CD REVIEW - LE PISTOLE NON DISCUTONO


Le Pistole Non Discutono
Music by Ennio Morricone
GDM Hillside Series GDM 4138
17 Tracks 41:41 mins

Once upon a time Ennio Morricone would not sanction releases of his early scores, but thankfully he seems more open to this these days, as is evidenced by the increasing numbers of releases of these important entries in his filmography. That's not to say that there hasn't previously been music from this 1964 western to be found. Around half a dozen tracks have been released over the years, and very welcome these were too, but at last we now have a 17 track presentation of the score of this little seen Italian oater, starring Rod Cameron.
For those not familiar with the maestro's themes for this film, let's just say that there are indications of what was to follow in his great western scores for Sergio Leone and others, the first of which, A Fistful of Dollars was composed in the same year.
The standout from the soundtrack is the song "Lonesome Billy, a long-time favourite of mine, dramatically performed by Peter Tevis. The song opens the 14 mono score tracks, and is reprised as one of three stereo bonus tracks at the end of the disc. The second strong offering is the galloping title track, first heard in track 2, but heard in differing arrangements in tracks 8, 11, and 14. Of course it also features again in the bonus tracks.
Another recurring track is "Gli Indiani," a striking piece of fight music, heard in tracks 3, 9, and in more tense and suspenseful mode in track 12. Again, we are given a stereo reprise in the bonus tracks.
The remainder of the score features source-like guitar solos, one with female vocal; another fight track, similar to "Gli Indiani," though not as powerful; and the jaunty "La Ragazza e Lo Sceriffo."
It's a fine score in its own right and has begged to be heard in full for a long time, so bravo GDM Hillside for finally getting it out there.
Accompanying the CD is a colourful booklet, with stills and artwork from the film, but sadly not text.
You can order your copy of this limited edition of just 750 units from www.hillsidecd.co.uk, but you'd better hurry as I wouldn't expect them to be around for long.