photo credit: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino²³
I love music. I love movies. And I go absolutely nuts for a great movie soundtrack. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.
Blow Up – Herbie Hancock + The Yardbirds, Tomorrow.
Great score by Herbie. Music ranges from cool Organ Lounge, to Jazz Combo, to full blown Free Jazz. The Yardbirds cut is great, while the Tommorow cuts, featuring future Yes-man Steve Howe, are pretty forgettable.
Barbarella – Bob Crewe
Very cool. Futuristic Lounge music with a Rock twist from the vastly underrated Mr. Crewe.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E – Hugo Montenegro
Awesome Spy music from the great Hugo Montenegro. Blaring horns, twangy guitars, and Bossa Nova influenced chill out music for the discerning listener.
Trouble Man – Marvin Gaye
Excellent Soul-Jazz workout. What film noir sounded like in the 70s. The title track is absolutely mesmerizing.
Breakfast At Tiffanys – Henry Mancini
The hardest part about selecting a Mancini soundtrack is deciding which one to leave out. A sappy “Moon River”, which is infinitely better when sung by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, gives way to ultra cool Latin, Big Band, and Easy Listening heaven.
Shaft – Issac Hayes
The Grandaddy of funk inspired soundtracks. The baddest wah-wah intro ever on the title track, and those lyrics! Outrageous. “Bumpys Lament” is also a real standout.
La Dolce Vita – Nino Rota
The movie that got me seriously listening to what was happening behind the dialogue. Beautiful themes and orchestration by Mr. Rota.
I Want To Live - Johnny Mandel, Gerry Mulligan
Hands down one of the best Jazz soundtracks ever. Great work by Johnny Mandel and terrific playing from baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan.
A Hard Days Night – The Beatles
What can you say? Lennon-McCartney at their pop peak. The best Rock/Pop Musical ever.
Twin Peaks – Angelo Badalamenti
Ethereal, cool, passionate, gorgeous. Julee Cruise’s hypnotic vocals are also a wonder to behold.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly – Ennio Morricone
Spaghetti Western music at its best. Atmospheric, bold, with the feel of the wide open spaces of the old west.
A Tribute To Jack Johnson – Miles Davis
Miles, the musical chameleon, comes up with another winner. No holds barred Rock n’ Roll meets blistering Jazz-Funk. Dig John McLaughlin’s incendiary guitar work.
Goldfinger – John Barry
Is there anything cooler than the James Bond theme? No. Shirley Bassey delivers a first rate vocal on the title track to this glamorous spy-fest.