PROFONDO ROSSO [AKA: DEEP RED] (OST)

It seems sort of strange (but not so much, as I am a huge fan of Italian Horror) looking back now that "Profondo Rosso" was may introduction to Prog Rock. However, I do not regret that fact at all. Goblin's debut soundtrack for horror Maestro Dario Argento album is also their finest (with the exception of "Zombi"), mostly due to their expert musicianship and catchy themes (the title track tends to get stuck in my head often), but the fact that the majority of the soundtrack was originally written as a Jazz soundtrack by Giorgio Gaslini and was converted to rock by the band establishes them as a band that can adapt to their environment. In fact, Goblin would continue to have a Jazz sound for many of their tracks in future albums.

"Profondo Rosso" is the main theme of the film, utilizing a "Tubular Bells"-like motif on guitar and keyboards, but drowned out when bass guitar, drums, and an organ kick in. An interesting thing about Goblin is that they have two keyboardists (though, I'm not sure if they had two until their next and greatest album, Roller). The bass at the beginning is very bouncy and great to hear. Overall, this is a great piece, one of Goblin's greatest.

"Death Dies" is another good tune, played whenever there is a murder sequence. It it more Jazz-y than "Profondo Rosso", although I can see the jazz influences on that one as well. "Death Dies" is played with two pianos, a fuzz bass, and short, frantic guitar riffs. The only thing I really don't like is that it doesn't really fit the film that much, but that's just me.

"Mad Puppet" (played during investigation sequences) can be considered the "Epic" of the album, but it is still only six minutes (shorter than "Roundabout" from Yes's "Fragile"). Again, Goblin has seem to have taken from "Tubular Bells", only this time it is more obvious, taking from the Bass Guitar theme of Part 1's ending sequence (the part with Vivian Stanshall announcing the instruments leading to the "Tubular Bells"). However, it seems to be more subtle, yet nice to listen to. However, it works better in the film than in the soundtrack.

"Wild Session" is literally two songs put together; the first part is a composition of sound effects and wind noises (the only part used in the movie, this was also used as an intermission between the two sides of Cherry Five (pre-Goblin) when it was released after this album was a success). The second is a jazz-rock tune that is somewhat forgettable, and I see why they didn't put it in the film.

"School at Night" is an orchestral composition. This exact song was not in the film, but multiple versions of the lullaby in the middle of the song are played as the killer's calling card for his victims. It is a good song, but seems more like Goblin had no involvement in this song, that this was Giorgio Gaslini's song.

"Gianna" is a soft jazz melody and a theme for the love interest of the main character. It is a nice song, but due to it being mainly a track dedicated to the film, it really isn't too good, especially considering its length.

If you are still interested, before you get this album, you should also consider it's short length. It about 30 minutes, shorter than most LPs of that time. It does end quickly, and the last two tracks aren't as good as the others. There is a single of the best two tracks, "Profondo Rosso" and "Death Dies", but it is very rare, and out of print (I believe). Your best bet would to by Cinevox's two disc deluxe version, which contains the original album, and all the many bonus tracks and alternate takes/versions, including all of the "School at Night" Lullaby tracks. It would cost a lot in North America, due to it being an Import, but it would be worth it.