BY DARREN ALLISON
It’s
great to see German label All Score Media back on the soundtrack circuit. Their
latest vinyl LP release No Place for a Man (ASM 045) is a fictional homage to
the Italian Spaghetti Western genre of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Performed by the duo
Mondo Sangue (Cristiano Sangueduro and Cristina Casereccia), the score is a
passionate and honest tribute to the iconic genre soundtracks of the past. The
influences are certainly there, from Ennio Morricone to the late great Franco
De Gemini, for whom the album is quietly dedicated. There is a great deal of
tradition to be found within the album tracks. One could perhaps argue it is
almost stereotypical, but never in the negative sense of the word. The Spaghetti
Western score had of course become somewhat ‘formulised’ during its reign, so
expect lovely examples of twanging guitars, harmonica, epic choral vocals and mouth
harps. There are also a couple of vocal tracks such as ‘Somewhere in the West’
performed by Cristina Casereccia and ‘’No Place for a Man’ has Casereccia duet
with Alberto Rocca. All of these tracks work very well and create a comforting sense
of familiarity. Listening to the track ‘Il Portoghese’ and its delicate
whistling motif transports you straight back to Morricone’s ‘A Fistful of
Dynamite†(1971). Overall, fans of the genre should love this piece. There are
not too many labels delivering these retrospective, tribute scores, so they
really should be held dear. Cineploit are another label who produce period
sounding, fictional scores and in many ways offer a sense of continuity, a
linkage to the past and everything that was so appealing about it.
All
Score Media have produced a delightful sounding and excellent package for this
release. The album sleeve is beautifully illustrated by Sue Elderberry. The 180g
vinyl LPs are limited to just 666 pieces and are all individually hand
numbered. Each LP also comes with an autographed photo card signed by vocal duo
Cristina Casereccia and Alberto Rocca and there’s also a download code so as to
listen when on the move. There is obviously a great deal of love gone into this
release and it clearly shines through. No Place for a Man is an excellent
production that should be both respected and applauded.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER