BY DARREN ALLISON

It’s great to see German label All Score Media back on the soundtrack circuit. Their latest vinyl LP release No Place for a Man (ASM 045) is a fictional homage to the Italian Spaghetti Western genre of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Performed by the duo Mondo Sangue (Cristiano Sangueduro and Cristina Casereccia), the score is a passionate and honest tribute to the iconic genre soundtracks of the past. The influences are certainly there, from Ennio Morricone to the late great Franco De Gemini, for whom the album is quietly dedicated. There is a great deal of tradition to be found within the album tracks. One could perhaps argue it is almost stereotypical, but never in the negative sense of the word. The Spaghetti Western score had of course become somewhat ‘formulised’ during its reign, so expect lovely examples of twanging guitars, harmonica, epic choral vocals and mouth harps. There are also a couple of vocal tracks such as ‘Somewhere in the West’ performed by Cristina Casereccia and ‘’No Place for a Man’ has Casereccia duet with Alberto Rocca. All of these tracks work very well and create a comforting sense of familiarity. Listening to the track ‘Il Portoghese’ and its delicate whistling motif transports you straight back to Morricone’s ‘A Fistful of Dynamite” (1971). Overall, fans of the genre should love this piece. There are not too many labels delivering these retrospective, tribute scores, so they really should be held dear. Cineploit are another label who produce period sounding, fictional scores and in many ways offer a sense of continuity, a linkage to the past and everything that was so appealing about it.

All Score Media have produced a delightful sounding and excellent package for this release. The album sleeve is beautifully illustrated by Sue Elderberry. The 180g vinyl LPs are limited to just 666 pieces and are all individually hand numbered. Each LP also comes with an autographed photo card signed by vocal duo Cristina Casereccia and Alberto Rocca and there’s also a download code so as to listen when on the move. There is obviously a great deal of love gone into this release and it clearly shines through. No Place for a Man is an excellent production that should be both respected and applauded.

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