> 1: Clearly you haven't heard much of Bates' work.

I say this based on 300, Watchmen and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Watchmen, I enjoyed a little bit more than the rest. On the whole, they're pretty boring works.

> 2: To say that Poledouris' music doesnt have a focus on ambience texture
> or mood doesnt really make him any better.

It has a focus on themes ANDambience, texture and mood.

> 3: Poledouris is dead, gotta have music coming from SOMEONE.

*Facepalm*

> 4: No one asked for this Conan remake anyway. You expect Poledouris to
> score this pile of crap movie? See Number 3.

He scored Conan the Destroyer and RoboCop 3.

> Give Bates some credit. He's actually getting film scores, people like his
> work, and really, he's a pretty nice guy (as opposed to some snobby,
> deluded composers).

I'm pretty sure he can be an interesting person to talk to, but I've seen some of his interviews, and he doesn't sound entirely modest. Keep in mind I don't hate the man. Even if he was my best friend, I'd still wouldn't think highly of the scores I've heard written by him, which I still find to be boring.

If, indeed, his musical style is as varied as you imply, please, (without sarcasm) recommend a different sounding score by him, so I can widen my vision.