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Faramicos
Senior Scribe
Denmark
468 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 11:00:52
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I spend alot of time in my preparation for a session on planning which music i want to use during the session... Music is a great addition to a session and can realy "dot the I" and make a session perfect...
What are your experiences with music in the sessions...?
Can you recomend any certain tracks?
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"When dragons make war, worlds can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings" |
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Anthor The Unforgiver
Acolyte
Turkey
15 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 11:25:14
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Songs of Blind Guardian could be useful |
The gods may forgive you, BUT I WON`T
My name is Anthoriavalas, but people call me Anthor. |
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Forge
Learned Scribe
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 13:53:18
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Methinks a mix of soundtracks between Conan, Star Wars, and sundry other scores plays at most of our games. I've been known to cue up some of the more rousting tracks from Robin Hood: PoT and Last of the Mohicans for certain parties... |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 14:51:46
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quote: Originally posted by Faramicos
I spend alot of time in my preparation for a session on planning which music i want to use during the session... Music is a great addition to a session and can realy "dot the I" and make a session perfect...
What are your experiences with music in the sessions...?
Can you recomend any certain tracks?
All I will say on the matter is... keep an eye out for the next issue of the Compendium. The question of music will receive some rather specialised treatment .
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Fletcher
Learned Scribe
USA
299 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 16:14:27
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I found that in addition to the above music, that the soundtrack to "Last of the Mohicans" was a great addition.
Depending on mood there is Enya or Loreena McKinnett. And you know those CD's of forest sounds, night sounds, and ocean sounds you get to help people relaxe during massages? Those are great too. |
Run faster! The Kobolds are catching up! |
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Sadonayerah Odrydin
Learned Scribe
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 20:15:31
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If I'm remembering correctly, there was an old scroll of this sort floating around....
But my DnD/FR groups listen to pretty much any kind of music. Most of the time it's either hard rock or some kind of instrumental stuff. Things like Linkin Park, Lifehouse, um... there's a Finnish (sp?) group that my friend Nick got me hooked on. I can't remember the name right now, but it's some very good music. Creed is good too, maybe some Trapt. We also listen to the radio a little bit.
For us it really depends on what kind of music we like and what we can all agree on. |
"What's that," asked Mogget. "Sardines," said Sam. "I knew they were standard rations, so I got a few tins for you." "What are sardines?" Moggest asked suspiciously. "And why is there a key? Is this some sort of Abhorsen joke?" Abhorsen by Garth Nix
"What you made a vampire...Pomeranian?!" --Hannibal King from Blade Trinity
~Sadie |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 20:25:46
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Authentic Realms music: Renaissance dance airs, etc.
Don't familiar movie themes and pop/rock songs evoke our-world recognition and break the spell? Isn't metal both culturally out of place for the Realms and, played at any decent volume, prohibitive to talk over? |
Edited by - Faraer on 07 Jul 2005 20:26:25 |
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DDH_101
Master of Realmslore
Canada
1272 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 20:47:16
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The Gladiator soundtrack isn't too shabby... |
"Trust in the shadows, for the bright way makes you an easy target." -Mask |
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Alaundo
Head Moderator
United Kingdom
5695 Posts |
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Vangelor
Learned Scribe
USA
183 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 00:28:41
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I usually leave choice of music (if any) to my players, and often we do not have any. Renaissance airs may set the mood for some folks, but I have the mixed blessing and curse of working at renn faires for a living, and hence what that music says to me is "I am at work"! Since my regular players are my co-workers (two day work-weeks are our big perk!), we tend to avoid anything in period. Nor are we apt to wear costumes while gaming.
Conan does have a great soundtrack - I can really see that setting a mood. I have not put much thought into music. I will have to talk with my players about it. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 02:48:53
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quote: Originally posted by The Sage
All I will say on the matter is...
Okay, so I'm going to say a little more .
I mostly utilise classical compositions for a musical background during my gaming sessions. Baroque and early-to-mid Renaissance pieces often work just as well, as do the more militant stylings of Austrian and German composers -- namely Mahler and Wagner. Their particular late period works often punctuate many combat sequences in my campaigns, but not always. Simple flute and cello movements can work just as well to set the tone for quick and emotive battle scenes, especially in woodland areas.
