Alexandro Jodorowsky's El Topo reamins one of the most controversial movies ever made. It won him fans in the likes of John Lennon and Peter Gabriel but drew the ire of mainstream critics. The avant-garde film combined spaghetti Western tropes with tripped out surrealism and was infused with religious themes that took from Christianity and Zen Buddhism. Jodorowsky directed and starred in the film as El Topo, a wandering Mexican bandit in search of spiritual enlightenment. The resulting psychedelic journey is set to a soundtrack that was like nothing that came before it. Atonal, Tibetan Buddhist thighbone trumpets are set against beautiful chamber orchestra pieces. Pan flutes, jazz and brass bands are present as well. Jodorowsky composed the score himself, taking just a little inspiration from the work of Ennio Morricone. It's an impressive, singular piece of cinematic history. Released by Real Gone Music on limited edition coke bottle clear vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• coke bottle clear vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Real Gone Music 2016

reviewed by Hank Ohs 08/2016