Episode 44 – Library Music From Films Special

Welcome to episode 44 of el diabolik’s world of psychotronic soundtracks. download episode 44 here Or subscribe via iTunes here

This episode is a library music special. Not just any library music, but library music that is featured in films that take all or most of their score from library music LPs. Fans of Jess Franco and classic golden age adult films should especially enjoy this trip through the wonders of library music. We will feature music from Daniel J. White, Alan Hawkshaw, H. Tical (Armando Sciascia), Mike Vickers, Brian Bennett, Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux), Keith Mansfield and many more. Films featured in this episode include: Rabid, Female Vampire, Take an Easy Ride, Erotic Rites of Frankenstein, Maraschino Cherry, Zombie Lake, Barbara Broadcast, Black Samurai and more!

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Episode 44 – Library music in films special – Track listing

01. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Trafic Light – 4’19
From the Film: ‘Les Démons’
(Jesus Franco, France/Portugal/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

02. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux)– Procession – 2’11
From the Film: ‘Les Démons’
(Jesus Franco, France/Portugal/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

03. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Furia – 1’32
From the Film: ‘Les Démons’
(Jesus Franco, France/Portugal/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

04. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Scenic Railway – 2’02
From the Film: ‘Les Démons’
(Jesus Franco, France/Portugal/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

05. Alan Hawkshaw & Keith Mansfield – Flashback – 1’57
From the Film ‘Black Samurai’
(Al Adamson, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – Flamboyant Themes – KPM (1037)

06. Alan Hawkshaw & Keith Mansfield – Aggressive Jazz Theme – 1’50
From the Film ‘Black Samurai’
(Al Adamson, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – Flamboyant Themes – KPM (1037)

07. Alan Parker – Soul Slap – 2’15
From the Film ‘Black Samurai’
(Al Adamson, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – The Sound Of Soul – Themes – (TIM1022)

08. Daniel J. White – Eromantic Violins – 3’03
From the Film ‘Female Vampire’
(Jesus Franco, France/Belgium, 1973)
Source: LP – Mood Selection Ambiance Volume 2 – Corelia ‎– (CC 384467)

09. Daniel J. White – Vox Intima – 2’21
From the Film ‘Female Vampire’
(Jesus Franco, France/Belgium, 1973)
Source: LP – Mood Selection Ambiance Volume 2 – Corelia ‎– (CC 384467)

10. Daniel J. White – Countess Waltz – 2’40
From the Film ‘Female Vampire’
(Jesus Franco, France/Belgium, 1973)
Source: LP – Illustration Sonore Volume 2 – Vega ‎– (19.207)

11. Daniel J. White – Black Countess – 3’03
From the Film ‘Female Vampire’
(Jesus Franco, France/Belgium, 1973)
Source: LP – Illustration Sonore Volume 2 – Vega ‎– (19.207)

12. Lee Mason – Perception – 2’35
From the Film ‘Diversions’ (Sex Express)
(Derek Ford, UK, 1976)
Source: LP – Cult And Colour – De Wolfe – (DW 3215)

13. The Electric Banana – Alexander – 3’05
From the Film ‘Take an Easy Ride’
(Kenneth F. Rowles, UK, 1976)
Source: LP – Even More Electric Banana – De Wolfe – (DW3123)

14. The Electric Banana – It’ll Never Be Me – 3’02
From the Film ‘Take an Easy Ride’
(Kenneth F. Rowles, UK, 1976)
Source: LP – Even More Electric Banana – De Wolfe – (DW3123)

15. Daniel J. White – No Kiss For Barbara – 3’08
From the Film ‘Tender and Perverse Emanuelle’ (Pas de Baisers Pour Barbara)
(Jesus Franco, France/Belgium, 1973)
Source: LP – Illustration Sonore Volume 2 – Vega ‎– (19.207)

16. Keith Mansfield – Summer’s Coming – 2’45
From the Film ‘Rabid’
(David Cronenberg, Canada, 1977)
Source: LP – Love’s Themes – KPM – (1175)