I often like to match the particular music for each gaming session with the major environmental type that the PCs will be experiencing during the adventure, so I don't usually stay within the same bounds of what defines "classical" period music. For example, I've even used some of the early Azerbaijani musical pieces, some of which were written during the late 10th century for Calimshan-based adventures. To add to the cultural depth, I once managed to find a reconstruction of a kamánche, which allowed me the ability to accompany our adventures with Azerbaijani music by playing a few strings on my own during the game . The fact that my character was a bard also greatly helped...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Sadonayerah Odrydin
Learned Scribe
USA
210 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 05:20:16
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quote: Originally posted by Alaundo
Well met
Thou art quite correct, Sadonayerah. I was searching for this earlier today when I saw this particular scroll. I'm surprised ye remembered
Here are a couple of scrolls on this subject....
Music During the Game Suitable Music
*laughs* I'm kind of surprised I remembered it too, Alaundo. But thanks for finding that scroll. |
"What's that," asked Mogget. "Sardines," said Sam. "I knew they were standard rations, so I got a few tins for you." "What are sardines?" Moggest asked suspiciously. "And why is there a key? Is this some sort of Abhorsen joke?" Abhorsen by Garth Nix
"What you made a vampire...Pomeranian?!" --Hannibal King from Blade Trinity
~Sadie |
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KnightErrantJR
Great Reader
USA
5402 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 05:54:38
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I've always liked Wagner, and I really like the music handily compiled on the Icewind Dale music CD that came with the collector's edition. I rarely actually play music during gameplay though, becuase I have a hard time switching from "background" to "action." I don't think period music from movies hurts the suspension of disbeleif (i.e. music from LOTR, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Gladiator) but if the music is recognizable from a different genre it might be a little difficult to keep your head in the game (for example, the Star Wars soundtracks).
I can't play modern music though, becuase that just reminds me of the horrid wreck of a psuedo period piece that was "A Knight's Tale." Queen and David Bowie, not just played, but SUNG AND DANCED TO BY CHARACTERS IN THE MOVIE, was just a bit much. |
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Thelonius
Senior Scribe
Spain
730 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 08:23:57
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Try the LOTR soundtrack, a perfect choice... |
"If you are to truly understand, then you will need the contrast, not adherence to a single ideal." - Kreia "I THINK I JUST HAD ANOTHER NEAR-RINCEWIND EXPERIENCE"- Discworld's Death frustrated after Rincewind scapes his grasp... again. "I am death, come for thee" - Nimbul, from Baldur's Gate I just before being badly spanked Sapientia sola libertas est |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 09:04:28
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I find music quite distracting. Especially if you just let the CD run and don't control the tracks as it can alter the mood and setting if the wrong pace of track is played. Classical music obviously works best and Lord of the Rings is a great example. The Dungeons and Dragons CD from Midnight Syndicate also contains some great music for the game. The only one I have which I use is one I picked up from English Heritage which is traditional mediaeval music played on lutes, lyre's etc. Just perfect for tavern scenes etc. |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Faramicos
Senior Scribe
Denmark
468 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 20:15:00
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I have found some songs by Blind Guardian, but most of it belong in the metal genre... Can you please be more precise about which tracks are suitable for RPG... |
"When dragons make war, worlds can only tremble in the shadow of angry wings" |
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Gray Richardson
Master of Realmslore
USA
1291 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 00:53:22
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I have several "mix" CD's for gaming that I put into the player on random and turn down low so that it is audible in the background but does not intrude too much into game play.
My CD's contain mostly movie soundtrack tunes. My favorite pieces are from: Conan, Lord of the Rings, Willow, Indiana Jones (anything John Williams, really). And several other fantasy/scifi/adventure themes. I am particularly fond of the soudtrack from Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow, lately--it is a fantastic score! I also have some Wagner pieces, select Holst's Planets, and a couple of the good songs from Carmina Burana.
Midnight Syndicate's Official D&D Soundtrack is pretty decent.
Also, the Eberron City of Sharn sourcebook comes with a very nice CD in the back that serves admirably for gaming. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 04:18:45
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quote: Originally posted by Gray Richardson
...(anything John Williams, really)...
