Moss Side Story

I knew Barry from his time with Magazine, Buzzcocks, and The Bad Seeds, but this album escaped me. A concept soundtrack album based on a non-existent crime film. Quite unique.

This one is difficult to quantify, seeing as how it's a soundtrack to a movie that doesn't exist. It's a cool take, and I think it hits successfully: you can tell there's a narrative running underneath. It does swing and miss occasionally; "Chocolate Milkshake" is weird, and the intro, while setting the scene, is a bizarre listen. Interesting, at the very least.

This is the second Barry Adamson album picked by the generator. I actually liked the first one Oedipus Schmoedepus. Moss Sode Story is disappointing. It’s more ranadom and boring than it is bad.

1 out of 5. I can appreciate what Barry was trying to do but it didn't land with me.

Not exactly bad to listen to but like why? It’s like a bond-esque jazz bar movie soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist. It’s ok but I question how it made this list

This album runs the gamut from atmospheric to chaotic. It's kind of like Mancini meets Pink Floyd with a Tom Waits instrumental side hustle. Just wild and i think the film written to accompany it would be scary. Everything Happens to Me is pretty stunning. Swinging Detective is that dark dirty sax that I think is really underused and makes you think of seedy corners of NYC in the 80's. This is not casual listening for me, but definitely should be used in film.

Moss Side Story is the soundtrack to an imaginary, yet unwatchable crime thriller even Quentin Tarantino wouldn't enjoy. Oedipus Schmoedipus, Barry Adamson's 1996 album set out to create a soundtrack to a nonexistent film. That album was successful because he was able to visualize a terrifying, yet entertaining and suspenseful movie. I'm talking films like David Lynch's Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive or even Lost Highway. Moss Side Story, released a few years prior to Oedipus Schmoedipus, is another soundtrack to an imaginary movie. But this movie is more of a confusing ramble and a directionless gallop similar to David Lynch's 1984 film, Dune.

A movie soundtrack without a movie. It evokes some great film noir imagery, but sometimes veers into Bond-esque action caper among other detours. Maybe that fits the imaginary movie. But since the movie doesn't exist, we'll never know. While there were some cool vibes, ultimately there's just too much of it and it feels incomplete without actual images to support it.

Why is this on the list? The concept of a concept album isn't even unique on this list. Here's a concept for all those concept album artists, why don't you just focus on making music that sounds good?

Barry went for a concept. +1 star for me hearing the concept.

When was the last time you heard somebody say “Hey, put that Moss Side Story record on! Boy, I sure do love me some Barry Adamson!” You’ve never heard anyone say that in your life. Mostly because this sucks. 1/5

Det er meget forskelligt filmmusik-agtigt. Noget lyder som om det kunne være med i Blade Runner, en thriller, James Bond, gyser osv. Det er som sådan ret fint lavet, men hvorfor ville jeg høre en plade med forskellige former for filmmusik for film jeg ikke engang har set og fra forskellige genrer? Fungerer ikke godt som plade, men igen ret velproduceret.

Not bad. Not as good as Goncharov, but not bad. This is a really fun concept but I'm not sure how effective it was overall. I can appreciate what Adamson was going for though, and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was super fun.

Liked the start but the longer it went on the more annoyed I got until checking how long was left to go.

p624. 1989. 3 stars. Strangely alluring soundtrack without a film. Echoes of film noir, British gangster films and Twin Peaks. Points deducted for outstaying its welcome. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it.

Sick!! Really good for sampling

I get that its good but does not a lot for me.

Clever but not particularly interesting to me. Not a huge fan of programatic music. Also not a huge fan of the correct spelling of programmatic, apparently.

What a strange choice to include in this collection. I guess since it's a soundtrack to a movie that was never produced, and maybe more importantly it's an original piece by an artist/band, it can be included despite the general avoidance of soundtracks in this collection? (Which makes me wonder if they considered including either Peter Gabriel's "Passion" soundtrack or the great John Lurie soundtrack to "Get Shorty"?) Regardless, although I found it hard to really focus on music that's largely intended to be background to a movie's foreground, I enjoyed "Under wraps" and "Sounds from the big house" more than the others. (I also kind of enjoyed "Auto destruction", mainly because it made me think of Mr. Bungle's eponymous album, which could easily have been a soundtrack too, albeit a very very disturbed one.) I also enjoyed that sort of ironic/knowing film-noir vibe throughout. I appreciated learning a bit about Barry Adamson and his connection to Nick Cave as well as Magazine, and I also like it that he was eventually able to score actual soundtracks (like "Lost Highway"). But I'm not entirely convinced that I needed to listen to this before I die, frankly.

best new-to-me album I've heard in a while. Love love love it--very clever approach and a lot of fun.

Mágico

Actually I liked this. Weird. Wasn't sure what it was at first. It's not really anything. Just a collection of sounds arranged musically. But still. I felt like I was able to get a lot of work done with this on in the background.

Cinematic, dramatic, beautiful. Not something I can listen to regularly but possibly good dinner party fare though I think it also would stand up well toba listening environment that requires a more acute attention span. I intend to test that they which could very well move my rating from 3.5 stars (3) to 4. 3.5 stars

September 21, 2024 HL: "Sounds from the Big House", "The Swinging Detective", “Auto Destruction” Listened in the dark, which I gather is intended for the album’s contents. The only album this merits comparison to is Adamson’s other solo album on this list, which I had ca. a year ago. And while I appreciate the lack of celeb cameos this time around, there is a lot of space and noise that feels like padding to get it to 60 minutes. The arrangements are eerie & jazzy, but are buried in the muddy production. In a way, it’s not too dissimilar to The Caretaker/ Leland Kirby’s use of degraded vinyl & reverb to disfigure old ballroom music. But while that artist’s projects happen to resonate emotionally, I spent most of Moss Side Story thinking about how I’m *meant* to feel from the artist’s intentions. I say this as someone who will put on soundtracks from the likes of Doctor Who, Gladiator & If Beale Street Could Talk just to feel somethin’ Those rewarded by listening to the bonus tracks get a cover of “Man With the Golden Arm” that’s much louder than the other tracks. Not fair to headphone users! >:o

Music is to enjoy. Why would I ever need or want to listen to this??? A quick easy turn-off.

This was super interesting to me. Not all-together loveable but very unique and quite a ride. I doubt I will put this on again but I definitely enjoyed the artistry of this album, and could actually feel the 'movie soundtrack' vibes. It also made me think of listening to My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult.

*starts record* *3 songs in* “So this is a soundtrack, but to what movie??” *reads summary* … a soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist “Oh ok” 1.9/10

Neat, but should it be on this list?

