Great Links: New TOS Theme, Fans At Home, Trek Being Blamed, A Picard Song and more July 16, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Great Links , trackback
The Great Links has found some real fun stuff for you all this week starting off with a new version of the Star Trek theme made by movie insider. Plus we have a photo exhibit of fans in their homes, Buzz Aldrin blaming Trek, a look at the buzz for the new Star Trek movie, some more lists and a song dedicated to Picard. Enter the Link below.
Composer sees new Star Trek footage – inspired to create new TOS theme
Visual effects artist and composer Mike Verta was visiting at ILM last month and happened to see some of the effects work on JJ Abrams new Star Trek feature (he is not working Trek). He was inspired by the visuals to create a new version of the classic Alexander Courage theme which he posted on his website. It is a very interesting take. Verta tells TrekMovie:
This was a speed-writing exercise, inspired by a recent visit to ILM where I happened to see Star Trek being worked on. I’d heard they were going to use the original series theme for the movie – that can be tricky, because it’s extremely club-lounge-like and dated sounding, especially to the uninitiated – so I wanted to take a shot at re-imagining it for a modern palette. I had 3 goals: 1) Use the original melody, 2) Make it feel like it belongs to the "family" of Star Trek movie themes and 3) Make it youthful and adventurous, to reflect the characters as seen in Star Trek.
Listen to Mike Verta’s take on the Trek theme
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Trekkies in natural habitat
Photographer Steve Schofield has been taking pictures of British sci-fi fans in their homes, including many Trek fans. The photographer tells NeatORama his ‘Land of the Free’ project is "exploring the fascination that the British public has with American popular culture and the sub-cultural world of fandom." Go to steveshofield.co.uk for the full gallery.
TrekMovie.com readers? (if on the left…call me)
Quote of the week
I blame the fantastic and unbelievable shows about space flight and rocket ships that are on today. All the shows where they beam people around and things like that have made young people think that that is what the space program should be doing. It’s not realistic.
- Second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin
on why there is a loss of interest in real life science [SciFi Wire]
Picture of the week: mmm Trek Cake
Flickr member AnnaWhite has this photo from Sam and Dave’s wedding, and one of them is a Trekkie.
Trek looks tasty
Video of the week: WWPD
In less than a week vlogger (and founder of the NerdFighters social network) Hank Green’s new song "What Would Picard Do" has over 40,000 views on YouTube…and it’s pretty good and just in time for Patrick Stewart’s b’day.
Star Trek Movie Buzz Watch
A new feature of Great Links (which may grow up some day and be its own column), where we keep track of what people are saying about the new Star Trek movie. This week we have two sites ranking the new Trek:
- Hypeful.com ranks JJ Abrams Star Trek 11th on their 20 most anticipated films [note: image Hypeful uses was originally posted at TrekMovie.com]
- io9 grades the film an 8 out of 10 on their pre-spoiled meter for their latest Spoiler Forecast.
QuickLinks
- TVSquad takes a look at Captain Kirk’s top 5 women
- Khan Noonien Singh ranks 24th on Moviephone’s Best Movie Villains list.
- In naming the top ten best fan bases in the NFL, The Bleacher Report names Oakland Raider fans, noting "Dressed more for a Star Trek convention than a football game, Raiders fans have fallen on tough times…".
Skulls, Giant hand, painted face, spiky armor…and a Sombrero…yep
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Comments»
That was an interesting take on the theme by Mike Verta. Obviously he’s under lock-and-key about discussing details of the new old Enterprise. But if they do use the original theme from the television series, I think some more orchestral arrangement like the one Verta throws out there could be good. I’d like to hear a version akin to John Williams’ “Summon The Heroes” with the Trek theme weaved in.
But what do I know? I’m a commenter, dammint, not a music composer!
Mike Verta’s take is somewhat reminiscent of Leonard Rosenman’s take at the end of Star Trek IV as the Enterprise-A is departing spacedock.
Rosenman’s is a very breif take, though.
Mike,
Your keyboard has some nice samples. Especially the lower brass. Nice work.
LOVE Mike Verta’s Star Trek theme!
I always wondered what John Williams’ take on Trek would be! :) Awesome job, Mike.
Ah, silly me. Verta is somebody real in the business. And he gets to work with the legend, Malcolm McNab. What a warrior he is. I’d love to have those players to work with. Lucky man. You go Mike.
That music made me think of the Interplay Starfleet Academy game.
