Welcome to the twenty-third Star Wars ComLINKS! This the very first monthly link up centered around a galaxy far, far away. The purpose of this link up is to inspire fans to write/talk about various topics (which are assigned each month) pertaining to our favorite fandom. Each link up will take place on the second Wednesday of every month. You will be able to share a link to your Website, Blog, YouTube, Podcast, etc. on a special widget here on AAHA and also view other posts from fans!

The Topic for October is "Favorite Score" and begins today through November 1st!

There's nothing like Star Wars music, am I right? It's emotional, memorable and in so many ways relatable. With a myriad of scores to choose from it may be hard to pinpoint a favorite but that is what ComLINKS is all about - challenges! What makes your favorite piece so special? What does it make you think of? Is the score you chose one you can listen to over and over again without every getting tired of? These are just a few prompts to help you get started. Prepare your entry and check the home page of AAHA on October 18th for the linkup where you can add the link to your post.

GUIDELINES

1) Your Website, Blog, YouTube, Podcast, etc. does NOT have to be SW related.
2) Your entry must be family-friendly.
3) Please include a link to (or mention) "Star Wars ComLINKS" in your entry and don't forget to use the hashtag #starwarscomlinks when applicable!

Star Wars wouldn't be quite the same without the intricately written and produced scores from talented composers John Williams, Kevin Kiner and Michael Giacchino. You are probably aware that George Lucas has said Attack of the Clones wouldn't work without the music but in all honesty would any of the films flow the way they do without it? The scores are like the cherry on top bringing the most heart-rendering scenes and intense action sequences together in such a way that makes us feel the emotions of the moment and the attachment to the characters. In my eyes, the music completes these stories we love and gives the characters a little something more to recognize them by.

I thought about the delicate beauty that is Across the Stars, the rush I feel whenever I hear Duel of the Fates, or the emotional hope I experience when playing Rey's Theme slightly louder than anything else I listen to while driving. With so many iconic tracks, it's hard to choose just one but as I continued to go through each one in my head I couldn't help but be reminded of the power behind The Imperial March and how much I feel myself light up whenever I hear it playing.

It's a theme we hear throughout the entire saga, even in the critically acclaimed cartoon series Star Wars Rebels and yes, The Clone Wars too! I think most people are reminded of Darth Vader whenever the Imperial March plays but sometimes it represents others with an Imperial nature like the foul-stenched man himself, Grand Moff Tarkin. The screenshot above is an epic shot of Tarkin arriving on Lothal to confront Minister Maketh Tua and Agent Kallus on their failures and it is most definitely menacing. He represents the Imperials in a very eloquent manner that commands respect.

The Imperial March illustrates power and darkness. It is usually played quite boldly like in this scene in The Empire Strikes Back. It's the first time the theme is played in this film and we see several Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters, and the Devastator present followed by a quick shot of the back of Darth Vader's helmet. Agressive much? This is what I love most about the theme - it's simple but most definitely looming. When you hear it, you know that you don't mess with who or what is about to present themselves.

At the end of Attack of the Clones we hear this theme played with more of a mellow vibe and though you most certainly feel the darkness, there is a sorrow there when we see the expression on Senator Bail Organa's face as he stands next to the Emperor himself while peering out at the new Clone Army. The war has begun. Times grow dark and even if you're a Dark Side enthusiast, you can't help but feel concerned for what's about to transpire.

I'm curious to know, what is your favorite score from Star Wars? I would love for you to participate in this link-up but if you won't have time, please let me know in a comment below.