Morricone RMX

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 29, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 22, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B00005CCVK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,300 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Prolific Italian film-scoring legend Ennio Morricone isn't afraid to use contemporary pop idioms in his work but usually eschews them because they become dated so quickly. That shrewd sensibility helps make this collection of remixes by an international slate of dubsters and electronica artists a bit more interesting--and ironic--than it might otherwise be; after all, what music dates quicker than club remixes? Producer Stefan Rambow (Mondo Morricone, the Canto Morricone series) also notably secured Maestro Morricone's approval for the project, giving it an added cachet. But that official blessing may also account for the set's patchy quality. A few of the efforts seem overly conservative--especially given the genre--and hesitant to tweak The Legend too much. Apollo Four Forty and Terra Nova are satisfied to simply overplay the most clichéd elements (twangy guitars, harmonica, oddball percussion) of Morricone's spaghetti Western canon, while the remainder of the set is surprisingly atmospheric and sedate. The elegant melodies of "Chi Mai" sometimes get lost in Nightmares on Wax's groove lite, while Bigga Bush and DJ Dick produce two nicely contrasting takes (rhythmically edgy and languorously dreamy, respectively) of "Clan of the Sicilians" and Thievery Corporation, Tommy Hools, and Ali N. Askin plumb the often haunting dimensions of Morricone's music. Enthusiasts should welcome these mostly fresh takes on his enduring legacy, even if they ultimately prove Il Maestro was usually one step ahead--or completely outside--of the game. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description
Remixes of the popular film composer's tracks by Apollo 440, Terranova, Thievery Corp, & more! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars groovy chill out w/few upbeat twists...uneven but worth it., June 9, 2001

By	"theformersnqueen" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

according to the liner notes of this cd, this compilation marks the first time that maestro morricone has agreed to a rmx of some of his original pieces. there are a number of standout tracks here - the most stellar piece being tomoyuki tanaka's rmx of belinda. tanaka brings in additional layers of brazilian percussion and layers them with those sweet fpm chorals and piano. this reinterpretation is beautiful and worth the price of the entire album. for those who immediately think "kitsch!" DON'T...far from it. thievery corporation turns in a very solid and typically mellow tune with a cinematic feel, "ile grande silencio." dj dick and bigga bush from rockers hifi both turn in separate rmxs of "clan of the sicilians" and both are fine downtempo though i found dj dick's a more enjoyable listening experience. nightmares on wax's rmx of chi mai is spare but effective, his approach reminded me of the one he used with his rmx of shirley bassey's "easy thing to do." no swelling chords, layered percussion, just a strong unifying beat and tinkling melody. tommy hools was the other track which i found to be superb. very chill and jazzy.

you may find that your personal preference for the remixers influences your opinion of the tracks contained here. i found myself drawn towards remixers whose other work i enjoy.

one star off for the lazy efforts of terranova and for the bad judgement in including a rmx by apollo four forty. these songs are the first two on the disc, so if you can get by them, it is smooth sailing all the way through.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Il Maestro goes chill, August 4, 2004

By	A. Fair (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a long-time film-music fan, became familiar with Morricon's genius in the field. Also a fan of the downtempo chill music, I happened on this find and my jaw dropped. Of course I purchased it, and found it to be an incredible blend of the two genres. What has happened is that the some wonderful themes from Morricones soundtracks (think of the great music from the equally great Sergio Leone Spaghetti westerns, and other Italian film music), were remixed (RMX) and created into a good cocktail hour CD. Not just anyone, the best DJ's like Theivary Corporation et al, have produced a listen thats unique, and pays compliments to the great Ennio Morricone.

Ummm, did I say I like it and has been on my "favorite album" list for about 2 years? If this sounds good to you, then buy it. There are 2 newer Morricone remix albums (Remixes 1 and 2) that are more uptempo and dance/house style, great, but the RMX album is still the king!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moody and melodic, September 19, 2002

By	R. Riis "rriis" (NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I was a bit skeptical, but these contemporary rhythmic remixes of some of Italian film composer Ennio Morricone's best-known pieces work surprisingly well and make for an enjoyable collection. Produced with the cooperation of Morricone himself (or at least with his blessing), these tracks work astonishingly well in their new guise. Most are too somber to function as dance music, but are quite evocative and lovely as listening music, thanks to the sympathetic arrangements of the artists involved, all of whom seem to honor and appreciate Morricone (liner notes are brief) and the atmosphere these pieces were intended to convey. Fans of Morricone's music will enjoy this successful experiment and hope for more.