Well, whoever is actually scoring Star Trek now has their work REALLY cvut out for them. They have to top Verta.
I like that theme music, very upbeat without being campy.
love the theme tune ,very talented, sensitive rendering…BRAVO..!!
Those pics of the Brits are both funny and disturbing at the same time. Although I gotta give credit to the Picard impersonator.
I liked the theme music. It had a classic feel and at the same time a moderen feel. The Music of trek is almost as inportant as the show it self and i hope that the music in the movie is as good if not better then this. But if it is as good as this then there will be a lot of cds sold on the music of the new Star Trek Movie.
[...] song, slightly less disco Posted in July 16th, 2008 by JM Bell in Shatner From my fellow geeks at TrekMovie.com: Composer sees new Star Trek footage – inspired to create new TOS theme Visual effects artist and [...]
Interesting, but not my cup of tea. Too fast paced, at least in the opening, with too many brass flourishes IMO.
As odd as it sounds, I actually think the TAS theme is better than the TOS theme… and I am SURE I am in the minority on that one. Just the same, I’d love to hear a take on the TAS theme for the movie theme (though I know we won’t get one).
Rob+
The theme was way too happy. Trek needs a darker theme imho.
Wow, I can see that theme roll on the end credits! or at the beginning of the film, either way, it was damn good.
That theme seems somewhat BSG-TOS in a way. In a good way.
Honestly, I prefer it to the version used in the ’60s.
(Ducks behind a bulkhead and calls for an emergency beam-out.)
The original 60’s versions of the theme are untouchable classics. “Club-lounge-like” indeed.
It’s like saying John Williams’ SW theme has “too many notes.”
Video is already unavailable on the picard song? Hmmm, i swear i read an article somewhere the other day where Mashups are possibly not copyright violation…
Anyone know?
When my wife and I entered the reception on our wedding day, we used the Disco version of the Star Trek theme as the entrance music. During the buildup, the wedding party was introduced, and then at the trumpet note that begins the main body of the theme, we came in.
There was a lot of clapping, a few people who were a bit puzzled, and a LOT of groans.
It was our day :)
Rob+
Anthony- You want the Mirror Universe chick above to call you? I am hurt – my costume is better and I show more bellybutton.
This take on the TOS theme sounds too much like an overture to a musical. It’s not bad at all, it just doesn’t feel like Star Trek. It’s more like an overture for “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Star Trek: The Musical.’” (Or even “Disney’s Star Trek”.)
Hypeful.com ranks JJ Abrams Star Trek 11th on their 20 most anticipated films
Does anyone know where the picture of Quinto came from? It looks like a good photoshop job, but could it possibly be real?
http://www.hypeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/11.jpg
I felt in love with the mirror woman… :-)
I detech an extreme case of lack of Porpopopoplom! at the end of the theme song. I don’t know. It’s like if was missing it.
I like that theme for Star Trek, I’m surprised it didn’t get its own section because it talked about using the original theme in the movie.
By the way did anyone catch The Colbert Report last night??? Another funny Trek reference.
#14, #22 — I agree with you guys. It made me think of something Bill Conti would direct when Nimoy accepts his Oscar® at the 2010 Academy Awards ;-)
It was a nice effort though, and made me think that if it were slowed down, and given more of a march feel, it could work.
I love TOS; it resides deep within my marrow … but I’ve never been a huge fan of the original theme song. Heresy, I know. Still, I’m hoping to hear Michael Giacchino do his take on it for the film.
Scott B. out.
I still still think Horner’s theme is the best.
Rest assured, Buzz Aldrin, you CANNOT speak for today’s youth. There is an enormous surge of energy coming from us. Every single one of my friends, well over 200 (not on MySpace or Facebook, actual people), is going into some field of science. Biology, chemistry, quantum physics….
We are still standing strong. To say that there’s no interest is just dead wrong.
The reason that so many things exist, the computer, the cell phone, many medical procedures, is BECAUSE of Star Trek. If there is any one reason that my dream job is exploring the unknown, seeking out new life and new possibilities, and boldly going where no one has gone before, I would have to say that I owe it to growing up on Trek.
So don’t tell me that it’s Trek’s fault for ruining the space program.
What was the name of the the first orbital shuttle prototype….? OV-101?
Enterprise….?
