BY DARREN ALLISON

“Omaggio al Maestro Ennio Morricone”- CD sleeve.

Cineploit Records launches two new releases“Omaggio al Maestro Ennio Morricone” (Cine 20) and “Omaggio a Joe D´Amato e Marcello Giombini” (Exploit 01) 7″ EP to mark their 5 year anniversary.

Cinema Retro picked up on Cineploit’s talents very early in the day. I've been reviewing their releases now since those very first humble beginnings. When it comes to labels that are dedicated in keeping retro genre film music alive - Cineploit are arguably the very best. Never afraid to explore new avenues or indeed breathing new life into classic Giallo or Poliziotteschi film scores, the label has decided to celebrate their anniversary with the release of a tribute album ‘Omaggio al Maestro Ennio Morricone.’

“Omaggio al Maestro Ennio Morricone”- LP sleeve.

This highly impressive compilation of the Maestro's work is performed by various groups and artists from the Cineploit stable, and very lavish it is too. The vinyl version comes in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with UV Spot, printed inner sleeve and is available in a limited coloured vinyl edition exclusive at Cineploit. The CD also comes with a Bonus track. The regular LP version is on 180g black Vinyl with or without the CD. The CD version also comes in an LP style wallet with an 8 page booklet and features different front sleeve artwork. As always, Cineploit offer a wide range of buying options at their website.

• Zoltan – Pazuzu (from Exorcist 2)

• Videogram – The Thing (from Soundtrack)

• Orgasmo Sonore vs. Sospetto – Adonai (from Il Giardino delle Delizie)

• Rashomon – Stress Infinito (from Spasmo)

• Oscillotron – La Lucertola (from Una lucertola con la pelle di Donna)

• LAWA (Leonard/Wank) – Sentenza di Morte (from Roma come Chicago)

• Orgasmo Sonore – Matto, Caldo… Girotondo (from Vergogna Schifosi)

• Luigi Porto feat Fromwood – Strana Bambina (La Piovra)

• Thelema – Die Ballade von Präfekt Mori (from Il Prefetto di Ferro)

• Sospetto – Inseguimento No. 2 & 3 (from Una breve stagione)

• LAWA (Leonard/Wank) – Revolver (from Revolver) * CD Bonus

Cineploit have also taken this opportunity to repress and rerelease the long sold out 7" EP

“Omaggio a Joe D´Amato e Marcello Giombini”- front of vinyl release.

“Omaggio a Joe D´Amato e Marcello Giombini”- back of vinyl release.

“Omaggio a Joe D´Amato e Marcello Giombini” by Deak Ferance & Roger Conrad (Exploit 01) and features music from “Man-Eater aka Antropophagous” and “Erotic Nights of the living Dead”. The vinyl features stunning retro artwork to both front and back and is released in a limited edition of just 350 copies on Orange/Black Splatter Vinyl.

Cineploit never fail to impress me, through either their quality recordings or their equally beautiful standard of packaging. With imminent new album releases coming from both Sospetto and Thelema, the future is certainly looking bright! Happy anniversary Cineploit!

http://www.cineploit.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5lEi3wmsK4 (*Lee – Great promo video)

BY DARREN ALLISON

The Swinger (1967) and The Pleasure Seekers (1964) are films featuring the charismatic Ann-Margret. Both films are considered to be typical Hollywood pop cinema; light and frothy, flawed, but full of period bric-a-brac and stylish music, much like the Elvis Presley movies of the day. In fact, Margret had already made quite an impact starring alongside Elvis in the film Viva Las Vegas (1964). Margret was certainly beginning to shine in all the right places and had come a long way since emigrating from her native Sweden back in 1942.

The title song of The Swinger was written by André and Dory Previn and the score composed by Marty Paich with additional arrangements by Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones. The Swinger was originally released in both mono and stereo and appeared on the RCA Victor label as one of their DYNAGROOVE recordings. It’s a great collection of songs performed by the enigmatic Margret in her own unique style and also features a couple of tracks from the film’s composer Marty Paich. As the title suggests, the album is also woven with ‘other swingin’ songs’ so expect some excellent additional material such as ‘More’ from Mondo Cane (1962) all of which fits rather seamlessly into the overall essence of the album. At just 32 minutes (which was typical of an album for this time), Cherry Red has sensibly taken the opportunity to pair this album up to make a very respectable and ideal twofer release.

The Pleasure Seekers soundtrack was also originally released on the RCA Victor label and featured a score by Lionel Newman and Alexander Courage. In addition the album also featured four songs from the writing team of Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. The songs are of course performed by Ann-Margret, with tracks such as ‘Bossa Nova’ and ‘Something to think about’ adding a genuine lush, vibrant feel to the album. At 34 minutes, it works perfectly alongside The Swinger and rounds off the CD rather nicely.

The Swinger / The Pleasure Seekers (CD ACMEM324CD) really does have a great deal going for it. Firstly, they are a match made in heaven. Both albums showcase Margret’s distinguished vocal style and clearly reflect her place in popular culture. Secondly, Cherry Red’s CD marks the first time these two albums have ever been released on any digital format. It’s hard to understand how they had previously slipped under the radar and never seen the light of day before now. The audio quality is also very clean. Whilst there is no indication of the source, both recordings are clear, with nice range and are free from any form of background hiss. Cherry Red has also produced a very nice 12 page booklet to accompany this release which is full of relevant and interesting notes. The only minor grievance I have is in the booklet layout. Whilst there is a lovely reproduction of the original album artwork of The Swinger to the front of the booklet, the full page reproduction of the album art for The Pleasure Seekers sits buried inside the booklet. Placing this artwork to the back cover of the booklet renders it far more practical and makes it completely reversible. It provides the owner with an opportunity of choosing exactly what album cover they want to display to the front. It’s a very simple option, but makes a world of difference to the collector. Other than that, it’s a first rate release that I’m sure will be welcomed and enjoyed by a great deal of people. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON USA

UK/EUROPE: CLICK HERE TO ORDER 

BY DARREN ALLISON

Vocalion records have four super releases to get 2017 underway. The Rogues (1964) (CDLK 4601) features music composed and conducted by Nelson Riddle. The Rogues, a rather short-lived TV series (aired on NBC from September 13, 1964, to April 18, 1965), starred David Niven, Gig Young and Charles Boyer as a trio of former conmen. Whilst it won the 1964 Golden Globe award for Best Television Series, the show has largely been forgotten. Thankfully, Alfred Perry of Four Star Television had the vision to approach RCA with the idea of releasing an album of Riddle’s music from the show. Vocalion’s beautifully mastered CD is a straight re-issue of that album (LSP 2976). As you would expect from Riddle, a hugely talented composer who had penned music from the TV series The Untouchables and Route 66, his music for The Rogues is both rich and lush. It’s a great example of a period sound with plenty of silky strings and of course some wonderful swinging brass rhythms. Sound quality is remarkably good thanks to Michael J. Dutton’s remastering of the original analogue tapes. It is also nice to see Vocalion reverting back to providing a full and informative set of original liner notes. Oliver Lomax provides a comprehensive account of Riddle, his musicians and his unique approach to music. The Rogues is a release that certainly justifies and fully deserves a fresh re-evaluation as well as some detailed attention.

How Sweet it Is! (1968) (CDLK 4604) makes its debut appearance on CD and features the music of composer Patrick Williams. Williams is a composer that rarely receives the recognition that he arguably deserves. After working primarily as an arranger in New York, he moved to California in 1968 to pursue a career in film and television. How Sweet It Is! marked the first film score for Williams. It was a fairly routine comedy outing (which received an X certificate in the UK) and starred James Garner, Debbie Reynolds and Terry-Thomas. In his memoirs, Garner would later reveal that both he and Reynolds hated the film but kept it together for the sake of their fans. The film’s music, however, is far more enduring. Williams provides a beautiful score ranging from some high tempo jazzy numbers to some smooth and very romantic mellow sounds. It’s a score which shares certain similarities to that of Neal Hefti’s prevalent sixties sound, often romantic but with a playful underlining trill woven throughout. The soundtrack also features two vocal tracks that fall into the easy listening genre and are provided by the Picardy Singers. Vocalion’s CD sounds remarkable thanks again to Michael J. Dutton’s remastering of the original analogue tapes. Liner notes on this occasion are just a straight forward reproduction of the original RCA LP (LSP 4037) sleeve notes. As a straight re-working of the original album, it is also relatively short at just under 28 minutes, which is a great shame as it practically cries out for more of the same.

There aren’t too many people I know amongst the soundtrack community who don’t enjoy the recordings of Hugo Montenegro. Whilst he was an accomplished composer in his own right ((Lady in Cement (1968), The Ambushers (1967) and The Wrecking Crew (1968)), he is perhaps remembered more for his unique arrangements – usually of other composers’ music. Vocalion’s new CD treats us to not one, but two of his great albums. Love Theme from The Godfather (1972)/Music from A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More & The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1968) (CDLK 4595) provides the listener with arguably his very best work. Back in 1972, RCA released Love Theme from The Godfather as a quadrophonic LP (APDI-0001). Vocalion have reissued both albums here on CD in the SA-CD format and therefore retaining its multi-channel format (this CD is also stereo compatible). Love Theme from The Godfather is an album of varied styles containing a mixture of both film music and popular tunes of the time. Ranging from Lennon & McCartney’s Norwegian Wood to Mancini’s Baby Elephant Walk, the content is diverse and eclectic – but all comes together in a quirky and highly enjoyable way. Music from A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More & The Good, the Bad and the Ugly has largely attained widespread recognition over the decades. An extremely popular album, soundtrack collectors continue to hold their vinyl as cherished possessions. Naturally, a completely remastered version of that album is also extremely welcome. Michael J. Dutton has done a fabulous job in providing a crisp freshness to these classic recordings and it appears to be perfectly justified in releasing this twofer by way of a Hybrid CD. Frankly, they have never sounded so good. As well as including the massive single chart hit The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, the album also includes the single cut for Hang ‘Em high – Clint Eastwood’s first American western made upon his return from Europe after completing Sergio Leone’s Dollar trilogy. It’s perhaps a little disappointing that no new liner notes were produced for this release; instead there is a straight reproduction of the original album notes. Considering the versatility and calibre of Montenegro’s work, it would have been nice to include some form of appreciation of his career in music. However, the proof here is solidly in the music itself, and on that basis, it’s a winner in every respect.

BY DARREN ALLISON

It’s perfectly fair to describe Mario Bava as something of a maverick; he is after all, an Italian director from the golden period of Italian horror films. Much is attributed to Bava, some even label him as the man responsible for launching the giallo film genre and in particular the entire sub-genre of the slasher movie.

Ecologia Del Delitto (Bay of Blood) is also regarded as one of the very first slasher movies. It was Bava’s 24^th theatrical film as director and as such he was confident in both his style and technique. Ecologia Del Delitto is arguably one of Bava’s most violent films and featured some graphically bloody murders. The film also boasted a strong international cast led by the beautiful French actress Claudine Auger, best known for her role as Dominique in the James Bond film Thunderball (1965). The film also featured Italian actress Laura Betti, with whom Bava had enjoyed working with on Hatchet for the Honeymoon (1969).

By the time Ecologia Del Delitto appeared, Italian composer Stelvio Cipriani was well adapted to the thriller score. Ecologia Del Delitto was the first of three projects that teamed both Cipriani and Bava, the second being Gli orrori del castello di Norimberga (Baron Blood) 1972) and lastly Cani Arrabbiati (Rabid Dogs) (1974). Whilst all three scores have been previously released on the excellent limited edition Digitmovies double CD from 2005 ‘Mario Bava Original Soundtracks Anthology Volume III’ (CDDM046), the Chris' Soundtrack Corner expanded score is fully worth the upgrade. In addition to the 37 minutes of music previously released, the CSC release contains 11 new tracks. Christian Riedrich explains, ‘Eleven bonus tracks of about fourteen minutes total length are added to this album, seven of which are previously unreleased, these include alternate takes, "wild" recordings, or edited mixes of original takes extended by looping the music and thus doubling the length of the track in order to offer a better listening experience. The cues are not sequenced in film order but have been placed in an order that we believe provides an optimum listening experience of the music apart from the film.’

Cipriani’s score works extremely well. There is a great deal of emphasis on percussion, tribal drums in particular are used to provide an uneasy, atonal quality which conjures up a genuine sense of foreboding. Yet, in listening to Cipriani you can pretty well guarantee you’re never too far from a beautiful melody. Cipriani seems to possess a unique ability in mixing the two styles seamlessly. Listen for his excellent ‘lounge’ version of the main title, and you’ll be transported to a silky soft, heavenly place via an ever so slightly threatening layer of opening strings... it’s a perfect example of equilibrium and it works deliciously well.

This newly released and extended edition of Ecologia Del Delitto has been beautifully produced by Christian Riedrich and newly mastered by Stefan Betke. The CD is accompanied by a 16-page illustrated booklet designed by Aletta Heinsohn featuring detailed and exclusive notes by film music journalist Randall D. Larson. If I had one minor gripe, I would have possibly put some of that stronger artwork to better use for the cover illustration. The powerful poster image by Spanish artist Jano would have pressed all the right buttons - but perhaps this was hampered by copyright limitations. Nevertheless, it certainly shouldn’t put you off, as Cipriani’s music remains the domineering factor.

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BY DARREN ALLISON

The mid-to-late Seventies seemed rife with films that featured sharks and the mysterious depths of the Bermuda waters. High class entries of course included Jaws (1975) and The Deep (1977), both of which were based upon successful novels by Peter Benchley. For every good example, there is naturally a fair amount of cheaper, less impressive imitations.  Bermuda: Cave of the Sharks (1978) directed by Italian Tonino Ricci, unfortunately lands in that category.

When Andres (Andrés García ) and his partner Angelica (Janet Agren ) are hired to recover some treasures from an aircraft that has ditched into the Bermuda Triangle, they face not only human treachery but also the mysterious powers of an underwater civilization. Ricci’s film did very little business and came about strictly because of the Italian film industry’s love affair with shark movies.

However, Tonino Ricci did have the good sense to hire Italian composer Stelvio Cipriani to write the score. The composer was becoming more than familiar with this particular genre with Cipriani, also scoring Il triangolo delle Bermude (The Bermuda triangle) (1978) and Uragano sulle Bermude l'ultimo S.O.S. (Encounters in the Deep) (1979).

Cipriani’s score for Bermude La Fossa Maledetta is quite an eclectic mixture of styles. A great number of the tracks serve as simplistic mood setters, not unlike standard ‘library’ samples. There is nothing in the way of a memorable lush theme or even a stand out action piece, which is strange considering that this is an adventure movie. There is nothing that could be described as rousing. Instead, Cipriani uses a recurring 6 note motif in various alternative forms. Additionally, the listener is reminded that this is indeed 1978 and with it comes plenty of bass guitar played over a Euro/Latin disco backing track, a style that would come to dominate many Italian films from this particular period. Cipriani’s score sticks very much to formula, with some nice little synthesised cues thrown in along the way.

Chris' Soundtrack Corner's complete CD gets really interesting when it reaches the bonus material. Cipriani seemingly gains access to a rather nice (if limited) set of orchestral musicians. As a result, the music has a much improved, almost lush appeal and provides a complete change of direction. Mysteriously, this only occurs for a couple of tracks before reverting back to the more familiar synthesised approach. However, even these ‘alternate’ versions seem to carry far more weight and even provide some threatening wordless vocals which really hype up the atmosphere. Ultimately, one is left wishing that there were a great deal more strings and harmonies used within the context of Cipriani’s main score.

Italian label Digitmovies had previously released a three-score, 2-CD set that featured 18 tracks from Bermude La Fossa Maledetta - but is now long deleted. Chris' Soundtrack Corner now offers the complete score (31 tracks in total) with an additional 26 minutes of previously unreleased material – an element which is bound to appeal to dedicated Cipriani collectors. Comprehensive album notes are provided by John Bender contained within an 8-page booklet.

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Cinema Retro has received the following press release:

“That’s the beauty of music. They can’t get that from you” - Andy Dufresne

On August 12^th, 2016, nearly 22 years after the film’s original theatrical release, SPACELAB9 is honored to present, for the first time ever on vinyl format, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION: ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK DOUBLE LP. The critically acclaimed soundtrack album includes the full 18-track score from award-winning composer Thomas Newman (The Green Mile, American Beauty, Spectre) as well as additional tracks by The Ink Spots and Hank Williams plus a stunning performance of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” by the Deutsche Opera Berlin, recalling one of the most memorable scenes from the film.

The deluxe 180 gram double LP package includes a gatefold jacket highlighted with sleek silver foil stamping and features several images from the iconic film as well as exclusive liner notes by composer Thomas Newman. A limited “Prison Blues” blue vinyl variant is available from Barnes & Noble, while the “Suds on the Roof” yellow vinyl variant will be made available for pre-order on August 2^nd, exclusively at SPACELAB9.com and will also be available in extremely limited quantities from the label’s booth at New York Comic Con in October.

The film adaption of the Steven King novella "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, renamed simply The Shawshank Redemption by screenwriter and director Frank Darabont (The Green Mile, The Walking Dead), although not a hit at the box office upon its 1994 theatrical release, gained traction the following year having been nominated for seven Academy Awards. Following the home video release in 1995, The Shawshank Redemption became the most rented film of the year and would continue to grow in popularity throughout the next two decades to become one of the most iconic, endearing and enduring films of all time. The Shawshank Redemption has sat at #1 on IMDB’s user-generated list of the 250 top rated films since 2008 and in 2015 the United States Library of Congress selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry, finding it to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

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BY DARREN ALLISON

Is Paris Burning? Composed by Maurice Jarre, The 50th Anniversary Recording of the Complete Score. A Special Collectors 2 CD Edition featuring a brand new recording by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Nic Raine. Released by Tadlow Music, Price: £16.95 TADLOW023, Date: August 25th 2016 Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.

It’s always exciting to receive the latest release from Tadlow music. When award winning producer James Fitzpatrick and respected conductor Nic Raine join forces and combine their talents, you know the result is always going to be good. Maurice Jarre’s music is, of course, nothing new to the long standing partnership. Together in recent years, they have overseen triumphant new recordings of Jarre’s Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Villa Rides (1968).

Is Paris Burning? (1966) is their latest collaboration and features the complete 69 minute film score including previously unrecorded cues. A great deal of Jarre’s patriotic score is heavily militaristic, with defiant marches that reflect the repetitive beat of German foot soldiers. Jarre chose to use ascending pianos to achieve this ‘strange and disturbing sound’, twelve pianos in fact, and drew upon his childhood memories of living in Paris. It’s a very methodical score, almost industrial in its strokes and leaves very little room for lush or sweeping melodies. However, this wasn’t the case with Jarre’s original soundtrack album where the composer took a more logical musical approach as opposed to a filmic approach. Naturally perhaps, this is the more familiar arrangement that we have become more accustomed to, and where Tadlow again go the extra mile. Never a company to cut corners, Tadlow have also included a complete reworking of Jarre’s album version which was originally released over two suites. In fact, the second CD in this collection is a joyous collage of Jarre delights.

Aside from the original album version of Is Paris Burning? Tadlow’s second disc (running a generous 73 minutes) contains a wonderful selection of concert suites comprised of Jarre’s similar period assignments. Here you will find music from The Night of the Generals (1967), The Train (1964), Weekend at Dunkirk (1964) and The Damned (1969). As an extra bonus, Tadlow has also added two new vocal versions of “Paris En Colere” performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic chorus conducted by Miriam Nemcova and a solo vocal version by new French singing discovery, Melinda Million, both of which rounds off this collection rather nicely.

As with all of Tadlow’s releases, the audio (recorded in dynamic 24Bit/96kHz digital sound) is quite stunning and provides an entirely new clarity to such familiar themes. Nic Raine conducts the reconstructed score from the original orchestrations by Leo Arnauxd, and in return extracts a powerhouse performance from the acclaimed 100 piece City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Tadlow’s packaging includes a handsomely produced 24-page booklet with informative liner notes by Frank K DeWald and producer James Fitzpatrick.

At over 140 minutes of music, Tadlow always maintain the ability to deliver quantity as well as quality. Reliability is something of a rare factor in the soundtrack market. Fortunately, with the arrival of a Tadlow release, you can always guarantee it’s going to be right on the money, before you’ve even hit the play button. 

http://www.tadlowmusic.com/home/

BY DARREN ALLISON

Growing up with the film music of Lalo Schifrin in the 1970s made these two albums somewhat compulsory listening. Black Widow (1976) marked Schifrin’s debut album for the legendary CTI (Creed Taylor Incorporated) label with Towering Toccata (1977) proving to be a perfect follow up. Both of these albums (recorded in 1976) feature some of the greatest Jazz musicians of the period including Eric Gale, Steve Gadd, Hubert Laws, Jon Faddis, Anthony Jackson and Joe Farrell, to name just a few.

Schifrin provides a Jazz funk vibe to some classic movie themes including Steven Spielberg’s monster smash Jaws. The track (which still sounds incredible) was released from Black Widow as a single and charted at number 14 in the UK singles chart, becoming something of an established disco anthem. The Black Widow album also did well, reaching number 22 in the US list of jazz bestsellers and appeared in the R&B chart. Encouraged by good sales and positive public reaction, Schifrin returned to CTI for Towering Toccata, another great blend of smooth, disco funk grooves and a good selection of themes that had been reworked in order to fit in with the overall album concept. The disco-laced version of John Barry's theme from King Kong is fondly remembered and arguably one of the album’s most enduring tracks.

Both of these albums are today rightly considered as classics. Yes, of course they are dated; they’re a product of their time and of a certain generation. If you can’t kick back and embrace the period sound without feeling a sense of embarrassment, then these albums are not for you. If, however, you can look back with great fondness and soak up the enormous sense of nostalgia that these two wonderful albums can offer, don’t hesitate for a minute. Like me, you’ll probably find yourself hitting the repeat button on a regular basis. Both Black Widow and Towering Toccata complement each other seamlessly. For the virgin ear, there is no distinct separation point from one album to the next; it flows sweetly and with a lush sense of historic sophistication.

The audio quality on this Robinsongs / Cherry Red Records release is remarkably clean and clear with no evidence of distortion. Brass sections are sharp, basses are deep and the overall dynamics are nicely balanced and sounding perfectly natural, given their 40 year history. It is also worth pointing out that both albums are presented here in their original release format with each album containing its original eight tracks. Black Widow is not the extended version which contained four bonus tracks. It’s a perfectly practical measure of course, which enables the two full albums (at 39.24 and 35.34 respectively) to be contained on just the single CD (thus keeping production costs down). The packaging consists of a very nicely produced full colour 12 page booklet with liner notes provided by Charles Waring of MOJO and Record Collector magazine. My only criticism: smartening up the choice of font for the cover would only enhance this release and be more reflective of the quality contained on the CD. The current choice of font does appear to ‘cheapen’ its look, and Schifrin’s music is much more worthy of something a little classier.

For Schifrin collectors and fans alike, this excellent twofer release is very nice indeed and offers an extremely inexpensive way of adding two of his classic 70s albums to your collection. At £9.95 it’s really quite hard to go wrong.

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BY DARREN ALLISON

With their heart firmly set in the retro cinema sound of yesteryear, Cineploit’s releases are always greeted with a great sense of anticipation. Finding artists or even a label that are so devoted to the genre is a rare thing, and a reason why I continue to applaud the Austrian label. “Themes International” (Cine 15) is the fourth LP release by Orgasmo Sonore, a group that continue to evolve and perfect their sound with every subsequent album. Orgasmo Sonore’s latest album again consists of brand new original material all composed, recorded and produced during 2015. As the title suggests, each of the 12 tracks are based largely on a theme, and there’s certainly a diverse range to be enjoyed.  With titles such as ‘Giallo’, ‘KPM Library’, (the exquisite and funky) ‘Turkish Psych’, ‘Spaghetti Western’, ‘Erotic’ and ‘Exotic’, “Themes” International is an album that covers all the bases. There are also two wonderful homage tracks devoted to the styles of legendary European composers, ‘Morricone’ and the late great French composer ‘François de Roubaix’. The whole album is warm, smooth and stylishly groovy. It’s the type of album that you just don’t hear anymore, unless of course it’s a re-issue of some cult 60s Italian underground soundtrack. Sonore have reached that comfortable position where they play like seasoned musicians, delivering a finely-tuned, pin sharp cinematic sound, all of which is handsomely produced by Frank Rideau. With 21 tracks created from the ‘Themes’ recording sessions and selected down to a final 12 for the finished album, I would again plead with Cineploit to make good use of this additional material, especially in reference to the CD. At a little over 42 minutes, I’m sure fans and admirers of the music would love to hear a handful of those unused gems included as bonus tracks. Nevertheless, “Themes International” delicately unfolds with a silky richness and a slick sophistication. So step on board set the chair to recline and prepare for a wonderful flight.

Cineploit’s audio and packaging is as usual, beautifully presented and of a very high standard. “Themes International” is released in a variety of limited forms. The First 250 copies of the 180g vinyl LP are also supplied with the album on CD (the first 125 of these on solid purple/black mixed colour vinyl) with a further 125 on solid black vinyl. Another 250 copies of the vinyl only version are again available (125 coloured, 125 black). The CD only version is also limited to just 500 copies in a stylish mini LP style wallet sleeve.

BY DARREN ALLISON

Henry Mancini – a composer who will be forever linked with sumptuous film and television music- returns to Vocalion in another CD containing two classic RCA albums. Both from the early 1970s, Mancini Concert and Mancini Plays the Theme from Love Story (CDLK 4582) highlight different facets of his music making. Recorded to tie-in with Mancini’s 1971 American concert tour, Mancini Concert (originally released 1971) is just that – a studio recording of the sort of varied programme his audiences had come to expect. The highlight is undoubtedly Portrait of Simon and Garfunkel, a heartfelt orchestral rendering of several of the legendary duo’s best-known melodies. In addition to inventive orchestrations of other contemporary material including selections from The Who’s rock opera Tommy and the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice opus Jesus Christ Superstar, Mancini looks back to his swing era roots in Big Band Montage. A Mancini album wouldn’t be complete without some of his own music, and Mancini Concert addresses that through the inclusion of March with Mancini, a medley of themes from Peter Gunn and The Great Race. Mancini Plays the Theme from Love Story album (originally released 1970) capitalised on his smash-hit arrangement of Francis Lai’s film theme. Indeed, film music is the album’s cornerstone, and it includes several rare Mancini themes such as The Night Visitor, The Hawaiians and Theme for Three, the last of these from the Audrey Hepburn classic Wait until Dark. Remastered by Michael J. Dutton and using the original analogue tapes, the audio quality, as with all of Vocalion’s releases, is superb. Vocalion have reverted to just a 2 Panel (4 page) booklet to accompany their latest Mancini release, but the inclusion of two full albums manages to tilt the balance rather nicely.

The albums Classical Concussion / Predictions (CDLK 4582), both originally released in 1979, represent Vocalion’s latest voyage into the archives of the KPM 1000 Series, one of the world’s leading recorded music libraries and the home of some superb film and TV music. Featuring the work of brilliantly gifted composer and keyboardist Francis Monkman (a founder member of progressive bands Curved Air and Sky), Classical Concussion (originally KPM 1224) and Predictions (originally KPM 1233) are from the same era as his hugely popular score for gangland thriller The Long Good Friday (1980). In fact, Classical Concussion, recorded at Lansdowne Studios in November 1978, seems to anticipate in places The Long Good Friday’s score. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the opening track, ‘Release of Energy’, a thrilling title theme that embedded itself in the consciousness of UK cinemagoers thanks to its use (in abridged form) as the Rank Cinema chain’s ‘Preview Time’ jingle. The dramatic ‘Power Games’ also became familiar to British cinemagoers through its use as the Rank Cinema intermission theme. With its emphasis on electronic music, Predictions is in the same mould as that of Sky’s debut album from the same year. The imposing Passajig (a) is an unusual concoction of rhythm section, synthesizer, church organ and, remarkably, the State Trumpeters of the Band of The Household Cavalry. The magnificent sound of the State Trumpeters introduces Prelude (a), a pulsating underscore with synthesizer ostinato that conjures up visions of a futuristic metropolis. But the album’s best-known track is Hypercharge, thanks to its inclusion in Arthur Gibson’s award-winning 1981 documentary about the Red Arrows, the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force. Featuring super audio quality, Vocalion continue to show their commitment regarding the KPM Library series. Packaging consists of an excellent 6 page booklet with detailed liner notes provided by Library expert Oliver Lomax. It doesn’t get much better.

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BY DARREN ALLISON

It’s great to see Vocalion continuing to release a further addition in their remarkable series of original library music. Last year the label launched a new series of Bruton music releases to add to their catalogue and further strengthen their commitment to the genre. Vocalion has released a new CD featuring a superb collection of music from the archives of, arguably the most famous of all library music labels, KPM. Flying Start - a collection of contemporary scores from the KPM 1000 Series (1968-1978) (CDMSL 8516) is an excellent compilation featuring 28 of the finest 1000 Series compositions. The focus here is very much on their majestic orchestral and big band sounds with contemporary rhythm. But there is also so much more, romantic interludes, avant-garde spacey jazz, and abstract underscores all equate to a varied and rewarding listening experience. Keith  Mansfield’s ‘World Series’ will be instantly recognisable to thousands, and was used for years as the signature tune of BBC Television’s athletics coverage.

In addition to Mansfield, there is a whole host of KPM stalwarts including Neil Richardson, David Lindup, Nick Ingman, John Dankworth and Johnny Pearson. The CD has a genuine filmic feel to it and crammed with exquisite orchestrations. Vocalion’s audio quality is stunning, and reflective of the mastering process (taken directly from the original stereo analogue tapes). Thankfully, Vocalion’s packaging for this release is of the standard we have come to expect, consisting of an eight-page booklet with a lengthy essay detailing the background of the KPM 1000 Series as well as composer biographies and a discussion of the music itself. Overall, it’s another wonderful addition to a marvellous series of releases.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

BY DARREN ALLISON

Neal Hefti’s soundtrack compositions always seem to define a sense of good safe ground. Throughout the 1960s, Hefti provided light but always memorable scores including TV’s Batman (1966-68), How to Murder your wife (1965), Barefoot in the park (1967) and The Odd Couple (1968). Perhaps rather less memorable were the comedies Boeing Boeing (1965) and Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s hung you in the closet and I’m feelin’ so sad (1967). Boeing Boeing marked the last strains of Paramount’s association with Jerry Lewis and co-starred Tony Curtis. A romantic comedy farce, the film is set in Paris, and Hefti’s loungey, easy-listening feel makes it an enjoyable experience. There are of course certain familiarities.  Hefti’s signature sound is hard to ignore: smooth brass and witty electric keyboard motifs all signify a certain 60s charm. Vocalion’s new release (CDLK4578) marks Boeing Boeing’s first venture on CD. At just 28 minutes, it’s a straight forward re-release of RCA’s original 1965 LP. Nevertheless, Vocalion have sensibly paired Boeing Boeing with Hefti’s soundtrack album, Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung you in the closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad (1967). A much darker comedy and based upon the stage play by Arthur L. Kopit, the film version starred Rosalind Russell, Robert Morse and Barbara Harris. Hefti’s music offers a rather bizarre mix of flavours, with its main theme song (a kid’s ditty of sorts) performed by a children’s chorus. There is also a good deal of Bossa Nova beats and a rather nice Latin infused love theme. Again, it is typical of that very comfortable Mancini Sixties environment. Listen out in particular to the track ‘This is Mother’ and you might just pick up more than a hint of Hefti’s Batman’s backbeat. Hefti’s Oh Dad is another short score, and another straight reworking of the original album - coming in at just 24 minutes

It’s probably fair to assume that either of these scores (in their individual capacity) would tend to struggle. However, as a pairing they actually work very well and complement each other seamlessly. They achieve a rather nice balance and as a result, a very enjoyable collection of Neal Hefti’s film music emerges. The accompanying booklet consists of just a 2 Panel (4 page) insert containing the original album notes – which is a shame. Thankfully, Vocalion’s excellent audio production of the two albums makes it a worthwhile purchase.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

BY DARREN ALLISON

“The Silencers” – Elmer Bernstein

It’s always great to see a classic soundtrack album receive its debut on CD, and Elmer Bernstein’s stylish Matt Helm score The Silencers (CDLK4573) is no exception. Dean Martin’s campy but hugely enjoyable spy capers were made during a successful period of spy-time, when Bond, Flint and numerous other secret agents were dominant in cinema entertainment. Bernstein’s jazzy, cool and deliciously infectious score ticks all the desired boxes. Bernstein fills the soundscape with big brass and fast percussion, most of which are laced with a hip, Latin beat. The composer provides plenty of swing, but it’s never without an underlying sense of fun, a playfulness throughout which perfectly mirrors Helm’s on screen exploits. Aside from Bernstein’s score, the two vocal tracks sung by Vikki Carr (co-written by Mack David) ‘The Silencers’ and ‘Santiago’ also offer a sassy sense of relevant glitz. Vocalion has provided a beautiful, clean production, perfectly in keeping with their usual high standards of mastering.

On the downside, this is unfortunately, just a straight forward release of the original album, which, in typical 60s fashion, consists of just thirteen tracks and lasts a little over 31mins. I was also a little surprised that the accompanying booklet consisted of just a 2 Panel (4 page) insert, which contains the original LP sleeve notes along with the three supporting B&W photos. It’s just a little disappointing, knowing Vocalion’s usual high standard of packaging. One has to remember, this is the CD debut of what is (effectively) an Elmer Bernstein classic. The Silencers is a cult, genre favourite, and perhaps a few pages containing some new writing, might have given greater cause to celebrate its emergence on the CD format. There is also the running time; again, locking off a CD at just 32 minutes is not what we have come to expect from Vocalion, it’s simply not their style. Considering the amount of crime jazz compilations that appeared on budget label LPs at the time, it would of arguably been nice to see one of these tagged on to the CD, it certainly wouldn’t had felt out of place. Vocalion have a proven track record in taking these budget releases of the past and providing them with a new lease of life. I can’t help but consider if their loyal fan base would have appreciated a little more meat on the bone.

Whilst The Silencers arguably remains an essential purchase, if only in order to upgrade from that ageing piece of vinyl, there will always be a niggling sense of disappointment in regards to its overall content. It’s undeniably great, but sadly, it’s all over far too soon.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

BY DARREN ALLISON

Austrian label Cineploit records have launched their latest album with the introduction of Videogram.  Hailing from Sweden, their pre-cert album offers a richly enjoyable mix of 80s-inspired soundtrack scores and popular VHS culture. (For non-UK readers, the term "pre-cert" refers to the era prior to the implementation of certification standards for VHS releases that went into effect in 1984, thus requiring a seal of approval. The certification process resulted in censored versions of many films being substituted for the original versions.- Ed.) The album begins with the deliciously retro indent before we’re immersed among a wealth of genre defining tracks ranging from horror, fantasy, thrillers, police drama and a John Carpenter epic suite.

Their love of the whole VHS culture period is evident throughout Videogram’s sound; it’s obviously so much more than just making music, there’s such an intense vibe, it almost clones and reproduces the environment of the past. It has the ability to transcend and transports you directly back.

The music is hugely enjoyable, with heavy pulsating synths dominating the proceedings. There is also a rich electronic vein which runs throughout its tracks and is, of course, so representative of the 70s and in particular, that warm 80s soundscape. There are some wonderful standout tracks, in particular ‘Cobretti’ which pulsates with the subtlety of an ‘industrial Schifrin’, with conventional brass instead being substituted by metallic crash and thrash. As a new approach, it all works perfectly well and still captures the flavour of the period. Then of course, there is the mammoth ‘Man Is the Warmest Place to Hide’, an epic 13 minute nod towards Carpenter’s "The Thing" (1982). But don’t expect a note for note rendition, as it is very much a homage to Carpenter’s environment, it simply drags you into that pre-cert VHS video world and invites you to sample a flavour, a taste from a cup that we all previously drank from at one particular place in time.

It could be argued that to appreciate this album fully, you perhaps had to live through that particular era. But with a welcome revival towards all things retro being very current, I have little doubt this album has widespread appeal. Boomers will simply lap it up, whilst newbie retro seekers need hardly look for a better place to begin.

Videogram have delivered a polished album with a razor sharp biting edge. Pre-cert allows them to slither perfectly among the ranks of Cineploit’s already established stable of artists. It’s an album that demands repeated plays and left me wanting more. One can only look forward safe in the knowledge that they will continue to grow and blossom. I have a feeling the best is yet to come.

Cinema Retro has received the following press release:

One Way Static Records is excited to bring you their latest release, one where we had the chance to (again) work with legendary composer Philip Glass. This has been a much requested release we simply could not withhold from you!

Following up on our last year’s release for Candyman (1992) One Way Static Records is now proud to announce the release of Mr. Glass' iconic motion picture soundtrack for Clive Barker's 1995 CANDYMAN II (Farewell to the Flesh) on vinyl and cassette.

Clive Barker who wrote the story for Candyman is a multi talented artist, painter, director & producer. The extent of his work is endless. Spawning the likes of Nightbreed, Hellraiser, Lord Of Illusions and the Books Of Blood just to name a few.

Philip Glass also needs no introduction. Considered one of the most influential composers of the last century his works are featured in a multitude of movies like Koyaanisqatsi, Hamburger Hill, The Truman Show, etc. Mr. Glass was nominated for and won several Golden Globes, Bafta & Academy Awards.

For the first time on vinyl & cassette, packaged in deluxe old school tip-on gatefold jackets.

Available in the following versions:

DELUXE EDITION : LIMITED COLOR VINYL : packaged in a deluxe gatefold old school tip-on jacket. Comes on BEE HAZE VINYL and SILVER/YELLOW SPLIT VINYL. These variants are inserted randomly and are limited to #500 copies each worldwide. They come sequentially foil numbered (2 series of /500). 

BLACK VINYL : limited to 500 copies worldwide. Packaged in a deluxe Tip-On Gatefold jacket. Comes with obi strip.

CASSETTE EDITION : limited to 250 copies worldwide with alternate artworks. Static Club members with a cassette option will automatically receive the limited edition (Lim. #125 copies). Left-overs will go to non Static Club members who order first.