I like that on the surface, a soundtrack to an album that doesn’t exist kinda sounds interesting, almost obvious, why isn’t this done more?! But then you remember that like…any concept album might as well be that? Like. It’s music telling a story. But this is all instrumental! Okay sure but like, what about the vocal samples? Are they part of the sound track in the film or are they like. TVs playing in the background? Like we still have plot details and stuff dropped, at least a character and something about a West Indies gang or something? Okay so now it’s…more than just a soundtrack. Someone should make a game that’s an adaptation of a movie that doesn’t exist! Except no that’s dumb. Also this movie sounds cliche and not very interesting. And some of the songs sound like they’d be too overbearing in a film? Is that the point? It’s over the top because there isn’t really a film! But why frame it like that. Blegh

Weird very weird

No es Barry una figura capital de la música, ni este (u otros discos suyos en solitario puesto que ha colaborado en obras de Magazine, Buzzcocks, Visage, The Birthday Party o Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, entre otros) una obra de escucha obligatoria. Sin embargo se disfruta plenamente en cualquier momento, obviamente mejor de madrugada. En cierto modo, anticipa lo que luego vendrá con Portishead y todo el sonido de Bristol. Banda sonora imaginaria dividida en 4 partes, con ambient nebuloso en la inicial On the Wrong Side of Relaxation (Diamanda Galás a las voces) y ritmos lounge pervertidos en Under Wraps. Central control y Round Up the Usual Suspects siguen con sonidos marcianos. Sounds from the Big House sobresale por su estupendo saxo (Gary Barnacle), de lo mejor del disco. Suck on the Honey of Love comienza con un piano negroide para concluir con un coro en el que participan varios de los Bas Seeds (Mick Harvey entre ellos). Abre paso la delicada Everything Happens to Me a la tórrida The Swinging Detective, con claras influencias de Vangelis (y del resto de maestros de los Scores, como en todo el álbum) y un saxo a cargo de la ex-The Fall: Marcia Schofield, Autodestruction tiene un impercetible y telúrico pulso tecno mientras que Intensive Care (guitarra de otro Birthday Party: Rowland S. Howard) hace de interludio hacia la elaborada The Most Beautiful Girl in the World y Free at Last cierra la tercera y penúltima parte del disco. Concluye el dálbum la trilogía "Solo para sus oídos" con las conocidas sintonías de Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Chocolate Milk Shake, y The Man with the Golden Arm, el único sencillo del disco. Otros grandes discos del 89, el año del Milli Vanilli-gate: Stone Roses de Stone Roses, New York de Lou Reed, Doolitle de Pixies, On Fire de Galaxie 500, Disintegration de The Cure, Paul´s Boutique de los Beastie Boys, Technique de New Order, Freedom de Neil Young, Let Love Rule de Lenny Kravitz, The Seeds of Love de Tears for Fears, Automatic de Jesus and Mary Chain, Love and Rockets de Love and Rockets, Dum-Dum de las Vaselines, Spike de Elvis Costello, Rhythm Nation de Janet Jackson, Mind Bomb de The The, Club Classic VI de Soul to Soul, Mothers Milk de los Red Hot Chili Peppers, Full Moon Fever de Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Ojalá Que Llueva Café de Juan Luis Guerra, Shahen-Shah Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Raw and the Cooked de los Fine Young Cannibals, Primal Scream de Primal Scream, The Whitey Album de Ciccone Youth, Lōc-ed After Dark de Tone Lōc, 3 Feet High and Rising de De La Soul, 101 de Depeche Mode, Like a Prayer de Madonna, Nick of Time de Bonnie Raitt, No More Mr. Nice Guy de Gang Starr, Raw Like Sushi de Neneh Cherry, The Real Thing de Faith No More, Liquidizer de Jesus Jones, Heart Shaped World de Chris Isaak, Bleach de Nirvana, Velveteen de Transvision Vamp, Pump de Aerosmith, The Healer de John Lee Hooker, Crossroads de Tracy Chapman, Hats de The Blue Nile, All Hail the Queen de Queen Latifah, Done by the Forces of Nature de los Jungle Brothers, Back on the Block de Quincy jones, Me and a Monkey on the Moon de Felt, Ninety de 808 State, Hallelujah EP de los Happy Mondays o Pump Up the Jam de Technotronic. Y como placeres culpables: Cuts Both Ways de Gloria Stefan, Foreign Affair de Tina Turner, ...But Seriously de Phil Collins y Neither Fish Nor Flesh de Terence Trent D'Arby

Moss Side Story is one of the most interesting albums i have ever heard. It was apparently a concept album for a crime movie that never existed and i do kinda wish this film existed because i would have liked to see the context for all of these songs. This album is still really good on its own though, it was dark, morbid and creepy in all the right spots. This is also an album that had songs that were different sounding enough to keep me on my toes but still felt like they all were connected mostly due to having that crime movie style sound. I really like this album for what it is but i feel like i would have liked it more if this film had actually existed. Best Song: Auto Destruction Worst Song: Central Control

It's an interesting concept and I could see it actually being a good soundtrack for a movie, but as a standalone, I just found it a little tedious. There were moments, but not enough of them.

3.6 1x didn't think i would like it as much but the second half is interesting

Cool concept, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

3.0

First listen. Decent.

I’ve asked a load of people whether they ever heard of this. No one had. Pure nonsense

I have just basically watched a fascinating movie without through the music medium. Great album, much better than the other Barry Adamson record on the list. Another contender for the surprise of the year.

The first couple of tracks are very good. Act 3 and 4 are not that good, but still not bad.

Not gonna lie, I was digging a trench while listening to this album. Between the two, not sure which was worse. No doubt I’ll dig more trenches. The other? You’re asking too much of me.

Just…. No

A strange and unique experience that ultimately leaves me with the conclusion that this kind of album is impossible to measure against most of the other albums on this list.

Very fitting as I leave Nashville

Just random noises. Not good at all and not sure why it's on this list.

Nice. Noy dissimilar to the Tortoise album I had 2 days ago, I like movie soundtracks, and it's clear thatthe movie needn't even be real. Excellent.

cool concept. movie-soundtrack without the movie.

This is a concept album. The concept is that this is a score to a crime film that doesn't exist. This comes right from the album summary: "The music is almost completely instrumental except for occasional screams, vocal samples and a choir."... Fuck... This album was utter garbage. I don't understand why this would be included on a list like this.... No redeeming qualities at all. Favourite songs: Under Wraps Least favourite songs: On the Wrong Side of Relaxation (entirely made up of whispering and screaming..... Wtf)... And the rest of this God forsaken album 1/5

Why is this on the list? Not bad not memorable

Outo levy. Kuuntelun aikana tuli fiilis kun kuuntelisi elokuvan soundtrackia ja tunnelmat vaihteli ns. kohtausten mukaan. Ilmeisesti juuri tämä onkin levyn idea ja tässä kuulija viedään tekemättömän elokuvan läpi. Idea ihan veikeä ja siitä yksi tähti, mutta ei ole mitään tarvetta kuunella enää koskaan uudelleen.

Tätä kuunnellessa rupesin miettii, että onko tää joku outo leffan soundtrack ja Wikin luettua selviskin, että kyllä. Tosin kuvitteellisen elokuvan. Ei uponnut tämä konsepti, mutta paikoin hyvän musan ansiosta kärsii kakkosen antaa

A really interesting concept album. I read up on it a little bit and learned thay Barry Adamson was envisioning a score to an imagenary neo-noir film that never existed. I get some of that, but I'm also struck with how much it sounds like video game music (long before full vgm albums were a thing). The songs are varied and are good at matching the theme that the title indicates. There is a lot of varied musical influences and tones (jazz, swing, classic, rock, new world). Its really nice background music. Overall- enjoyed the album. A solid imagination of a movie score

Me gusta mucho, efectivamente suena mucho a BSO de Badalamenti. Tiene un montón de guiños evocadores.

