Search - Various Artists :: Babylon 5

The grand opening of the Babylon series

05/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From late 1994 to 2001 Christopher Franke was extremely busy, slaving away almost every day a week, pretty much like in the mid-80s, when Edgar Froese dragged the band through layers of the soundtrack contracts' barb wire. The difference now being that Franke had now complete control over the music direction - there was no hard compromise to be obtained, no source of frustration other than that of the deadline. And deadlines he had, since in late 1994 he agreed to provide a musical background for the popular American TV series, "Babylon 5" - the space station soap opera with bits of action thrown in. Franke strictly cooperated with the director of the series, having engaged himself mentally in the project, something that never occurred to him throughout his career for one reason or another. For six years he delivered a steady stream of music, sometimes just good enough, but very often brilliant. The episode CDs are available separately, a plethora of half-an-hour CDs, with material slightly repetitive. To deliver absolutely the best to the listener, Sonic Images, Franke's own company marketing his albums, among other things - produced five compilations released between 1995 and 1999: "Babylon 5", "Messages From Earth", "In the Beginning", "Thirdspace", and "River of Souls". This CD is the first in the series, containing material from the 1994-1995 episodes. Fortunately, the album is not a mere compilation of "Babylon 5" tracks, most of which are very short. It's a fused fugue, and Franke spent much time recreating the atmosphere in a consistent manner, without unnecessary interruptions which once haunted his 1992 soundtrack release, "Universal Soldier". Therefore all five "compilation" albums from this series serve as standalone CDs, which can be listened to at will. The mood and atmosphere of the "Babylon 5" CDs has slightly evolved over time, with the first album (the only one without a useful subtitle) being the most differentiated and most interesting. Every minute of the album is packed full with themes, tunes, riffs, orchestral blasts - from beautiful, easygoing melodies, through the aggressive avant-garde - to classical, structured compositions. It's quite an exhaustive kind of music, since it requires substantial concentration, and on the other hand the sheer variability of the music contained herein makes the CD both interesting, and at the same a tad tiring. Unlike the softer albums of Tangerine Dream, Vangelis or Christopher Franke himself, "Babylon 5" is best devoured at large intervals. This said, I must say that I cannot imagine anyone who loves electronic music with a touch of orchestra - not having this CD in his collection."

Babylon 5 - The quieter early years.

obijokkenobi | Australia | 03/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD represents mainly music from the first season of the show. The main themes heard included the Requiem for the Line, one of the best pieces from the first season. Also included are snippets of themes used through out the first season. Ranging from quiet, emotional pieces to louder battle sections, Christopher Franke's music is journey of pure excitement. The second season is also represented with music from the first half of the season. A definate change in style can be heard, as the show began to get darker in tone and so the music matches the events of the show. With the first season only represented on this volume and the episodic CD "Chrysalis", I recommend this CD totally. Definately worth purchasing, even if your'e not a Babylon 5 fan."

Great Stuff

obijokkenobi | 08/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm A big B5 fan, so of course I had to buy this CD. Now, don't get me wrong, this is one hell of an awesome bit of music... but Chris has done better stuff. Epic, the Tenchi soundtrack, and Babylon 5 vol. 2 are better. The only thing that sets this one out is that it's more electronic than the others, and with that comes more "groovy." For those of you who love electronic stuff, but typical Techno is a bit much, buy this CD. Babylon 5 fans, buy this CD (unless you hated music from seasons 1 and 2- that's what this is)."