AFI Film Scores

Here is a list of AFI's top 25 film scores of all time:

http://www.afi.com/tvevents/100years/scores.aspx

I was somewhat surprised by the selections. Of course AFI can't give all the top spots to the same 4 people. They want variety. Where is "Schindler's List"? Where is "Edward Scissorhands"? Thank God "To Kill A Mockingbird" is in there or I might have pooped a tuba. "On Golden Pond"? What the hell is that? I've seen the movie. Didn't like it. Don't remember the music. Does that mean it's a bad score? Probably not. Regardless, is it better than the score to "Lord of the Rings"? Probably not. This definitely inspires me to listen to more "older" film scores. I've always heard good things about Korngold (one of John Williams greater inspirations) and Morricone. Do I agree with "Star Wars" taking top honors? Hmm...I'd have to say yes. I'd have to say "hell, yes" to that one. John Williams may be a little redundant in his music but "Star Wars" is a GREAT score and probably the most popular and recognizable of any film score out there. "Jaws" being so high on the list, I'm not so sure about. Yes, it's a very recognizable theme. Half step followed by more half steps. Yeah, it's clever. But the score isn't all THAT great. I was disappointed to see that several great composers were left off the list such as Danny Elfman, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Thomas Newman, and Howard Shore. But these are the composers of my generation. They are probably following in the footsteps of many of the older composers listed in the top 25. I just need to familiarize myself with several of these scores to compare and see how great they actually are.