BY DARREN ALLISON
After
some 47 years there is still something about Ron Grainer’s score for The Omega Man (1971)
(SILLP1561) that continues to withstand the test of time. Whilst the film might
arguably appear to be a little dated these days, Grainer’s music lives on to
uphold and support its continuing cult status. It’s perhaps no surprise then
that Silva Screen Records have decided to release its first ever double vinyl
pressing exclusively in time for Record Store Day UK, which is 21 April 2018.
The
Omega Man is an eclectic mix of styles ranging from mellow jazz, traditional
lounge, and romantic mood setters to excellent dramatic action themes that
feature contemporary, modern instrumentation including synthesisers and
haunting water chimes. Everything is here. It remains a defining example of
just how good film music used to be, full of strong melody and executed with
perfect orchestration. To this day it is arguably regarded as Grainer’s
crowning glory, and rightfully so. Grainer was brave enough to mix the
traditional elements with the contemporary, gently embedding electronic effects
and reverb to produce something highly unique.
Silva
Screen's double vinyl album contains the full 18 tracks as previously released
on the FSM CD of 1997. The packaging is superb; both records are contained
within a super heavyweight gatefold sleeve, with a flat spine that is close to
8mm in width. However, if you are interested in this first ever vinyl edition
of the score and particularly by its widely advertised ‘coloured vinyl’, you
may want to check first with participating stores, as my copy is unmistakably a
traditional black vinyl pressing. In regards to its audio, everything sounds
astonishingly good and contains plenty of punch where it counts.
As
this is a Record Store Day UK exclusive it is worth checking out in advance (with
any participating outlet) if they will be stocking this particular title. Because
of the codes of conduct surrounding Record Store Day UK, any remaining stock will
be available for sale online from 00.01am on the 28th April 2018.
The
Omega Man is limited to just 1000 (individually numbered) copies. Due to the
popularity of this glorious score, you might want to begin your research in
advance and in order to avoid any possible disappointment. It’s sure to be one
of the outstanding titles of the day.
Click here to find a retail out that will sell this release.