17. Brian Bennett – Hideout – 1’52
From the Film ‘Rabid’
(David Cronenberg, Canada, 1977)
Source: LP – The Hunter/Adventure Story – KPM – (1157)

18. David Lindup – Trap Door – 0’44
From the Film ‘Rabid’
(David Cronenberg, Canada, 1977)
Source: LP – Tension And Suspense – KPM – (1018)

19. Lew Stern – Pulse of Fear – 2’44
From the Film ‘Rabid’
(David Cronenberg, Canada, 1977)
Source: LP – Tension And Suspense – KPM – (1018)

20. Syd Dale – Looks Like Trouble – 0’35
From the Film ‘Rabid’
(David Cronenberg, Canada, 1977)
Source: LP – Tension And Suspense – KPM – (1018)

21. Harlem Pop Trotters (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Dragsters – 3’55
From the Film ‘Le Journal Intime d’une Nymphomane’ (Sinner)
(Jesus Franco, France, 1972)
Source: LP – Musique Pour L’Image N°39 – Musique Pour L’Image ‎– (MPI/LP 539)

22. Harlem Pop Trotters (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Harlem Pop Trotters – 2’44
From the Film ‘Le Journal Intime d’une Nymphomane’ (Sinner)
(Jesus Franco, France, 1972)
Source: LP – Musique Pour L’Image N°39 – Musique Pour L’Image ‎– (MPI/LP 539)

23. Harlem Pop Trotters (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Galop Pour Un 100 Mètres – 3’03
From the Film ‘La comtesse perverse’ (Countess Perverse)
(Jesus Franco, France, 1973)
Source: LP – Musique Pour L’Image N°39 – Musique Pour L’Image ‎– (MPI/LP 539)

24. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Strange Night – 2’22
From the Film ‘La comtesse perverse’ (Countess Perverse)
(Jesus Franco, France, 1973)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

25. Jean-Michel Lorgere (Jean-Bernard Raiteux) – Crescendo City – 4’15
From the Film ‘La comtesse perverse’ (Countess Perverse)
(Jesus Franco, France, 1973)
Source: LP – Trafic Pop – Sonimage – (SI 810)

26. Alan Hawkshaw – Get Ready, Get Set – Fly – 1’56
From the Film ‘Maraschino Cherry’
(Radley Metzger, USA, 1978)
Source: LP – The Road Forward – KPM – (1192)

27. Alan Hawkshaw – Strangelands – 3’21
From the Film ‘Bon Appétit’
(Chuck Vincent, USA, 1980)
Source: LP – The Road Forward – KPM – (1192)

28. Alan Hawkshaw – Exhilaration – 3’25
From the Film ‘Teenage Twins’
(Carter Stevens, USA, 1976)
Source: LP – Sounds Of The Times – KPM – (1170)

29. Daniel J. White – University Jingle – 3’32
From the Film ‘Zombie Lake’
(Jean Rollin, France/Spain, 1981)
Source: LP – Joie – Disques All Stars ‎– (IMP 05)

30. Daniel J. White – Atlantide Story – 3’38
From the Film ‘Zombie Lake’
(Jean Rollin, France/Spain, 1981)
Source: LP – Mystère Bleuté – Editions Montparnasse 2000 – (MP 112)

31. Brian Bennett & Alan Hawkshaw – Wallop – 3’27
From the Film ‘Barbara Broadcast’
(Radley Metzger, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – Hot Wax – KPM – (1177)

32. Brian Bennett & Alan Hawkshaw – Dossier – 2’27
From the Film ‘Barbara Broadcast’
(Radley Metzger, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – Hot Wax – KPM – (1177)

33. Daniel J. White – Black Terror – 3’23
From the Film ‘Las Ratas no Duermen de Noche’ (The Man with the Severed Head)
(Juan Fortuny, Spain/France, 1973)
Source: LP – Illustration Sonore Volume 2 – Vega ‎– (19.207)

