Quite often when faced with the prospect of writing a new article for The Sound of Trash, my mind goes blank. I find myself trawling through my various sources looking for something to jolt my memory. Today’s article is one such occurrence. Ten minutes ago, the subject of today’s article could have been anyone. Then, thanks to some YouTube desperation, I was reminded of the great Italian composer, Franco Micalizzi. For those with a penchant for such thing, Micalizzi’s name may be familiar to you thanks to his work on numerous Poliziotteschi films. From the late 60s, right up until then last decade, Micalizzi has given his compositional prowess to over fifty films and was a frequent collaborator with Umberto Lenzi.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3auMB1-3JM&w=540]
His soundtracks possess a uniquely Italian manifestation of funk and synthesized weirdness that no other country can pull off with such unreserved vim. When one considers Italy’s tradition of Disco Italio and prog/funk fusion, it’s easy to see how this would become a part of their aural cinematic landscape in the 60s and 70s. For those interested in such things, it takes very little experience before you’re able to hear a soundtrack and know, without a doubt, that it originated from Italy.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86CyJoLcPlM&feature=related&w=540]
Micalizzi’s first real success arrived when he provided the score for E.B. Clucher‘s spaghetti western, ‘They Call Me Trinity (Lo chiamavano Trinità) in 1970.’ His brilliant score fused the traditional Morricone-inspired tropes of the spaghetti western score (whistling, acoustic guitars, space) with the funk and groove Micalizzi had become expert in orchestrating. The theme from ‘They Call Me Trinity’ rates as one of the best of its style and is equally as impressive when divorced from the visuals it was created to accompany.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlZeceNfm5U&w=540]
Given the increasing interest afforded Italian soundtracks of the 60s and 70s by retro junkies everywhere, one can assume Micalizzi’s star will continue to ascend. In my opinion, he should be regarded as one of the best. Rather than blather on about him, I’ll let his music do the talking.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5qiYjVqYnw&feature=related&w=540]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86SJ2p_tvUs&feature=relmfu&w=540]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv9N1mLZa3U&feature=related&w=540]
And of course, if you like what you’ve heard, a rudimentary gander at the ubiquitous YouTube will lead you to many more amazing Micalizzi tracks.
