Reviews (page 4 of 8)
This album is a journey. A journey no one needs to go on. The left turns some of the songs take are too abrupt and, quite frankly, bizarre and off-putting. Hard pass on this one.
That was really unique. I didn't think it was great, but it was interesting. I'd take it over many other albums on this list (looking at you, Leonard Cohen).
Just background noise
No. 2
Quite enjoyed this one!
This was not what I expected on this list. But im glad it was.
Meh
Creative mashup of sounds and pastiches of familiar melodies
Definitely Lynch-esque. It’s mood music, but I don’t know what kind of mood I’d be or want to be in in order to listen to this. Totally competent. Pretty weird.
Ok
not sure itlf it's a soundtrack toba movie or to modern life but it is extremely forgettable
I don’t know why this is on the list. I’m actually annoyed about this one and I pretty much am positive about every album. Was it good? Did it have things I could appreciate? Sure. Yes. Whatever. “It’s like a movie soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist” Okay.. then WTF don’t we just do a soundtrack for a movie that DOES exist. A few options: -Jurassic Park -Interstellar -Shaft -The Graduate -Black Panther - The Magical Mystery Tour -Purple Rain -Superfly (I actually think this was on the list. LOL) And sure, some of those soundtrack have other artists. So fine, just focus on the ones that singular. The Graduate?!?! Just do that. That soundtrack rocks.
Cover 6 This would be a great album to listen to while reading a noir crime novel or a spy novel. And if I remember to, I'll do just that. But I don't otherwise see myself listening to this again.
This is #day457 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… I didn't know Barry Adamson was a member of the post-punk band Magazine, one of my favorites in the genre, not to mention his ties to Visage, The Bad Seeds, and others. Now, this record? It's a movie score, sure, and it has that noir, suspense-like atmosphere. But do you really need to hear it before you die? The sax, such as on "Sounds from the Big House," "The Swinging Detective," and "The Man With the Golden Arm," always gets me, though. All in all, I think the Soundtrack from Twin Peaks would have been a more relevant inclusion. This is a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day458.
This wasn't terrible but doesn't feel like it was necessary for this list. Felt more like background music to a movie.
Interesting. Music has atmosphere.
Based on the album’s tagline, I expected to hate it. It was tolerable! 2.5 rounded down.
Started out thinking I might like this, since I love movie soundtrack music, but after a couple of promising tracks to start, it went steadily downhill.
Meh
Right out of the gate, this thing is pretty disorienting. You could never pull out one track; it just doesn't work like that. It’s a very specific, tense soundscape. I respect the commitment to the concept, but it leaves me outside the velvet rope of this fictional film. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions On the Wrong Side of Relaxation Under Wraps The Man With The Golden Arm
Immensely bored.
Angelo Badalamenti vibes. Weird album to be included in this list. I don't find much to say about it. Not bad, not great, quite atmospheric but I cannot find a reason why I'd have to hear this album before i die.
wtf lol
3/5
This album was essentially a resume and job application ... He's hired.
I have never really listened to many soundtrack albums before, imagined or otherwise, so this was a learning experience. I particularly enjoyed the slightly nightmarish Bond theme at the end. The whole thing feels like it could soundtrack something written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith.
Whenever I encounter something I haven’t heard before I always mention it to Neil. The response is either that he will reel of a list of their seminal albums or that he has seen them live before. This was no different, he saw Barry Adamson perform with Nick Cave as a member of the Bad Seeds. I love the fact that this was included in this list. I don’t know what it is (seemingly a soundtrack album to a film that never existed) but it was a really interesting listen - full of variety, with a sense of underlying malevolence. Probably like a visit to Moss Side.
What an odd inclusion. I think the context that I listened to it in didn’t suit the mood it was trying to convey, whereas if I had headphones on walking through an urban centre at night, I could see this being much more fitting. To be honest, I found it quite forgettable though so am loathe to rate it higher.
Very cool. Very atmospheric, will revisit and probably check out more.
I'm kinda here for this! Bit of a surprise but it's so different! Great background music
There were a couple moments that were almost interesting but overall this was a pretty awful listen. If this were the soundtrack for an actual movie, I’d be hiring a new composer. I’m not sure what Barry Adamson is trying to convey. The music is too boring and uncompelling to care.
Aldri hørt noe liknende, et mock soundtrack album. Kult, men kommer nok ikke til å høre på dette.
5.5/10
Totally see why he is known for cinematic music. All of this could be or probably has been featured in films. Personally I don't go for instrumental only music very often.
A soundtrack for an imaginary film. I don't need this in my life.
For the second consecutive day, I've generated an album that gives Halloween season vibes. Anyway, this is the best soundtrack for a non-existent film of all time. Favorite Track: "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".
I thought the industrial pieces were very well done and there are a few more decent works here but in the end I’ll probably not remember this one
another one...
Weird album but pretty cool. Wasn't familiar with this one before but cool story. Nothing too exciting.
Interesting concept for an album, but the songs are inherently a bit boring because of the concept. Great background music, though.
It’s a cool concept I guess but it’s just not something that’s engaging enough to be its own thing, it’s just exactly what it wants to be which is a mock movie soundtrack. It definitely fits the vibe of an old crime thriller and there’s some cool parts to it but it mostly feels like something you’re not a part of like some kind of society where they are sharing their passion for movie soundtracks and you’re just there being forced to listen in. The vibe is there though but it would work better if it was just in a movie which I guess is what it was trying to be. Favourites: hard to name one. Overall, 4/10.
Halloweenish
Una sorpresa, me ha gustado la propuesta y el ambiente
Još jedan u nizu neslušljivih albuma, ne mogu podnijeti te albume koji je bi trebali biti albumi nego jednostavno konceptualna izdržavanja. Da sam u kinu i da ovo ima nekakvog smisla, okej, ali pošto to nije slučaj 1/5, 1/10
This was made as a sort of soundtrack for a film noir movie that was never made. It was also meant as a "demo tape", to help Barry get the kind of jobs he wanted (eventually he worked with David Lynch on the score for Lost Highway). It's weird to evaluate film-music without the corresponding film, but the album is decent. It covers a bunch of styles and has some sound effects mixed in.
Waffled between a 2 and a 3 on this, because a few of the songs have a James Bond/Peter Gunn meets Twin Peaks vibe that I started to get into. But, too much of it is just cranky atmospheric and thst combined with the "why is this on the list" factor drag it down.
Not in the mood.
6/10
This is interesting, and it’s not bad. But I really don’t enjoy listening to soundtracks, it has always confused me as to why someone would listen to music that was literally not made to be heard on its own. Without the visual component, what is the point here? And this one didn’t even have a visual, it’s for a film that doesn’t exist. Interesting exercise but ultimately who cares.
Better than Oedipus Schmoedipus I guess, but why is this guy here twice anyway
Didn’t finish, didn’t want to do this
huh. maybe its all the time I spent as a child listening to my dad's ambient soundscape creations but I actually quite liked this and thought it would be great as a score for that movie that was never made. I wouldn't listen to this casually in one go again but I don't think you're supposed to. pretty esoteric sound nerd stuff to include in this project though.
What was that? A sound experiment.
I understand the concept and appreciate the effort… but it’s uneven. Some tracks are indeed noir, and others are more Pink Panther or Inspector Gadget whimsical. I do hate it, but also won’t be revisiting it anytime soon.
You created a dark creepy weird album and somehow you managed to bore me
Unique movie soundtrack concept for sure.
cool to imagine the movie it could've gone with
First listen
Not totally my kind of music, but absolutely love the concept
Damn, I want to see the movie this was made for that doesn't exist.
cool, a movie soundtrack or something. definitely real music 1/5
Interesting, but not particularly engaging. 3/5
Uffff eigentlich findi ja experimentelli Filmmusig no geil, und de Barry-Boy het mit em David Lynch zemegschaffet, au fetti pluspünkt. Aber heilandsack isch das es nervöses und biz verstörends album gsi bim schaffe. Wird em sicher nomal e chance geh aber für me wie 3 side stories wirds au denn ned lange
isch das de Barry vu oedipus schnoedipus. Timodipus Guetschedipus du bisch wieder gfragt mit me ähnlich guete reviewwie dazumals ... also das isch mir doch biz zu experimentel und zwenig musikalisch. chani glaubs nur 2 Mossbewachseni sternlis abdrucke. soooory G
Soundtrack for movie that doesnt exist
Good filler. Not my jam.
A low 3; an unusual instrumental mix that wasn't appealing nor was it terrible. Not sure why I had to listen to this as it left me feeling nothing really.
Lame
Definitely sounds like a move
2spooky4me
Bored
It took me most of the album to realize that it was a mock soundtrack album. I liked a few but a lot of them felt misguided or really experimental without much payoff. I can see where the artist was trying to go but I don't think he got there.
oh. an associate of somebody i know parasocially. my failure of imagining a crime film didn't lower my enjoyment of this album. 3.5/5
Déjà les BO de films généralement c'est chiant. Mais alors les BO expérimentales de films qui n'existent pas. Au secours.
This is a really weird concept. It's an instrumental soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist. It's essentially a resume/ad/business card trying to get work as a score writer for film/media - which makes it interesting. However, it's not interesting to listen to. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: n/a Best Songs Under wraps The Swinging Detective
Soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist. Nice background, but didn't really grab me. Enjoyable though. 4 stars because I enjoyed it, but doubt I'd listen again
So this album very effectively accomplishes it's goal of sounding like a movie soundtrack. I like the concept of having an imaginary movie in your head and writing a score to fit. It leaves a lot open to interpretation for the listener. Fantastic idea and well done. I do think for the sheer uniqueness of this album it deserves a spot on this list. I'll never listen to it again but it was fun once. 3/5 mostly for the originality of the idea. Having said that, all I could think while listening to this album was that Barry Adamson must have been something like: "I know! Hollywood is where the money is at! I'll submit music for movie soundtracks!" (one year and exactly 0 movie deals later): "Those bastards. I'll make a soundtrack anyway."
Bleh. I couldn't do it. I'm sure some people listen to this and think "Oh, what a cool idea! I feel like I'm in a movie." God bless. I listen to this and think "This is basically background noise." I'm definitely not the target audience here as I'm not big on soundtracks or instrumental-only albums, but even so I found this hard to get through.
..
Cool idea + a couple great tracks, should be right up my alley as I am all about film noir but alas. The 80s.
Elevator music
Great blend of W, African rhythm and harmonies with American blues tradition.
I must have missed this fist time around. Whew.
Not quiet what I was expecting. Interesting pieces, I prefer the more ambient ones, oddly not quite cinematic to me. I do like it though. Will check out more of his work. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? No Owned: No 17/1001, 17/67 (25%) Will I get? No
Taken as a film score for a non-existent crime film (it's intended concept), it is mediocre at best. Probably would be better if it's place on this list was non-existent, since including it instead of a legendary film score (there are plenty to choose from) is an actual crime.
Oh, THIS guy again. I already got Oedipus Schmoedipus. It is another album that was intended to be some sort of soundtrack for a nonexistent crime film. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily translate to an enjoyable album listening experience to me. It really falls down in the second half for me. There are a handful of moments that remind me of downtempo artists that I enjoy, but overall it's not for me. Less appealing to me than Oedipus Schmoedipus by far.
