Ennio Morricone might be best known for his spaghetti western soundtracks for directors like as Sergio Leone and Duccio Tessari, but his experimental work deserves some attention as well. Morricone's soundtrack for Franco Rubartelli 1971 documentary Veruschka, Poesia di una Donna is one of the composer's greatest works. The film follows Veruschka von Lehndorff, the world's first supermodel and icon of the 60s and 70s, on a surreal journey through the Italian country side. She goes through downward spiral of self discovery that leads her through many whacked out head trips. Rubartelli creates a world that is dark and melancholy paired with stunning psychedelic eye candy and Morricone's music matches it every step of the way. It's a haunting work of music that shifts from mood to mood over the course of the LP. Beautiful female vocals float over sublime grooves at one point only to move towards darker moments further down the line. Atonal passages signal tension while more jazz based moments serve to ease it. There are many takes of various themes throughout the soundtrack, creating different vibes with each version. Truly fantastic material from Morricone. Dagored, the Italian record label that specialized in soundtracks from composers like Morricone, has recently resurrected itself with this latest batch of soundtracks. Limited edition double vinyl pressing with reinterpreted cover on the front and original cover on the back.

• music label: Dagored 1995 / 2014

reviewed by Hank Ohs 08/2014