I've been praying for a release of this score for decades now, and Doug's positive comments are heartening. This is a really enjoyable DeVol score - although it doesn't get off to a promising start, with one of the daftest songs I've ever heard...
A man ... is not a train ... a train's not a man
A man can do things ... a train never can
But things improve as DeVol's score kicks in. There's some atmospheric and supsenseful music for the misty dawn trainyard sequence when two trains almost collide. But probably the highlight of the score is the "trash mountain" sequence, as Lee Marvin's character gathers together pots of grease (which he's going to use to slow down the next train that comes along). Starting low-key, then shifting into a nice laid back version of the main theme as Keith Carradine's character silently watches Marvin's antics, the cue gradually develops, with drum kit setting the rhythm, as Carradine starts to copy Marvin and gathers together armfuls of grease pots. The cue climaxes as Carradine follows Marvin up the hill, treating us to a really upbeat and joyful version of the theme. It's one of those great moments where a score is allowed to take control of the picture, and it's a really infectious tune that stays in your head for days. I'd buy a CD just for this cue alone.
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