Black Sails

As I was looking around on Amazon for the latest and greatest soundtracks, I stumbled upon this surprising release. I had no idea that Starz was creating such a show and man does it look awesome. I don't have cable TV so I guess I'll have to wait for it to be released on Blu Ray...but you can watch an edited version of the 1st episode on You Tube. Anyway, being a fan of Bear McCreary's Battlestar soundtracks, I was excited to see that he was composing the music for the show. I guess I was expecting to hear something like a Hans Zimmer pirates soundtrack...so upon first listening to some samples I was impressed with McCreary's attempt to create a score that would realistically capture pirates musically. Instead of a large orchestra sweeping orchestra, McCreary has stripped it down to the "bare bones". He also has added many instruments that are more representative of the time period and fit the sound that he is going for in the show. Bodhran, Dulcimer, Uilleann Pipes, and the Hurdy Gurdy help to create this effect. It sounds great. Included are vocal "pirate like" chants like that which can be found in the opening titles. We also have a really cool pirate song sung by Doug Lacy entitled "The Golden Vanity" to close the CD out.The CD has some really interesting liner notes that contains thoughts from both the executive producer and composer. McCreary explains that he wanted the audience to have a "dirt under their fingernails" experience with the soundtrack. I was most impressed when he suggested to his musicians that they try not to play "too perfectly". He really experimented with recording techniques and in the composition of this music and he certainly needs to be recognized for this. I think the music is great, unique, and accurately helps me envision what the pirate world must of been like. My favorite tracks are the opening theme, The Parson's Farewell, and Funeral at Sea. It is interesting to note however, that in McCreary's attempt to create an authentic pirate sound...he did include an electric guitar and bass in the score. You'll hear very traditional sounding music that is suddenly blasted by electric guitars etc. This by no means takes away for the cool sound he has created...it really makes it sound harder and gives it a slight modern edge that the score needs. You can hear this blend of old world instruments and modern electric guitar in the opening track and see that this works really well. If you are a Bear McCreary fan...or if your looking to add some realistic pirate music to your life...this is ultimate soundtrack for you. I highly recommend.

Another perfectly executed soundtrack by the one and only Bear McCreary. With twenty-one tracks that run the gamut between haunting and energetic, this recording is everything one would expect from a show that has been as exquisitely produced as Black Sails. Bear has an innate sense of the representation of the action occurring while his music is playing and it connects brilliantly with the scene giving it even more color and texture. The variety of instruments used enhances the experience and lends authenticity. I was happy to see my old friend Eric Rigler listed as one of the musicians applying his talents on the Uilleann pipes. Track 21 is such a delight. You cannot help but want to raise a pint and sing along. I like making my daily commute while listening to this...I feel safer when I'm riding with pirates!

I am not a music major, but I love music. To me, Bear McCreary's music is like listening to the classical music genre. As I already had the Outlander music, I decided to try Black Sails. They are really different. I love the themes, the variations, the use of all the instruments (especially the base, flutes and drums) and his use of historical music. The music changes and is never always the same. It is so easy to sit and listen to. I am very happy I bought these three albums. They are my favorites! Again, thank you Bear McCreary for the beautiful music.

I have been after this soundtrack for a long time. It is absolutely gorgeous music. I have been playing the CD constantly since I got it yesterday. This is a must have soundtrack if you love Black Sails.

I watched the series on tv of black sails and the music was fantastic so I started looking for the orginal sound track from the movie and found it on amazon ordered it and got it in a couple days really made my day the music on the cd is spectacular I have down loaded all of them on my mp3 player and play it all day at work thanks

I came across this series on Starz and got hooked instantly. Not only on the show itself, but on the music. The haunting theme song grabbed me, and felt like an old friend returning. So it was no surprise to me when I saw that Bear McCreary was the creative force behind the music. The soundtrack is very reminiscent of the music he created for Battlestar (which was a staple in my playlists for years), and it makes sense. Both series are/were character driven, full of political intrigue, and incorporate life on the sea (or space, which draws many parallels). So for any Bear fan, even if you haven't watched the series, this is a must have.

My pal Jay recommended the show and the music; I was sold by the perfect notion of Toby Stephens as a pirate (why had no one ever thought of this before?!) but I was so accustomed to retread soundtracks that copy the style of existing films or synthesised soundscapes that end up flat and unmemorable. I don't know anything about McCreary, though I see from others' reviews here that he's done quite a lot. The drums enchanted me from the start and the wealth of instruments and the richness of the tones captivated me completely. A real winner even if you never see the show (but the show is good bloody fun!).

Bear McCreary is a genius!! I ran across a Youtube video on Black Sails just looking for more of his work and this grabbed me. Never heard of a Hurdy Gurdy but whatever it is, it works fantastically with the score. I have never seen the show, but don't need to - the music tells me everything. There are similarities to the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack, but there's a clear difference as well, hard to explain, you just have to listen. I love it, love it love it! (Track 1 is a great wake-up tune in for the morning commute - sailing through traffic, lol!)

This is as Pirate as you can find. Perfect to replace the background music of anything lacking in epicness. And also to discover some old instrument used in the context of modern composition. As always, Bear McCreary is a genius!

Love this disc , the sounds of different instruments as well as the tuned

its the soundtrak you remaber

Firstly ..I find "Black Sails" has been the most remarkable series I've ever seen...in only four series ..rapier writing , amazing character evolvement ,stunning production , made with "Love" . OST 's are always moot as sometimes a track in a film / series seems adrift outside the box , so one or two tracks lack those visuals ..BUT out in my garage tinkering with my Harley this is great ...& hey ..OST for series 2,3 & 4 ..ya know you want it !

Great music soundtrack.