Conan the Barbarian (1982) - A brief soundtrack review

Not many people really equate Conan the Barbarian to class. But that is probably because they label it as a "Schwarzenegger vehicle", dismiss it as a movie "for guys who like movies" and move on. Oh, they don't know what they are missing! The outstanding soundtrack aside, it really is a very well-made movie.

I believe that the only movies I've watched with music composed by Basil Poledouris are Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer. I am not sure how much Schwarzenegger and the rest of the cast appreciated Basil's efforts after filming but the soundtrack is definitely one that even Crom, for once in his life, would bow to. For brevity, I have only listed the five tracks that I listen to most often.

5. Riddle of Steel/Riders of Doom

Watching the visuals when this track is played is sure to get the hair at the nape of your neck stand on end...and the prime reason why the opening sequences in Saving Private Ryan (1998) and Gladiator (2000) didn't impress me...as much as those two were very well-made movies indeed.



4. Theology/Civilization

I don't recall in which segment of the movie this track is played but many would feel that the sometimes cheerful nature of the track does not quite reflect the grit that is the rest of the movie.



3. The Atlantean Sword

I believe the pictures in this video are from Age of Conan, the PC game. This mostly brooding track conjures up visions of magic and sorcery more so than any other from the soundtrack. A third of the way into the track, there gathers a very strong feeling of melancholy. Overall there develops an impending sense of something significant in the air, a drastic change of sorts.



2. Theme (Anvil of Crom)

The theme is majestic, draws you in with gutsy, warmongering chords and winds down with a surprisingly serene sense of direction...reminiscent of a father who toils under the sun and, at the end of the day, comes home to play with his son. And the way the track switches back and forth between the booming bass of a horn and the feminine chorals of violins is simply fantastic!



1. The Orgy

In my opinion, the abolutely best piece of soundtrack ever recorded for a movie. 'nuff said!

The little gray sock

One night this past winter, I found a little gray sock in my laundry. I picked it up and gazed at it for a while. It must have been left behind in the dryer by a neighbor. I can't quite think of who it might belong to as almost everyone I know in my building is almost as tall or taller than me - I may or may not find that exciting - and the little gray sock looked like it belonged on a kid. Maybe one of my neighbors was visited by a young niece or nephew for a few days and the kid left behind the little gray sock. Anyway, dormant emotions came to the fore on seeing the little gray sock. So I composed a little poem...about the little fella.


The lonesome little fella...

Ah mi dear little gray sock,
Ye gave me quite a shock.
And as thee made mi gawk,
Mi realized that thee totally rock.

World Class Eggs

Do you like eggs?

Hi!

Well, try this "recipe" then:

1. First hard-boil your eggs. I use a steamer for this purpose.
2. Next, in low-medium heat, prepare a nonstick skillet with your choice of oil. I use 1/2 tbsp coconut oil for 4 eggs.
3. Once the oil heats up, throw in a bit of salt, freshly ground black pepper, turmeric and move the oil around until there is an almost uniform distribution of spices in the skillet. I use 1/4 tsp of turmeric and about the same of pepper.
4. Next place the eggs (with their shells removed) in the skillet. Keep moving and rotating the eggs around in the skillet to prevent any one area of the egg getting burnt. For ensuring a better application of oil and spices on the eggs, use your finger. And remember: its your finger! You can do what you want with it!
5. After 1.5 to 2 minutes or once the oil and spices have completely wrapped around the eggs, remove from the pan and serve. You might find that the thicker part of the egg has more oil and spices to it.

You could stop here...

Or you could take it a delicious step further!

This has got to make a healthy breakfast!