Body Heat

Label: Varèse Sarabande    
Catalogue No: VSD 5951

Release Date: 28-Jul-1998

Total Duration: 37:49

UPN:  0-3020-65951-2-3
London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joel McNeely

BODY HEAT is a well-judged score evoking the sex, passion, and intrigue of the film’s brilliantly drawn murder plot. Barry’s sexy synth chords, sizzling jazz, and soulful ambience make this the perfect music for the sleepy alcoholic haze of those hot Florida nights. From the stylish title designs to lawyer-in-heat Ned Racine’s calculated entrapment in Mary Ann’s grand design, Barry is irreplaceably intertwined with the narrative of Lawrence Kasdan’s slick film noir revival. BODY HEAT is an American film classic which owes a lot to the character-focused score of John Barry. BODY HEAT is evidently something of a film music icon which appeals to circles much wider than the Barry fandom. Given the rarity of the original CD, this then is a good candidate for the Varèse treatment.

Unfortunately this edition of BODY HEAT is a minor disappointment in the Varèse Classics series. The artwork is stylish but vague. The liner notes (by Royal S. Brown) are more appreciative of Goldsmith’s CHINATOWN than the score in question. And the performance is, whilst largely faithful, a less impressive interpretation than were VERTIGO, PSYCHO or OUT OF AFRICA: the synth is mechanical not seductive; the sax solos rough not silky. Duetic themes and counterpoints such as that in “Chapeau Gratis” are muddied, and the effect of the xylo-string doubles of “I’m Frightened” is killed by an excess of violins. Each of these complaints can be prefixed with the word “slightly”, however. This recording may not hit the spot quite well enough, but it is close, and over the original album it does have two commendable features: its affordable availability and that previously omitted, brilliant one-minute jazz piece for Ned.

Stephen Woolston – Originally Published in Soundtrack Magazine Vol.17 / No.67 /1 998