34. Mike Vickers – Retribution – 2’30
From the Film ‘Odyssey: The Ultimate Trip’
(Gerard Damiano, USA, 1977)
Source: LP – Electronic Music – Standard – (ESL 127)

35. H. Tical (Armando Sciascia) – Psycho-Nebuleux – 3’37
From the Film ‘Erotic Rites of Frankenstein’
(Jesus Franco, Spain/France, 1972)
Source: LP – Distortions – Kaleidoscope ‎– (KAL 101)

36. The Electric Banana – Blow Your Mind – 3’35
From the Film ‘Take an Easy Ride’
(Kenneth F. Rowles, UK, 1976)
Source: LP – Even More Electric Banana – De Wolfe – (DW3123)

Episode 44 – Library music in films special – Record Sleeves

Episode 38

Episode 38 of el diabolik’s world of psychotronic soundtracks is now online! Download it Here Or subscribe via iTunes

This time we feature music from: Christopher Gunning, Ennio Morricone, John Cacavas, Kalyanji Anandji, Keith Mansfield, Lalo Schifrin, Michel Polnareff, Nicola Piovani, Pierre Fanen, Ron Grainer, Vangelis, Vladimir Cosma and more!

Episode 38 – Track Listing

01. Ennio Morricone – Coiffeur Pour Dames – 2’49
From the Film: ‘La tarantola dal ventre nero’ (The Black Belly Of The Tarantula)
(Paolo Cavara, Italy/France, 1971)
Source: LP – Cerberus Records ‎– (CEM-S 0116)

02. Ennio Morricone – The Warm Back Of The Tarantula – 3’56
From the Film: ‘La tarantola dal ventre nero’ (The Black Belly Of The Tarantula)
(Paolo Cavara, Italy/France, 1971)
Source: LP – Cerberus Records ‎– (CEM-S 0116)

03. John Cacavas – Horror Express (End Title) – 2’46
From the Film ‘Horror Express’
(Eugenio Martín, Spain/UK, 1972)
Source: LP – Citadel Records ‎– (CT 6026)

04. Lalo Schifrin – Dead Leaf – 2’45
From the Film ‘The Fox’
(Mark Rydell, Canada, 1967)
Source: LP – Warner Bros. Seven Arts Records ‎– (WS 1738)

05. Lalo Schifrin (Vocals: Sally Stevens) – That Night – 2’30
From the Film ‘The Fox’
(Mark Rydell, Canada, 1967)
Source: LP – Warner Bros. Seven Arts Records ‎– (WS 1738)

06. Ennio Morricone – The Black Belly Of The Tarantula – 5’24
From the Film: ‘La tarantola dal ventre nero’ (The Black Belly Of The Tarantula)
(Paolo Cavara, Italy/France, 1971)
Source: LP – Cerberus Records ‎– (CEM-S 0116)

07. Marvin Hamlisch ‎– Bond ’77 – 4’17
From the Film: ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’
(Lewis Gilbert, UK, 1977)
Source: LP – United Artists Records ‎– (UAG 30098)

08. Nicola Piovani ‎– Viol En Premiere Page – 3’31
From the Film: ‘Sbatti il mostro in prima pagina’ (Slap the Monster on Page One)
(Marco Bellocchio, Italy, 1972)
Source: 7″ – RCA ‎– (41.091)

09. Pierre Fanen – Ascension – 2’26
From the Film: ‘La Michetonneuse’
(Francis Leroi, France, 1972)
Source: 7″ – Barclay ‎– (61543-2)

10. Nicola Piovani ‎– Maria Grazia – 3’04
From the Film: ‘Sbatti il mostro in prima pagina’ (Slap the Monster on Page One)
(Marco Bellocchio, Italy, 1972)
Source: 7″ – RCA ‎– (41.091)

11. Pierre Fanen – La Michetonneuse – 2’34
From the Film: ‘La Michetonneuse’
(Francis Leroi, France, 1972)
Source: 7″ – Barclay ‎– (61543-2)

12. Christopher Gunning – Houseboat Party No.1 – 3’16
From the Film: ‘Goodbye Gemini’
(Alan Gibson, UK, 1970)
Source: LP – DJM Records ‎– (DJLPS.408)

13. The Peddlers – Tell The World We’re Not In – 2’43
From the Film: ‘Goodbye Gemini’
(Alan Gibson, UK, 1970)
Source: LP – DJM Records ‎– (DJLPS.408)

14. Kalyanji Anandji (Vocals: Amit Kumar) – Bombay Sheher Haadason Ka Sheher Hai – 3’52
From the Film: ‘Haadsaa’
(Akbar Khan, India, 1983)
Source: LP – Music India Ltd. ‎– (2392 376)

15. Kalyanji Anandji – Disco Cammata – 3’20
From the Film: ‘Haadsaa’
(Akbar Khan, India, 1983)
Source: LP – Music India Ltd. ‎– (2392 376)

16. Christopher Gunning – Houseboat Party No.3 – 3’10
From the Film: ‘Goodbye Gemini’
(Alan Gibson, UK, 1970)
Source: LP – DJM Records ‎– (DJLPS.408)

Cover Version Corner.
17. Ron Grainer – Doctor Who – 3’35
From the LP: ‘Roald Dahl’s. Tales Of The Unexpected And Other Great Themes’ – 1980
Source: LP – Stet Records ‎– (DS 15018)

Cover Version Corner.
18. Ron Grainer – When Love Grows Cold – 3’17
From the LP: ‘Roald Dahl’s. Tales Of The Unexpected And Other Great Themes’ – 1980
Source: LP – Stet Records ‎– (DS 15018)

Cover Version Corner.
19. Corniche ‎– Theme From “Chips” – 6’54
Source: 12″ – Windsong Records ‎– (JD-11559) – 1979

20. Vangelis – Bacchanale – 4’34
From the Film ‘ De Mantel Der Liefde’
(Adriaan Ditvoorst, Netherlands, 1978)
Source: LP – RCA Victor ‎– (LPL-15110)

21. Ennio Morricone – Voce Affogata – 4’23
From the Film: ‘Mio caro assassino’ (My Dear Killer)
(Tonino Valerii, Italy/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Cerberus Records ‎– (CEM-S 0116)

22. Lalo Schifrin – Foxtail – 2’08
From the Film ‘The Fox’
(Mark Rydell, Canada, 1967)
Source: LP – Warner Bros. Seven Arts Records ‎– (WS 1738)

23. Ennio Morricone – Non Puo’ Essere Vero – 1’46
From the Film: ‘Mio caro assassino’ (My Dear Killer)
(Tonino Valerii, Italy/Spain, 1972)
Source: LP – Cerberus Records ‎– (CEM-S 0116)

Simon’s Library Choice.
24. Keith Mansfield – Disco Dynamite – 2’04
From the LP: Light my Fire’ – 1978
Source: LP – Bruton Music ‎– (BRH 5)

Simon’s Library Choice.
25. Francis Monkman – Superdude – 1’43
From the LP: Light my Fire’ – 1978
Source: LP – Bruton Music ‎– (BRH 5)

Simon’s Library Choice.
26. Steve Gray – Light My Fire – 2’56
From the LP: Light my Fire’ – 1978
Source: LP – Bruton Music ‎– (BRH 5)

27. Michel Polnareff – Et! Hop On Va Tout Changer – 2’09
From the Film ‘Les Trois Mousquetaires’
(John Halas/Franco Cristofani, France/Italy/UK, 1974)
Source: LP – Philips ‎– (6325 651)

28. Vladimir Cosma – Les Fillettes – 3’18
From the Film ‘La 7ème Cible’
(Claude Pinoteau, France, 1984)
Source: LP – Carrere ‎– (66.220)

