It's always fulfilling to finish composers you have a completist relationship to, within whatever parameters you choose. I "rounded" my collections of Williams, Elfman and Goldenthal a few years ago (only missing a few subsequent releases that are kinda pricey and hard to find).
My Mancini collection is fairly skimpy. Maybe around 25-30 or so, if I combine CDs and digital files and LPs (both film scores and non-film score albums). But I aim to get more. I agree with an earlier poster in that there are sometimes a bit annoying "source" music tracks pasted into the album that I don't care for (a frenetic polka, for example), but usually the gorgeous themes or laidback lounge jazz counterweighs that.
One of Hank's best was the 30-or-so minutes of music he wrote for the 1956 movie THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US. Absolutely brilliant. We were hoping to newly record it at some point (I have all the scores), but unfortunately that never happened.
I should add to my previous post that I still discover Mancini scores that surprise me in a positive way -- for example, my recent discovery of SWITCH from 1991 (one of his last scores), which sounds surprisingly contemporary for its time with synths, guitar riffs and whatnot.
I was listening to NIGHTWING the other night. I think this such a great wee score with a really great ‘feel’ about it. It’s a really shame it sounds so poor though. That bothers me more than the missing part. Guess there’s pretty much zero chance of us ever getting a better release though so something is better than nothing. What do you recon your favourite one is Henry?
Hi spook! I pretty much love them all, but my favorite Mancini theme just might be his NEWHART theme. My favorite song might be MOON RIVER and score is hard, maybe THE PINK PANTHER, THE THORN BIRDS or SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE.
Yeah, Newhart theme is infectious and so lovely. The others you mention are wonderful too.
Solium, the full version of the NEWHART theme is on a cd called PREMIER POPS conducted by Mancini.
Thanks for the suggestion but I already own that album. Its indeed great.
When I think of great Mancini TV show themes, among many the top 3 in my cranial jukebox are NBC Mystery Movie, Remington Steele, and the wonderfully dark Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Have you heard that one, Henry?
One of Hank's best was the 30-or-so minutes of music he wrote for the 1956 movie THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US. Absolutely brilliant. We were hoping to newly record it at some point (I have all the scores), but unfortunately that never happened.
That's because I haven't won the Powerball yet....
Henry, I guess you had to pay hefty prices for some records. I today bought the LP of THE GLASS MENAGERIE for 3 euros only and took it since I know that the CD has now become a top rare item and is thus very expensive. I'm playing that quiet score right now for the 1st time. I actually knew two excerpts of it from the excellent compilation PREMIER POPS.
