrack. And just like the book and movie, this soundtrack doesn t disappoint. Kudos to composers Nick Cave and Warren Ellis for a haunting, moving, ultimately fulfilling score.This music so vividly sets the tone for the film--it sets the tone for the troubling times of post-Civil War Americana. Cave and Ellis have captured the essence of the demise of legendary outlaw Jesse James with their artistic mixture of acoustics, strings, piano. The result is a sound both mesmerizing and haunting--mournful as it is moving. Three of my favorite tracks include Rather Lovely Thing , Song for Jesse , and the very stirring, climactic Song for Bob . I usually don t get into motion picture soundtracks, as they have a tendency to be exercises in tedious redundancy, yet I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. One word of caution, however: Due to the very melancholy nature of THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD, I wouldn t recommend listening to this CD if one is a tad depressed or despondent. Yep, it s that haunting.--D. Mikels, Author, The Reckoning
Nick Cave troubadour song left out? - There is no Nick Cave singing on this album. Typical of a film score as far as in that it is cinematic mood music. Contains traces of Nick Cave s carneyesque influence which interestingly enough is a perfect fit with the musical mood of the time period---the music of the carney mimics the 3/4 time of the waltz. However, it is inexcusable that Cave s troubadour song about Bob Ford at the end of the film isn t included in the soundtrack! Thus the four stars.
One of the best soundtracks ever - I suppose technically it s to the soundtrack s detriment to say that I was continually in awe of the score while I was watching the movie. I have always heard that the best soundtracks supplement and enhance the movie without drawing your attention to it.Well forget that. This is only the 4th soundtrack I ve purchased (after The Truman Show, The Lion King, Everything is Illuminated, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy). I have chosen these because they are enjoyable and interesting even without a movie to go along with them. I m not going to put on the Star Wars theme while I work or relax, regardless of John Williams undeniable mastery.Though I like all the tracks (maybe not so much Cowgirl), I have to draw special attention to Song for Bob. It is just moving. Buy it alone if for some reason you refuse to buy the album.
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis hit it out of the park - This stunningly realized score from Nick Cave is one of the most emotionally gripping music pieces I have listened to. The style is similar in atmosphere to Adaggio for Strings (The Music used in Platoon) the Jesse James score is more reflective though. The string arrangement mixed with light orchestration, piano, and sparse but effective percussion makes for a tremendously beautiful and cathartic experience. Be sure to listen to this on your biggest speakers.Also, if you are trying to introduce someone to Orchestrated music, this is an excellent starter, sure to grip the first time listener with emotion. Seeing the movie is not necessary, as the instruments paint the images necessary to feel the full force of the story. The movie was good, but score is even more entrancing.
Question - Can someone explain to me what the difference is between the CD released in 2007 and the import released in 2008 aside from the price? They have the same songs.