Classic release of the full score from the Harry Palmer debut.
Jenna Bachelor When James Bond became an overnight success the quest was on for more spy stars. Michael Caine's Harry Palmer became an unlikely sex symbol in The Ipcress File. His popularity was probably down to the music which accompanied the film as well as Palmer's down-at-heel spy persona. It's perhaps no coincidence that the man behind the James Bond scores should write the music to Ipcress. John Barry's theme is immediately recognisable, latching onto the brain rather like Roy Budd's train trundling score to Get Carter. This Silva Screen release not only has Barry's impressive music but dialogue from the film. It's a technique used increasingly on soundtracks but it really adds to proceedings, helping create a mood which only intensifies that brought about by the score itself. You do get a lot of variations on a theme with Ipcress File, but because the movie dates from the 60s, it means loads of swinging styles - Austin Powers take note. The glory of Barry is how he can create a mood with minimum fuss. Thus Meeting With Grantby and Fight takes us to the seedy underworld and impending danger using only a piano and haunting brass. Compare that with Jazz Along Alone (it does as it says on the tin - a jazz version of the Ipcress theme) and this really is an album of contrasts. There's a good booklet to accompany the CD, with photos and notes about the film. All in all a worthy addition to the John Barry canon. The Ipcress File is released on Silva Screen Records FILMCD 605. 
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