What's on your soundtrack?

Music plays a big role for me when I'm writing as I'm sure it does for a lot of writers. Why not? A song is capturing a moment or feeling surrounding a story that is spoken in song lyrics. Plus, the added emotion that comes from the song may resonant within your own story. I usually just hit random on my Zen and listen to whatever comes across the headphones (occasionally skipping if the song just does feel right for the moment.) Before I had my mp3 player I'd listen to Radio365 cause they have internet stations that aren't too bad. I got into listening to a couple that just played soundtracks which worked great for inspirational screenwriting.


Thinking of soundtracks makes me wish I could have Howard Shore work out a soundtrack any movies I get made someday. His work on the Lord of the Rings was phenom. Basil Poledouris would have been another great choice however his composing days are done (he passed on Nov 6 last year but I still love The Hunt for the Red October and the Russian Hymn...) But while we're discussing make believe another good composer would be John Barry.

Dancing with Wolves was further enhanced by Barry's work ( I have the CD also...one of the remnants I took of my sister who passed away October 2001. It was only fitting since she and I shared the love for good music.)

I definitely have other composers I would have loved or would love to work with some day...until then I just have to let their stuff inspire me now.

Any thoughts on music that inspires what you're writing?

A List of the Best (and Worst) Battle Scenes

A couple weeks ago, I ran across an article at CNN discussing the best and ultimately worst battle scenes in movies. I'd have to agree with most. Interesting how any Star Wars battles--prequel or original--are quashed among the worst. But, what about the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back? Definitely, should have been considered in the top 10, I think.
One interesting note though is the fact of having battle scenes from real wars with Saving Private Ryan and Apocalypse Now (somewhat specific in scene and location i.e Omaha Beach D-Day and displayed in all its' beautiful horror as well as to be expected from Spielberg) except Apocalypse Now didn't rely on specifics just like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket didn't either (but those two didn't make the list) and from fantastical wars of the Lord of the Rings (which could fudge specific details for spectacle.) getting the top honors. CNN made AN the No 1 best battle scene which I don't know if I agree with totally. I think SPR should be No. 1 because it presented a true story with unflinching detail and threw the viewer into the character's world right from the start.
The article is a nice piece of fluff which can lead to some interesting discussion. Any battle scenes that you thought might be missing or off the map on the list?