The theme is very well done, but I find the whole full blown orchestra treament way overdone these days, especially in regards to science fiction movies. At some point, all these loud brassy themes started sounding alike. I hope the new movie, if it does indeed use the original theme (which I think it should) has a graceful, more sea faring arrangment like Horners. Or they could go to the other end of the spectrum and deliver a more ominous theme similar to the theme of Trek 6. It was low key, but it wonderfully set the mood for the dangers of the final frontier.
And don’t forget the bongos…I love me some bongos.
PS. I love the theme.
Not too impressed with the Verta theme. Comes across as heavy, cluttered and clunky – not memorable at all. Had this been the original theme used in the 60’s, we’d be hard pressed to remember it today.
The Steve Schofield photos are all really great, including the non-Star Trek themed ones… gotta love the Klingons hanging out on a couch, as well as the Wookie in the kitchen.
Mike Verta’s theme: definitely not. The original is far, far better and more honest.
By the way, Denise, is that you in that picture? Heh.
2. Tom –
“Mike Verta’s take is somewhat reminiscent of Leonard Rosenman’s take at the end of Star Trek IV as the Enterprise-A is departing spacedock.”
I kinda like Verta’s take also — except for the Rosenman-like elements, i.e. the twinkly-sounding chimes which I hate. It makes it too precious and dainty. I’d take out that element and it’d be much better. Overall a real nice arrangement though and I appreciated the James Horner touches.
14. Father Rob –
“As odd as it sounds, I actually think the TAS theme is better than the TOS theme”
I really love all the music cues from TAS and wish they were available somewhere for download or on CD. Don’t think it’ll ever happen, but I wish for it nonetheless.
I went ta’ tha’ photo link and saw a few odd things…
Thar’s a gent posin’ wit’ a baby and a batleth… Spcial Services anyone?
Thar’s tha’ Starry Wars Emperer wit’ his prescription meds… Cut his medi-caid or pension and save tha’ galaxy?
Thar’s that Emperer’s guard wit’ a pussycat fur back-up… knock o’er big red and deal wit’ tha’ wee kitty… bet it’d eat Yoda…
Oh, some good pics… liked tha’ cowboys… an’ o’ course, tha’ wicked lass featured… Give her a cockney accent and a penchance ta’ use that phazor indiscriminantly and I be in love…
TOG,
You are really pissed at Aldrin. Why? The man lived what most people could only dream about. Yes you and your friends are into science, but unfortunately there has been a big die off in interest just like Aldrin said. When I was a kid, everybody watched the astronauts take off, and land. All the networks broadcast them. They even showed them on TV in school. The shuttle doesn’t even get 5 seconds of network coverage a year anymore. It’s just like the war in the mid east. People today would rather be shopping at the mall than to be aware of the world around them.
And as far as Trek influence in science, let’s not go overboard here. Computers were regularly used in SF before Trek. Read Childhoods End sometime and see. Star Trek didn’t create cell phones either. The communicator may have influenced the DESIGN of the flip phone, but I wouldn’t call that the same as creating it. The walkie talkie was around decades before Trek was. That device is what influenced the communicator.
the theme made me slightly goose-pimply
Wow! I love Mike’s theme!
Sorry Buzz, but were it not for Trek I don’t think ANYONE would be interested in space exploration right now. Good grief, how many scientists, engineers and doctors have cited Trek characters as inspiration?? I think he also fails to take into account that we have so many terrestrial problems people are just slightly more interested in solving those first.
@23
that image was done by TrekMovie.com contributor Steve Moss, they took it off this site. That happens a lot actually.
At the risk of angering the traditionalists, I have to say that Verta’s version seems far too similar to the original. I was expecting a break-through, outside the box version.
I guess I’m BSG spoiled because before I would have accepted nothing but the original or close to it but now I expect something different, something that will flow with the movie so seamlessly that I won’t even realize its playing.
Krik,
No no, it’s fine. You make a valid point. Believe me, I know. If I’m wanting to go into science, I’ve already made the note that I’m probably not going to make anything…. ever. Scientists aren’t as appreciated as they used to be. Astronauts especially.
I don’t rant and not know where I actually stand. Once logics prevails over emotion, I lose.
I’m all too aware of what goes on. There’s virtually no funding for any form of science, NASA’s hurting like no other, and medical research has gone to the dogs. I’m just venting, for the most part. But believe me, I see what’s going on, and I don’t like it anymore than he does. Frankly, I agree with the guy. There HAS been a massive falling out.
But Trek has also been responsible for inspiring millions. Sean, I think you make a great point. NO ONE would be interested now if it weren’t for Trek. The fact of the matter is that we don’t have Warp drives. It takes days to get to the moon, much less out of the solar system. We are NOT a patient people.
As both Obama and Clinton put it: “We need to stop the war on science.”
Then maybe I’ll be able to make more than $30,000 a year when I get a job….
Guys, Buz Aldrin personifies what Star Trek is about: pioneers venturing into space, exploring the Final Frontier.
Let’s not slamming him for pointing out a side effect of popular Science Fiction, such as Star Trek, setting high expectations.
I actually disagree with him, but he’s actually making a valid point:
Star Trek and other science fiction presents a more fanciful future when it comes to the technology and methods of space travel, compared to what it REALLY takes to get up there today.
The simple fact is that we can not simply beam down to a planet, we have to enter the atmosphere inside a craft with a Heatshield, and plan out the intended trajectories, how to slow the craft down, and how to land without being turned into chunky salsa or being vapourized.
We have to take weeks or even years to reach another world, rather than a couple of hours at high warp.
We have to dig in the soil for microbes, rather thatn scan the planet for 30 seconds for life signs.
Where I disagree with Buz is the origin of the disinterest.
I believe it comes from the issues we have to deal with here on earth, which means they take priority in our lives.
Coupla thoughts:
I didn’t listen to the Trek theme by Mike Verta because I was on about the bigger issue. That being, he got to see some of the flick. WTF? We’re over here begging for a measly picture and this guy and Harry from AICN get to see whole clips? Fine, whatever.
Dear Mr. Aldrin,
You are a hero and an inspiration to this country. Your contribution to the space program will never be forgotten. But you should really stop talking in public about shows like Star Trek ruining things for NASA. The blame lays pretty squarely on the government’s budget cuts and lack of support for true space exploration. All Star Trek did was inspire young people to get involved with the sciences and higher learning. And use their imaginations. Your statements, sir, are a bit out of touch.
Oh yeah, that is a cool cake!
And, I almost forgot.
I like eggs and pancakes with my Great Links. Sorry AP, it’s kinda my thing.
The ST09 composed IIRC is Michael Giacchino. His Incredibles score was a great homage to 60 action films (Bond-type movies) while being an original work. Great Stuff.
This takes on the TOS theme sounds very Jerry Goldsmith-y or James Horner-ish to me. Yes it makes them “fit” with the other ST movies, but it just sounds like cliche movie music to me.
Verta’s theme is very nice but, as someone already told, is too orchestrated. The melody is buried under brasses and it’s not so easy recognisable. Nervertheless, simplify the thing and this is the way to go.
This reminds me of a project I did several years ago where I thought I would try to write what it would sound like if John Williams had written a Star Trek theme: http://soladeiverbum.com/JWST.mp3
The theme: More “symphonic” but lacking the simplicity and clarity of the original. Too “busy”.
The theme is nice, but I’d like to hear something more in the style of Horner’s swashbuckling theme from The Wrath of Khan. Maybe a few plucks from a blaster beam would help.
Now T H A T ‘ S a Trek Cake!
What a non-disaster!
I have to agree with Buzz in a certain sense. I watched a documentary yesterday where an FBI investigator “blamed” CSI for how the public (and juries) perceive crime-lab work. They expect clues to out the criminals in 45 minutes, when in real life, investigations can take years.
However, it’s true that Americans are distracted by their pop culture, but also by making and spending money. What does NASA pay as opposed to Pratt & Whitney or Boeing? Whose shareholders will benefit from a manned mission to Mars? Also, we’re all drowning in debt, paying too much for gas and funding and fighting 2 wars, so space exploration must take a back seat.
That theme reminded me of the seaQuest theme. “TV theme” is not what he was going for, I’m sure.
Mike Verta-that brought a tear to me eye (a good one)!
Hank Green-that brought a tear to me eye (a bad one-sorry)!
Cool reinterpretation of the TOS theme. I like it!
The Picard video is funny. Yes, a tachyon beam was pretty much the solution to everything but making Earl Grey hot (But still fun). Hard to believe sniping at Buzz Aldrin over a few sentences, probably out of context. He deserves at least as much respect as the people making STXI.
Verta’s theme has a very early TNG aspect to it… maybe its the synth. It would probably be way better with a full orchestra, so i’m gonna have to go with the original ’60s version… kitschy or not. Haha.
James Horner did the right thing by taking a key element out of the original TOS theme and adding a less bombastic score using a full orchestra. I do not care for the original theme written by Alexander Courage, but parts of it used in a mature theme is definitely ok by me. I just hope Abrams moves away from the immature and places Trek in a more serious light, and this includes the score. Bombastic trumpets and over the top percussion is for space operas, not serious science fiction (though Star Trek is often not quite serious). I loved the themes to Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek: First Contact, for instance. The former was classic in terms of its epic science fiction flare, but low key enough to be inspiring and serious. The latter was brooding and contemplative, yet still inspiring by using musical notes to paint a picture of an adventure in the vast unknown.
To me, music is half the film.
I’m sorry, but I don’t believe this statement is based on any hard facts. Or any “facts” at all.
“I blame the fantastic and unbelievable shows about space flight and rocket ships that are on today. All the shows where they beam people around and things like that have made young people think that that is what the space program should be doing. It’s not realistic.”
-Buzz Aldrin
I respect the man. But nobody gets a free ride to say stuff that I don’t think is true. If you didn’t agree with the facts that your teachers or clergy or leaders were giving you, would you just forget about it? Where did these facts come from? Mr. Aldrin is stating his opinion, which he is entitled to. I am disagreeing with it. Which I am entitled to do as well.
Hey, if we truly embrace equality, then one man’s opinion is no more important than another’s.
Yeah, that version of the theme gave me chills. I have always wanted to hear a large orchestral take on it, and this was the closest anyone has come to elevating it to a movie theme. Hope the actual one is even better!
…What? No obscure lame-assed Rod Stewart song for the intro? No incidental music by Benny & Bjorn of ABBA? No Klingonaase rap single by Beyonce & Jay Z for the Empty-Vee market? For shame, for shame! This is proof positive that Abrams is going to ruin the franchise before it’s relaunched! The non-Trekkies will refuse to waste their time on a Star Trek that looks, feels and especially *sounds* like Star Trek!
:-) :-)
(Cawley, you’re lurking around out there. You and Verta need to hook up on a future NV project, even if he’s just reworking an Elvis tune so you can do a Kirk does the King spoof!)
have always wanted to hear a large orchestral take on it, and this was the closest anyone has come to elevating it to a movie theme.
…Actually, James Horner came the closest. The problem was that it was during his “recycling” period, where every soundtrack he did was essentially the same with the notes rearranged and the cymbal crashes timed differently. There used to be a great breakdown comparison of his TWOK score and the one he did for Battle Beyond The Stars that clearly showed the two scores used the same notes, instruments and even had the same syncopations at key points.
Who’s the girl in the red?
“Hypeful.com ranks JJ Abrams Star Trek 11th on their 20 most anticipated films”
Slight problem, it’s their top 20 most anticipated of *2008*, and they still list the Christmas ‘08 release date.
That guy did a good job on the theme, but he’s absolutely right about the theme being lounge-like & dated. The theme really just needs to go.
Just because it’s the original doesn’t make it good.
Like so much of the stuff from TOS, it’s just not cool, and needs to go. Just because something (theme, storyline, established “canon”) was in TOS doesn’t make it good, and if something is patently bad or stupid, why not replace it?
The Song of the Enterprise was a love song and a ballad — which is to say it was a dance for two. A dance is intimate, leading, following in the same direction, thrilling, restrained and controlled. It is uncertain for we know not where we stop but we know where each step takes us together. It is exciting in touch, smell and the adventure of where it may lead us. Dare I say, Romantic? (Too, GR’s own, poorly conceived and wickedly executed lyrics are the essense of the Romantic ballad, if not to the standard of the melody.)
Over-busy orchestras with noisy clanging cymbals and loud trumpets but no melody and no love and no growth and no… no future. This is, How did he say it?, “bombastic”?. Yes bombastic. This is bombast in its purest.
Maestro Courae’s original orchestration, using a wind band and some electronic instrumentalities conferred the naval and intrepid elements of adventure and danger and triumph together that were considered the sine qua non of science fiction in the era of our World War II victory.
Yes, please Powers that Be, use the original and only Star Trek love ballad. Give her the treatment she deserves but remember always to dance with the one that brung ya to the dance.
It may be a love song, ballad and all that…but it’s still BAD.
Seriously…let’s pretend none of us had ever heard that music before, (pretend TOS had some other theme) and consider what you would think of the music if it had no association with Trek at all….sorry, it’s just an ugly piece.
In TOS they used papier mache for caves & boulders, they had cheap, cheesy looking makeup, and huge control consoles with like 5 buttons. Do we “dance with the one that brung ya” with regards to that cheapness too?
Nah, man. Like much of TOS the theme is ugly & cheap and needs to go.
Why do you think they didn’t use it in any of the early ST movies?
Verta’s version sounded great until I read the “sounds like something Bill Conte would do at the Oscars” comment, and then I laughed my ass off, because THAT observation is dead on!
Buzz’s contribution of methodologies for working in space have been utterly priceless.
He has enough of The Right Stuff for me, whatever his opinions are.
does anyone know where one can get a downloadable mp3 version of this track one can put on an ipod/iphone?
and to anthony pascale–please if you can pass word onto jj abrams or roberto orci that speaking as a member of the more general audience this new movie seeks to win over, it’d be a very good idea for them to release an actual soundtrack album for this film consisting of mtv-type songs that jj feels accurately underscores the mood, style and ‘atmosphere’ of this film–
as for the track itself, it seemed to me to echo the closing overture to generations in places as well as star trek iv…
That “new” theme is cool. I’d like to see him try making some of the movie themes sound TOS.
Why is it whenever someone does an take on the Star Trek theme they SPEED IT UP to ‘modernize’ it ?
Now Horner did it right, S L O W it down, make each note count, proud and strong…
Everyone else seems to bury it under sound so one can’t tell what it is anymore…
Not to put down the others who done music for the Trek films, Jerry Goldsmith did a great job as well, as did Cliff Eidleman, and Leonard Rosenman….
John Williams did do the Star Trek theme with the Boston pops and even that was done correctly….
However it seems out side of folks who do this thing for a living all do the same thing, bury the theme under a ton of sound, as if it’s something to be ashamed of…..
THAT said, I look forward to the new guy’s take on the theme, seeing the wonderful John Berry like score he did for The Incredibles….
I think its important for people to understand that the piece is being played by a sampler – a decent enough one, but still a sampler. A lot of the complaints about the melody getting lost, or the brass being too bombastic, may very well be a result of that. It’s can sometimes be hard to get the right mix of volume when you’re trying to play a full orchestral score through something like that, especially with brass. Brass causes issues.
ok…i just solved my own problem here…to download the track onto your computer, go to this alternate site: http://jmbell.org/blog/2008/07/16/new-star-trek-theme-song-slightly-less-disco/
and go to the bottom of their quote of this article, below that sites player for the track, to the link ‘Less Disco TOS’, right-click the link, and scroll to ‘Download linked file as…’ and select that (I’m using Safari browser so if you use Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera it’ll say something slightly different) and save the track to your computer :) Have fun!
Yes, the sampled sounds blow compared to a real group, and that absolutely causes balance issues, but I think a lot of the criticisms are dead on – that’s why I do these exercises.
I wrote and orchestrated this version in about 8 hours, which is actually pretty fast for a tricky, iconic melody like this. And my goal was NOT to suggest what the theme should be like for the new movie. I don’t think my take here is appropriate, given what I’ve heard about the new film; I haven’t seen the movie! If it’s a darker movie, it needs a darker theme, and I’d do that. Seeing the ST11 stuff just got me inspired and thinking…
No, these exercises are for me to find out what my habits are; what do I lean on when I don’t have time to second-guess; what are my first instincts? Much of my job means summoning “it” at will, on command, so you have to know what you take for granted in your own work – what your inherent strengths and weaknesses are.
I think the whole thing is a bit “much,” myself. I think it’s trying a little too hard. By the same token, it’s got some decent energy. And, unlike a lot of my exercises, this was a lot of fun, just to hear that melody on top of completely, entirely different chords – essentially a different song altogether, but still recognizable. It has almost nothing in common with the original, harmonically.
To those who have enjoyed the piece – I’m so glad, truly! I do think it’s fun. And that’s what it’s for. To those who didn’t: thanks for the criticisms. Mostly, I feel ya. And you’re making me better.
_Mike Verta
Wow, that sounded like the perfect take on the Star Trek theme. It’s the original with some tribution to the series and movies as well as having a sort of fresh sense and feel to it. Fantastic job Mike Verta! I don’t think it could have been done any better.
I’d be interested in hearing it the other way. Try to play up the “club-lounge” feel of the theme. When I hear it with female “siren” vocal, there is a sense of mistery to it–as if the Enterprise is in search of the origin of that voice–and when I say the Enterprise, I don’t necissarily mean the cast and crew–I mean the ship itself.
I guess it’s hard to explain. Of course reasoning says that there would be a crew, but I’m not describing reason–I’m describing gut feeling
wasn’t that thrilled by the music… not bad, but I was expecting hints at the original theme, not continual variations over and over.
B-
I’m not too crazy about that theme – it’s okay but I’m sure the great Michael Giacchino will give us something REALLY spectacular.
The music lost me after the 35th second mark. It jumps around too much by that point. I liked how the beginning was smooth. Perhaps a second take with the same artist with a blast of percussion instead (from 35-40 secs)
Just my thoughts
Try to remember that this was done in 8 hours… as someone who writes full orchestral pieces as a hobby, I can tell you that its pretty good for something he basically threw together.
That music is great!!!!!!!!!
wait, is that Raider’s fan Kasidy Yates?? Completely love the cake too.
“I’d hit it…with an inverse tachyon beam. ”
Ha.
I really liked the theme, even with a few too many flourishes and a nagging reminiscence of the opening to one of the seasons of The Cosby Show. I have a problem imagining it as the opening music to something like “Spock’s Brain,” though – it would be nice to hear it as the theme music on a select choice of the top episodes. Very majestic.
I’d like to hear more like this. I would enjoy an album-length collection of pieces from TOS as re-imagined by Mr. Verda.
It was nice to not hear any vocal, too. Nothing against the lady they got to sing on the remastered version, but her voice is completely wrong – too deep, too ‘chest-y,’ though completely in tune and technically ‘correct.’ That vocal just makes me cringe every week.
Never thought I’d see the denizens of the Black Hole on this site! SWEET!!
It’s a hell of a time in the Coliseum on game day! Raiders are gonna kick ass this year!
Now I just need to see GWAR here in some fashion (also very spikey).
Cellular Peptide Cake . . . with Mint Frosting.
Well, sorry to say that some folks that frequent this site are mentally unbalanced, emotionally unstable and immature beyond belief. Ive just spoken to Mike (Verta) and it seems that he has received emails from people who read the article here wishing great harm to him, calling him names and hoping his fingers get chopped off and he is deafened by the sound of gunfire for daring to try and rewrite Alexander Courages music. To the folks who wrote this trash to Mike you need to slink back to your basements. You are the bottom of the barrel in fandom and the irony is that folks that would write that sort of garbage not only need psychiatric help but represent everything Trek is AGAINST. As for the threats that were made not only can Mike handle himself but he has friends like me here in LA and I deal with pathetic losers loonies for a living.
Unbelieveable…in the words of Shatner, “Get a life”.
Why oh Why do I always come off so Negative?…..
It was a Good Stab at The original theme….., BUT I always thought that if it was Going to Be redone for a movie, It should Be Slower, and Why Is Casidy Yates at a Raiders Game?
Maybe all this change going on around me is influencing my mood, but hearing this new take on the Trek theme brought a tear to my eye! Sounds great! Agreed: the new movie’s theme has to top this! ;-)
Although the Angry Klingon’s anger is… most illogical, I agree with their basic point. It is not constructive nor worth the effort to make threats against someone who is not even involved in the new movie, much less the music in it.
I liked Mike Verta’s version of the theme… but it seemed a little all-over-the-place.
HOO-HAH! NERDFIGHTERS!
- I like the new theme for TOS…but Jerry Goldsmith remains the greatest TREK composer ..ever…
The original TOS theme is not “club-lounge” and especially not “disco”. If you want disco, listen to the Space 1999 theme…
A smattering of percussion does not “club lounge” make. For the TOS theme to be “club-loung” it would have to be more “mellow” and “smooth” like a Frank Sinatra tune. Rather, it has a bit of the 60s version of “futuristic” and even a bit “spooky”.
I’m with #42 in regards to modernizing the theme. Either leave it alone (aside from giving it a top-notch rendition), or really up the ante and toss out 90% of the melodic elements like BSG-R’s Taiko drumming and Lost’s creepy atonal intro. With Giacchino on board, there may be very well a touch of the latter in some of the cues, though he will surely write some melodic themes….
The music reminded me of Emerson Lake and Powell’s eponymous album. Whether that’s a good thing I don’t know. Whether it’s a good thing to admit on the interenet to having bought that album I don’t know either.
I wonder if there is anyway I can download that reimagined version for my ringtone on my blackberry.. hmmm…
Keith Emerson
Greg Lake
Carl Palmer
Great.
Song.
And I’m not referring to the TOS remix, although that was neat, too.
…Two points:
1) “In TOS they used papier mache for caves & boulders”. Not exactly true. They used a new process involving spray-on foam over wire frames that is, to some extent, the predecessor to today’s laser-cut foamcore set elements. Although the process wasn’t invented for TOS, it was refined into a very popular and useful technique during the show’s run, and was evolved even further for use in building the Ape City on the first two Apes films.
2) The only way the TOS theme could be considered “club lounge” is if Bill Murray sang GR’s lyrics to it during one of his cabaret skits :-P
Buzz, is right. I go to a high school where all the kids I know are more interested in who’ll win American Idol or Dancing with the stars. No one wants to see science fiction adventure anymore, look at the many scifi series that didn’t make it due to ratings… people want to see more human-centric shows or soap operas and don’t want to any more outlandish tales of flights to other stars and meetings with rubber-headed aliens.
I hate these facts but i have to live with ‘em, but, i really hope someone is able to reignite the interest in space exploration, the answers to all our problems like out there, not here…
Hey, Mike–
YOUR TOS THEME IS AWESOME!!!
However…some of the critics are right. If you slowed it down a little (it seemed JUST A BIT rushed. :)), and extended it a little bit more (with more “buildup” in the begining and more buildup to the crescendo, IT WOULD BE PERFECT IN MY EYES!
And in many others, too, I’ll bet!
Oh, and about TVSquad’s “Captain Kirk’s Top 5 Women”:
It’s a most… intersesting read. A little ODD, but… interesting.
I’ll say this –ANYONE who has good ol’ Janice Rand in the top 5 “Kirk babe list” KNOWS HIS STAR TREK!
Kind of. The guy gets the K/R relationship all wrong. (Check out the message board! Some REAL trekkies give an intelegent analysis of the pair, and what Rand’s “real” rank probably is. (What kind of “Yeoman” should she be considered as? See an actual Cost Guard yeoman give some thoughts! Acoording to him, the fact that it’s YEOMAN Rand and not MISS Rand, implies that she’s probably E6, or Petty Officer 1st Class.)
And I finally got a chance to listen to Mike Verta’s arrangement. Very nice. I thought you captured the spirit quite nicely and gave it a sense of theatricality that John Williams would give his film scores. As a matter of fact I got the renewed impression of just how you can adapt any melody to fit your needs. This style of music is not my forte (HA! Funny!) as I’m more of an improviser, and not much of a writer. I guess that means anything I have to actually sit down and write is not so much my gig (Witty!). Anyways, Miles did it all the time. Good on ya’ .
But it’s still not fair that you got to see some of the movie and I didn’t.
great job Mike.
Don’t care much for Mike’s version of the theme. Too TNG.
I didn’t care too much for Verta’s version of the theme either, mada101. At some points, I had trouble recognizing as the TOS theme.
Nice try, but muddy and over-orchestrated. Has everyone forgotten that John Williams used to write orchestrations for Alexander Courage? Mr. Verta needs stick to design and leave symphonic orchestration to the professionals. James Horner’s scores ALL sound the same. Think John Williams is original? Listen to the score from “The Doomsday Machine” and watch “Jaws” sometime. Right now, all of the talent seems to belong to Hans Zimmer.
OMG!!!! I that brought me to TEARS!
I agree with something up thread Star Trek meets seaQest…and I LOVED it.
The only problem I had was the orchestral flourishes that overpowered the main melody…otherwise FANTASTIC!
Abrams, I hope you listen to this!
I loved Mike Verta’s tune. Brilliant!
My only “criticism” is that the original theme was more upbeat and energetic.
What I’d like, therefore, is two versions of the theme: a theme like this one (that says: “this is an epic story”) and a more upbeat one (that says: “this is really thrilling”).
You know, lots of films have multiple versions of the same theme. I hope Star Trek goes this way too (without overdoing the main theme, obviously).
I think if it were me, I’d compose a dozen different versions of the theme and see which ones my friends liked then chose the two or three favourites. :D
0.16 to 0.23 is James Horner Wrath of Khan :D
and 1.16 to 1.23 is Voyage home
love the tune over all
great work Mike
very very exciting
Hi all – just been linked to this world, thanks for all the great comments on the Mirror, Mirror photo!
Much love,
That Girl In Red
Just wanted to say that I heard Mike’s take on this theme for the first time today. I’m not ashamed to say that this “8 hour experiment” brought a tear to this old Trekkie’s eye. I could easily see this theme playing over the end credits of the 2009 movie. Great job!