The soundtrack for Episode III works particularly well with "epic" portions of campaigns (note I mean "epic" in terms of grand stories, not Epic class PCs).
quote: I am particularly fond of the soudtrack from Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow, lately--it is a fantastic score!
I can't argue with that suggestion either. Most of the music from that soundtrack has worked to set the tone in the Lady K's Eberron campaign.
quote: I also have some Wagner pieces...
Wagner's works always feature at some point in most of my gaming sessions, even if it is just to precede a major battle.
quote: ...select Holst's Planets...
I've used most of The Planets during my SJ campaigns. They make great background music, especially when the PCs have to "experience" a long journey through the Flow or in Wildspace.
quote: ...and a couple of the good songs from Carmina Burana.
I prefer Orff's Trionfo di Afrodite. There was a Sunite PC in one of my campaigns a few years back who insisted on having this work play constantly whenever adventure scenes occured in or near the House of Beauty in Waterdeep.
quote: Also, the Eberron City of Sharn sourcebook comes with a very nice CD in the back that serves admirably for gaming.
Strangely, I haven't used this CD in a campaign yet. I think I waiting for when my EB campaign finally reaches the City of Towers.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
Edited by - The Sage on 09 Jul 2005 04:21:28 |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 19:19:23
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Well met!
In my gaming group we have used mostly movie soundtracks for background music. The most popular ones have been 'The Rock', 'Gladiator', 'Straship troopers', Clannad, all LOTR cds, 'The Last Samurai','Planescape: Torment' etcetera. We use different music for different occasions (You just can't beat the 'Klendathu drop'-track from 'Starship troopers' as combat music ;)
We have tried using rock and melodic metal, but in my experience instrumental music works best, and really helps me to get in the mood. To me it just gives some 'extra oomph'to roleplaying my character |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then." -- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Kaladorm
Master of Realmslore
United Kingdom
1176 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jul 2005 : 19:30:48
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Midnight Syndicate is pretty good, as are most soundtracks (aside from teen flicks).
I think its hard to get the exact mood right if in one session you expect to have action, deep plots, diplomacy, and a mixture of settings. With different things going on its hard to set the scene with one set of music.
Personally we just have music on in the background for fun rather than to set the scene, though I think its a great idea to have a piece of music as 'entry' music (e.g. start of the campaign, entrance into the dungeon, going into town) as well as 'point' music (quest completed, dragon sighted etc) |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2005 : 07:11:43
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I chose to resurrect this scroll because: A) It's the most recent. B) There are some specific points in here I'd like to address.
quote: Originally posted by Fletcher
I found that in addition to the above music, that the soundtrack to "Last of the Mohicans" was a great addition.
Depending on mood there is Enya or Loreena McKinnett. And you know those CD's of forest sounds, night sounds, and ocean sounds you get to help people relaxe during massages? Those are great too.
Don't just stop at Enya and Solitudes CDs-go out and do a bit of looking at ambient/ambient pop. Delerium is an *excellent* starting place-especially their earlier catalogue. There's nothing like Fragments of Fear for a darkened horrific encounter or area.
quote: Originally posted by Sadonayerah Odrydin
If I'm remembering correctly, there was an old scroll of this sort floating around....
But my DnD/FR groups listen to pretty much any kind of music. Most of the time it's either hard rock or some kind of instrumental stuff. Things like Linkin Park, Lifehouse, um... there's a Finnish (sp?) group that my friend Nick got me hooked on. I can't remember the name right now, but it's some very good music. Creed is good too, maybe some Trapt. We also listen to the radio a little bit.
For us it really depends on what kind of music we like and what we can all agree on.
The spelling of Finnish is correct-based upon what else you're listening to, maybe HIM or Nightwish?(I doubt it would be anything harder, like Children of Bodom or Sinergy)
quote: Originally posted by Faraer Isn't metal both culturally out of place for the Realms and, played at any decent volume, prohibitive to talk over?
Possibly no, and no. The sort of metal you want for a D&D game isn't mainstream in North America-most metalcore/swisscore/mallcore is completely inappropriate(the only exception I can think of is Chimaira's Implements of Destruction, offhand.) You need to go farther-and you're mainly looking for instrumental tracks from goth metal, melodic death metal, and black metal, and then battle music from power metal. Songs like Cradle of Filth's Creatures That Kissed In Cold Mirrors or an Autumn selection or two sound perfect and are mostly done using setting-appropriate instruments, and in the rush of battle, a Manowar song or two can really put the finishing touches on the feeling, especially if you pick one with very appropriate lyrics.
quote: Originally posted by DDH_101
The Gladiator soundtrack isn't too shabby...
If you're enjoying that, seek out Gerrard's extended catalogue, especially with Dead Can Dance(who, for the note, put on an atrocious live concert). Songs like Summoning Of The Muse and As The Bell Rings The Maypole Spins can give you music for a lot of things you'd wished you'd had sound effects for before.
I tossed both the D&D soundtrack and the Sharn CD-both sounded really talentless to my ears and neither provided good music for my games.
If I was to recommend 5 releases for use in a D&D game, it would be these five: 1)Delerium's Archives, Vol. 1 2)Delerium's Archives, Vol. 2 3)Nightwish's Wish I Had An Angel single(just for the instrumental version of Ghost Love Score) 4)Dead Can Dance's Wake 5)Manowar's Warriors of the World
Bonus suggestions: Frontline Assembly's Complete Total Terror, anything by Boards of Canada, Delerium's Semantic Spaces, Porcupine Tree's The Sky Moved Sideways, Moby's ambient work, Tangerine Dream, the Xenosaga II soundtrack, Cinematic Orchestra's soundtrack to The Man With A Movie Camera |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2005 : 11:14:27
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Shoot, my wife and I have 100 CDs set aside for gaming music.
Our music entails Dead Can Dance, LotR soundtracks, Amethystium, Lesiem, Cusco, Midnight Syndicate, Anime soundtracks, Star Wars (though only for SW), PSX/2 Game soundtracks, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Rock, Conan, Kull the Conquerer, and a whole lot of others. We have also composed our own CD of Battle Music, taken from all battle songs from FFVII-FFX, plus Xenogears.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Crennen FaerieBane
Master of Realmslore
USA
1378 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2005 : 11:16:04
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Arivia, how does Delerium sound? Is it more ambient? I am looking for a more peaceful ambient track for some sessions in my games.
C-Fb |
Still rockin' the Fey'ri style. |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2005 : 11:24:07
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quote: Originally posted by CrennenFaerieBane
Arivia, how does Delerium sound? Is it more ambient? I am looking for a more peaceful ambient track for some sessions in my games.
C-Fb
Let's just put it this way:
Yes, early Delerium is very ambient.
Late Delerium-they sampled Dead Can Dance and a friend of mine once said: "Hey, those guys sound cool...have you ever heard of Amethystium? They're a lot alike."
The dividing line between early and late Delerium is the album Semantic Spaces.
If you're looking for ambient music for traveling scenes, find a copy of Moby's Animal Rights or Mobysongs-there's a song called Alone on them, which is just perfect ambient music for traveling scenes. |
Edited by - Arivia on 07 Oct 2005 11:24:33 |
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Kianna
Learned Scribe
USA
155 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2005 : 14:22:20
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And lets forget the all important battle CD. You have to have music for battles. We use a CD compiled of all the battle music from the FF video games.
Very nice. |
Huzzah! |
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Julian Grimm
Seeker
86 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2005 : 19:54:59
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quote: Things like Linkin Park, Lifehouse, um... there's a Finnish (sp?) group that my friend Nick got me hooked on. I can't remember the name right now,
Battlelore? |
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Elrond Half Elven
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
322 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2005 : 19:35:27
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All about Eve: A Celtic/gothic band, you might need to search around for suitable songs; try the song Martha's Harbour Angra: A Brazilian Power Metal band who (at least lately) use a varied amount instruments. Listen to their Temple of Shadows album in particular (indecently they're awesome live ) Apocalyptica: a more unorthodox metal band comprising of 4 chelloist. I recommend that you go for their earlier albums, as there are little or no vocals on these (Also stay away from their album of Metallica covers, unless of course you want your players singing along...) Clannad: An Irish Celtic/pop band that features Enya (at least in some albums) and her sister, again you might need to listen to allot of their material to select the songs which are best for you. Runrig: A Scottish band, they play traditional/Celtic/rock music. I'd recommended that you give them a listen to especially if you like Celtic music and would like to hear something slightly different.