This is not music, it’s just noise. 😭

Previously rated: Oedipus Schmoedipus (3/5) ********************************** I'm not one to listen to instrumental movie/TV show soundtracks, so this is not up my alley. My ears perked up hearing the couple of James Bond-like tracks and the Alfred Hitchcock Presents cover, but I would opt for the real thing any time.

Kinda cool? I heard some grooves but they were lost in the noise.

This is interesting, as it's supposedly a soundtrack/concept album for a non-existent crime film. Not sure I've ever come across a work like this but I'll be honest, this music does not sound like anything that you'd expect to hear in any serious crime film. Maybe more for a film noir-type thing (not that those types are unserious, per se), which is probably what Adamson was going for here. Not sure about its inclusion on this list, though. I don't know how impactful a fake film score can really be and I couldn't possibly imagine anyone choosing to sit down and listen to this from start to finish. 2/5 solely for the honor of being the first (and probably only) fake film score that I've ever listened to.

You have nothing to worry about Mr. Adamson.

Il concept è spettacolare però la musica mi ha preso poco

the ambient stuff on here is a whole lot more interesting than the jazz if I'm being honest. cool concept for an album, curious of what the film would've been like if it was a real film.

What is this? Why does it exist? It’s a curiosity, and not in a good way. The person who thought “a soundtrack, no, the score, to a movie I’m not clever enough to write, but without the movie,” should be jailed. Next to that person, whomever participated in placing this garbage on this list. It degrades the entire thing by its presence. It’s the first record I couldn’t finish. You couldn’t pay me. A just world would delete all copies this and pretend it never existed.

Anyone actually listened to this?

Gets two stars only bc it was a challenge to make and I feel this is highly artistic. It just sucks though

This album is more a movie score than anything. I found it not to my taste, especially as an album to listen through. I don’t doubt they would work well as background music in the right scenes. Rating: 2

Okay but why?

A young dame, mid 20s, from The Wrong Side Of The Tracks gets caught up with a local crime ring. During a heist gone bad, a wealthy couple is killed, but who’s to blame? Dame is brought in (Round Up The Usual Suspects) by a handsome cop who is just doing his job but believes she is innocent. She is convicted and sent away to The Big House where she falls in love with a fellow (Suck On The Honey Of Love) inmate. One night, while feeling sorry for herself (Everything Happens To Me) the handsome cop (Swinging Detective) breaks her out of jail. During their narrow escape they are discovered. A car chase ensues, ending with (Auto Destruction) a horrific crash where she is ejected from the vehicle shortly before it explodes; we can’t be sure what happens to the handsome cop but it doesn’t look good. She is rushed to Intensive Care where they barely save her life but she lapses into a coma. While in the coma, she has spiritual dreams and visions of a higher power. After she wakes up two years later, she’s a different person; much wiser. She looks in the mirror to see she has a scar from above the corner of her right eye, down her cheek, across the center of her mouth to the lower side of her left jaw. She feels lucky to be alive and that this prominent scar somehow makes her even more beautiful than before (The Most Beautiful Girl In The World) She feels Free At Last, but the suspense continues (Alfred Hitchcock Presents) when her prison lover returns! They go out to the local malt shop to split a Chocolate Milkshake and discuss the future. The handsome cop (Man With The Golden Gun) arrives on the scene with the intent to whisk Dame away. The listener is left hanging and has to decide if she goes with her prison lover OR the handsome cop… Rated R (remarkable 3.9*s)

This album stands out for the concept behind it and not for the actual musicality. I'm here for the weirdness of it but you wouldn't put on one of these tracks and jam out. That being said, it does manage to accomplish a lot in just 54 minutes. It's very evocative and thought provoking, each background effect a perfectly placed clue, a hint to a deeper plot full of smoke, suspense, and moral dilemmas. It's success rests purely on the fact that there is no accompanying movie (it wouldn't even be on this list otherwise). This gives it meaning, an audio "movie" that allows the listener to construct their own plot, although I do wish the short story from the liner notes could be found somewhere. I think this is a pretty interesting piece of noir art and the fact that it's 35 years old is also impressive. (excerpt: “I wake up in the arms of a beautiful girl who takes me in her eyes and we / fly over the city for a few centuries both ways / Death is for the birds who don’t notice the sky…”)

Not sure why all these "soundtrack" albums are making the list. Moss Side Story is not bad and Barry can bring the suspense. I could visualize some of the scenes based on the track titles and I'd like to read the story that accompanied the album to get a better feel. Last track is best by far. I would rearrange the layout though as it doesn't seem chronological...2.6.

What an interesting project. The music certainly felt cinematic and to be honest it makes me want to se the non-existent film that it would accompany. As a concept I think it succeeds, though after a listen I feel it will be more a conversation about the idea rather than the actual music. I'm not sure I had to hear this album before I died I guess I'm glad I was exposed it. 2.38 stars

To be honest he'd already lost me at "Moss Side". If it was anything like the area it was bound to be bad. And it was The last track sounded like a poundland James Bond theme Whoever added this album to the 1001 list needs to give their head a good wobble 1 ⭐️

am i in a movie or something? i dont even know how to rate this, i mean it is completely different. i wouldnt listen to it again, but i dont have what it takes to say its bad either

I don’t mind. I thought the entire thing was gonna be super anxiety inducing based off the first track but it does mellow out. Rating: 3.0

The best part about this is the concept. I love the idea of a soundtrack for an imaginary film, but I don't ever wanna listen to this one again. I don't think I get it. Maybe I'm just not big on soundtracks unless they're accompanied by films I enjoy.

A concept soundtrack for an imaginary film in which the moss side estate has become part of a wider police state. I’m sure this was a novel concept in 1989 but I’d say now it’s a bit more quaint - especially as we’ve endured 14 years of aggressive Tory policies. The addition of crowd noises, breaking glass and other sound effects does take away from the music overall and moves it towards the cheesy. It sounds like a project Alan Partridge would be involved in 2/5

unique

Interesting but not for me

I get the idea of a soundtrack for a movie that doesn’t exist, but this one just doesn’t hit. I would be much more excited about it if it was like a Despicable Me or Shrek soundtrack, but this doesn’t interest me if, and it wouldn’t even if it were included in an actual movie. Besides, I don’t see how it is supposed to hold any narrative if it doesn’t even have any lyrics. While I’m sure there’s a place for this kind of album, this list is not that. I think it was a disservice to both the artist and the listener for this album to be included.

Þetta fór dálítið í taugakerfið hjá mér. Fyrirtaks bíómyndatónlist, ef bíómyndin væri til staðar.

This sounds like a copy of a movie soundtrack that wasn't made to be that good.

Interesting and different

Moss Side Story is an album that demonstrates clear skill and artistry, crafting a soundscape rich in atmosphere and mood. The music evokes a sense of intrigue and suspense that reminds me of the eerie, surreal vibes of Twin Peaks. The album's detailed production and layered instrumentation create a vivid, cinematic experience that feels almost like a soundtrack to an unfolding mystery. However, while the album excels in creating a compelling atmosphere, it is somewhat less engaging when listened to in isolation. The lack of visual elements means the music’s narrative depth can be harder to fully appreciate without accompanying imagery. The tracks are intriguing but might benefit from a visual component to enhance their impact. Overall, Moss Side Story is a testament to the artists’ skill in crafting immersive, evocative soundscapes. It offers a unique listening experience that feels rich and textured, though its full potential might be realised through a visual medium. For those who enjoy music with a strong sense of atmosphere, this album is worth exploring, but its standalone appeal may be somewhat limited. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None

could i write poetry to this? n

What is this album doing here? It's background music for a movie that doesn't even exist. I just don't get it.

This is my favorite kind of background music, though I wouldn't ever just sit and listen to it without doing something else.

Interesting concept, but soundtracks usually are good because they remind me of the movie. Mark Mothersbaugh's Wes Anderson soundtracks are a good example. Who cares about this?

No, absolutely not

10/10 idea 4/10 execution

The sound track was awful. The film was better.

Honestly, I know why people don’t like this, but I actually found it pretty unique and enjoyable. This is an album that you need to listen to when doing something, though, because it’s just kind of weird to sit down to listen to something like this.

Initially crafted as a soundtrack to a crime thriller that does not exist, but could pass for a horror movie at times.

6.5/10

I always like weird concepts like this. A soundtrack to an intense crime movie that doesn't exist is such a fun idea to me.

Imagine wasting time and effort in making an instrumental album for a movie that doesn't exist *and* it gets picked as one of the 1001 best albums of all time *AND* no movie was made using this album since it's 1989 release. YIKES. 2/10.

This album took me by surprise in the best way. I was expecting a straightforward jazz album, but instead, I got a jazz-driven avant-garde experience, which I'm a total sucker for. I love experimental and avant-garde music, though it often demands a specific mood and setting to fully appreciate it. However, "Moss Side Story" stands out because it's accessible and can be enjoyed in a variety of contexts. I also love that it's a soundtrack for an imaginary film that doesn't even exist in real life. It's definitely not for everyone, but I'll be revisiting this one for sure.

Next update this should be the first one off of this list. It’s movie background music.

Not something I see myself revisiting, but I gotta appreciate it for conveying scenes with just sound.

INTERESTING!

2.5/5. A soundtrack for a film that doesn’t exist. It’s an idea but this record is forgettable, I honestly couldn’t wait for this to be over.

I was hoping this would be better than Oedipus Schmoedipus, which was ok but very 90s. This is very similar indeed. It's definitely better, and another curio. One to return to though? Not sure, unlikely.

Very trippy, did not know what to expect, felt like being in a horror movie.

Live updates as we listen: 1. What’s going on? Did I press play? 2. Oh ok it’s James Bond type music 3. No, maybe it’s a Get Smart soundtrack with some sound bytes 4. The drums could be a Nine a inch Nails drum loop. 5. Soooo there’s no singing on this album I’m guessing . 6. Ya this is an instrumental album. 7. Ahhh soft core porn music…..in a scary looking house…. 8. Oh look, is that a Prince song coming up?? 9.skip 10. Nope, not a Prince cover 11. My opinion has been formed. I can’t give this a low score like I gave Grimes. For what this is, it’s listenable. It’s different but it’s not so different it’s bad. No choice cut

Wtf was that??? Horrible. I can’t understand how this would even make this list.

At first listen I thought “how did I miss this movie? The soundtrack is great!” Checks notes, ah ok that explains it. Seriously though I would see this movie just for the soundtrack, really fun and inventive calling card for this composer.

I hadn't listened to this since it came out. That's a shame. I don;t think it's a must hear sorta thing but i personally really dig it. 3.5

For fuck sake! Listened to it Thought I would love it Read about it Wank

It's a fun idea - I guess? But so self-indulgent and musically a hard listen, I don't think this album deserves a space on this list.

Almost feels too edgy on purpose

Turns out this guy was in Magazine. Also did original work for the Lost Highway soundtrack. What a dude. Not sure this is worthy of a place on this list when actual movie soundtracks exist. Glad it is though as I got to learn a bit about old mate Barry.

Rating: 4/10 This album feels so pointless, it sounds like a film score to a non-existent movie. Some interesting ideas and a unique concept, even though I don't enjoy it.

Unlistenable.

ummm this is so good??? i'm OBSESSED i wish this was a real movie soooo bad omg

We’ll file this under weird and wonderful with an equal emphasis on both. Technologically interesting. Love to know how digital its creation was back in 1988. Melodically it pulls from / sets the scene for a whole host of genres, including industrial techno, NoLa jazz, dub reggae, breakbeat and psych rock. But - it’s music in need of a film, and I’m not sure it warrants a second listen as a result.

Errr, right. So I generally don’t reach for the wiki page until after I’ve listened to the album, but after 3 songs I had to find out wtf this was all about. And if I really wanted to listen to someone’s made up interpretation of a noire film that doesn’t exist then I would………….we’ll I wouldn’t ever, and this album proves that point. Only not a 1* as where some actual real music did fleetingly appear it was actually quite alright.

Eclectic choice .. I love the idea of making a album as a calling card for future soundtrack jobs....listen to this and give me a job to do the music for your dark film. It works and a couple of songs I will revisit, especially swinging detective, Alfred Hitchcock and man with the golden arm.

Horror electronic jazz fake movie soundtrack…give this a proper chance and you will be rewarded, holy shit.

there's that thing people say about film scores, that you hardly even take notice of the greatest ones when actually watching a film. in that sense, this certainly achieves its stated goal

Nah I’m ok

Interesting concept 2/5

I don't know why people have a problem with the fact that it is a concept album. I was positively surprised and thought it sounded quite timeless. Don't know if it should be on this list though.

No thanks

When I read that this was a concept album of a non existent neo noir type film I was instantly hooked. When I listened to it, however, it was not what I was expecting. Many tracks, especially the first were almost too scary to listen to. Like a ghost recording or something. But you had the classic chase scene type investigation at night music which I liked. Overall I'm glad this was on here because this is super unique. I'd love to see more people try this in modern day.

This was an interesting one! Apparently an instrumental soundtrack-type album for a non-existent crime or horror movie? Really cool concept, and that concept is apparent in the music and the song titles, I love that. Reminds me of the conceptual efforts of Tom Waits, minus his cheesy vocals. Here, the quirk wasn't too much for me, the music is cool and creates the desired mood pretty effectively. Oddball stuff like this is welcome. Favorite tracks: On the Wrong Side of Relaxation, Central Control, The Swinging Detective, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. Album art: Unfortunately not as interesting as the music, but I do love the quote - "In a black and white world, murder brings a touch of color..." Badass. I also do like the picture of the guy, even if it's not a very distinct cover. Font is solid too. 3.5/5

There's a lot of good music out there to discover. I ain't got time to finish this.

I can't justifiably give this 1/5, because it at least had some substance and exciting moments. I found myself wondering how exactly this could be a soundtrack to a nonexistent movie. How did Adamson know where to build crescendos? How did he know where the moments of tension and relief should be? This at least gave me something to ponder over, and combined with the music not being actively bad (unlike some Public Image Ltd records on this list), it was actually a fairly interesting listen. Reminiscent of Revolution 9 from the Beatles' White Album, particularly in the opening track, On the Wrong Side of Relaxation. Other than that, though, there's very little personality or gusto in the music. The mixing is also very dull and blurry, and considering the era, there's no excuse for this. The Dark Side of the Moon and Aja - both timeless sonic masterpieces - had been released more than 10 years prior to Moss Side Story, and they sound significantly better. There's no excuse for bad production. 2/5 Key tracks: On the Wrong Side of Relaxation, Suck On the Honey of Love, The Man With the Golden Arm

So unexpected and weird, I love it so much.

Ok, I guess. Easy to listen to. 2.5

What the fuck is that

Boring as hell

Interesting and sonically pleasing, just won’t randomly listen to it for fun.

Interesting as a concept, but would never go back to it

This album sounds like a good movie score. It definitely has a lot of great music and is varied, especially for the time, but nothing ever stood out enough for me to think I'd ever return to it. I can't find a fault with it, but I keep going back and forth on whether I should round up or down from about a 3.5, which is what I probably would give it. A 4 seems too much, as it didn't pull me in, and it doesn't feel that monumental, for what it is, but it is good and well done. I have to use my personal tilt to give it a 3, but, again, I do feel it is maybe a bit more than that.

Interesting concept, just have no desire to ever go back to it

A wonderful film noir without the film. Highly listenable.

Never heard of this album or artist, so I'm going in blind. I don't even want to read the wiki for a change. Very unusual/atmospheric intro track, almost like a film soundtrack. I think I recognise the second track though, "Under Wraps", not sure where from. I'm enjoying this overall, however it does fade into the background a bit. It feels a bit disjointed, like a collection of tracks from different film soundtracks. Very interesting in places though. Ok, so after a second closer listen, I think this is actually quite cohesive. It would work very well as a soundtrack to a lot of films. I love the blend of old and new styles here; this could easily soundtrack something like Casablanca, or something like Se7en. I can hear the influence of this album on music from throughout the 90s as well - particularly David Bowie's "Outside", some elements of NIN, the Prodigy, and (especially) the jazzy drum and bass that Amon Tobin released towards the end of the 90s. Overall, this is a very interesting, unique, and experimental album. Probably one of the most interesting I've discovered from this generator so far.

I dont get this, but the musicianship and production values are too good to be one star.

This sounds like what it is, a soundtrack for a film that doesn't exist. Some nice bits but fairly pointless

Kind of an epic instrumental album

Everyone once in a while this list throws me something completely unexpected. Usually it's a resounding disappointment. In this case it was a resounding success. The sheer audacity of making a soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist, and then creating something that feels like it could have inspired Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. Not in sheer industrial weight, but that ambient weirdness that this one takes us through. The fact that Reznor went on to make film soundtracks only confirms it for me. This doesn't feel very important, or groundbreaking, or even particularly brilliant. But something here tickled me, and there are moments I appreciate. I can see myself recommending this for the curiousity value alone.

Okay so film scores are excluded from this list but if the film score is for a movie that doesn't exist - it's allowed? What the fuck kind of rule is that? Why are we being denied the likes of John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Hans Zimmer but I have to listen to this bullshit? Bad rule, bad exception, bad album.

Utterly delightful, very noiry.

Vaguely interesting and perhaps slightly better than average as background music. The problem with artists that have a unique and singular vision is that they run the risk that few others will get it, which seems to be the case here. There are moments but it doesn't cohere. "Everything Happens to Me" is the highlight. For most of the rest, one isn't sure what he's meant to be listening to or for. Let's be honest: this is marginal material.

I would not watch this movie.

Is this actually music, or more like a weird art installation, like something you'd listen to at a temporary museum exhibit while staring at a little black and white screen and wearing sweaty headphones, maybe watching 10 minutes of Un Chien Andalou set to this score and feeling oddly unsettled.

A whole bunch of nothing.

Interesting concept but not easy listening.

Honestly, pretty fun. Once you realize it’s meant to be listened to as a soundtrack it is enhanced a bit

Cool so this was properly interesting. My first thought was that it sounded like a soundtrack and actually that was the point of it. It felt like England to me too. The era is a little before my time (I was 6) but the familiarity with the themes meant that it spoke to me in a way that I hadn't predicted. I didn't love it at all but I was glad to have heard it. It's good work.

Thank fuck this movie doesn't exist

I could so totally see this being some hipsters favourite album and then getting mad when I say I just did not enjoy

Interesting concept, although not sure I would listen to this more than once and ultimately it kind of fades into the background a bit.

2/3

In spite of being a moody soundtrack to a non-existent movie, this album was a better listen than I feared. Nothing I need to listen to again, but quite alright. 3/5

I cannot comment on how its quality as a film soundtrack would be, as I'm not an aficionado on a medium, but I know that as music to listen to, this stinks. It starts out harmless enough, with a mix of creepy but nevertheless intriguing ambient tracks and stereotypical film noir jazz that feels a touch outdated due to the late 80s production. However, once you get to the halfway point or so, it becomes just noise for the sake of being noise, with a lot of industrial sounding guitars to muddle the mix and make my ears bleed. Not helping is that there is very little going on beside these noises, as it lacks texture, or even some solid samples to keep things driving. It just gets lost in being shocking, as if it were to be paired with a scene meant to be overwhelming to the senses, but once you strip away those scenes that never existed, and just view this as music, it completely and utterly gets on my nerves. Once we finally return to something more musical on the closing track, even that bugs me with its macho brass and complete lack of intrigue other than just being loud. There's no emotion behind it, just a volume that bugs the Hell out of me, and I was sick of it nearly an hour after it started. It has moments that possibly could be appreciated, but it had exhausted any intrigue by the end of it all.

Truly terrible as a selection for this list.

I thought I would hate this album. I didn't hate it. It's actually not bad. It's flawed and I won't revisit it that much, but it's ambitious and definitely would make a decent soundtrack to some neo noir film. Solid neutral.

That first track + a quiet walk in the forest at night = recipe for a heart attack.

This is the kind of stuff I signed up for

…the soundtrack to movie I don't want to see

pretty cool, chillaxing

I'm sure this is great for somebody but it ain't me

5/5. Not quite a concept album, but I've listened to another Adamson album before and it's always a banger. The mood creation from the music alone, and the expertise in doing so as a debut is impressive. An epic cacophony of sound, truly an awesome experience of music. Best Song: Under Wraps, Sounds From The Big House, The Swinging Detective

The music was nice. Have to be in the mood for some instrumental music.

