CD REVIEW - I SELL THE DEAD


I Sell The Dead
Music by Jeff Grace
MovieScore Media MMS-09016
18 Tracks 44:26 mins

One of MovieScore Media's favourites, Jeff Grace, has a new score out on the label for the horror comedy I Sell The Dead, which numbers Dominic Monagahan and Ron Perlman amongst its cast.
Previous scores (The Last Winter, The Roost and Joshua) were for string quartet, but here Grace utilizes larger orchestral forces, though strings are still very much to the fore, in a work somewhat inspired by the late, great Bernard Herrmann.
The disc gets under way with the "Opening Titles," a darkly comic march, which increases in power as the track continues. There's murky goings on to be found in "A Very Peculiar Priest," which is followed by the somewhat Herrmannesque "Langols Island." "Wake Snatching," as the title suggests, has an Irish feel to it, with some busy fiddle work driving the action. "A What Witch?" has a brassy, comical feel, embellished by woodwinds, Jews Harp, whistler and some quirky percussive elements. It's back to the more murky elements for the mysterious "The Resurrection Apprentice." Driving Psychoesque strings open "Cornelius Murphy," which, after an almost spiritual interlude, proceeds mysteriously to its conclusion.
Briefly comical, "Guts for Garters" descends into cacophony, to be followed by the flowing "A Hard Slog," with its simulated siren calls. "Dr. Vernon Quint at Your Service" is quite sinister, with its solo fiddle line, and is followed by more dark doings in "The House of Murphy," which builds to a powerful conclusion; whilst "The Dead Undead!" offers dissonant string work and menacing bursts of action. The dissonance continues into "A Foot?" which is a mix of action and suspense.
Mysterious and sinister Herrmannesque string work dominates "From a Long Line of Ghouls;" whilst the action of "Valentine Kelly" brings another late, great, Jerry Goldsmith, more to mind.
It's back to the quirkiness from "A What Which?" for "Grimes and Blake" and the closing "A Cemetary Stroll, only briefly interrupted, as frantic string writing brings "Other Arrangements" to an exciting close.
All in all, an interesting and likeable little score in quite an old-fashioned vein, which should appeal especially to the more veteran aficionados among you.
Go to www.moviescoremedia.com/isellthedead.html for further information, samples and details of how to order your copy on CD or download.