This was... weird. Like I knew the concept and sometimes I could see the vision but then it would go off the rails but I can't pretend like it didn't have an occasional groove to it. 2/10 This also officially marks on year on this project. Can't believe I made it this far tbh. Just about 2 more years left on the main list and then who knows how much more for the user list, but it's currently sitting at another year. Wild.
Barry Adamson again? Really? Whatever. At least this is the better of the two albums he has on the list. You know, in my opinion, at least. Here's the thing with Moss Side Story here. This album's concept is that it's a soundtrack to a fake movie. Okay. That's a neat concept. And you know what? This does kind of feel like the soundtrack to a movie, perhaps even a good movie. I can catch glimpses of a story of sorts and the ideas in my head are good. However, this is not the kind of movie soundtrack that I'd want to listen to on its own. In the context of the hypothetical film, these songs might work really well. But in the context of an album that actually just exists by itself? It's not the most ideal listening experience. There are definitely cool moments, sure. There's this organ part in the latter half of "Sounds From the Big House" that kind of reminds me of that one part of Pink Floyd's "Echoes." That's cool. There's some neat atmospheric moments spread throughout the album. Barry Adamson is kind of like the anti-Charlie Puth to me. They're both clearly talented, but whereas Charlie makes music that's too commercial for my taste, Barry makes music that's a bit too avant-garde for my taste. This album has moments like on the opener "On The Wrong Side of Relaxation" that just don't really hit the musical itch for me. I respect this album, but I don't see myself going back to it much and I don't think I'd call it a must-listen. Light 3/5.
Best Song: Under Wraps. The track that is most capable of standing on its own merits. Worst Song: Free At Last. This just doesn't make any sense as a song! It only makes sense in accompanying the imaginary imagery that no one can see! Overall: Reading that this album was designed as the artist's attempt to show that they were capable of writing a soundtrack for a film makes a lot of sense, because it sounds like a film soundtrack, but it also makes no goddamn sense, because why would I want to listen to the soundtrack to an imaginary movie? A soundtrack exists in service of another artform. It has no value existing on its own. I want to listen to this in the same way that I want to read menus for restaurants that don't exist.
Ein angebliches „Soundtrack-Album zu einem nicht existierenden Film“ – und genau so fühlt es sich an: ziellos, überambitioniert und letztlich leer. Statt Spannung und Atmosphäre gibt es wirre Klangcollagen, die eher an ein überlanges Hörspiel erinnern als an Musik. Die düstere Noir-Ästhetik wirkt aufgesetzt, die Tracks verlieren sich in bedeutungsschwerem Getöse. Wer hier ein musikalisches Meisterwerk erwartet, bekommt stattdessen einen Haufen Nonsens mit viel Konzept und wenig Substanz.
I can appreciate the concept and the talent behind the music. Just not my jam.
A very strange album. Parts of it were enjoyable. It started to sound like a soundtrack to 'A Touch Of Frost' after a while. I made it all the way through though, so it's 2 stars.
Didn’t listen to the entire project because I feel like instrumentals aren’t mine kind of thing you could say that is ignorant of me but I don’t care. this instrumental in particular did not hit the right senses for me. It’s definitely well put together, but it’s just not my kind of thing. That’s why I rate it a 4 out of 10.
Excellent musicmanship, glad I never have to listen to this again. 2.5/5
This sucks, sorry Barry
It’s an interesting album and should be on the list. But its premise goes to show that not every dude can just up and write a soundtrack.
I'm giving this a 5. On a dark night driving to this it's very unsettling.
Not sure why this was on this list, just feels very out of place.
Love me some early Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds but have not been acquainted with Magazine or Barry Adamson's solo work outside of the Lost Highway* soundtrack. I'm more into the Soundtrack for a Video Game That Doesn't Exist than I am for this unfortunately. *One of the worst movies I've ever seen.
Another concept soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist, that's weirdly two in a row now.... NEXT!
Pretty cool. So vivid that you can picture the kind of film that it'd go with - something a little noirish, maybe a hard boiled cop film with a hint of dystopian scifi. Listening to it on my way into work made me feel as though I were doing important things on behalf of the authorities. It's an interesting dynamic - less than a true album but more than a soundtrack, it sort of becomes its own form. I appreciate it.
I think that any enjoyment from this music requires two things. First: a predisposition towards classical music, and second: the willpower to actually trawl through Barry Adamson’s vision for this work to actually understand what the hell is going on in this concept album. I have neither of those two things and I come away feeling annoyed and bored. This would be perfectly fine for a movie score - but it’s not that, and that’s not the purpose of this list. 💫
Cool concept that I can't help but think inspired Delirium Cordia by Fantomas. It's probably not something that I'd go back to but it was definitely interesting.
“Weird album” yeah that’s the point guys
put this on as background music while working and felt deeply unsettled and weird about 5 mins later. idk, i don't really know what this is. like i respect the idea of it and the weirdness of it but this is so obviously not a classic album lmao. why is it here???
Interesting. But I’ll not look for this one to hear again
A decent start to his solo career, but not nearly as thought-out and mature as later albums like Oedipus Schmoedipus, As Above So Below, or Back To the Cat.
This is a pretty cool concept. The only issue I have, is it doesn't sound like one continuous imaginary film. It sounds more like a greatest hits for an imaginary movie composer, for a bunch of different imaginary films (for the exception of two cover songs towards the end). But overall still an entertaining listen.
Basically sounds and beats...more a film music and very boring
It has been rare on this list to get an album that I did not know anything about and had never heard of the artist. I enjoyed this a lot. It is definitely reminiscent of a soundtrack to a noir film, dark and atmospheric. A great find and definitely an album I will be returning to.
I hated Oedipus Schmoedipus so I don’t have high hopes for this. I’m also not clear on why I need to listen to this guy’s “please hire me to make soundtracks” demo album. Like, if he wants to let producers know that if they can’t afford to hire Angelo Badalamenti that he’s the temu version, that’s his business. Why involve me? Okay, I’ve listened to it. It sucks.
Interesting album but not my thing
Zzzzzzz
Sorry I should’ve given it a go but I was high and scared
This literally is the equivalent of a film soundtrack. But not a film soundtrack with hit songs like Saturday Night Fever or Guardians Of The Galaxy. No, it’s film incidental music with the odd sound effect. And as such it’s not really complete without the accompanying film. So, since only half of the project is here, then I’ll mark it out of 2½
Some of it was listenable as a one time thing but won't be listening to this fake soundtrack again
Pretty obscure inclusion
On Spotify they describe this album as a non existent sound track to a movie that was never made. Pretty much sums it up.
Unusual for Barry...some interesting ideas on this album from the Jazz Devil.
Cool album
I’ll admit, I’d never heard of Barry Adamson and certainly never heard his Moss Side Story album. After doing a little research, I was already in. Adamson, who played in the post-punk band Magazine and worked with other artists in the 70s and 80s, was getting interested in film music. He decided to record a soundtrack for a non-existent film noir movie and use that as his way of auditioning for work in film and TV. Turns out, it worked well as his first solo album. film As I said, once I heard the premise, I was in. The songs are all instrumentals, except for sampled dialogue, screams and a choir. There are three acts in the story and then there are three bonus songs, one of which is Adamson’s verion of the Alfred Hitchcock Presents theme and the theme from the movie, The Man with the Golden Arm. If you’re a fan of Sergio Leone and Quentin Tarantino, you know how important music can be to a movie. In this case, the music is more important than the movie because the movie doesn’t exist. As you're listening to it, you’re imagining the movie playing out in your head. It makes me want to listen to more flim music. Is this something I’m going to listen to over and over or put on at a party? Probably not, but it’s just so cool, I think everyone should at least experience it.
stupid
Je n’ai qu’une question. Pourquoi?
Just making a bunch of sounds with instruments hoping it will be picked up by movie/tv or commercials. How does an album like this sell? Diddle around in some studio software and you too can make this album
I appreciate what this was going for and I find it really interesting and the music was decent but it’s not something I would go back to. But it’s a cool concept for sure.
The only point I can see in film soundtracks is that listening to it reminds you of scenes in films you love. This film doesn’t exist therefore it’s completely pointless to my mind. The only album in about 100 that I’ve skipped through the tracks and was relieved to get to the end. Shite.
Too weird
Pointless
The synth instruments, the odd choice of making a soundtrack for a movie that doesn't exist, the added sound effects that are completely without context. It was a strange one.
Cool idea as like a private project I guess?
4.4 - weirdly but good, grotų per Opus
Pre-listening thoughts: hey this guy is the bassist for Magazine! Maybe this will sound like that! Post/during listening thoughts: well I have never been more wrong in my entire life. Turns out this is “the soundtrack to a crime film that doesn’t exist”. Dude. Actually who would listen to this. The reason film soundtracks are so good to listen back to is because of the visual pairing and plot moments they link up with. Composers are rarely just making soundtracks without having some reference for where the moments of meaning will occur in their music. This feels so pointless to me. 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Under Wraps Least fav tracks: whatever the hell that opening was and chocolate milkshake which is lowkey giving resident evil basement
Нуар, иногда он кажется слишком аматорским. Мне бы хотелось что он был более джазовым, местами песни вообще не мейк сенс в треклисте. ну как такой аля ост, под книгу или игру он нормальный я думаю. 6/10 Highlights: The Swinging Detective
This was maybe a 4 but then the latter half dragged so hard. I like an experimental album. It’s funny when I’m harsh on one and then on another I’m like no but I like what they are doing… this is mostly the case here but like I said that back half is weak.
Barry Adamsons erstes Soloalbum Moss Side Story von 1989 ist als eine Art fiktischer Soundtrack angelegt. Der britische Musiker, zuvor Bassist bei Magazine und Mitglied bei Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, entwarf hier eine düstere, filmisch inspirierte Klangwelt. Aufgenommen wurde das Album in verschiedenen Londoner Studios, unter anderem mit Unterstützung von Gastmusikern aus dem Post-Punk- und Avantgarde-Umfeld. Musikalisch bewegt sich das Werk zwischen Jazz, Funk, orchestraler Filmmusik und elektronischen Experimenten. Adamson verbindet treibende Basslinien mit dramatischen Bläsern, düsteren Klangflächen und gesprochenen Passagen, wodurch ein Noir-artiges Kopfkino entsteht. Besonders prägend sind Stücke wie „On the Wrong Side of Relaxation“ oder „Under Wraps“, die die Atmosphäre eines imaginären Thriller-Soundtracks erzeugen. Die Stärke des Albums liegt in seiner konzeptionellen Geschlossenheit: Jeder Track wirkt wie eine Filmszene, ohne dass es einen tatsächlichen Film dazu gibt. Damit markierte Moss Side Story den Beginn von Adamsons eigenständiger Karriere als Komponist zwischen Rock, Jazz und experimenteller Filmmusik. Insgesamt ein originelles Debüt, das die Schnittstelle zwischen Popkultur und Kino auslotet.
not a fan very eere and mysterious
Как саундтрек годится, но не как музыка для прослушивания.
What the hell was that about?
A soundtrack to a crime film available at no movie theater near you, Moss Side Story is an unexpected and frustrating classic. As a concept, it's pure indulgence and posture. I'm not interested in trying to visualize the script for which this record is the sonic backdrop. But it triumphs musically, and b/c it's a collection of instrumental jazz with strings attached, it succeeds conceptually as well: scenes of lawlessness are cinematically displayed whether you like it or not. It's not the greatest crime-film soundtrack ever made - that'd be Miles Davis's Ascenseur pour l'échafaud - but it is one of the more entertaining records I've heard. Advice to the skeptic, w/ whom I can sympathize: it's not that serious. Crime films aren't high art anyway.
this was a very confusing listen because i don’t know how to feel about it? but i think i liked it
undeniably good--each track corresponds to a scene u might see in a movie, and feel super familiar great sound design, idk abt great music?
Fun album, and one I'm excited to give another listen or two. Despite being the soundtrack for a film that doesn't exist, Moss Side Story manages to have some dynamic and interesting storytelling through music.
so i LOVE oedipus schmoedipus. and this was unfortunately a big let down. it has its moments but overall feels very disconnected and thrown together in a way that OS doesn’t. still pretty interesting and cool but overall nothing in here that i want to listen to again which was disappointing
I’d never heard of Barry Adamson before starting this project, but I learned who he was after reviewing Magazine’s Real Life a few years ago (that album has been one of my absolute favorite discoveries during this project). After doing a bit of light research, Moss Side Story sounds like a pretty interesting concept. If Barry’s other work with Magazine is any indication, I think I’ll enjoy this album! Huh. Well, that was conceptually adventurous. Moss Side Story was a big swing and miss with me. I think the concept of a soundtrack album without a movie is a bold idea, but to me, this album was mostly generic music that feels completely unnecessary. I want a movie soundtrack to tell a story or convey a mood, but this album didn’t do either of those things. Act One was pretty bland, but I had high hopes when Act Two started with “Sounds from the Big House.” The metallic percussion and reverb sounded like cell doors slamming, evoking the feeling of walking through a prison to interview a suspect, but any narrative or emotion that was established on that song was immediately lost on the next track. “Autodestruction” had an industrial sound that I liked, but it failed to establish any mood or tell any part of a story. Moss Side Story just felt like a mess to me, and I can’t think of any rhyme or reason for it to exist. I’m hoping Barry’s other album that I still need to review will be better.
Why have we decided to do this challenge? This makes me question my existence.
Maybe one day I'll write the script for this movie. Lol
Pretty good instrumental tunes going on here. I’d need a couple of spins to fully appreciate it but at first play I’d say it’s a mid-3
Ahh one of those soundtrack to an imaginary film deals. This one from a bass player no less! But an important (to some) bass player, as he backed up Devoto in Magazine a band that is forever in my blind spot.
It’s like living in a macabre James Bond low-budget movie. Fantastic and hallucinating.
Die Idee, den Soundtrack für einen Film zu komponieren, der nicht existiert, ist schon cool, ich würde es mir aber eher nicht nochmal anhören. Einfach nicht so meins.
Canciones... Curiosas. Parecen que son bandas sonoras para alguna película. No me gustaron, pero siento que pueden tener un significado muy profundo... Al parecer del racismo. El significado me llama la atención, pero las canciones no. 2/10
thought this would be bad it's actually great
Music for a movie that doesn’t exist is such a sick concept for an album. No clue how this is getting 1s at all except from the close minded. It’s clearly so well produced and performed, and creates an absolutely unique, spooky, fascinating vibe. Perfect background/ambient music to a game of Delta Green or Call of Cthulhu. The shifts of style and emotion come subtly or sometimes abruptly as the unnamed protagonist of the movie finds the dead body, uncovers the clue, or gets knocked out by the mystery assailant. Great stuff. Reminds me partially of some of Tom Waits stuff.
Part of what makes a soundtrack special is the fact that usually, the listener has a visual relationship to the music if they've seen the movie. Most soundtrack listeners I know will have also seen the film. So in this instance, it feels a little strange to be told "Here's a soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist." Because of that, we kind of have to make up a film in our minds, because that's what we're being told. Therefore the music has a harder time really resonating with us, and feels more like it caters only to the person who created it. And that's fine; that's what music is supposed to do, resonate with its creator. But we, the audience, now have an uphill battle because we've had an idea planted in our heads that this music is meant to be more than the sum of its parts.
An atmospheric soundtrack to a non-existent crime film that's more than a little Lynchian might not be for everyone, but it's most definitely for me.
I don't know what I'm listening to, nor why I need to listen to this. Other reviews call this a soundtrack for a film that doesn't exist, and that's pretty close. At best, this is background music that slips in one ear and out the other. At worst, it's just noise.
Hmm. Tough one. It was an album comprised of really good interludes, so I was getting increasingly frustrating that it didn’t go anywhere. Once I came to terms with that (and found out that it was written as a soundtrack / score to an imaginary crime movie), I found it a more interesting concept….albeit a bit of a pretentious one. Probably a 2.5 but I’ll mark up because it didn’t annoy me musically.
A collection of sound effects.
Load of bollocks. Just a collection of sounds thrown together.
Listening to Parallel Lines, Abbey Road and then this felt like watching the Godfather trilogy all over again
Considered 1 star as I will never listen to it again. Next to soft machine it's a no contest is pick this every time
Interesting concept--a soundtrack to a movie that hasn't been made. The music? I'm not a huge fan of soundtracks, but this was okay. I guess.
After this I listened to the entirety of Everything at the End of Time. It was more interesting.
Absolutely never heard of this before. It's certainly interesting, and I may need to give it multiple listens to really decide what I think about this. It's got that combination of odd and intriguing.
No idea what that was
Equal parts upsetting and enjoyable.
Tror detta hade varit rätt mediokert som ett faktiskt soundtrack också
De borde lagt låten som heter "Free at Last" sist
Kul koncept! Fångade mig väl inte mer än så men känns som man borde lyssna mer.
we better start getting some bangers or I’m gonna have to review the reviewers. 2 stars
Pretty good
I like films. I liked this, though I listened as background music while reading... Catch my attention a few times. Noir film soundtrack. "I dig it", as other said. 3 stars.
First dark jazz, I liked it
I give it 1 because it is a tracklist for a made up movie and has no replay value beyond the first listen. The concept is unique, but I believe there is a heavy lack of substance to make the project itself interesting.
There's some interesting sounds in this album. Especially in 1989? Its very industrial. But does an album exist solely to manifest a career in soundtracks count as an actual album? I mean I understand it's an album to visualize, but it only feels like a half idea.
Seemingly everyone who reviews this album notes, correctly, how evocative it is of film noir and other soundtracks of decades past - which makes sense as that was what Adamson was clearly going for. What I don't see very often in the reviews is much discussion of how evidently influential this collection has been on soundtracks in a different medium - namely, gaming. I specifically hear so much of Uematsu's FFVII soundtrack in the industrial, synth-based palette being used here - if there's such a thing as steampunk jazz then this is it. I've only been through the album once but I think I'm falling in love a little bit.
Genius
this is crazyyyyy 4/5
This album’s target audience was Barry Adamson. I really tried. But I couldn’t get into it.
öhmmmm dasch unagnehm? glaub e frau wo umbrocht wird? und denn ENDLICH chli bassgitarre. central control het etz mol sone crime-mässigi melodie. aber yoo dasch jo mega langwilig alles? sounds from the big house isch sochli gfürchig type musig sehr klischee? alte check da album nuuuuuull. suck on the honey of love het sehr cools klavier. bin bi auto destruction und hasses recht fest. es isch afoch en soundtrack und de film muemer sich vorstelle. okay. aber denn isches halt nöd so spannend wie en film? fuck it ich los d bonustracks nöd. nai. 1.
da bini ja mal gspannt uii ja definitiv nöd relaxing das erste lied under wraps no funny, sochli jazzy miteme triibende rhythmus okk es sött en crime film sii, dassi ghöri na usse poah d perkussion isch mengisch aggressively 80er the swinging detective isch en perfekte titel für so es lied hahahahaha jaaa ich weiss nöd recht, es isch na lustig als erfahrig bis jz aber jz so krass ischs nöd auto destruction isch na geil? es het öppis abghackts wo no passt isch das nervööös au most beautiful girl findi na lustig, aber au chli nervig hmm jaa vill meh hani nöd z sege, mengisch na intressant und lustig aber au chli mervig und mengisch eifach chli langwilig 2 wege nervig oder es 3 wegem effort
It might be because I was up at 4:00 today but this was giving me a headache 1/5
No, just no. All over the place with not much cohesion. Couldn’t finish it
Well. He manages to create an album with different moods fitting a mobile. It’s also quite good variation. However, I didn’t particularly enjoy listening to it, and I will never listen to it again
A perfectly pleasant though inessential listen. Plenty of people have made soundtracks for imaginary films so dont' understand why people are getting so worked up. Does it belong on this list? I'm more exercised by ex-magazine bassist BA being in my mind the same person ex-XTC bassist Barry Andrews who made stone cold classic new wave single Rossmore Road.
This album offers a fascinating mix of styles and moods. I think it’s one you have to be in the right frame of mind for, but I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. Glad it was on the list.
Some of the tracks are cool and interesting although everything sounded like it was for a soundtrack which, as it turns out, was the point. So, score points for that.
It wasn't my thing. Didn't annoy me enough to skip tracks.
I didn't hate it, but I had no fun listening to it, and I can't see anytime I'd put this on again.
Day578 - its like a movie score that no one asked for
Film based themes, not for me thanks.
Eclectic. Never heard of before, part experimental, drifts from styles, not really coherent. Worth a second listen.
This was a very interesting album i definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to this but i did like ‘sounds from a big house’ I probably wont come back to listen for a while but it was a good start
Very intriguing.
I feel so confused after listening to this
In an odd coincidence, I have been listening to quite a few of Robert Fripp's Soundscapes recently, and this very much fits into that mode at times. Also occasionally more adventurous, also occasionally more ambient. I enjoyed listening to it but didn't find it all that relevatory.
wot
No private session used for Spotify and I had no idea what I was getting in to. Interesting stuff going on here, mood music for a nightmare. I liked it, but not sure when I will listen to it again, I will have to keep it in mind next Halloween.
Intereting concept. Execition is okay. A few tracks that stand out and a lot of background music, so really like a lot of Film soundtracks.
What?
interessant
Pleasant
Kinda weird idk
This album achieved its goal of being the soundtrack for a movie that didn’t exist. While I normally would have believed that concept to be annoying and pretentious, I found myself several times visualizing a noire thriller and rather enjoying it. 3.5* rounding down due to the honest unlikelihood that I’ll want to listen to this again. But I’m not mad I heard it today.
Taking someone else’s creation and manipulating it has never really sat right with me; worse is making it sound like noise. A lot of left/right speaker manipulation with pulses that gave me a headache.
I would have this guy write my soundtrack any day of the week. Some fun stuff. 3.5*
Proto Ai slop
I don’t get it. But they I read he started out with Nick Cave. Now I know why I don’t get it
No thanks
This is way too avant garde for me. I struggled to get through it, and it has little to no emotional impact. But it has a few nice songs scattered throughout.
Sounds like it was made specifically to give you a nightmare trip
Quite the conceptual piece of music. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it, but was intrigued by it. Some unsettling and cinematic music in there and respect the art but won't be on a replay any time soon.
I'm sure some critic out there deemed this historically significant, but this shit don't hold up
Weird, I thought this was a list of music albums.
A strange listening experience. Certainly unique. I'm not sure how well this would work actually set to film. Kind of gave me a stomachache.
