Even though it’s probably already “in the can” as they say and there’s no point arguing it, I hearby nominate Lisa Gerrard, formerly of Dead Can Dance, for the duty of doing a stirring vocal performance in the “casting-the-ring-into-Mt. Doom” scene in The Return of the King.
Why?
Because she has such a haunting voice. She sounds like she is from another world, especially suitable for the darker bits in the latter two movies. In addition to being a great performer, she’s already been in the business, providing performances for a film or two, including a few you might have seen (say, for instance, Gladiator). And, as a bonus, she lives in Gippsland, Australia, which is practically in Peter Jackson’s backyard.
This whole rant was inspired by listening to her last solo effort from 1998, Duality, on the way to work this morning. Track 2, “Tempest”, is definately the standout, as it features a pounding rhythm that, properly harnessed, could power at least half of Chicago.