Harry Nilsson - Midnight Cowboy: Original Motion Picture Score

Though perhaps overshadowed by the pop success of Harry Nilsson's rendition of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'" (and overwhelmed on the album by songs from B.J. Thomas, Elephant's Memory, and even early Warren Zevon), John Barry's elegant title track and handful of cues here still rate as some of his best. Their melodies frequently carried by a mournful solo harmonica, Barry's coolly detached music ironically undercuts the grit and grime of John Schlesinger's Oscar-winning classic. Melodically irresistible, Barry's Midnight Cowboy music further cemented Barry's reputation as one of modern film's greatest composers. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com essential recording

Good souvenir !

Good souvenir from the original motion picture but the best song (sung in two different ways) is "Everybody's talking", performed by Nilsson. These two versions are different from the studio version found in the current CD's of our singer. September 12, 2008

Disappointing

The title showed up in iTunes in Chinese and the album sounded like it was dubbed using a cheap stereo and microphones. April 10, 2008

Toots Thielemans Correction

Though I agree with most of the previous reviews, I was disappointed to see (hear) that Toots Thielemans is not to be found on this recording. He is also not mentioned anywhere on the albums credits.
He was used in the original score for the film, but according to his manager "Toots" was not included on this album.
I would not have purchased this CD if I had known this in advance. July 7, 2006

Just a great piece of work.

The soundtrack of Midnight Cowboy is an excellent film score and once again John Barry proved his talent as a film composer, conductor, and musical director. Barry composed some of the tracks and selected some, and arranged them--all to excellent effect. There's not a bad song on the soundtrack from any of the artists that recorded on it, and my only regret is that it's too short at some 37 minutes. I could listen for ever to Toots Thielemans playing the chromatic harmonica with Barry's orchestral backing as he does in 'Joe Buck Rides Again' and the theme for 'Midnight Cowboy'. Simply a great piece of work. May 22, 2006

Real Favorite

My father bought this film on 16mm back in 1983 and played it every night in the basement. This was my fathers favorite film. The music is so beautiful and emotional. I get tears in my eyes every time I hear the soundtrack. Old Man Willow was one of my favorite songs. Dustin Hoffmans performance is unspeakable. This film is sooooo real life.. They just don't make them like this anymore. January 21, 2006

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