Weeklies

Artist: "Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave"
Album: "Phantasm OST"
Genre: Soundtracks
Label: AVCO Embassy Pictures

Reviewer: Dextire
Posted: 10/25/2010

Review: Here it is, my favorite Halloween album of all time: Phantasm - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. If given a choice of only one CD to play come Halloween season, this would be it. From the classic main title that everyone seems to recognize even if they've never seen the film, to the very creepy "Welcome to Morningside" that makes you feel as if you've just stepped into the Morningside funeral home, this is just soundtrack perfection.

While quite a few of the songs contain the same score as the main title, there's always enough variation to prevent the feeling of repetition and boredom. For instance, "Hearse Inferno" is extremely fast, giving the impression that the Tall Man is right behind you. Whereas "Mike on the Road" is more dream-like, almost as if it was played on a child's toy piano. Both are variations of the main score, yet sound almost completely different.

Other songs are more about creepy sounds and creating an eerie atmosphere than the infamous theme song; such as "Cemetery Spectres" and "Overturned Ice Cream Truck". And honestly, these two particular songs create an incredible sense of unease, more than anything I've ever heard. It's difficult to even describe why they invoke such a strange feeling of dread, but you just know that nothing good can come from a situation if these songs are playing.

It doesn't matter if it's for a party, haunted house, or just to listen to, the original Phantasm soundtrack is perfect for any Halloween situation. Unfortunately, it may be a bit difficult to it down since it's out of print, which is a huge disappointment given that I believe everyone with even a passing interest in Halloween items would absolutely love this thing. But that shouldn't stop you from doing whatever it takes to track down a copy for yourself. Whether you're a fan of the incredible film, or just Halloween things in general, you'll definitely be happy to own this one.

Overall rating: WholeWholeWholeWholeWhole
(Scored on a 0.5 - 5 pickles rating: 0.5 being the worst and 5 being the best)

Reader Comments

pickled
Oct 26th, 2010, 09:12 AM
I have never seen a Phantasm movie. I am so ashamed of myself.
Cranberry Everything
Oct 26th, 2010, 05:04 PM
You're in luck, Nick! All of the Phantasm movies are now on DVD after years of being in legal limbo. So there's no more excuses not to see them now.
The Claw of Justice
Oct 26th, 2010, 09:53 PM
Everything about Phantasm is great. I especially love the cover to the album...it's wild.
Forum Virgin
Nov 5th, 2010, 08:59 PM
Forum Virgin
Nov 8th, 2010, 02:07 PM
This STILL didn't make the cut for the Top 10 Scariest Movie Soundtracks list made by Robert over at Retrocrush.com

I personally would have put Rosemarys Baby, The Omen, The Wolfman, and Twin Peaks somewhere on the list, myself.