Search - Goblin :: Antigangsters

Goblin Gets Funky (Sort Of)

John Peterson | Marinette, WI USA | 03/20/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Who would ever have thought that a group of musicians influenced by Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, and EL&P would produce a soundtrack that reflected the musical taste of the times; namely disco. Perhaps the international popularity of Saturday Night Fever had something to do with it, I don't know. For whatever reason, the end result comes up short of being a classic. Goblin will never be mistaken for Chic though I suppose you can't blame them for trying. The tracks with vocals (two by Asha Puthly, one by Charlie Cannon) are sad soulful attempts, though they probably worked well enough within the confines of the movie. The instrumental tracks are somewhat better, Trumpet's Flight being a standout. It's a nice fusion piece that recalls Frank Zappa and Miles Davis (dig the muted processed sounding trumpet solo!). The alternate version is also included, the only difference being the trumpet solo is not muted. Sicilian Samba is a pleasant track that also has a nice trumpet solo. Stunt Cars has some pretty nifty guitar pickin' (by Carlo Pennisi, Massimo Morante quiting shortly after Zombi/Dawn Of The Dead) that would make Roy Clark proud. The rest of the soundtrack is merely competent. For those that are interested in this soundtrack (which the running time is 37:28, bonus tracks included), it carries a hefty price tag. The other option is to pick up Goblin volumes two and four, which omits the two Asha Puthly tracks but has everything else and much, much more besides. Just be aware that for those that are picking up only the soundtrack and are looking for a Suspiria or a Deep Red type of score, you're gonna be disappointed big time. To tell you the truth though I do have a soft spot in my heart for this album. So my rating will be a little higher than it probably deserves."

An Explanation Is In Order

John Peterson | Marinette, WI USA | 07/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I reviewed this CD almost three months ago when I first got it. To be quite honest I didn't know what to think because of what I perceived to be an abrupt stylistic change. But after taking the time to digest it I have to agree that this is actually a very strong and successful soundtrack. And Goblin had been dropping hints all along (check out Torte In Faccia, Tirassegno, and the supermarket track from Zombi/Dawn Of The Dead).

Apart from the two awful Asha Puthli tracks, this is a fine and completely appropriate score to what is essentially a comic crime drama. If you're looking for a "Profondo Rosso" or "Suspiria" type of score (as admittedly I was) you'll be in for a shock. However if you keep an open mind to it you'll find it succeeds its purpose and actually broadens Goblin's considerable talent to adapt to any genre and breathe new life into it, which is what good composers and performers are suppose to do. Check out the different moods that are established with Banoon (urban groove), Stunt Cars (hillbilly), Welcome To The Boogie (funk), Trumpet's Flight (a Frank Zappa/Miles Davis inspired fusion piece), Sicilian Samba (a very relaxed samba with a beautiful trumpet solo), and Disco China (disco).

There is a less expensive Cinevox European edition CD of this soundtrack that Amazon sells (though you'll have to hunt around for it). The sound quality is the same as this CD here. (Prior Cinevox's CDs were slightly inferior sonically to the Japanese King records label.) And there's the four CD collection by DRG records of Goblin. If you buy volumes two and four you will have all of the Sqaudra Antigangsters soundtrack (including the three bonus tracks), save two tracks which don't have any Goblin involvement, all of Roller (another classic Goblin CD) and much, much more besides. This is the recommended route to go."