Customer Reviews

Music From 'The Good, The Bad And The Ugly' & 'A Fistful Of Dollars' & 'For A Few Dollars More'

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This CD is actually pretty nostalgic now that I listen to it. It actually brings memories back from the original films scored by Ennio Morricone. I remember purchasing the original album as an LP and was a little disappointed because it wasn't exactly Morricone. Listening to it now actually brings me back to a time when I first saw A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE and THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. The unique music was one of the elements that stood out and created the world of the Spaghetti Western for a whole generation that loved those films. Hugo Montenegro's contribution to that end cannot go unrecognized. I truly enjoy this CD and it sounds quite good and vibrant as ever.

Most Morricone purists will probably view this collection as a sham, but -- as an FYI -- it was released back in 1968 around the time that Hugo Montenegro's version of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" was a chart smash. These versions are really quite excellent. I find myself enjoying these just as much as the originals. The tracks are beautifully arranged with Montenegro's pop flair (organs, guitar, trumpets and stirring albeit dated vocals). In some cases, Montenegro's interpretations are even more punchy and emotional than the originals (I know I'm treading on hallowed ground here). Aside from the above hit single, highlights include the gorgeous rendition of "A Fistful of Dollars", the frenetic, jazz-flavored "Aces High" and the Duane-Eddyish twang on "The Vice of Killing".

I love Morricone's originals, but these versions are just as magnificent. My only complaint is that the album is so short (around 29 minutes...so typical for its time). Hugo Montenegro released another album of western-themed songs around the same time that should have been included.

While respect must be paid to the original themes composed by the wonderful Ennio Morricone, Hugo Montenegro and his excellent orchestra must be congratulated for what is a very easy listening, almost groovy re-working of Morricone's work. A great re-interpretation. I just LOVE Aces High! Highly recommended to all fans of not only the great Spaghetti Westerns, but all Westerns.

this is by far my most favorite instrumental album/cd i have ever owned. i bought it when it first came out as an album and when i wore out its grooves i bought the cassette version so i could listen to it in my car too. now it's been remastered and put out as a cd version which as everybody knows makes it much easier to play a song again before going on to the next one. you will love every song on this cd. hugo montenegro has done a fantastic job with the arrangements of each song. they are very lively and upbeat and you will find yourself humming along. i strongly recommend it.

These rather dated arrangements lack the drama and beauty of the original soundtracks. Also, the entire album is only 28 minutes long. It's definitely not worth paying full price for.

This album is incredible! All of the original music from some of the best westerns ever made! Hugo Montenegro and his orchestra do a wonderful job of performing some of the most original music on the market. This is an album to be heard!!!!

The music is so rich and vibrant, it consumes your whole being. The combinations of instruments blending so well that you enjoy listening over and over again. Hugo is a genius.

I grew up with the Spaggetti Westerns and these were my favorite, so when I had a chance to purchase on CD what I had on vinyl I grabbed the chance. The music gives on the sense of power, suspense, and feeling macho of being there and standing down an oppenent.

Years ago I had this LP and listened to it all the time. As years passed I wanted a casette or CD so I could listen to it on the go. Looked everywhere but couldn't find it so when I came across it thru Amazon I was very pleased. This music just seems to go with my outdoor activities, e.g., boating, camping, etc. Thanks Amazon!

Three of the pieces are rousing and involving with very interesting changes in instrumentation compared to the originals: TGTB&TU, Aces High and The Vice of Killing. The rest are fair to middling. If you've seen the films, the music Maestro Morricone wrote is linked to the images on screen. This linkage is broken, especially in the Story of a Soldier, a heartbreaking, melancholy piece set in a hopeless Yankee prison camp. Hugo's arrangement of this piece does not nearly have the emotional power of the original.