HIGH HEELS {aka Tacones lejanos or Talons Aigulles} [1991-1992 Movie Soundtrack]

SUMMARY:              RUNNING TIME: 42:00 Min.

Released in 1992 by Island Records, this album is the mostly instrumental soundtrack for Pedro Almodóvar’s 1991 Spanish language crime drama, High Heels (aka Tacones lejanos or Talons Aigulles) starring Victoria Abril.

Japanese composer/musician Ryuichi Sakamoto produced and performs most of the soundtrack; however, Spanish vocalist  Luz Casal performs Tracks 7 and 15.  The album’s twenty tracks are:

                                                              Running Time:

1. Tema Principal                                              3:05
2. Taco – Nes Lejanos                                       1:58
3. Trauma                                                        3:04
4. La Guitarra de Becky                                     1:04
5. Plaza                                                           1:12
6. Besos                                                           1:12
7. Un Ano de Amor (performed by Luz Casal) 3:21
8. El cucu 1                                                     4:28
9. El cucu 2                                                     4:20
10. Aesinato                                                      0:35
11. Interroga – Torio                                           4:25    
12. A Punto de Confesar                                     1:09
13. Tele 7                                                           0:14
14. El Arresto de Rebeca                                     1:04
15. Piensa en Mi Sonata de Otono (performed by Luz Casal) 4:30
16. Sonata de Otono                                            0:52
17. La Liberacion de Rebeca                               1:58
18. El Secreto de Letal                                         0:58
19. El Viaje en Ambulancia                                 0:22
20. Titulo Final                                                   3:03  

REVIEW:

Not overstaying its welcome, this mostly jazz-flavored soundtrack briskly flies by.  Suffice to say, it consistently exudes a sultry vibe updating film noir, with some occasional bits of levity.  The only exceptions are Tracks 8-9, which resemble pulsating techno-dance, but they still seamlessly blend into Ryuichi Sakamoto’s deft handiwork. 

Including Luz Casal’s classy chanteuse-style tunes, the High Heels soundtrack offers a solid addition to any favorite jazz or soundtrack playlist.    

PACKAGING:

The case’s back cover, as well as an insert, list all twenty tracks, but neither one provide running times.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars