7 FACES OF DR. LAO

Label: FSMCD Vol.9 No.11
Date: 1964
Tracks: 33
Time = 59:55

Original soundtrack from popular George Pal fantasy with numerous "faces" of Tony Randall. Charming Leigh Harline score approaches tale in novel manner: main theme melds western idiom (guitar, banjo, accordion, broad major-key tune) with "oriental-isms" (pentatonic ideas, parallel fourths, metallic percussion). Overall score overflows with melodic invention. Composer spends less time with drawn out fantasy material, more time with genial array of brief melody, circus atmosphere, gentle whimsy. Adding to good vibes are moments of genuine tenderness. "Pan's Dance" one of several highlights: here, Harline combines transparent orchestration, major-key harmonic foundation with somewhat complex rhythmic structure, florid melodic lines for flute and ever-increasing tempo. What a delight! FSM release offers complete score in stereo, plethora of bonus tracks, pre-records plus generous booklet with terrific liner notes chronicling production, individual track details, more. Leigh Harline conducts. Limited release of 3000 copies scores a knockout!

1. Seal & M-G-M Presents/Main Title (2:31) 2. Dr. Lao's Arrival/Dr. Lao -- Hero (1:39) 3. Ed Meets the Snowman/Ed Meets Merlin (1:42) 4. Magic Word/Philosopher (2:32) 5. Hurdy Gurdy (Dr. Lao Theme)/Dr. Lao's Announcement (1:21) 6. Wildwood Hurdy Gurdy (1:05) 7. Appolonius/Appolonius Sad/Dr. Lao Eavesdrops (2:09) 8. Pan's Dance (2:18) 9. Emotion (1:13) 10. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry (Dr. Lao Theme Hurdy Gurdy)(1:31) 11. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry (Wildwood Hurdy Gurdy)(1:36) 12. The Magic Act (3:31) 13. Mike Comforts Merlin (1:05) 14. Come to the Circus (1:58) 15. Medusa (1:16) 16. Kate Revives (1:03) 17. The Philosopher No. 2/Mike and Dr. Lao Dance (1:21) 18. Death of the Press/Ah, Love/The Press Reborn/The Trout (3:28) 19. Calliope (Dr. Lao Theme)(2:57) 20. Circus Parade 2:37 21. I Forgot (0:30) 22. Woldercan (3:31) 23. Bagpipes Drone/Patties Leather Britches/Devil in the Kitchen/Kilt Is My Delight (3:14) 24. Farewell/Randall Credit (2:36) [Bonus Tracks] 25. Finger Flutters on Tree Bells/Ah, Youth/Poster Effect #1 and #2/Gong (0:50) 26. Hurdy Gurdy/After Pan (Hurdy Gurdy)(1:06) 27. Pan's Dance (pre-recording)(2:19) 28. The Magic Act (conclusion, with overlay)(0:55) 29. Shrug (0:04) 30. Ah, Love (pre-recording)(1:32) 31. Rag Doll Waltz (0:15) 32. Gut String Thru Drum/Music Effects/Anvil (0:33) 33. Pan's Dance (pre-recording with counting)(2:03)