Hugo Montenegro Orchestra includes: Hugo Montenegro (conductor).

Producers: Neely Plumb (tracks 1-5, 7-11); Neely Plumb, Al Schmitt (track 6).

Reissue producer: Paul Williams.

Recorded at RCA Victor's Music Center Of The World, Hollywood, California on January 18, April 26 and November 18, 1967.

All songs written by Ennio Morricone.

Recording information: RCA Victor's Music Center Of the World, Hollywood, CA (01/18/1967-11/18/1967).

Unknown Contributor Role: k.

Along with the James Bond, Pink Panther, and Peter Gunn themes, the title piece of The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is arguably one of the greatest themes ever written. The entire score ties with those from Midnight Express and Blade Runner as the greatest soundtracks of all time. Many imitated the profoundly unique, deeply haunting style of composer Ennio Morricone, but none could attain his level of brilliance. Hugo Montenegro comes very close in a pop vein. His version of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" was a smash, and he weaves bells, marching chants, and myriad other sounds into a spaghetti tapestry that not only recalls the tension on the screen, but also makes for fine listening. The themes from A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More also have several great moments. Get this too-brief comp for its excellence and historical significance, but get Morricone's originals because therein can be heard some of the best music ever created. ~ Doug Stone

Magnet (p.91) - "Ennio Morricone is a master of mood, and he uses instruments the way visual artists use brush strokes, dropping dollops of sound over blank canvases. The music's minimalism is remarkable..."