-
-
GENE PAGE BLACULA
The overblown ham horror of Chi Sei has gave me a bit of an itch, I guess.
I first came across Gene Page on St Etienne’s The Trip with his song ‘All Our Dreams are Coming True’, from the stunning and rare 1974 original album Hot City. All Our Dreams are Coming True is as good as song as you’ll get and nods to a man completely mastering his craft- yet, as is too often the case, the artist is never given the proportionate attention merited.
His soundtrack to Blacula is hysterical satire, backed up with some of the best worked songs ever released on a film score: the range of theme is prodigious; from camp giggle (There He is Again) to lush melancholia (Finding Love Losing Love).
Heavy Changes gives you a kiss with a closed mouth from the opening bar.
-
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Heavy Changes. Gene Page. 1972.
-
Another from Chi Sei by Franco Micalizzi. Dimitry’s Theme propels along a stunning guitar loop. Basically funk at the high end.
-
-
FRANCO MICALIZZI CHI SEI
Can’t say enough about this soundtrack. It’s a true gem with five or more stand out tracks.
Judging by the sleeve notes, the film itself was a bit of a gruesome pantomime ala The Exorcist; claiming plagiarism, Warner Bros. tried unsuccessfully to sue the Rome film producers which, in turn, led to a rush of Exorcist lookalikes of varying degrees of crap quality.
However, the score is a little known masterpiece. This song is the first on the album. might post another tomorrow.
Top pronunciation tip: Kee Say
-
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Bargain With The Devil. Franco Micalizzi. 1974.
-
-
STELVIO CIPRIANI MARK IL POLITZIOTTO
A title that loses a lot in translation; Mark the Cop by Stelvio Cipriani is a nice album to a film that is apparently pretty decent, The soundtrack borrows heavily from the American Blaxploitation sound, with more than a little echo of Marvin Gaye’s Troubleman.
In saying that, Cipriani gives the music enough Italian style to carry the moment.
I’m a big fan of Cipriani who, although seemed to lack the productivity of Morricone and Nicolai, produced some lovely soundtracks.
Watch this space.