This album took me by surprise in the best way. I was expecting a straightforward jazz album, but instead, I got a jazz-driven avant-garde experience, which I'm a total sucker for. I love experimental and avant-garde music, though it often demands a specific mood and setting to fully appreciate it. However, "Moss Side Story" stands out because it's accessible and can be enjoyed in a variety of contexts. I also love that it's a soundtrack for an imaginary film that doesn't even exist in real life. It's definitely not for everyone, but I'll be revisiting this one for sure.

My man really got his speculative noir film score into 1001 Albums to Listen to Before You Die. Mad respect.

Как концепт - вполне интересно, я бы такой кинчик с саундтреком глянул с кайфом

This made my cat uneasy! Besides that, a well executed concept, but I prefer his ”Oedipus Schmoedipus” musically

Dehä va dope

Weird and interresting. Not sure I really NEEDED to listen to this but glad I did if only once. Albums like this are why I like this site. Interresting music far outside my musical comfort zone. It seems there is another album by the same artist on this list, looking forward to that.

Thoughts before listening: I know nothing about this, but the premise of a soundtrack to a fake movie doesn't sound very promising. Review: Meh. This was okay. The music wasn't bad per se, it just kind of went nowhere. Soundscapes that would play as background music to a movie, despite there not actually being a movie. 2-stars.

My favorite was the man with the golden arm. Some of them felt boring? Wanted a little more.

Favorite Track: The Man With The Golden Arm

Yea, there was nothing enjoyable about this. What the heck was this? Don't really care.....

2.5 Supposedly the schtick behind this album is that it’s supposed to be the score to a non-existent crime film, which I think is a cool idea, but it’s not quite as cool in execution. I mean, this was definitely a vibe to get work done to, but it’s also far from the most unique or interesting thing I’ve heard, which begs the question, why bother listening to the soundtrack to a made-up movie when there are plenty of soundtracks to real movies out there that are generally better and what this thing likely was trying to emulate anyway - hell, even the soundtrack to the video game L.A. Noire is better than this. Ultimately, the only song that stood out to me here was an actual cover, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, which is a really random inclusion, but it brought back some nice memories of Homer Simpson warning me about how this year’s Halloween episode may not be suitable for children. This isn’t bad, but even if it was attached to a real movie, it’s milquetoast at best. No disrespect towards Mr. Adamson, but I think the fact that only a handful of his original compositions have ever actually made it into any kind of movie speaks for itself.

Spooky af

Different, interesting.

This one grabbed my attention right away and held it. Dark, jazzy and industrial. Pretty delicious.

I don't dislike this, but I can't imagine ever choosing to listen to it.

Very interesting, I like it. If you love this concept check out the group “Two Steps From Hell”. I listen to them while I read and write.

Not sure I understand the point of this one. Interesting concept I guess.

Unusual, to say the least. A soundtrack album for a nonexistent movie.

I didn’t like it. Surely a great movie track but not enjoyable on its own

Meh. Artistically deep, hard to listen throughout.

Scared my kid, will revisit

I like instrumental, moody, cinematic music. Soundtrack-y. I listen to this stuff. Which is a problem for this album, because any- and everything it makes me think of is worlds better than this. Its only saving grace is how I wouldn't have guessed that it's from 198– oh, there's the industrial synth drum, nevermind. I also feel like pointing out that 'music for an imaginary movie' is not novel or clever - especially when you're putting it together as a literal job application in the movie industry. What is this doing here? Corny ass nonsense.

Damn good listen. Industrial jazz isn't something I ever considered, but I'm hearing it and I'm loving it.

Very experimental, at times brilliant and at times hard to listen to. Touches of jazz, blues, even Stravinsky. 3/5

- wouldn’t listen to this day to day but the ambience building i gotta give credit for - also “everything happens to me” is a beautiful piece - that being said the album isn’t the easiest listen

Sounded like he soundtrack for a horror movie.

I was shocked to see I had already listened to a Barry Adamson album. And looking at my previous review, it just shows how forgettable it was, and this is no different. This one was released 1989, 7 years before the other record on this list, and so the electronica is more primitive. I'm all for experimental, unconventional music that breaks how we interpret sound, but I don't think this is the right direction. This one is a bit all over the place. It's supposed to be a soundtrack for a make-believe horror film, so you could imagine what scene each song could describe. It's a bit busier and more energetic than a typical movie soundtrack, which - alongside the short track lengths - helps make it more accessible to casual listeners. But I don't find it interesting enough to match iconic soundtracks that have the added benefit of whatever emotional connection you feel to the actual movie. One aspect of movie soundtracks is that the themes should be memorable. And with the chaos here, each song feels like its own private adventure, not necessarily linked together, and not enough charm to revisit. For a soundtrack, you'd expect it to feel cohesive as you predict predictable movie plot structure. And there are hints of that, but it doesn't feel as climactic as you'd expect. I guess Act 4 is the finale of the movie which ends with "Free At Last". I guess "Auto Destruction" is supposed to be the resolution? But the tracks that follow feel out-of-place, especially "For Your Eyes" last few tracks that just feel like bonus ideas he couldn't find a place for. All-in-all, despite how predictable you'd expect it to be, it just goes on and on and you'd have no idea when it should end without looking back on the track listing and lamenting over how it's 54 minutes long. It's an academic example of the strengths and weaknesses of a dark ambient record that aims to be something more fun but fails to do so. There are a lot of ideas here that could bring about something much greater into fruition. In its current state, I don't think it's much to enjoy or admire, but I do appreciate the innovation and ambitions. Favorites: Under Wraps, The Swinging Detective

I cannot in good conscience say that I enjoyed this listen. I do appreciate the concept of a film score for a non-existent film (not sure if this is the first instance of such an idea), but this concept has been executed better in the years since. I don't find the music to be all that engaging -- if this were for a real movie, safe to say the score wouldn't be taking home an Oscar. I appreciate the effort, but I won't be listening to this one again any time soon.

I suppose one of the challenges with soundtracks, whether real or imagined, is that they often need their accompanying visuals to really land. I respect the concept and the skill here but ultimately didn't find it a very exciting listen.

‘Moss Side Story’ sounds like an interesting concept on paper, but in execution I find it overly bombastic. It's got that real over the top, tinny, harsh, late 80s sounding production that sounds like nails on a chalkboard running through it and it just doesn’t work for me.

concetto geniale, per me però è un po' difficile da seguire

L’idea di base è davvero interessante, ma ho trovato l’album in sé abbastanza noioso.

Il concept è spettacolare però la musica mi ha preso poco

What an odd album. It's very atmospheric and got my imagination going....Really enjoyed it.

im sure its good but i couldnt get through it

Terrible

Hmm, okay, aber was soll das sein?

Too long, 1:30h

interesting...

scarry

I usually don't like jazz but was good. I may return to this.

nice and chill, I like it, one-time listen for me though

weird, didn't finish

What a waste of time

Just because an album is a neat idea doesn't mean I want to listen to it.

Interesting, and a few really lovely tracks. Definitely didn't make me think of Manchester in the late 80s, but I didn't read the full concept, so I don't really know the story he was telling. I liked it overall.

I found this fascinating, evocative and haunting. I loved how, knowing the premise, it made me imagine (and choreograph) a film I’d never see. A welcome instrumental break in proceedings.

I found this really interesting and creative. Reminded me of Paris in 1969 where I was not, rather than Manchester in 1989 where I was. But I will listen again, I reckon

2/10 This is bad, wild that it is near a top 1000 list. Nether artist nor album are significant If you’re making a soundtrack for an imaginary film, you’ve got to get across the concept clearly. This doesn’t, unless the film is supposed to be a made-for-tv noir pastiche with some sub-bond action sequences Musically this sounds amateur, clearly bound by the keyboards and synthesisers of the time. 5 or so years later and this could have turned into a decent trip hop or early Warp album A couple of flashes of decent music but, jeez, bad Best: Intensive Care

This is kind of a ridiculous inclusion on this list unless you are including film scores. And many, many film scores are better than this. This is basically, by Adamson's own admission, an application for scoring jobs. I'm guessing this is included because Adamson was in Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. 2/5

they let barry cook

This doesn't feel like a soundtrack to a movie, it feels like A movie, just in music form. And I don't really like movies, if there was a 1001 movies project, I would be one of those people who wrote ~5 "DNF" reviews and then quit I like the concept and I think it's well executed. Was worth a listen even if I didn't like it much

what the fuck am I listening to

Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Under wraps, Sounds from the big house, The most beautiful girl in the world, Alfred Hitchcock presents

How to get considered for the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Step 1: Have connections to Nick Cave. Step 2: Record an album that's vaguely inspired by detective noir soundtracks, label it as a "concept album." I really don't think this music is that interesting or special, but the inclusion here feels confusing. Who is picking these albums?

After listening to this I can see why, as soundtrack producer for David Lynch's LOST HIGHWAY that Trent Reznor included 4 Barry Adamson tracks. With this album coming out 5 years before, it seems that informed some of the sonic ideas on The Downward Spiral whether it was conscious or subconscious. You can also hear influences of this on one of my other favorite albums David Bowie's 1995 concept album, OUTSIDE. In 1989, this was probably the first album I can remember that ever tried writing an entire film soundtrack for a non-existent film. These days it is an old hat idea that many artists have tried. Groundbreaking as it might be, it does feel like it overstays its welcome a bit. I started feeling my attention wane at around track 11 of 15. I do understand why it is on the list, though. It did influence many other acts, their albums, what was possible, and how they would present those ideas us in meaningful ways throughout the 1990s and up to the present. This set the scene for Trent Reznor to assemble the craziness behind the soundtracks for not only LOST HIGHWAY but also NATURAL BORN KILLERS.

Obscure montage of styles from trad jazz to nu jazz to James Bond type productions. Engaging, confusing and challenging

This is not fun, interesting, or "colourful". It feels like a demo tape for an aspiring composer right out of college.

ritmos harmonicos mezclados con otros perturbantes, buen clima.

OST of a non existing crime movie. Awesome idea, although the execution could have been more memorable.

Sometimes interesting, sometimes more annoying. I appreciate experimental music but probably won't listen to this again

Interesting concept, but one of the best 1001 is quite a stretch. Do yourself a favor and smoke a joint before you sit down and turn this on. Has some legit good music tucked in all the noises. "The swinging detective" has some 007 Golden Eye video game vibes.

Admittedly only made it about 1/3 of the way through. Maybe like the noir film it’s intended for this also shouldn’t exist

The trouble with concept albums is that they’re only ever as good as the concept, and this one was a dud from the very start. Soundtracks are made to enhance the experience of watching a film, to aid in the storytelling. With no visuals to accompany and no story to tell, it is just a series of sounds and noises. Listening to this was like eating a three course meal comprised entirely of seasoning. Unpleasant and unsatisfying.

Nice try Barry.

Sounds like a Year 7 Music Tech project, something that would have been created when we had to add audio to a Wallace and Gromit video clip. Thank god the "film" that this album is the soundtrack to doesn't exist. ⭐️

What is the point in making a film soundtrack when no film exists? Comple and utter waste of everyone's time. Thank the Lord ( which I don't believe exists) that we have now had both of Barry's terrible albums.

I liked Oedipus Schmoedipus somewhat but this was just dull. It takes a lot to make a film score interesting in itself (shout out Miles Davis) and this was a non existent one so Adamson had no excuse but it just wasn’t there for me. I’m sure there are people who have got Barry Adamson and Bryan Adams mixed up, and the thought of people listening to this and expecting something like Summer of ‘69 is somewhat amusing. I just wish I could say the same about this album.

The Swinging Detective

Why haven’t I heard this before. So good

This is not easy to listen to. Wouldn’t mind it so much if the songs were more cohesive. Five songs in, and this is more of a noise project concept album, than a collection of songs to be enjoyed. It doesn’t even feel like they are all from the same film. More like, he made a bunch of shit and claimed it was an imaginary soundtrack. I like the idea of this album, but I don’t like listening to the actual product. If you’re not supposed to enjoy this, then it’s a success.

If this were a real score for a real movie, I'm sure it would be pretty good. It has great ominous neo-noir vibes. It is not a real movie, however, and I'm not the kind of person who listens to film scores for fun.

Non male🤓

A marginal soundtrack to a not-even-forgettable* movie isn't worth much, if any, of anyone's time and simply doesn't belong in this list. (*not even forgettable because non-existent, but surely would be forgettable if it did).

Interesting. Probably wouldn't listen again though.

It's a hard listen, very cinematic, some really great tunes but i wasn't in the right mood to give it a proper go ( early morning dog walk! ) . I will listen to it again though since it might be better than my initial impressions

It's pretty dark, probably a bit too dark for me. I feel like I want to see the film, but there isn't one so something is missing.

I'll admit for the novelty that this was an interesting listen with an interesting concept. Almost completely instrumental and sounding like a score to a movie that doesn't exist. Definitely not worth a re-listen, but kind of a cool concept. Of course, there's apparently multiple albums with similar themes by the same artist on this list. Why?

I get the point, and think the art is neat but this one isn’t for me. Cool album, but not essential?

Olipahan aika hämmentävä ja kiinnostavakin. Erikoinen konsepti mutta en tiiä kestääkö kauheen montaa kuuntelua itsellä. 2/5

Ihan kiva idea, mutta ei kyllä pitänyt otteessa loppuun asti.

Kiinnostavampi konseptina kuin itse levynä. Alkaa ihan hyvin mutta lopussa tuntuu että kuuntelee jotain erittäin unohdettavaa soundtrackia, ja vaikka tätä yritettiinkin emuloida, niin ei se siitä kiinnostavaa tee.

It's certainly an interesting idea for a debut album.. showcasing your soundtrack writing abilities for a dark noir murder mystery film, but without any plot of this made-up movie the music just doesn't do enough on its own. There are a few snippets of the story being told but they are completely without context and therefore don't have much of an effect. 4/10

Does this list really need two Barry Adamson albums? There's some interesting stuff here and there and it does sound vaguely Twin Peaks-y despite predating the show by a year (Adamson later contributed some music to Lynch’s film Lost Highway so that makes sense) but it’s very messy, sometimes difficult to listen to, and just feels like a less fully realised version of his 1996 album Oedipus Schmoedipus

This is a terrific album that I've had in my collection since release. It's a soundtrack to an imaginary film, and was the first of Adamson's solo album, many of which have a cinematic feel. Adamson of was the bass player in Magazine and the Bad Seeds. The whole album is great, but I particularly liked "On the Wrong Side of Relaxation" with Diamanda Galas' vocals and two of the CD bonus tracks - "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Man With The Golden Arm". But really, the whole thing makes for an enjoyable listen.

Un disco distinto con sonido original. Eso sí, es difícil saber cuándo apetece escucharlo. Interesante

no estava mal no (no escuché)

0* Dog shit

intersting listen and very good ambient noise. I felt like I had a movie on in the background. and to be honest it was good enough that I found my brain wanting to go look for the movie to actually watch the visuals that go with the sound. very fun experience and I feel my life is slightly better for listening to it.

What even was that... By far the worst album yet. Most of this sounded like they threw a dozen toddlers into a recording studio to just randomly hit anything around the room. Any semblance of an organized sound was ruined within 30 seconds with the addition of some random noise... 0/5 Reading the summary says it was intended to be the background music for a crime film, which was never made after I assume they heard the soundtrack and shut it all down.

Serial killer shit

Who cares?

Dreadful, wish I didn’t listen to it

Cool concept album. It definitely feels like it's from a movie. Don't think I'll ever listen to it again

This is awful.

The idea of a soundtrack for a movie that doesn't exist seems less like a novelty and more like a resume for Adamson. But as that was his intention, I can't really fault him there. The music is fine and indeed would make a good backing for a neo-noir film. For me, soundtracks, real or imagined, are not usually that interesting to listen to on their own. But there are some interesting pieces here. 'Sounds from the Big House' could have influenced some early textures used by Nine Inch Nails. Indeed, Reznor would later tap Adamson for songs on the Lost Highway soundtrack. I don't know that this list needed two imaginary soundtracks by Barry Adamson but it was fun to hear this one.

Although it is an interesting concept, I truly believe this does not belong on this list. Adamson effectively only created this to add to his musical resume, in an effort to get hired to compose soundtracks. There are some interesting sounds on here, which especially may be influential in the realm of industrial music. It is definitely impressive to compose a whole soundtrack to a nonexistent movie. I would prefer there to be actual soundtracks on this list instead.

Not really my cup of tea.

This really added an air of suspense and intrigue to the spreadsheets I stated at for work yesterday.

Moss Side must suck to live in.

Really? WTH. Not even a good recording for what it is, which is utter noise and garbage. One star at best...

This was pretty weird, and I don't know why it's on this list. However, I actually enjoyed it.

Pues me está dando bastante miedo el disco. La primera canción la tuve que pasar. El resto las pude escuchar. Tiene la canción de la intro de Alfred Hitchcock presenta.

I started listening to this while I was making coffee and I thought my oven was broken until the screaming started. I was relieved that my oven wasn't making that noise, but wtf? Some parts of it were good, but I'm not going to sit down and listen to this. 1.

Just because you can make something doesn't mean you should. The music was cool but the whole album felt like it was lacking substance. Maybe it's because I feel like soundtracks should compliment and help drive the story instead of telling the story.

Good background music but not my thing.

like a horror movie soundtrack

This was a modern high-end soundscape 30 years ahead of it's time. Incredible quality!

God dang it I've had this thrust my way before in a poll although for the life of me I can't think what the category was. This is one of the strangest and compelling albums I've come across- strange noises and tunes that predated Portishead's 'To kill a dead man' (although they DID make a short film for that). There is no such film created apart from one in Barry's head. Genius.

Cool concept. Some tracks were better than others, but there were a few that were quite great

Definitely can feel the influence in terms of cinema and scores - moody, creepy, unsettling at times - effective!

Is this a soundtrack to something? Cannot fathom why it is on this list

1.5 I didnt get through the whole thing but enough to get the gist of it. I guess it could be an interesting concept if you think about it.

It was... complex.

Interesting listen. Don’t think I’ll listen to it again, but it wasn’t a chore to listen to at all.

Very interesting.. I liked it

The thing about a good film score is that it helps tell a story. But there is no story here. It's just a bunch of unconnected, vaguely cinematic, mostly instrumental pieces of music. It doesn't fail completely because, individually, the tracks are... inoffensive. But, as an album, it's a fail.

I don’t get it. Sounded like city noise background music for an early 60s crime drama. Not for me.

Creepy

Liked it. Cool concept and definitely created a vibe, up there with some to the good instrumental soundtracks.

I did not like this.

The perfect soundtrack for a day of jury duty.

14/100 Based on this scale: 1 star - 0 to 19 2 stars - 20 to 39 3 stars - 40 to 59 4 stars - 60 to 79 5 stars - 80 to 100 Daphuq? Is this a joke? Debut album, no less? "I want to put myself out there. Oh, I know! Concept album! Soundtrack for a movie that was never made! That's the ticket!" Some moments didn't entirely suck, so still better than U2, but c'mon, man. Nobody needs to hear this before they die, unless it's their punishment.

endte med at være mere positivt end negativt stemt. Den er i hvert fald anderledes fra det meste vi har hørt!!

18. bedste darkjazz plade nogensinde iflg rate your music dot com! Jeg tror det her er den første jazzplade vi får på listen (?) og det siger en del om forfatternes forhold til genren. Sjov nok plade men det giver ingen mening at den er her.

Det var da et fint koncept, men historien virkede ikke spændende for mig.

Konzeptalbum schön und gut, aber mein Konzept ist es nicht. 2 Sterne, weil ich es mir auch noch schlechter vorstellen könnte.

well, there goes another 1 on the list. Just as the other record by this guy

It was mostly innocuous, but why?

This album really did not do anything at all for me.

Movie soundtrack

hulluntavaa ambienttia..pitää varvailla varvaiden päällä seisokellen. uskalla kantapäitä maahan laittaa kun tälläsiä kuuntelee.. abumissa konspepti, en kerro mikä se on. miksi minun pitäisi se selittää katso album description, vitun tyhmä PASKA.. ei saa mitään palkkiota tästä..mitä saa palkkioksi, paitsi kipua silmäin takana...raivat.. investigeessöns,, sounds from the big house

Couldn't listen to the whole thing, but what was available seemed decent-ish

This made way more sense when I read the context on Wikipedia that it was a soundtrack for a film that doesn’t exist. I hope this film never gets made.

I was gonna say, this seems like a soundtrack. Then I looked at the Album Summary, "The album is a concept album, a soundtrack album to a non-existent crime film."

Really fun idea and executed well. Great to music to work to.

I did not enjoy any part of this.

‘Soundtrack to a nonexistent movie’ sounds like it could have been a load of pretentious crap. Thankfully, this is not too pretentious. It is crap though.