Ricordare: The Songs of Ennio Morricone

Liner Note Authors: Ian Johnston; Mick Patrick.
Illustrator: Mick Patrick.
Ennio Morricone is known for many musical things, but one of them isn't songwriting. Turns out there's a reason for this. Ricordare: The Songs of Ennio Morricone, an entry in Ace's ongoing songwriter songbook series, contains 21 versions of songs he's written, most dating from the '60s and most sung in Italian, which makes the handful of ringers (all placed toward the end) all the more interesting. Scott Walker sings "The Ballad of Sacco and Vanzetti" and Pet Shop Boys tackle "It Couldn't' Happen Here," while Joan Baez struts through the pomp and circumstance of "Here's to You." This particular cut highlights how Morricone's compositions are perhaps best heard as compositions, not songs: the interlocked melodies and arrangements do have a cinematic pull but when they're channeled into a song, they're not as compelling as when they're splashed all over the silver screen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine