How a good film score can improve a very silly movie: Basil Poledouris conducts “Battle of the Mounds” from “Conan the Barbarian,” with the film, in Spain, on July 22, 2006. Poledouris, who always got a charge out of conducting this music, would succumb to cancer less than four months later.
For anyone who actually tuned in a little before “Picture Perfect” yesterday hoping to hear an amazing organ transcription of Poledouris’ “Conan,” as advertised, I apologize. The disc actually disappeared into the bottom of my radio bag, and I thought I had forgotten it at home. Fortunately, that too can be found on YouTube.
“Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That’s what’s important! Valor pleases you, Crom… so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!”