Fargo (1996 Film)/Barton Fink (1991 Film)

This disc combines two of Carter Burwell's best soundtrack efforts for the Coen brothers, Fargo and Barton Fink. It's a study of contrasts: Fargo is filled with somber string arrangements and a full orchestra playing in minor keys. Barton Fink, meanwhile, sounds more adventurous with offbeat instrumentation (a very gamelan-sounding keyboard prevails) and a simple score that Burwell recycles into different arrangements. Fargo, especially, sounds dark and reserved--"The Ozone" and "Chewing on It" are both underlined by melancholy--while Barton Fink is just as lyrical but more mysterious. Many of these tracks are short--the two soundtracks together add up to less than 45 minutes of music--but all are poignant, and some of Burwell's best. --Jason Verlinde Amazon.com essential recording

Slim Pickins'

To be perfectly clear on this point, the music is superb; evocative of the desolate and haunting Winter wastes of the Northern Midwest and the despair that accompanies the somber crimes depicted the Coen's film. (I can still hear Frances McDormand's sparse soliloquy to the unresponsive Peter Stormare about what a tragic waste the killings were; the main theme playing in the background.)

My objection is that, I was expecting a smorgasbord and ended up with some skimpy appetizers. Many of the cuts (at least six) are under a minute long -- barely more than a musical "sting" -- and those that are longer are either a minute or two. Additionally, a number of these are derivatives of the original melodies.

So, load up before you come to this party; the pickins are pretty slim.

..oh, yeah, Barton Fink's tacked on too.
January 10, 2008

Incomplete and no credit given

Not a complete soundtrack, the Country/Western song at the beginning when William H. Macy first meets Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare in the bar, and the Jose Feliciano number, are inexplicably omitted. Apparently, any music that could not be credited to Carter Burwell had no place here. The chilling opening sequence was not "inspired by" or "based on," but lifted, note for note, from the traditional Norwegian hardanger fiddle tune "The Lost Sheep." The original may be heard on Annbjorg Lien's "Felefeber" (Shanachie). December 27, 2007

Excellent

This is the soundtrack I was looking for. It was a little expensive but only available as a package deal with "Barton Fink". October 11, 2007

Chilling..............

I saw Fargo in the theater and was immmediately struck by the music that perfectly accompanied the film. The opening track I don't think I will ever forget. Plus "Ozone" is a fantastic song, I just wish it was longer. The Barton Fink material isn't as great, but also isn't as prevelent on the disc. I love listening to this while doing homework or just writing. The music sets the tone and the atmosphere.....the album just cannot be played in the summer. October 27, 2003

Grade A mood music.

Writers will love these two scores, particularly the one for Fargo. Enjoy writing horror, morbid, or gothic tales? Than this is the perfect cd to write to. Enjoy. August 29, 2002

More reviews at Amazon.com ...