This release is NOW up for pre-order on :
www.onewaystatic.com (Europe)
www.lightintheattic.net (North America)

By Darren Allison

Zoltan are back with their new album / CD ‘Sixty Minute Zoom’ (Cine 11). The London-based trio have again drawn upon their influences of film composer Fabio Frizzi and the legendary Italian soundtrack giants Goblin in order to produce this creative and unique homage to the much-loved Giallo film genre. To date, Zoltan’s journey has been an incredibly interesting ride and Sixty Minute Zoom really does emerge as arguably their most polished piece of work. The album reveals a perfect coherence between keyboardist Andy Thompson, bassist/keyboardist/guitarist Matt Thompson and drummer Andrew Prestidge.

‘Antonius Block’ opens the album with a brooding, atmospheric pace, there’s also plenty of haunting synths that flutter among the punchy sharpness of Prestidge’s percussion. Zoltan provide a relevantly spooky and unsettling vibe through Side One, especially with tracks such as ‘Table of Hours’. Whilst ‘The Ossuary’ is a piece that begins with a sense of soothing electronic energy, don’t be fooled – as it switches direction around the half way mark and instead pulls us into the realm of suspense and an almost pulsating stalker theme. Zoltan cleverly keep you on your toes and guessing throughout – it’s an almost stylised mystery tour which never allows the listener to settle for a minute.

Side Two is devoted entirely to the epic ‘The Integral’ – a twenty-one minute synth symphony which captures Zoltan’s slick sense of unity. The piece arguably emerges as an Italian Giallo suite, a rich mixture of electro experimentation and rhythmic beats - a powerful, threatening groove which could have effortlessly graced any classic euro horror of the day.

I have to admire Zoltan’s continued commitment to the Italian horror genre, an area to which some may consider (rather unwisely) as a defunct soundtrack category of the past. There is a genuine passion behind Zoltan’s work, an almost unflinching desire to assure that the Giallo soundtrack keeps its head firmly above the water – and who can blame them? It’s a release which will certainly appeal to fans of cult Euro horror and exploitation fiends.

Cineploit have released Sixty minute zoom in a number of formats including Vinyl LP, CD and several mixed options – check it out here http://www.cineploit.com/

Intrada has released a new, definitive CD of Henry Mancini's classic score for Howard Hawks' "Hatari!". See below for description from Screen Archives: 

World premiere release of actual Henry Mancini soundtrack to terrific Howard Hawks adventure film set in Africa, starring John Wayne, Elsa Martinelli, Red Buttons. Wayne and company capture rare animals for various world zoos. Some species are easier to catch than others. Elephants inspire Mancini to create legendary tune "Baby Elephant Walk", available for first time ever in its original soundtrack guise. Famous swaggering tune for high register Eb clarinet also figures during climactic "Search For Dallas". Leopard, buffalo, monkey, giraffe, ostrich all get their say but incredibly dangerous rhino sequences are what bring out Mancini's equally legendary main theme, often heard on choir of French horns in unison. In 1962, Mancini re-recorded just 30 minutes of highlights for admittedly sensational RCA album. Now enjoy Mancini's complete original recordings, presented mostly in stereo from Paramount Pictures scoring session elements. A few sections required use of mono stems to allow restoration of complete soundtrack. This new hour long release carries landmark significance: every Mancini album during this most famous period of his career (Breakfast At Tiffany's, Hatari, Charade, Experiment In Terror, The Pink Panther) was heavily truncated and completely re-arranged with emphasis on dance mood. Along with new release of Charade, this marks exciting debut of an actual Mancini soundtrack from the era! Danger, romance, thrills, comedy, all getting rich Mancini melody! Unforgettable original campaign artwork is icing on the cake. Henry Mancini conducts. Available while quantities and interest remain. - Douglass Fake Intrada Producer

01. The Sounds Of Hatari 4:17
02. Main Title 2:35
03. Safari Bar Piano Blues 1:24
04. Giraffe Country 1:34
05. Just For Tonight (Instrumental) 2:10
06. Paraphrase I 1:40
07. Night Side 2:35
08. Dallas Has A Plan 1:31
09. Trip To Masai Wells 1:06
10. Indian Comes Home 0:58
11. Just For Tonight (Solo Piano) 2:24
12. Swift Animal Chase 0:49
13. Dead Elephant 0:37
14. Night Side (Record Player) 2:19
15. Leopard And Buffalo 1:51
16. The Crocodile 1:08
17. Your Father’s Feathers 1:50
18. Baby Elephant Walk (Short) 1:57
19. Crocodile, Go Home! 1:10
20. Big Band Bwana 1:46 
21. Paraphrase II 1:26
22. Wildebeest Hunt 2:36
23. Brandy Sniffer 2:09
24. Ice Bucket Blues 1:42
25. Monkey Suits 2:04
26. Baby Elephant Walk (Long) 3:14 
27. Elephant Scare 0:49
28. More Rhino 0:53
29. Burnt Fingers 2:59
30. Search For Dallas 4:23 
31. Just For Tonight (Chorus) 2:10
32. Finale 0:19

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM SCREEN ARCHIVES

Intrada has released both of Jerry Goldsmith's superb soundtracks for "Our Man Flint" and "In Like Flint" in a CD set. The albums were available on vinyl when the films were originally released in 1966/1967. The new remastered recordings are enhanced when compared to any previous CD releases. Below is the official blurb from the Screen Archives site.

Finally! Two great sixties albums by Jerry Goldsmith make their debut on CD, mastered from the recently discovered original 20th Century-Fox stereo album session masters! Preserved in pristine condition in the vast UMG vaults, Our Man Flint and In Like Flint were short but exciting LPs that came out in 1966 & 1967 respectively. Both movies featured James Coburn as secret agent Derek Flint. Daniel Mann directs the former, Gordon Douglas directs the latter. Not to be confused with the Varese Sarabande release of soundtrack highlights, this Intrada CD offers both classic original albums exactly as Goldsmith recorded them, in crisp stereo with vivid orchestral color. Cool action, tuneful adventure and one of the composer's most famous themes all have their say. Included are authentic reproductions of both Bob Peak album jackets, classics in their own right, presented in our flipper-style CD cover. Choose your own favorite! These two albums have been amongst the most requested for CD release in our label's history. Wait no more, they're yours to spin! Jerry Goldsmith conducts both scores. Intrada Special Collection release available while quantities and interest remain! -INTRADA

OUR MAN FLINT
01. Our Man Flint (1:46) 02. Never Mind, You'd Love It (2:09) 03. It's Gotta Be A World's Record (2:20) 04. Man Does Not Live By Bread Alone (2:16) 05. Take Some Risks, Mr. Flint? (1:40) 06. Tell Me More About That Volcano (2:44) 07. You're A Foolish Man, Mr. Flint (1:46) 08. In Like Flint (1:57) 09. Doing As The Romans Did (2:11) 10. Galaxy A Go-Go! -Or- Live It To Flint (2:15) 11. All I Have To Do Is Take A Bite Of Your Apple? (2:13) 12. Stall! Stall! Flint's Alive (2:01)
Total Time: 25:57

IN LIKE FLINT
13. Where The Bad Guys Are Gals ("In Like Flint" Theme) (2:38) 14. Ladies Will Kindly Remove Their Hats (2:45) 15. Lost In Space (2:36) 16. Odin, Dva, Tri, Kick! (3:07) 17. No Rest For The Weary (2:27) 18. Your Zowie Face (Vocal) (2:34) 19. Mince And Cook Until Tender (2:33) 20. Ahh, Yer Father's Bob-Lip (2:20) 21. Who Was That Lady… ? (2:11) 22. Westward Ho-o-o! (5:37)
Lyrics By Leslie Bricusse
Total Time: 29:14

Total Disc Time: 55:20

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM SCREEN ARCHIVES

By Darren Allison

(Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor)

I was recently fortunate enough to make an acquaintance with Jason Lee Lazell of Moochin’ About Records which is earning kudos for releasing some high profile film-related recordings. The latest box set in their Jazz on Film series – ‘Crime Jazz’- will be featured in our upcoming print edition of Cinema Retro. Another of their impressive releases, Film Noir, is a superb 5 CD box set featuring seven fantastic scores including Alex North’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Leith Stevens’s Private Hell 36 (1954), Elmer Bernstein’s The Man with the Golden Arm (1955), Elmer Bernstein and Chico Hamilton’s Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Henry Mancini’s Touch of Evil (1958), Duke Ellington’s Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and John Lewis’s Odds Against tomorrow (1959). I must admit, I initially thought these releases were just going to be another in a long line of reissues, but how wrong I was…

First, I can’t emphasise enough just how classy these releases are. In terms of audio quality alone, they are undoubtedly the best I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Sonically, they are simply outstanding, revealing a sharpness which no other label has seemed to achieve. The recordings are so clean; they almost offer a vibrant new listening experience.

Packaging of this release is also first class; its sturdy hard box contains a 52 page book with extensive liner notes, full personnel details, recording history and full colour reproductions of film posters from around the world. Each of the 5 discs are housed in beautiful card sleeves, each with a generic b/w brick wall design from which the relevant soundtrack’s film poster is pasted. It’s a very nice touch, providing a charming film noir feel to eye as well as the ear.

Film Noir offers a fabulous set of quality sounding soundtracks at an extremely good price. Don’t hesitate to check out this beautiful set. It might be hiding in the shadows, but it’s well worth pursuing.

You can find Jazz on Film...Noir at:

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Or at theMoochin’ About website at http://moochinabout.com/

BY FRED BLOSSER

Ambrose Bierce defined “misfortune” as “the kind of fortune that never misses.”  By that measure, Damiano Damiani’s A-budget Spaghetti Western “A Genius, Two Companions, and an Idiot” (“Un Genio, Due Compari, Un Pollo”) (1975), starring Terence Hill, was one of the all-time grand slams of jinxed cinema. Damiani’s negative was stolen during post-production and the film had to be reassembled from alternate takes. The movie was ultimately disowned by its producer, Sergio Leone, who regretted selecting Damiani as the director. In Germany and Sweden, the title was changed to “Nobody Is the Greatest” in an attempt to market the film as a sequel to Tonino Valerii’s popular “My Name Is Nobody” (1973), also produced by Leone and starring Hill. Lacking an American star for marquee value and released in the twilight of the Spaghetti era, the picture never played in U.S. theaters.

Paralleling the relative obscurity of the movie itself, Ennio Morricone’s musical score is the least known of his eight scores for films directed or produced by Leone. There was a soundtrack release on vinyl by CBS-Sugar in Italy in 1975 (with a charming old-timey-style cover photo of stars Terence Hill, Miou-Miou, and Robert Charlebois as their scruffy characters Joe Thanks, Lucy, and Steam Engine Bill), but no American edition. For newer Morricone collectors who have had to pay high prices for the CBS-Sugar vinyl and other now-out-of-print foreign editions -- and for those of us who are fond of Damiani’s sadly underrated and neglected movie -- Quartet Records has done the enormous service of releasing the 1975 soundtrack on a new limited-edition CD. Remastered from the first-generation master tapes, the disc sounds terrific.

“Un Genio, Due Compari, Un Pollo” may be Morricone’s most eclectic Spaghetti Western score, a mixture of old and new styles. Some of the 13 tracks employ familiar motifs from his scores for earlier Spaghettis by Leone and others. For example, “Cavalcata . . . per Elisa” is an energetic chase theme carried by Edda Dell’Orso’s familiar, soaring vocals. As part of the tune, Morricone samples Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” as he did in his showdown theme in Sergio Sollima’s “La Resa dei Conti”/”The Big Gundown” (1966). “Ansie dell’Oro” revisits the American-style orchestral sound that Morricone favored in early Spaghettis like Duccio Tessari’s “Una Pistola per Ringo”/”A Pistol for Ringo” (1965), when Italian-made cowboy films tried to sneak into the U.S. market as American B-pictures. In that sense, intentionally or not, the track bookends Morricone’s amazing decade-long run of iconic Spaghetti scores.

Other tracks, which actually anchor the score as the film’s signature themes, continued Morricone’s move in the ABBA era toward a lighter, Europop-inflected style first introduced in his title track for “My Name Is Nobody.” “Un Genio, Due Compari, Un Pollo,” the title tune that might also be called “Joe Thanks’ Theme,” sounds a bit like the “Nobody” theme, but more bubblegum in flavor. “Pepper Chewing-Gum,” the theme for Robert Charlebois’ hard-luck con man Steam Engine Bill, incorporates a farting bassoon that brings to mind the jokey frog croaks in “March of the Beggars” from Leone’s “Giu La Testa”/”Duck You Sucker” (1971), but it’s lighter and bouncier than the earlier tune. The romantic theme “Quando Arriva L’Amore,” which is reprised later in the film as “Dolore e Gioia,” is one of Morricone’s loveliest compositions. And it’s the one that you’re the most apt to replay in your mind after you listen to the CD, fittingly so since it underscores the movie’s most striking aspect, the sometimes wistful, sometimes slapstick romantic triangle of Joe, Lucy, and Bill.