And of Course...Hans Zimmer: Everyone’s favourite movie soundtrack writer! The last Samurai, Gladiator and King Arthur Need I say any more?
Arivia: I'd agree that Ghost love score is a good choice, but I'd also recommend quite a large portion of Nightwish's back catalogue, including The carpenter, Astral Romance, Know Why The Nightingale Sings, Nymphomaniac Fantasia and Lappi (All from their first album Angels fall first. Devil And The Deep Dark Ocean, Passion And The Opera, Riddler, Pharaoh Sails To Orion and Sleeping Sun (From their second album Oceanborn).
Hope this helps at least someone!
Hanx Elrond
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Once upon a midnight dreary, while i pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- While i nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. -The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2005 : 21:24:07
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quote: Originally posted by Elrond Half Elven Apocalyptica: a more unorthodox metal band comprising of 4 chelloist. I recommend that you go for their earlier albums, as there are little or no vocals on these (Also stay away from their album of Metallica covers, unless of course you want your players singing along...)
Should have remembered them...
quote:
Arivia: I'd agree that Ghost love score is a good choice, but I'd also recommend quite a large portion of Nightwish's back catalogue, including The carpenter, Astral Romance, Know Why The Nightingale Sings, Nymphomaniac Fantasia and Lappi (All from their first album Angels fall first. Devil And The Deep Dark Ocean, Passion And The Opera, Riddler, Pharaoh Sails To Orion and Sleeping Sun (From their second album Oceanborn).
I was specifically mentioning the instrumental version of Ghost Love Score because it's that-an instrumental, so you won't have players singing along. |
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Thysl
Seeker
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2005 : 23:21:46
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I like the Cronos Quartet for a general 'not of this world' feel, especially their album Early Music for fantasy. I generally stray away from video game soundtracks becuase they always evoke the ANGER I experienced trying to beat the damn thing, exceptions are the World of Warcraft, Myst and Legacy of Kain 2: Soul Reaver soundtracks. Occasionally I will bust out a mixed CD of various Carmena Berana(sp) themes and Latin hymns (Chorlotte Church's Ave Maria will make the hardest heart break, I swear to God). Anyhow Thysl in Silver
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There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. --Carl Jung |
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Elrond Half Elven
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
322 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2005 : 15:02:57
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Unfortunetly your not the only one who forgot about Apocalyptic it seems- I missed seeing them at Download this year. I was slightly worse for wear and fell asleep missing both Apocalyptica and Megadeth. Alas atleast I seen everyone else I wished to.
I'd agree with the instrumental Ghosts love score, however Lappi for example is sung entirely in Finnish (If I recall correctly) and personally I feel this would add a mystic element to the atmosphere. (Only because none of my players can speak finnish... that said niether can I).
Thysl; Good point about the video games, those groups with alot a video gamers should stay away from the sound tracks. However For people like me (Who rarely complete computer games- Except from the Snes Zelda oh and Half life) they're a great resource. I own BG 1, 2 Icewind Dale, and NWN I've all extracted the ambience sound tracks and uses these.
Hanx Elrond |
Once upon a midnight dreary, while i pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- While i nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. -The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe |
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Xysma
Master of Realmslore
USA
1089 Posts |
Posted - 11 Oct 2005 : 15:57:41
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Great stuff so far, here's a few more for the mix. For dungeons crawls or battle, Crash Worship's Asesinos is absolutely perfect. Bathory is another of my favorites, particularly Hammerheart and Nordland I. Caravans to Empire Algol by Neptune Towers is great for ambience. Enemy of the Sun by Neurosis is also good for dungeons, but not as good as Crash Worship. Of course, the 13th Warrior and Conan soundtracks are always nice. |
War to slay, not to fight long and glorious. Aermhar of the Tangletrees Year of the Hooded Falcon
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Check out my custom action figures, hand-painted miniatures, gaming products, and other stuff on eBay.
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Edited by - Xysma on 11 Oct 2005 16:00:43 |
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