THE GOBLIN COLLECTION 1975-1989

With The exception of the chronology, I thought this album was excellent. If you are new to Dario Argento and Goblin, this is an outstanding way to become acquainted with the soundtrack composition of Sr. Argento's wonderful horror films

Delicious collection from the Italian horror cinema icons, though what really makes an impression here (an assortment of music from fourteen different films, 1975 thru 1989) is what a terrific rock band this extended family make. Four selections from cult flick 'Profondo Rosso' (Deep Red) start off with a rather Exorcist-like patter, Claudio Simonetti's Gothic dungeon organs, surprising acoustic guitar from Fabio Pignatelli and Agostino Marangolo a standout on drums. This is 1970s cult-track music at its very best, with the grand chaotic 'Wampyr' finale from '76 and various creep-funk themes from the 'Chi?' TV show. The unnerving 'Patrick' score is followed by the classic main title from 'Susperia' (1977). The impact this group had on industry music of the period is surprising, and we hear where everyone from filmmakers such as John Carpenter to modern artists like Zombi get much of their cinematic aspiration. 'La Via Della Droga' jazz-rocks right down a Manhattan alleyway on a fleet-footed chase through Central Park and straight into an urban American nightmare, 'Zombi' lumbers forward, and rich synth tones for 1979's 'Buo Omega' where the subtle nods to Pink Floyd become more prevalent but still quite original and pleasing. We also hear the non-human oddities of 'Contamination' ushering in the Terminator era, bopping fusion of 'Notturno', electronic escapades of the late 80's 'Phenomena' and 'Laz Chiesa'. Any avid listeners of Mike Oldfield, Rick Wakeman or Bo Hansson may thoroughly enjoy Goblin, and this compilation is ideal if you have no intention of searching out the bulk of their catalog.

Let me begin by saying that, for an Italian band named Goblin known for doing horror movie soundtracks, this music is surprisingly unscary. But then again, I suppose it takes a lot to scare someone who listens to Throbbing Gristle on a regular basis. I do not wish to imply, however, that Goblin is not a good band. On the contrary, they are generally excellent.

This compilation spans more than a dozen film and TV scores the band wrote and performed, and while some of the later stuff is forgettable (the love theme from St. Helen is horrid), there is a lot to enjoy here. Early scores like Profundo Rosso, Suspiria, and La Via Della Droga showcase Goblin at the height of their powers. The musicianship is top notch and there is some real creativity absent from the vast majority of film music.

Stylistically, this disc is extremely varied. The scores range from vaguely creepy syth-fests to hard rock, to psychedelic, to funky jazz. The band pulls each of these diverse styles off with aplomb. The melodies are fun and engaging, and the short running time of most of these cues keeps the listener from becoming bored.

Unfortunately, the fact that most of this music was written in the seventies shows pretty plainly, and some of these scores now sound pretty dated, but they are enjoyable nevertheless and Goblin is an important enough band that most serious music lovers will want to have a compilation such as this in their collection.