Also included in the Quartet Records‘ two-fer, and also remastered from first-generation tapes, is Morricone’s score for Sergio Corbucci’s “Sonny & Jed”/”La Banda J. & S. -- Cronaca Criminale del Far West” (1972), a lesser work by the maestro. But for fans, lesser Morricone is still golden, and this is another hard-to-find soundtrack. The standout among the seven tracks is the title theme “Sonny,” which sounds a little like “Cheyenne’s Theme” from “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1969). The Quartet Records CD includes an informative, generously illustrated souvenir booklet by Randall D. Larson, and is limited to 500 copies.

“Un Genio, Due Compari, Un Pollo”/”Sonny & Jed” can be ordered from Quartet Records HERE http://www.quartetrecords.com/un-genio-due-compari-un-pollo.html or from Screen Archives Entertainment HERE http://www1.screenarchives.com/title_detail.cfm?ID=27870

Cinema Retro has received the following press release from Dust Bug Records. 

HAMMER PRESENTS DRACULA WITH CHRISTOPHER LEE

Unavailable on vinyl since its release in 1974, Dust Bug Records is proud to present this special Limited Edition 40th Anniversary 180 g vinyl pressing of Hammer Presents Dracula with Christopher Lee.

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Side one features the horrifying story of vampirism with spine- chilling sounds, and music composed by James Bernard and narration by Christopher Lee. Side 2 features The Four Faces Of Evil music suite: Fear In The Night: She: The Vampire Lovers; and Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde. Music arranged and conducted By Philip Martell.

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We've gone back to the original 1/4 inch tapes to bring you the best sound possible.

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100% analogue- Dust Bug Records is proud to confirm that this record has been cut on vintage analogue equipment. A DIGITAL- FREE PROCESS.

The signal path is Studer A80 Mk1 tape recorder > RCA BA 6A limiter> EMI RS56 Curvebender EQ> Pultec EQP 1A> EMI REDD series valve disc cutting desk> Neumann VMS 70 cutting lathe with SX74 stereo cutter head.

Cut at midnight by candlelight for maximum enjoyment.

180 g vinyl

100% Analogue

Gatefold sleeve

Mist enshrouded blood infused virgin vinyl.

Limited to 500 numbered copies only!

Catalogue Number DBVR001

Barcode: 5060124571614

Available to order now from: www.dustbugrecords.com

Don't miss out. When the sun comes up the 500 will be gone.

BY DARREN ALLISON

Following the break-up of Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the end of the 1970s, Keith Emerson ventured into the world of film soundtrack composition with his score for Italian director Dario Aregento’s horror film Inferno in 1980. This, in turn, led to Emerson being commissioned to compose and perform the music for the Sylvester Stallone film Nighthawks in 1981. From here a succession of film scores were to follow for directors in Italy, Japan and the United States. At the Movies gathers together Emerson’s music for seven movies including Nighthawks, Best Revenge, Inferno, La Chiesa (The Church), "Muderock, Harmagedon and Godzilla Final Wars.

Disc One (US Movies) contains 2 full soundtracks. Firstly, there is Nighthawks (1981) an enjoyable cop thriller from Sylvester Stallone. The movie co-starred Billy Dee Williams as Stallone’s partner, Lindsey Wagner (of TVs Bionic Woman fame) as the love interest and Rutger Hauer as terrorist Heymar Reinhardt. Emerson’s music, in consideration of its period, works very well indeed. Many composers, including the likes of orchestral masters such as Jerry Goldsmith, were experimenting tentatively with electronic music and synths during this film making period, and many failed miserably. However, Emerson appears to address the balance rather impressively. If you possess the patience to overlook a few genuinely cheesy moments – such as ‘Nighthawkin’ and ‘I'm a man’ which contain a vocal style reminiscent of the dying disco era – than you are in for a treat. There is some fine dramatic scoring here. Its main theme works very well - listen carefully and you may even pick up on a motif which is not too dissimilar to that of ELP’s ‘Fanfare for the common man’. The soundtrack is sometimes deep and broody – sometimes light and soulful. ‘Tramway’ for instance is a tense and edgy piece that never seems to rely permanently on synths – Emerson instead feels confident enough to introduce and experiment – and in this case – adds a delicate sound of a whirling police siren as part of the soundscape. All in all, Nighthawks still works very well – which is a pleasant surprise.

The second half of the CD contains the soundtrack of John Trent’s Bad Revenge (1984) which appears to be a European – British production? Nevertheless, it is something of an obscure film which has disappeared under the radar. But it contained a rather impressive cast including John Heard, John Rhys-Davies and Michael Ironside. The story revolves around an American tourist in Spain who is forced to take part in a $4 million drug deal, because his best friend has been kidnapped and is being tortured by the drug kingpin who set up the operation. The score begins with a somewhat lengthy orchestral suite (15.29) which serves in setting the tone. Whistles, rhythmic clapping hands and maracas indicate a strong European flavour. Bad Revenge certainly has a more established prog rock feel to it, again there are some vocals which perhaps unflatteringly date the score. But there are some real nice moments, too - The Dreamer, for instance is the film’s love theme and is performed beautifully by simple piano and delicate background synths. Because Bad Revenge is such a rarely seen movie, we don’t ever enter this score with any preconceived ideas - no clues, which, whilst refreshing, it can also, leave you a little empty. However, Bad Revenge is also a very nice way to round off the first disc, look upon it as a generous bonus and all will serve well.

Disc Two (Italian Movies) contains 2 full soundtracks and an EP. Disc 2 begins with Dario Argento’s Inferno (1980) the film in which Emerson cut his teeth in terms of film music. Inferno is a wonderful score, opening with a truly beautiful theme, which is so often the case with Italian horror films. However, there is a rich diversity throughout the score; tracks such as Taxi Ride provide a clear example of Emerson’s classically trained background and his virtuosity as an accomplished pianist. Sarah in the Library Vaults also highlights his flair for tense, dramatic scoring with the aid of lengthy, unsettling strings. Whilst Mater Tenebrarum explodes like an assault on the senses and becomes a full blown synth orientated operetta. The soundtrack as a whole remains quite superb and bristles with a seemingly eternal energy.

Next is an EP containing music (Four tracks) from Michele Soavi’s La Chiesa (The Church) (1989). The film told of an old Gothic cathedral, built over a mass grave, which develops strange powers. The Church trap a number of people inside with ghosts from a 12th Century massacre seeking to resurrect an ancient demon from the bowels of the Earth. Emerson’s music for La Chiesa takes on a much darker element, the emphasis is centred very much on its gothic surroundings. Much of its fifteen minutes are brooding, tense and full of dread, but Emerson does dabble with some electronic percussion which does inject a burst of much needed elevation.

Rounding off Disc 2 is Emerson’s score for Lucio Fulci’s Murderock (Uccide a passo di danza)(1984). By Fulci’s standards, Muderock was something of a standard thriller which saw the owner of a prestigious New York ballet school team up with a male model in order to solve a series of bizarre murders of a few of the students. The soundtrack is something of a mixed bag - following a fast paced opening theme, the score wastes little time in reverting to a very dated vocal (Not so innocent) provided by Doreen Chanter. Hereafter, the album takes on a very mainstream life. Instrumental keyboard pieces are broken up with some nice individual cues, Prelude to Candice is a sweet, subtle composition, and Coffee Time provides some light Jazzy relief (and a rare excursion) before we are launched back into a standard prog rock landscape. The score concludes with a lift in the shape of The Spilone, a funky bass driven track that seems somewhat out of place with what has preceded it.

Disc 3 (Japanese Movies) consists of 2 full soundtracks starting off with Harmagedon: The Great Battle with Genma, a science fiction anime movie released in 1983. Emerson’s score for this rarely seen movie is probably the lightest from this box set. The music is pretty safe throughout – entertaining organ riffs dominate and provide a jolly enough experience if this is your kind of thing. Totalling some 18 minutes in length, it is thankfully rather short.

To finish disc 3, there is the score to Ryûhei Kitamura’s Godzilla Final Wars (2004). This turned out to be something very different. I found myself quite enjoying this score. Perhaps it was due to the fast forwarding - a quantum leap of some 20 years in the evolution of Emerson’s film music? I’m not sure. The music for Godzilla Final Wars is without doubt, more upbeat, and arguably down to the advances - not only in Emerson’s compositions - but in technology and instrumentation. The score is incredibly diverse – tracks such as EDF Headquarters fight are pure club dance! EDF museum is a track bordering on trance, whilst Infant Island has more than a passing resemblance to Jean Michel Jarre’s ambient classic Équinoxe. All of which is wonderful, so why do I remain confused? Well, I just can’t match this music to Godzilla… Featuring elements of break beat and electronic rock mixed with orchestral elements, it is unlike any other Godzilla soundtrack. A little research revealed that Emerson was only given two weeks to write the score of the film and that only a small percentage of his score made it to the final cut of the film. Having not seen the movie – I can’t comment on what appeared in the film, but I’m led to believe it contains more music by the director’s regular collaborators, Nobuhiko Morino and Daisuke Yano, who were later hired to complete the rest of the film's score. So, as a result, I’m assuming this is Emerson’s music for the film - most of which did not make the final cut. However, as a standalone listen, the soundtrack works well and benefits enormously from Akira Ifukube’s original Godzilla theme arranged by Emerson - which is very good indeed!

Overall, this excellent set is always going to intrigue – as a collective, it is a fine representation of Keith Emerson’s film work. Sound quality is absolutely spot on, as is the packaging which uses individual card covers for each of its 3 CDs and sits in a very strong clamshell box alongside a 16 page book. Released by Esoteric Recordings and available through Cherry Red Records priced at £17.99, it’s well worth taking a look at.

Click here to order.

By Dave Worrall

One of the most sought-after film scores in the last 40 years has finally been released on CD. When released in 1968, Michael Reeves’ classic Witchfinder General (released in America as The Conqueror Worm) , starring Vincent Price (in arguably his finest role) featured an equally impressive score by Paul Ferris. At the time of the film's initial release a 45rpm record of the love theme was issued in England, but not a complete soundtrack. Thought to be have been lost forever, the original 1/4-inch master tapes were found in the vaults of recording studio De Wolfe Ltd in 2013.

Recently-discovered box containing reels of the original score.

The tapes, which are the original recordings, and not a copy, include every cue used in the film, and are now available on a CD for fans of this film (and the music) to enjoy at long last. Released by De Wolfe Ltd, the 3-sided gatefold sleeve reproduces photos of the newly discovered tape box and reel itself, and also comes with a 12-page booklet detailing the film's history. For this author, this is the 'find' of the decade!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON USA

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON UK

(Issue #5 of Cinema Retro (now almost sold out) features extensive coverage of the making of the film.)

By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor

Let’s face it, 1979 was a particularly bad year for the Concord. It was the year in which the ‘Airport’ franchise were about to deliver their latest offering in the shape of the quite awful Airport ’79 The Concord. However, Airport ’79 was beaten (by several months) to the screen by a cheesy little flick from Italy, Concord Affaire '79. Directed by Ruggero Deodato, Concord Affaire '79 is more an action thriller rather than the formulated disaster flick that we have come to know. Some commentators have argued that it is actually far better than its ‘Airport’ rival, and to be honest, I would probably side with that opinion. But let’s be clear from the start, neither film will ever be described as a classic…

Deodato’s film was not a big budgeted project, the film’s restraints are apparent – mainly through the use of stock footage of the British Airways supersonic ‘bird’ or the (less than seamless) shots of some average miniature models. But of course, that is half of the film’s 70s charm and its era defining identity stamp. Concord Affaire '79 separates itself from the typical disaster genre film right from the start, largely by having the plane crash in the first reel. There is no long laborious build up – this plane is down, crashing into the ocean off the coast of Martinique and leading us to believe there are no survivors. Of course, that’s not quite true, Jean Beneyton, the young French flight attendant played by Mimsy Farmer, does survive the crash. She is captured / rescued by the man responsible for the crash – Milland, played by Hollywood veteran Joseph Cotton. The film in fact boasts a string of established stars; Van Johnson plays Captain Scott, whilst Edmond Purdom played Danker, one of Milland's leading henchmen. Heading the cast is the ever enjoyable James Franciscus as Moses Brody, an American investigative reporter who decides to go to the Antilles in an attempt to rescue Jean Beneyton and uncover the story. From here on, it’s all rather good fun.

Stelvio Cipriani’s score for Concord Affaire '79 marks its debut release on CD. It’s only previous release was on vinyl LP consisting of 15 tracks and released in Japan on Polydor records. Whilst Cipriani sets an energetic pace with his opening main title Danger flight, there are also plenty of lush romantic cues. The score does however illustrate an age, due mainly to an overwhelming backbeat of Euro disco, an era which perhaps does not transfer too easily in today’s society. But of course, its style is very much of its time and still retains a certain retro charm. The composer cleverly based his score on variations of a single theme, which is hard to achieve unless in the hands of someone such as Cipriani. The central theme is used to good effect, sometimes melodic and rich or in the case of the underwater scenes there is an edgy dreamlike quality attached. But above all else, Cipriani uses Concord Affaire '79 to indulge himself deep into a world of synths and electronica, perhaps in reflection of the futuristic, supersonic era of the film’s narrative. Synth theme in particular is a long, almost operatic homage to a haunting electro heaven. However, Cipriani never seems to step too far over the line, and later adds more familiar analogue instrumentation (such as strings) to the synth sound and as a result, the blending works very well in deed.

Concord Affaire '79 is a curious, almost experimental score, yet Cipriani ultimately succeeds in making it work. But there are moments where one is left considering, if Cipriani perhaps deliberated over which route to take when composing this score. It is certainly an eclectic mix of styles, both in mood and in its instrumentation. For Cipriani collectors and soundtrack collectors in general, Concord Affaire '79 is well worth adding to your collection. Consisting of 27 tracks, (7 of which did not make it into the film), the CD is a huge improvement over the original album and its audio has been beautifully remastered. Chris’ Soundtrack Corner has demonstrated a full commitment to Cipriani’s work - with Concord being the composer’s Sixth title in their increasingly impressive catalogue. We can only hope there is more to come. 

http://www.soundtrackcorner.de/

Review by Darren Allison

On Chris' Soundtrack Corner label

Stelvio Cipriani's beautiful percussion based score for Joe D'Amato's ORGASMO NERO (1980) (CSC 014) sits very nicely alongside Chris' Soundtrack Corner’s previously released PAPAYA DEI CARAIBI (1978) (CSC 006). Both films are among D’Amato’s island-based sexploitation features and both were scored by Italian composer Cipriani. Both of Cipriani’s scores are superb examples of Mondo-exotica/erotica film music. Beyond the percussion based tribal themes there are also many subtle and romantic pieces that reflect the sun, sand and sexuality – each of which were often the staple exponents of European cult cinema of the 70s. Yes, these films were of course adult sub-genres, and in this case the focus was on American born actor Richard Harrison who plays Paul, an ethnological researcher who is investigating a little known island tribe. Paul is accompanied on the trip by his wife Helen (played by Spanish actress Nieves Navarro). Helen subsequently begins a sexual relationship with Haini (Lucia Ramirez), a beautiful black tribeswoman who exercises a lusty ‘primitive’ sexuality. Thus begins a fractured love triangle – a relationship that is further complicated when Paul and Helen take Haini back with them to the big city. From here on, D’Amato relies on a very familiar and tested formula, using each occurring situation as the premise for a soft porn sequence.

Cipriani's music is always reliable and often outlives the film itself, and this again proves to be the case with ORGASMO NERO. Cipriani provides some rich Bossa cuts, but you are never too far away from a piece of evocative, multi layered ambiance. Cipriani wisely chose a contrast of styles, an intelligent decision on his part – as it isn’t hard to imagine how other (and arguably lessor) composers may have simply relegated it to one particular genre. Fans and collectors of Cipriani’s work will certainly have little problem melting into this latest release and no doubt take to it like an old familiar friend.

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By Darren Allison

I’m very proud to say that I have travelled alongside Cineploit Records since the summer of 2012, and what a journey it is proving to be. Since then, they have featured regularly in the print edition of Cinema Retro. Unfortunately, Cineploit’s latest two releases arrived shortly after our print deadline; nevertheless, I wanted to make sure they received the exposure they fully deserve.

Omaggio a Bruno Nicolai ed alle sue musiche per il cinema Giallo - Orgasmo Sonore

The efforts of Cineploit really do demand applauding. Over the past couple of years their devotion to the music genres of Euro Horror, Poliziotti, Italian westerns and Giallo have begun to find broader audiences. Among the label’s artists is Orgasmo Sonore, a group that have already produced two previous albums of diverse delights. For their latest release, they have focused on the work of Bruno Nicolai. ‘Omaggio a Bruno Nicolai ed alle sue musiche per il cinema Giallo’ (Exploit 05) arrives in the form of a 12” 180g Vinyl mini album (45rpm) with a beautifully Euro flavoured gatefold sleeve. Containing 6 tracks (26 mins), the album is a tribute to Nicolai, selecting music from five of the composer’s Giallo soundtracks from 1971-1975. Ok, so there may not be anything new here for the Nicolai collectors, however, it has been put together exceptionally well, and if anything serves as a perfect introduction to the composer’s bulging body of work. The music is certainly faithful and true, ‘La Dama Rossa Uccide Sette Volte’ (or The Lady in Red Kills Seven Times) (1972) kicks off the album impressively, from its haunting childlike intro – right through to its razor sharp Harpsichord strings. Whilst still beautiful, a track such Sergio Martino’s Magico Incontro (1972) loses its edge to some degree – which is no doubt due to the absent wistful tones of vocalist Edda Dell'Orso. Dell'Orso became such an integral element of Nicolai’s (and Morricone’s) sound, it set an almost unattainable level, and there the bridge becomes blatantly apparent. Nevertheless, do not be deterred from this fine album If anything, I find adding alternative or cover versions of my favourite composer’s work somewhat welcoming, especially when produced with such impressive quality. Orgasmo Sonore has (unobtrusively) mixed various sound bites to the music, which, as a result, also refreshes the entire concept.

Producer and band member François Rideau has delivered an excellent tribute to the legendary composer. Oh, and to add a further dash of retro flavour, the record is pressed in a glorious yellow vinyl with blood red splatter! Stylish, original and above all, hugely enjoyable – it’s just a shame that it isn’t beefier in terms of its content. Regardless of this, I have little doubt fans of Giallo will absolutely lap it up.

http://www.cineploit.com/?p=926

Non bussare alla porta del diavolo – Sospetto

It was great to hear the latest offering from Sospetto. Whilst Sospetto are extremely modern in their execution, it is clear that they are heavily influenced by the Giallo soundtrack traditions of the 60s and 70s. Every so often, ripples of Fabio Frizzi and (arguably more often), the work of Euro-horror specialists Goblin, seem to transcend from their music. Of course, for fans of Giallo in particular, this isn’t a bad thing – and probably the reason why ‘Non bussare alla porta del diavolo’ (Cine 07) will surely prove successful. As with their previous album ‘Segni Misteriosi, Con Il Sangue Dipinto Sul Muro’ the music is oppressive, ethereal and sometimes heavy. However, despite their obvious influences, Sospetto have a unique talent of sounding both fresh and unique. With this latest release, the German duo of Christian Rzechak and Hobo Jeans have raised the bar to some degree, smoothing out some rough edges and producing a much more polished album in the process. Tracks such as ‘Sulla Strada Verso Il Nulla’ and ‘Viena Da Me’ are a pure delight, enhanced by the laid back, lounge-like wordless vocals of Christine Marks - they are simply crying out for a film to accommodate. On the flip side tracks such as ‘Citta Che Esplode’ are sharp and funky, percussion driven pieces that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Richard Roundtree Shaft film from the 70s.

Diversity seems key to this album, and there’s almost 35 minutes to enjoy spread over its 14 tracks. The packaging for Sospetto’s 180g LP comes in a super gatefold sleeve with a design to fit seamlessly alongside the Giallo soundtracks of the day. The LP is also available as a special set containing the 180g Vinyl, a CD version of the album and a bonus DVD (PAL encoded only) containing a 23 minute film by the group in 1.85:1 (16:9 enhanced). A classy album, and arguably the group’s finest album to date.

http://www.cineploit.com/?page_id=840

If interested in either of these titles, please be aware that they are strictly limited, so please contact Alex at Cineploit to check availability, tell him I sent you and he’ll see you right.

informazione@cineploit.com

-Darren Allison, Soundtrack Editor, Cinema Retro Magazine

By Darren Allison

Finally, Vocalion has treated us to a rather unique couple of albums. Visions of Eight (CDSML 8502) is a film about the personal dreams that make the Olympic Games transcend the physical into the spiritual. When the Wolper Organization was granted the authority to record the 1972 official film of the games, they elected to ignore the traditional documentary approach in favour of the human stories that emerged during the contests. Whilst the cameras recorded the tragic events surrounding the death of the Israeli athletes, the film remains a non - political tribute to all the contestants and to the spirit of the games. Eight respected directors of the era were brought on board, each with a chance to capture their separate visions. The producers commissioned three-time Academy Award winner Henry Mancini to provide a score that captured the film’s international spirit. Mancini handles the scoring rather well; it is full of his beautiful melodies, whilst tracks such as ‘Spaced Out’ and ‘Soft Flight’ reveal an otherworldly, dreamlike quality. It is an album that remains an essential part of the composer’s body of work. If Visions of Eight was not enough to tempt Mancini collectors, Vocalion have also added the rare 1977 album Just You and Me Together Love as a bonus. Vocalion’s CD marks the first time this has been released on a digital format. A rather obscure piece, it features original music by Mancini scored to the poems and narration of John Laws. Laws worked for Australian radio and struck up a friendship with Mancini during several of his tours in the country. It is a pleasant enough listen and one that will certainly appeal to the Mancini completists. The audio quality is what one would come to expect from Vocalion with crisp clear sound, a nicely produced booklet and production notes. Original British LP artwork has been reproduced for the front cover, with the option of reversing to display the original Japanese LP artwork – perfectly thought out and highly recommended! Keep em coming! Darren Allison

http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDSML8502

By Darren Allison

Vocalion’s latest release from their continuing series of popular Geoff Love re-releases from the 70s is this pairing of a couple of glorious albums originally released by MFP Records, La musique de Michel Legrand (MFP 2M046-95030) and La musique d’ Ennio Morricone (MFP 2M046-94653) (both 1973). What made these two albums unusual was the fact that they were specifically produced for the European market. Later in 1975, both were issued in the UK as a 2-LP set - The Music of Michel Legrand and Ennio Morricone (EMI DUOS 1181). Legrand’s heartfelt melodies work perfectly for Geoff Love’s style of Orchestration. The Windmills of your Mind and The Summer of ’42 will of course always be considered among Legrand’s finest signature pieces. However, Love brings a genuine sense of warmth to these covers, satisfying the ear of the easy-listening enthusiasts without distracting too far from the much remembered originals. There is certainly plenty of material to cheer about; music from Lady Sings the Blues provides a rare opportunity to listen to Legrand’s wonderful melancholic score. The Happy Ending is a 1969 film that doesn’t perhaps conjure up too many memories, but chances are – you’ll instantly recognise ‘What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?’, a beautiful theme from the film that enjoys longevity much more than the film itself. The album is an impressive compilation and a joy from beginning to end.

The second half of the CD focuses on Ennio Morricone. As with the nature of Morricone’s compositions, they are dauntingly unique, and one can only imagine exhaling a sigh of tense disillusionment at the prospect of taking on the man’s work. However, Love handles the challenge well, kicking off proceedings with a very nice, haunting version of Harmonica’s theme from Once Upon a Time in the West. It is only when we reach the “Dollars Trilogy” that the album appears to suffer slightly. The renditions are not unlistenable - but they just seem to lose the boldness or weight of their unconventional instrumentation. Cymbals, rumbling trumpets and even flutes simply appear weak and lack in sustaining their vibrant punch. What is perhaps apparent to this listening experience is the absence of any wordless vocals, often provided by long term Morricone collaborator Edda Dell'Orso. That said, the epic nature of the CD’s closing track (from Once Upon a Time in the West), seems to manage very nicely indeed, but one can only wonder what Love might had achieved had he been afforded the luxury of a full choir. Overall, the album is a delight and very easy on the ears.

In regards to production values, La musique de Michel Legrand / La musique d’ Ennio Morricone (Vocalion CDLK 4509) retains Vocalion’s very high standards. Beautifully remastered by Michael J. Dutton from the original analogue tapes, the CD ensures that our ongoing trip down ‘MFP Lane’ continues to be an extremely happy experience. Long may it continue!

http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDLK4509

By Darren Allison

Our good friends at Vocalion Records have released three excellent CDs. First is the super score to Bernard Kowalski’s 1969 B-movie thriller STILETTO (Vocalion CDSML 8501). Starring Alex Cord in the lead role and with support from Britt Ekland, Patrick O’Neal, Joseph Wiseman and Roy Scheider, the film was based on the Harold Robbins novel of the same name. Whilst Stiletto was never going to be an Oscar contender, as so many of these great little thrillers proved, it did gather something of a cult following. More often than not, restricted budgets and tight schedules surprisingly lead to great production values, with artists and crews having to think instinctively on their feet and with little time to elaborate. Stiletto music by American composer Sid Ramin is a truly evocative score. Ramin’s work was often uncredited and as a result, perhaps never received the recognition he ultimately deserved. Stiletto certainly highlighted Ramin’s ability to score a dramatic action movie. Pulsating Hammond organ, pounding percussion and golden brass lines - certainly draw similarities to the work of leading composers of the day such as Lalo Schifrin and Roy Budd. The music implies a rich, Mediterranean vibe which captures the film’s international romanticism. Stiletto’s score is, without doubt, the film’s dominant feature - the enduring survivor.

Vocalion’s release marks the score’s debut on CD. As a direct re-issue of the original CBS LP (CBS Records S 70062), the music has been beautifully remastered by Michael J. Dutton from the Original Analogue tapes. Considering the low key nature of the movie, Oliver Lomax has provided a richly detailed booklet covering both the production of the film and its spectacular music. To their credit, Vocalion have also included a reversible cover containing the original LP artwork and the splendid British colour artwork (which always gets my vote). Vocalion have again proved that big things are often salvageable from relatively minor films, and their foresight can only be applauded.

http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDSML8501

By Lee Pfeiffer

Sony has released the original soundtrack to Robert Altman's 1970 anti-war comedy M*A*S*H as a burn-to-order title. The original vinyl version of the soundtrack, issued in conjunction with the film, was considered quite unique at the time because the bulk of the tracks consisted of dialogue from the film as opposed to composer Johnny Mandel's score. A criticism was that the original release only provided a truncated vocal version of the main theme, which is actually titled Suicide is Painless. In 1995, a remastered CD of the soundtrack was released with the full version of the song along with some bonus tracks and it is this version that has just been reissued by Sony. With the exception of the brilliant title theme, most of Mandel's amusing score is only heard in snippets, with the dialogue from the film still providing the basis for the content. It's rather odd to remember that in the pre-home video era, listening to dialogue from a film such as this was a rare treat. The success of the subsequent TV series has led many people to forget that there initially was an Oscar-nominated film that inspired the show. Thus, you can relive the zany wisecracks of the original Hawkeye and Trapper John (Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould) interacting with Hot Lips (Sally Kellerman), Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and Radar (Gary Burghoff, the only cast member carried over from the film to the TV series). A third lead in the film was Duke Forrest, played by Tom Skerritt, but the character was not imported to the TV show, though he is present on the album. 

With the dialogue compromising the bulk of the soundtrack, you can at least revel in Suicide is Painless in its uncut glory. The song was deemed too controversial for TV so an instrumental version was used on the series. The brilliance of the lyrics resonate even today, as the gentle, seemingly benign folk song extols the joys of offing oneself. Shockingly, the lyrics were written by Robert Altman's 14 year-old son, though he did not receive a screen but is said to have made a fortune in royalties over the decades. 

The M*A*S*H  soundtrack is certainly an oddity, coming at a time when albums derived from hit films consisted entirely of music. However, if Altman broke the rules with his off-the-wall anti-Establishment gags, it seems only suitable that the soundtrack did the same. It's a great deal of fun to return to the days when audio snippets of your favorite films were as close as you could get to experiencing them, at least until cut-up, watered down versions would be released to television. 

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By Lee Pfeiffer

Following on the successful premise of burn-to-order DVDs, Sony has expanded the process to its audio line, re-issuing retro-based albums on CD that have not been officially available for decades. One of the more notable releases is Come Spy With Me by Hugo Montenegro and His Orchestra. Montenegro composed original themes for TV series and feature films during the 1960s including  Lady in Cement, the Matt Helm movies The Ambushers and The Wrecking Crew as well as the music for the 1969 John Wayne-Rock Hudson starrer The Undefeated. However, his greatest success was as the king of cover versions of popular movie and TV themes. Montenegro's album of cover music from The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (nevertheless released as the "original" soundtrack) was so successful that it spawned a sequel album. Similarly, his cover version of Ennio Morricone's magnificent theme for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly became an international smash and earned him a gold record despite the fact that his rendition was positively anemic compared to Morricone's original. Nevertheless, Montenegro and his orchestra knew how to arrange music for popular tastes and his future influence on the music industry was characterized by helping to popularize the Moog synthesizer. Among his more successful albums was the aforementioned Come Spy With Me, the title of which was derived from a 1967 low-grade James Bond spoof. Nevertheless, it had a catchy title theme (originally written by Bob Flowers) and the cover of Montenegro's album had some eye-catching graphics of comely spy girls. The tracks include Montenegro's instrumental version of Come Spy With Me (the original had lyrics) as well an eclectic selection of title tracks from popular TV series and feature films:

• Secret Agent 
• I Spy
• The F.B.I 
• Thunderball
• The Silencers
• Get Smart
• Goldfinger
• The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
• Our Man Flint
• The James Bond Theme

It's terrific to have a retro treasure like this back in circulation. Break out your old smoking jacket, grab a fine cigar and pour yourself a glass of wine...for the duration of this record, you'll be transported back to the glory days of spy movie music and the cover artists who celebrated the genre. 

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The Tall Texan (1953) (MMM-1974) was another low-budget B Western movie and starred Lloyd Bridges, Lee J. Cobb and Marie Windsor. It was directed by Elmo Williams, (the Oscar-winning editor of High Noon). The basis of The Tall Texan was a familiar one, a collection of five travellers set out in a wagon through Comanche territory. The group includes a tinhorn and his woman, a sheriff escorting an accused murderer, and a sea captain. After a renegade Indian tells them about a virgin gold field as thanks for saving his life, the group becomes fixated on the gold and greed becomes their main objective. Bert Shefter, this time working without his collaborator Paul Sawtell, took a thematic approach to this rather rich sounding score. Shefter provides themes to several of the central characters, including a menacing (if rather traditional) woodwind and native drum rhythms for the Indians. Shefter also and makes good use of a couple of traditional standards, Yankee Doodle Dandy can be heard, and is gently woven into the fabric of Luther Adler’s character Joshua Tinnen. The composer also introduces the old sea shanty Blow the Man Down which works surprisingly well as a dramatic motif. So, is there anything that makes this stand out from any other B movie western score of the time? Well, yes, actually there is. The Celesta is an instrument that conjures up numerous magical memories. Today, it is probably more associated with the Harry Potter themes or perhaps traditional arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. However, Shefter took its distinctive sound and applied it to the film’s silent character, the gold. The Celesta was certainly an inspired choice of instrumentation by Mr Shefter. If rousing western scores from the 50s are your thing, you are sure to enjoy this nugget. Another excellent 20 page booklet (written by David Schecter) is included with the CD.

This fascinating collection from David Schecter’s Monstrous movie music continues to reiterate their place in the soundtrack market. Their tireless efforts, attention to detail and commitment to explore new genres, continue to feed our high expectations. Check them out for yourself at: http://www.mmmrecordings.com/

Darren Allison- Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor

By Darren Allison, Soundtrack Editor

Virgin Sacrifice (1959) (MMM-1973) starred David DaLie as Samson, an American hunter on a safari in Guatemala. While tracking game, Samson encounters a strange ceremony in which a young woman named Morena (Angelica Morales) is to be sacrificed at the bidding of her father to appease the gods following a vicious animal attack. Morena is able to escape, and Samson gives chase, hoping to rescue her before the tribesmen can capture her and complete the ritual. Sound like drivel? Well… you’d be right. So let’s waste little time and talk about the finer side of Virgin Sacrifice, the team of Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter. Sawtell and Shefter are no strangers to Monstrous Movie Music soundtracks, with previous releases including Kronos, It! The Terror From Beyond Space and The Last Man on Earth. For collectors of Sawtell and Shefter, this rarely seen exploitation film contains a rather unique and satisfying score from the pair. Diverse and subjective in its approach, the score leads us through the beauty and dangers of its Guatemalan jungle setting. The music is peppered with expressive and melancholy cues. The film’s main title is both tranquil and dramatic, before both male and female chanting is applied, perhaps in order to remind us that this is a jungle movie. Tracks such as Medal of Death make clever use of keyboard tricks (provided by Jack Cookerly’s ‘magic box’ organ) and work to startling effect. Flittering clarinets and brooding flutes maintain that the majority of score is designed to hold us in suspense whilst providing a sense of mystery throughout. However, it is the use of Hammond organ that really provides the pay-off, used sparingly in tracks such as Through the Cave, it makes a wonderfully spooky touch. At 54 minutes, Virgin Sacrifice is a generous score that benefits from some fine orchestration. Collectors of Sawtell in particular, might well be reminded of his music from the Tarzan films he wrote for RKO. Again, an excellent 20 page booklet provides a unique and well researched written history of the production.

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By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor  

When considering the scores for movie Westerns, film music collectors often refer to classics such as Max Steiner's The Searchers, Dimitri Tiomkin's Rio Bravo or Victor Young's Shane, all of which are, of course, fabulous scores. Monstrous Movie Music have again, (and in keeping with their refreshing style), ventured into new territories with the release of Paul Dunlap’s Western score to Hellgate (1952) (MMM-1972). Rather surprisingly, this CD marks the first full release to feature Dunlap’s film music. The composer was incredibly prolific throughout his career scoring diverse projects which spanned from many of The Three Stooges movies to the cult classic AIP horrors including the Teenage Frankenstein/Werewolf series of films. For a B movie western, there was something a little different about Hellgate – it was really rather good! Hellgate was directed by Charles Marquis Warren, a tough all-rounder who would go on to produce the popular TV series Rawhide. The film boasted a strong, testosterone fuelled cast featuring Sterling Hayden, James Arness and Ward Bond. Hayden plays a veterinarian who is wrongly convicted of guerrilla activities shortly after the Civil War. The prison camp is tough and he has to survive the sadistic commandant (Bond), a cruel guard (Robert Wilke), and deceitful prisoners like Arness. Throw in some Pima Indians (who patrol the canyon walls) in order to catch any escapees for a reward, prisoner punishment that involves being baked in metal coffins or whipped within an inch of their lives and you have a Western story that is well above the expected standard of Poverty Row Lippert Pictures. Dunlap’s music is incredibly dramatic throughout, but it isn’t your regular western score. His main theme begins with heavy brass and drums, but slips into a more solemn, string based theme before it builds gently and provides a sense of hope. It sets the tone perfectly and emphasises the film’s opposing themes of hatred vs. forgiveness. Tracks such as “Kearne Makes Lunge at Nye” illustrate Dunlap’s ability to create genuine excitement by employing his full range of brass and string sections. Quality, for the best part of this score, is highly acceptable. MMM took the decision to release Dunlap’s original recordings in place of re-recording his score, which I believe was the correct option. Whilst there is some minor noise (from the surviving acetates) evident on a handful of tracks, it does not detract or spoil the acoustic soundscape and naturally maintains the composer’s original work. As a bonus, Monstrous movie music has generously included Dunlap’s excellent score for The Lost Continent (1951). A simple enough story, The Lost Continent successfully merged two fantasy elements, combining rocket ships with roaming dinosaurs on a south pacific island. Making good use of an increased budget, Dunlap was able to employ a 47 piece orchestra, and it was warranted – given the enormity of aircraft, rockets, natural disasters and battling monsters that confronted the composer. The result was a highly enjoyable score, and whilst some of the music has been lost in time, the 28mins of music included here make this a CD that is hard to ignore. We can only hope that there is a lot more of Paul Dunlap’s music to come. Included is a great 20 page booklet that covers just about every aspect of the music, composer and the film, all written (in exquisite detail) by David Schecter.

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Click here to read review of Hellgate DVD 

By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor 

From its heavy percussion based main title, She Demons (1958) (MMM-1971) opens with a sense of heart pounding excitement and sets the tone for what is to follow. Nicholas Carras’s jungle-based score is threaded with dramatic cues of which the composer makes impressive use of his 22 piece orchestra. Whist She Demons (as a movie) was never going to attain the title of ‘classic’, Carras’s music, as is often the case, promotes the film to a higher level. Cues such as Escape and Nazis in Pursuit make excellent use of the orchestra’s brass and string section. Carras provides a hopeful, triumphant end title that runs concurrent with a few lonesome drum beats which provides continuity with the film’s central themes. For an isolated island movie (occupied by scantily clad girls, caged mutant women and Nazis) they probably don’t come any better than this. MMM have previously delighted us with a couple of superb Carras scores such as Missile to the Moon and Frankenstein’s Daughter. Their commitment to the composer’s work has proven to be a fruitful decision as She Demons is certainly one of his most accomplished scores.

Doubling up very nicely with She Demons is Guenther Kauer’s score to another low budget slice of sci-fi, The Astounding She-Creature (1957). If Carras’s score for She Demons was impressive, Kauer’s is simply enlightening. Granted, Kauer’s score was recorded using a 45 piece orchestra and as a result, the sound is a great deal richer. Perhaps more remarkably, Kauer sent his 33 minute written score to a friend in Germany who conducted and recorded the music (performed beautifully by The Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra) without screening the actual film. Cue timings were sent, but it often meant that final cues were not always precise. However, what emerged was a wonderful sounding score. Ronnie Ashcroft’s rather poor film succumbed to many edits and, as a result, the final music mix suffered. Thankfully, all of Kauer’s score is delivered here and is an orchestral delight. It is a beautifully crafted and intelligently written composition that really has no right to accompany such a lacklustre movie. Like many sci-fi classics, there is an undeniable ambiance that is certainly Herrmannesque in its delivery, and that can’t be a bad thing. Included is a super 20 page booklet that covers just about every aspect of the music, composer and the film, all written (in exquisite detail) by David Schecter.

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La-La Land has released Jerry Goldsmith's original soundtrack score for the 1968 Western Bandolero as a limited edition CD. The release includes the original album originally released on vinyl as well as never-before-released tracks. Curiously, the cover art depicts James Stewart and Dean Martin - though Raquel Welch is not depicted. On the original album, Martin could not be depicted because his image could only be used on Reprise Records during that period. The same thing occurred with the soundtrack for Lady in Cement- which could not depict the film's star Frank Sinatra. To order the album click here 

UPDATE:

Contributing writer Nick Anez supplies us with the following facts:

Regarding the notice of the new Bandolero CD soundtrack on the Cinema Retro website, I have the original LP album. It is true, as the article states, that Dean Martin is not depicted on the album's cover. But what is even stranger is that his name is not even mentioned. On both the front and back of he album, the cast is listed as "James Stewart, Raquel Welch, George Kennedy in Bandolero." The album has a gatefold cover and opens out. Inside are six photos from the film, none of Martin There is also a complete summary of the story. As each character's name is mentioned, the name of the actor portraying him or her is mentioned afterward in parentheses - except for Martin's  character.  No actor is listed for his character. It's ridiculous. Dean probably couldn't have have cared less.

Intrada Records  has announced the premiere of Jerry Goldsmith original soundtrack scores for two great Frank Sinatra films: Von Ryan's Express and The Detective. Both scores appear on the same special edition CD.  For details click here to order from Screen Archives. 

The web site SpyVibe informs us that some ultra groovy 60's spy soundtracks from classic TV series are being made available...some in glorious mono! Among them is a repressing of the original soundtrack from The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. Click here for more info

Screen Archives has released Jerry Fielding's Oscar-nominated score for Sam Peckinpah's 1969 classic The Wild Bunch as a 3-CD special edition with the complete score, remastered soundtrack album and collector's booklet. 

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Writer Thomas Vinciguerra  pays homage to the legendary themes from the original Star Trek in conjunction with a major boxed set of soundtrack CDs from the series released by La-La Land Records.. Click here to read the Wall Street Journal article.

Press release from Film Score Monthly:

The 1976 Dino De Laurentiis remake of King Kong (starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange) was one of the first scores John Barry composed after settling in Los Angeles from his native England. Although the composer was forced to write quickly due to production delays, he provided a powerful score that reflects both the film’s exotic adventure setting and the love story at its emotional center.

The Molly Maguires was director Martin Ritt's gritty look at Irish coal miners working in Pennsylvania in the 19th century. The film was a costly financial flop despite starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris, but that doesn't diminish its merits as an excellent film. One of the best aspects of the movie is Henry Mancini's wonderful score. Click here to listen

WARNING SHOT and other themes composed by Jerry Goldsmith - SI ZENTNER

Dutton Vocalion is a company whose soundtracks feature regularly in our printed version of Cinema Retro. Just missing the deadline on this occasion are two superb debut releases, one of which includes Jerry Goldsmith’s excellent score (performed by Si Zentner) for Warning Shot (1967). Originally released on LP (LST 7498), Vocalion’s new CD (CDLK 4470) has smartly doubled up the release to include Si Zentner’s 1964 album From Russia With Love (originally released LP LST 7353). Warning Shot is a relatively short score, but as with the original album, it includes some great interpretations of Goldsmith favourites such as the Von Ryan march, The Prize, A Patch of Blue and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Warning Shot is a film that generally tends to slip under the radar. However, it’s a neat little thriller starring the ever reliable David Janssen and a host of other great character performers. Made in the 1967, it came to Janssen during the same year that his enormously successful TV series The Fugitive entered its final season. Goldsmith’s music plays perfectly as an accompaniment to this minor action thriller. The composer’s score in its original form has never been released on any format, but Zentner’s arrangement does a highly capable job of capturing the essence of Goldsmith’s composition. As always, Vocalion have dressed this release to replicate the original album, adapting the LP artwork to also incorporate Zentner’s From Russia with Love sleeve. From Russia with Love (as with Warning Shot) contains a straight remastered version of the album content. Its twelve tracks include a superb array of crime jazz themes from the day including Burkes Law, Mr Lucky, Dragnet, The Third Man, Peter Gunn, Charade and the aforementioned The Fugitive. Vocalion’s latest CD provides a cracking stereo mix and again proves that modern day collectors are only too eager in welcoming these charismatic crime jazz classics from the past. Keep ‘em coming!

BIG WAR MOVIE THEMES – GEOFF LOVE and his Orchestra

Last year Vocalion made the smart move to begin re-releasing the extremely popular series of MFP albums from the 1970s by Geoff Love and his Orchestra. Recent releases included Big Terror Movie Themes, Big Suspense Themes and Bond Movies. Now, Vocalion have released one of the most popular titles in the series, BIG WAR MOVIE THEMES (CDLK 4468). The original 1971 LP (MFP 5171) has arguably become an iconic image. Culturally, and perhaps because of its original budget price, the album found its way into thousands of vinyl collections across the UK. Making its debut on CD, BIG WAR THEMES has lost none of its power to thrill. Unlike similar cover compilations (which had a tendency to sound either weak or tipped in comparison), these beautifully recorded themes retain an epic and sumptuous edge. Love and his Orchestra are clearly on top of their game and one can only imagine the brisling atmosphere that immersed Studio 1 at the Abbey road studios. The album offers a generous collection of the most memorable war themes including Ron Goodwin’s Where Eagles Dare, Battle of Britain and 633 Squadron, Dimitri Tiomkin’s The Guns of Navarone and Maurice Jarre’s enigmatic Lawrence of Arabia. A wonderful remastering job provided by Michael J Dutton helps propel this vintage recording to a worthy high end, professional standard. As a bonus, Vocalion have also doubled up on this CD and included Geoff Love’s 1972 album BIG CONCERTO MOVIE THEMES. Originally released on LP (MFP 5261), the album concentrates on the cinematic use of classical themes. As one would expect, there is a more serious edge to this collection of music. However, it remains a glorious reminder of how the influences of classical composers and their works have lived on through cinema history. Vocalion’s continued commitment to these long lost classic albums is certainly worthy of the highest respect.   - Darren Allison, Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor

To order: http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk

La La Land Records has issued a 2-CD original soundtrack recording of Dimitri Tiomkin's score for the 1963 epic 55 Days at Peking. The Samuel Bronston film remains woefully underrated in its telling of the rebellion by the Chinese Boxer movement against American and European governments that they perceived had encroaching influence in China. The resulting clash saw the U.S. and European garrisons fighting against overwhelming odds. The film, which mingles the merits of the political stances of both sides with major battle sequences,  starred Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner and David Niven. Tiomkin's wonderful score can now be enjoyed in its true glory- but you'd better hurry. This is limited to only 2500 units. Click here to order

The label Buysoundtrax has released James Horner's score for Roger Corman's 1980 sci-fi movie Battle Beyond the Stars as a limited edition CD. The film starred Richard Thomas, Robert Vaughn and George Peppard. Only 1,000 CDs have been pressed. Click here to order from Film Score Monthly,. 

By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro music critic

Peter Collinson’s directorial career may have been cut tragically short (he died of cancer at the age of 44), but the British born director left an indelible mark in cinema during the latter half of the 1960s. Collinson made a powerful debut with the disturbing The Penthouse (1967), a film which caused Film Review magazine to comment, ‘quite brilliantly achieved.’ In 1969 his contribution to cinema would become eternally cemented with the classic The Italian Job, a film that turned Michael Caine’s popular Charlie Croker into a movie legend. In between these two projects, Collinson directed the gritty drama Up the Junction (1968). The film centred on a mixed class romance between middle-class Polly (Suzy Kendall) and working-class Peter (Dennis Waterman). Most of Up the Junction’s soundtrack (RPM 189) was written by Mike Hugg and Manfred Man. It may have been perceived by some as a bold move on Collinson’s part, but the director was more than happy with the eventual outcome, ‘The result was incredible’ Collinson said. ‘They had captured the heart of the picture. Their music belonged to the picture, it was not superimposed.’ The music has a mellow mix of harmonious songs and instrumentals which capture perfectly the heady social movement of swinging London. The film’s main theme, which was also released as a single (Feb 3^rd 1968), contained the B-side track Sleepy Hollow, a song that failed to make it to the original soundtrack album. However, RPM records have included this rarity on the CD as a welcome bonus track. The fold out sleeve notes are very informative and contain a nice selection of tie in memorabilia as well as a choice of both original U.K. and U.S. album art. Up the Junction’s is a great slice of 60s social history and representative of London’s cultural past. Check it out for yourself at http://rpmrecords.co.uk

By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro music critic

If you like music from vintage spy thrillers, you should check out the Poker / Cherry Red Records release James Bond in Action / Themes for Secret Agents (DeckCD2 007). This is another inspired and excellently produced double CD set. Featuring the great Roland Shaw and his Orchestra, the release is packed with tracks from four of his original Decca / London albums, James Bond in Action (1965), Themes for Secret Agents (1966), World of James Bond Adventure (1971) and Phase 4 World of Spy Thrillers (1971). Shaw had the unique ability to add a certain gloss and excitement to an already established exciting sound. The much respected British orchestral arranger was a prolific worker, with a reputation and passion for high quality music. This new release showcases that passion rather perfectly. For anyone perhaps unfamiliar with Shaw’s important contribution to the genre, this is arguably the finest way of discovering it. The audio reproduction over the CD’s mammoth 37 tracks is nothing short of crisp, clean and clinical. The result of which stands as a testament to Shaw’s experiments in Phase 4 stereo. The CD packaging provides a brief, but informative piece on Shaw and includes a couple of nice full page reproductions of Decca’s original album art. Essential listening for both fans of the genre and soundtrack enthusiasts in general; you’d certainly feel a lot better for adding this set to your collection. For more information check it out at www.cherryred.co.uk

By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro music critic

The Monster that challenged the World (Monstrous Movie Music Label #MMM-1961) is a film that refuses to fade away. A firm favourite from the 1950s big monster cycle, (or the big caterpillar variety to be precise), The Monster that Challenged the World (1957) is fondly remembered and continues to find new audiences. Arriving for the first time on CD, the score has remained high on many ‘wanted’ lists. The soundtrack’s composer Heinz Roemheld had won an Academy Award for his work on the James Cagney classic Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). However, his work on Universal classics such as Dracula’s Daughter, The Black Cat, The Invisible Man, The Mole People and The Creature Walks Among Us, would always see him welcomed back to the popular genre with open arms. The score is a good dramatic piece of work, there is little in the way of gentle underscoring, even though the film has more dialogue than most other monster movies. Instead, the music is more purposeful, almost intent on advancing forward. It’s evident that the recording sessions remained free of any real budgetary restraints, and as a result the music attains a level far above its B movie grade. Monstrous Monster Music has again applied their extraordinary dedication in producing an excellent trilogy of essential monster mayhem.

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By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro music critic

Project Moon Base (MMM-1960) from the Monstrous Movie Music label is an exciting score and one of the earliest to feature the sci-fi signature sound of the Theremin. Made in 1953, Project Moon Base began life as an intended television series. It wasn’t until about a week into shooting that the decision was made to turn it into a theatrical movie. As a result, the film suffered in terms of the production values, a point accentuated when it was shown on cinema screens. However, composer Herschel Burke Gilbert’s score seemed to sustain a rather better longevity than the film itself. Gilbert was highly inventive when it came to recording the score. Working to a very tight budget, and with very few musicians, Gilbert employed an amplification technique in order to make the sound larger. Gilbert’s use of electronic bass also helped to produce a rather unique and strange sound quality. The composer’s flair for creativity clearly shines through and stands as fine example of brilliance over budget. The CD also includes Gilbert’s powerhouse score for the crime thriller Open Secret. It is also worth mentioning that Gilbert’s score for this movie became so popular, that certain cues were revived for the opening season of George Reeves’ 1950s TV series The Adventures of Superman. Overall, it’s a handsomely produced package that will no doubt appeal to fans of the genre.

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By Darren Allison, Cinema Retro music critic

Classic sci-fi and horror form the basis of two very popular soundtrack genres. My good friend David Schecter of Monstrous Movie Music recently sent me some of their new releases starting off with It! The Terror from Beyond Space (MMM-1959). The CD is part of their current series of Original MGM Motion Picture Soundtracks. Often cited as the original inspiration behind Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979), Edward L. Cahn’s tautly directed 1958 film, remains a favourite among fans and perceived by some as a minor classic of the genre. Marking its first ever soundtrack release, and in its entirety, the score stands up well as an excellent example of evoking both a sense of threat and foreboding. Composed by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter, the music offers both a subtlety in conveying the isolation of space, and an intense attacking style, reserved for the film’s more dramatic sequences. The score benefits from an array of inventive electronic sounds, courtesy of Jack Cookerly’s delightful ‘magic box’, the history of which, makes for an extremely enjoyable read and included among the extensively detailed 16 page booklet. The disc includes 26 tracks in all, 2 of which come in the form of bonus tracks. Great fun and great to see this score finally released.

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