The idea is interesting, and it’s executed well enough (although I wish it told more of a story, in a sense). With the exception of the Alfred Hitchcock track though, I didn’t find it interesting to listen to. Really, who is this for? Hollywood producers, apparently? I mean, I’m a huge film buff. I love crime movies and film noirs too. The fact that I thought this was self indulgent and for no actual listener, and I’m the prime target for this sort of thing, says a lot about how it should probably just be swept into the dustbin of history.
Dire. Zero musical merit
How in the world does this guy have two fake soundtracks on this list? Neither are super interesting. There is so much quality music left off and this guy gets two albums.
For an album that pretends to be interesting and new, it is neither. It’s not even a good movie soundtrack. 2/5
Cinematic
Interesting, but would sound better if there was a film to watch
Just like his other offering on here, weird and not good.
A soundtrack for an imaginary noir movie. What a unique concept for an album. I can't imagine how difficult it is to tell a story through the music medium without words. But I believe this album nailed it.
what if a movie, but for blind people?
Sound man
Didn't like this at all. Concept is interesting, I guess, but I really dont enjoy horror or suspense and a whole album that's just the sound of those two ideas was seriously torture.
Didn’t need to hear that
Out there but not my cup of tea
Pretty good modern jazz
The other Barry Adamson album on this list was one of my favorite discoveries so far, it is such a smooth but also creepy album. However, in that review I think I ended up talking more about David Lynch than the actual album. Sadly since that time David Lynch has passed away. He is my all time favorite Director and is really a shame that he is gone. I have rewatched most of his movie and am currently in between seasons 2 and 3 of Twin Peaks (need to order the blu-ray). If you haven't, I highly recommend you check out his work, Twin Peaks is some of the best television out there (until, well you know... but it isn't that bad), Blue Velvet is probably one of his most accessible films, or if you want something a little more abstract I would recommend Eraser Head, it was the first film I watch by him. I know none of this really matters but it felt wrong not to mention it. Anyways... back to the actual album. I don't think it is as good as Oedipus Schmoedipus, but it is still a very weird and unique album. Mid 4.
Just ok
Really cool really interesting i feel like this album could be sampled really tastefully by DJs i really enjoyed it.
4.1
So evocative.
Very good concept, enjoyed the listen, probably wouldn't listen to frequently but as a one off very good experience
First song (On the Wrong Side of Relaxation) - Very unsettling Central Control has some good vibes Stopped listening, not for me at all
Definitely thought that was a soundtrack to some film. Turns out it was just made as such, but it was not written for any particular movie. The whole album felt like it could’ve been a demo for the score to the Grim Fandango game, which seems fitting since the album aims for a noir movie setting. I must say, listening to it without a movie in mind as a studio album, it falls pretty flat. There are definitely some parts that are more interesting than others, but I can’t say I enjoyed it that much, even as a movie soundtrack. Therefore I am quite questioning as to why it’s even on the list. Not a good studio album, and not a particularly good soundtrack, what is left then? Overall I wouldn’t recommend this. Might have been novel when it came out, but it was more noises than interesting soundscapes and other atmospheric touches. Strong 1.
We've had movie scores before with "Shaft", that was an actual movie and it has an actually good theme song. This had neither. I guess some soundscapes were ok and the jazz worked as background music. I still felt like I should've seen the non-existent movie first. I guess it succeeded it what it set out to do, I just don't get it. Who is this for? Very weak 2 star, was ok as background music when reading.
First of all, I want to clarify that I find this album quite interesting. It is this kind of dark jazz, very atmospheric and a bit experimental, which are some traits that I really appreciate. But it took me having a pair of moments of peace with nothing else to do to truly digest it. I tried listening to this album 3 times while working and each time, it wasn't a good experiences. And even when I finally had the time to calmly listening to it, I couldn't find anything appealing enough to keep me returning to this record. It is an ok experience with some interesting ideas. My favorite songs are the ones between 'The Most Beautiful Girl in the World' and 'Chocolate Milkshake', both included. Everything else is just fine.
Good background music. A film soundtrack searching for a film.
Not really for me.
Interesting concept but it didn’t really hold my attention.
nah, 1/5 or 0.
It’s ok? It’s not compelling. But it’s not awful. I’d like to read the Dave graney short story. It’s ok. Not a must listen. But a decent one.
Cheesy ersatz soundtrack music. The pseudo-noir vibe is cool and brassy, but the music can tend to wander aimlessly a bit. The cheesy 80s production has not always aged well (the synths, especially when used in place of real brass.) The covers of "Alfred Hitchcock presents" and "The Man With The Golden Arm" stand out as a the most compelling tracks, which is an unfortunate point of comparison.
There's not a lot going off here. Classic style over substance.
Sounded like a soundtrack to a movie. When I read about it in my book, that’s what it was going for. I gave it a two instead of a one because it did achieve its goal. It definitely sounded like a movie soundtrack, not one I’d want to see, but a movie soundtrack nonetheless.
Es muy diferente. Nose, quizas es bueno y quizas no, pero es un concepto original. El colega iba puestísimo. Imagina hacerle la musica a una peli que no existe. Enfin, destaca la ultima cancion por ser la mas cancion de todas. 3/10 o algo 2/5
Al empezar pensé que iba a ser un álbum de jazz, pero es como si estuviera escuchando el soundtrack de una película de misterio. Leí algunas reviews y al parecer es el royo de este tío y de hecho acabó componiendo música para alguna. Nunca me encontré algo parecido, muy curioso, pero tampoco me pareció increíble. El royo de película de terror en los 80 está guay al principio pero en la quinta canción ya va cansando. De todas formas aprecio el royo experimental que imagino que supuso en su época y tampoco estuvo tan mal. Le daría un 2,5 pero como no se puede lo aproximaré al 3.
No clue what the hell this album is.
I like the concept, but musically it's not so interesting and maybe even tiring.
I legitimately thought it was a movie score before looking it up, so it definitely gets points for achieving what it was going for. It's got some really great strings and bass work in it.
This album started out kind of strong with some nice creepy vibes, but that feeling didn't last more than a song or two. Apparently he wrote this album as an attempt to try to get gigs scoring movies; the album does come across as music that is meant to be in the background, so it's not super engaging and didn't really do much to keep my interest. I didn't hate it, but it's not something I'm likely to want to put on again any time soon. 2.5/5
This was... fine but I also don't get it. It wasn't offensive but I don't know when I'd reach for this. This isn't a mood I have. 2.25/5
Une autre écoute rough sur le système, j'espère un peu de smooth jazz demain
This really didn't work for me. The thing about soundtracks is that they're made to support and expand things that are happening on screen. Except there is no screen, and no movie. The album itself is not bad by any stretch, but it's not super interesting either. A few good ideas, but way too much footsteps/broken dialogue for anything to shine. I truly don't understand the point of this.
1.5 rounded up because it is not bad just pointless- why is a fake movie soundtrack even in the list?
This list is fantastic. I would have never been aware nor sought this out but for this list. This is my second soundtrack although the previous one was for a movie that does exist. I was entertained throughout and made my own visuals to keep with the music. 3.25/5
Really feels like a movie thgrough listening. Was a really entertaining listen, which made me see pictures while listening.
Garbage. No thanks
The concept is weird, but the album is good! Really enjoyed this one.
Finally some music to listen to while I’m visiting an old library in Transylvania
To make a soundtrack/film score to a non-existent movie is certainly a choice. This isn't bad perse, but it feels unnecessary - when I want to listen to music I don't exactly go for a movie score. I think Adamson succeeded at what he set out to do, I just didn't really enjoy it. A few of the songs are fun and you can almost imagine what the non-film scene would be. But I'll never come back to this.
Missing the movie for this soundtrack. That's the point I guess
What is this? WHile I appreciate that it is something new to me, I did not care to listen to it.
Gostei dos climas desse álbum, de fato tem cara de trilha sonora e uma ambiência mais dark, mas a estética não me agrada. Quando sai um pouco do lance eletrônico e ganha uma pegada mais orgânica, com saxofone e piano, por exemplo, acho que cresce bastante, mas infelizmente é uma parte pequena do disco. É uma proposta interessante, que se fosse feita com uma banda seria muito melhor.
Really good
I appreciate the musical creativity and it certainly feels like the soundtrack to a film noir, I just don't see a point where I'd put this in again for enjoyment. A bit a struggle to get through for me
Kind of cool - I thought it might be a real soundtrack, and I like the idea of evoking a movie plot through the track names. Actually, I’m pretty sure there’s album on the list with the same concept - was that the same guy? I’ll have to go back and look. Either way, I liked the jazzy and horror elements here. Very atmospheric. Some parts were boring, though.
Less than 1 star. Negative 1 star. Pointless. Waste of time.
Not sure what's happening, but I like it? I had to read the Wiki to confirm this, but it felt like a dark exploration of a big city, and it kinda is. Really cool.
Vibrant moods push this soundtrack without a movie To deeper feelings
Interesting...but nothing more than atmosphere/background music. 2/5
was there any music playing?
This was quite enjoyable.
Atmostpheric sound track, from sensual to uncomfortable to thrilling, a great work.
Fuck, I hate this. What’s the point? It is literally a soundtrack and has absolutely no meaning because it is missing the film. 1.2
Multilayered and moody instrumentals from the Magazine man. A dark ‘soundtrack’ that puts me in mind of Roy Budd’s ‘Get Carter’.
I can appreciate what it it was trying to do artistically, and while it certainly accomplished what it set out to do (sound like a soundtrack to a film), I did not enjoy this one bit. No single song on this album works outside the context of the album itself. I didn't enjoy listening to the album as a whole, and I can't envision myself ever listening to this album again.
That was pretty miserable
Probably a 3.5, neat concept album. Was pretty confused at first but once I read the wiki I started to understand what I was listening to.
The soundtrack to a non-existent film noir. You can almost see the scenes as the music plays.
Very Special. Coule be a Soundtrack to a Noir Movie or a deafmovie
vad är detta
Favorite track: the swinging detective. Overall score: 4,1/10.
Industrial / sound track music with dirty sax, reminds me of Art of Noise, Twilight Zone, and Sin City sound tracks
This was Under Wraps at first, but The Swinging Detective brought it into the light.
Spooky, moody, theatrical. It's like a soundtrack to a futuristic noir film maybe? IDK what this is (haven't read the wiki yet and have never heard of this artist) but I'm thoroughly enjoying the album.
Not at all what I was expecting. Varied and experimental. Felt like listening to a soundtrack to a movie. Liked some parts better than others but overall a good experience
Eh
Love this shit. It's all over the place in sound but absolutely plays out like a movie score. Easy to dismiss as background music as it's mostly instrumental, but there is so much going on that it can steal your focus very quickly. This is the experimental music I've been missing.
Yeah, this doesn’t really work for me as a stand alone listen. Can’t really see it working as a movie soundtrack either tbh
I like concept albums but not instrumental music
‘A soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist.’ I definitely didn’t hate it, but I won’t be listening to it again. It’s just not the kind of thing I want to spend my time with. Highlights: Sounds From the Big House, The Swinging Detective, The Man With the Golden Arm.
I kind of liked this. A concept album with an interesting concept (a soundtrack for a film that does not exist), but I don't think I would ever listen to it again for pleasure and it's hard to imagine who would.
Almost entirely instrumental, with some "newsreel" type voiceovers. Reminiscent of an 80's cop action/thriller movie soundtrack
4/10
Funky instrumentals. Not all songs were compelling, but there are some really good soundtracks in here.
Quite enjoyed it for background music but it does feel a bit odd to have on this list. 3.5/5
did not fw