29. Michel Polnareff – La Valse – 1’53
From the Film ‘Les Trois Mousquetaires’
(John Halas/Franco Cristofani, France/Italy/UK, 1974)
Source: LP – Philips ‎– (6325 651)

29. Christopher Gunning (Vocals: Peter Lee Stirling) – Nothing’s Good And Nothing’s Free – 0’51
From the Film: ‘Goodbye Gemini’
(Alan Gibson, UK, 1970)
Source: LP – DJM Records ‎– (DJLPS.408)

30. Michel Polnareff – Thème Des Méchants – 1’29
From the Film ‘Les Trois Mousquetaires’
(John Halas/Franco Cristofani, France/Italy/UK, 1974)
Source: LP – Philips ‎– (6325 651)

31. Kalyanji Anandji (Vocals: Amit Kumar) – Y.o.g.a. – 5’58
From the Film: ‘Haadsaa’
(Akbar Khan, India, 1983)
Source: LP – Music India Ltd. ‎– (2392 376)

Episode 38 – Record Sleeves

Episode 30 – Far East Special: Tracklisting.

01. Candy – King Of Kung Fu (Legend Of Bruce Lee) – 3’06
From the Film: ‘Legend Of Bruce Lee’
(Darve Lau, Hong Kong, 1976)
Source: 7″ – EMI – (EMI 2368)

02. Hiroki Tamaki – Town of fear – 2’53
From the TV Series: ‘Kaiki daisakusen’
(Tokyo Broadcasting System, Japan, 1968)
Source: LP – King Record Co. Ltd – (SKK-2124)

03. Takashi Nomura – A Colt is my Passport (Main Theme) – 1’17
From the Film ‘Koruto wa ore no pasupooto’ (A Colt is my Passport)
(Takashi Nomura, Japan, 1967)
Source: CD – Nikkatsu Movie Collection – Jo Shishido

04. Akihiko Takashima – Warriors – 3’10
From the Film ‘Yajû shisubeshi’ (The Beast to Die)
(Tôru Murakawa, Japan, 1980)
Source: LP – Columbia – (AX-7286-AX)

05. Joseph Koo – The Big Boss (Main Theme) – 2’55
From the Film ‘The Big Boss’
(Lo Wei, Hong Kong, 1971)
Source: 7″ – Tam – (YT-1054)

06. Akihiko Takashima – Evil Gun, Walther P38 – 2’21
From the Film ‘Yajû shisubeshi’ (The Beast to Die)
(Tôru Murakawa, Japan, 1980)
Source: LP – Columbia – (AX-7286-AX)

07. Isao Tomita – Hanzo the Razor: The Snare (Main Theme) – 2’36
From the Film: ‘Goyôkiba: Kamisori Hanzô jigoku zeme’ (Hanzo the Razor: The Snare)
(Yasuzô Masumura, Japan, 1973)
Source: CD – King Records – (KICA 3032)

08. Isao Tomita – The Vilian – 1’31
From the Film: ‘Goyôkiba: Kamisori Hanzô jigoku zeme’ (Hanzo the Razor: The Snare)
(Yasuzô Masumura, Japan, 1973)
Source: CD – King Records – (KICA 3032)

09. Kunihiko Murai – Goyokiba’s Theme – 3’48
From the Film: ‘Goyôkiba’ (Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice)
(Kenji Misumi, Japan, 1972)
Source: CD – King Records – (KICA 3032)

10. Ken Thorne – Lee Hing Escapes – 3’23
From the Film: ‘The Protector’
(James Glickenhaus, Hong Kong/USA, 1985)
Source: LP – Easy Street Records – (ESA 9901)

Special Cover Version Corner.
11. Stanley Maxfield Orchestra – Theme From “Enter The Dragon” – 2’11
From the LP: ‘Bruce Lee Big Special’
Source: LP – Tam – (YX-6098)

Special Cover Version Corner.
12. Stanley Maxfield Orchestra – The Big Battle – 2’50
From the LP: ‘Bruce Lee Big Special’
Source: LP – Tam – (YX-6098)

Special Cover Version Corner.
13. Stanley Maxfield Orchestra – Bamboo Bird Cage – 3’09
From the LP: ‘Bruce Lee Big Special’
Source: LP – Tam – (YX-6098)

14. Asei Kobayashi & Micky Yoshino – Oriental Melon Man – 2’35
From the Film: ‘Hausu’ (House)
(Nobuhiko Ôbayashi, Japan, 1977)
Source: LP – Columbia – (YX-7177-N)

15. Hornets – Western Police Main Theme (TV Size) – 3’09
From the TV Series: ‘Seibu Keisatsu’ (Western Police)
(TV Asahi, Japan, 1979)
Source: LP – Teichiku Records – (GM-96)

16. Hornets – Theme of Mobilisation – 3’44
From the TV Series: ‘Seibu Keisatsu’ (Western Police)
(TV Asahi, Japan, 1979)
Source: LP – Teichiku Records – (GM-96)

17. Asei Kobayashi & Micky Yoshino – Eat – 3’09
From the Film: ‘Hausu’ (House)
(Nobuhiko Ôbayashi, Japan, 1977)
Source: LP – Columbia – (YX-7177-N)

Cover Version Corner.
18. The Ray Davies Orchestra – First of Fury – 2’13
From the LP: ‘Flashpoint’
Source: LP – Phillips – (YX-6098)

Cover Version Corner.
19. The Stanley Maxfield Orchestra – Bullit – 3’10
From the LP: ‘Best Screen Themes for Action and Violence’
Source: LP – Tam – (MX-0028)

Cover Version Corner.
20. The Ray Davies Orchestra – The Big Boss – 2’33
From the LP: ‘Flashpoint’
Source: LP – Phillips – (YX-6098)

21. Ryudo Uzaki & Akira Inoue (Vocals: Jackie Chan) – Theme from the Young Master – 4’18
From the Film: ‘The Young Master’
(Jackie Chan, Hong Kong, 1980)
Source: LP – Victor – (VIP-28016)

22. Ryudo Uzaki & Akira Inoue – Chan & Jaguar – 1’58
From the Film: ‘The Young Master’
(Jackie Chan, Hong Kong, 1980)
Source: LP – Victor – (VIP-28016)

23. MOPS – Goyokiba “Fang” – 3’13
From the Film: ‘Goyôkiba’ (Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice)
(Kenji Misumi, Japan, 1972)
Source: CD – King Records – (KICA 3032)

24. Asei Kobayashi & Micky Yoshino – Eat, Eat, Eat – 0’46
From the Film: ‘Hausu’ (House)
(Nobuhiko Ôbayashi, Japan, 1977)
Source: LP – Columbia – (YX-7177-N)

25. Ryudo Uzaki & Akira Inoue – Final Match – 4’53
From the Film: ‘The Young Master’
(Jackie Chan, Hong Kong, 1980)
Source: LP – Victor – (VIP-28016)

Simon’s Library Choice.
26. Alan Hawkshaw & Keith Mansfield – Flashback – 2’06
From the LP: ‘Flamboyant Themes’
Source: LP – KPM – (KPM 1037)

Simon’s Library Choice.
27. David Lindup – Excitement Personified – 2’23
From the LP: ‘Flamboyant Themes’
Source: LP – KPM – (KPM 1037)

28. The Miho Band – The Gorilla Seven – 2’24
From the TV Series ‘Za Gorira 7’ (The Gorilla Seven)
(NET TV-Toei, Japan, 1975)
Source: 7″ – Teichiku – (SN-I 436)

29. Kôichi Sugiyama – Death Fight – 4’12
From the TV Series: ‘Space Runaway Ideon’
(TV Tokyo, Japan, 1980)
Source: LP – King Records – (SKD (H)2018)

30. Kôichi Sugiyama – Ideon Revival – 2’37
From the TV Series: ‘Space Runaway Ideon’
(TV Tokyo, Japan, 1980)
Source: LP – King Records – (SKD (H)2018)

31. Soul Blacks – Super Weapon – 2’46
From the Film ‘Super Weapon’
(Japan, 1976?)
Source: 7″ – Minoru Phone – (KA-1074)

32. Bill Powell – The Big Guy – 2’57
From the Film ‘The Way of the Dragon’
(Bruce Lee, Hong Kong, 1972)
Source: LP – Tam – (YX-6098)

33. Akihiko Takashima – An Elegant Beast – 2’54
From the Film ‘Yajû shisubeshi’ (The Beast to Die)
(Tôru Murakawa, Japan, 1980)
Source: LP – Columbia – (AX-7286-AX)

34. Ken Thorne – The Protector (Main Theme) – 3’12
From the Film: ‘The Protector’
(James Glickenhaus, Hong Kong/USA, 1985)
Source: LP – Easy Street Records – (ESA 9901)

35. Hiroki Tamaki – Mysterious Song – 2’54
From the TV Series: ‘Kaiki daisakusen’
(Tokyo Broadcasting System, Japan, 1968)
Source: LP – King Record Co. Ltd – (SKK-2124)

Episode 30 – Far East Special: Record Sleeves

Lord Thames on Laurie Johnson and ‘And Soon the Darkness’

Although Laurie Johnson’s contribution to And Soon The Darkness is a relatively small one, it does at least provide us with a chance to celebrate a long and distinguished career.

Johnson’s first film score came in 1957, with The Good Companions, with scores for Girls At Sea, The Moonraker and Tiger Bay – as well as hit musical Lock Up Your Daughters – to follow.

By the 1960s, Laurie Johnson’s name started to become much better known thanks to the rise of commercial television. His recording of ‘Sucu Sucu’ for Associated-Rediffusion’s Top Secret was a chart hit in 1961, and as well as other commissions for A-R, he was also writing for the KPM music library. Many of these tracks became well know, as themes for Animal Magic, This Is Your Life, Whicker’s World and World In Action (the latter theme, ‘Private Eye’, is still in use today as the theme for Michael Apted’s 7 Up documentaries, the latest installment of which has started on ITV this month.)

The middle of the decade saw possibly his most important commissions to date – Dr Strangelove (of which Johnson recalls Stanley Kubrick telling him at the end of the recording sessions it was the best soundtrack to any of his films), and of course The Avengers, where Johnson came up with a gloriously decadent string theme which would last till the end of the series in 1969..

And Soon The Darkness followed soon afterwards, and features many familiar Avengers faces behind the camera, like director Robert Fuest and writer Brian Clemens. Johnson’s contribution is limited to the instantly memorable theme, which later had lyrics added by Alan Price and was recorded by pop-soul singer James Royal (with the help of an excellent arrangement by Keith Mansfield) though sadly with limited success.

Johnson continued to write soundtracks through the 1970s, and added another string to his bow – not only did he furnish The New Avengers with a fantastic military funk theme tune, he also became co-producer with Albert Fennel and Brian Clemens. This partnership would continue with LWT’s The Professionals into the 1980s. Johnson continued as a producer with the revived Gainsborough Pictures, as well as scoring their productions.

In 1997, Laurie Johnson would form the London Big Band, with many familiar jazz and session players in the line-up, including old friends from the Ted Heath days, and he even returned to the charts thanks to the theme from The Professionals being used to advertise the Nissan Almera.

Although And Soon The Darkness doesn’t even merit a mention in Johnson’s autobiography, ‘Noises In The Head’, for me it’s among his best work, almost as much for what isn’t there as what is. The lack of incidental music, normally a minus point for me, only adds to the grim and bleak atmosphere of the film, which is almost in contrast to the relatively upbeat theme See what you think!

These words were taken from the programme notes of the Filmbar70 screening of ‘And Soon the Darkness’ London, 17 May 2012.