03 December 2015

Death of a Dog





Back in August I decided to start going through a folder I have called “Musick that Needs Work” (cleaning up the sound, fixing the tags, getting the art work, whatever).

I’d made it through the Ds (Dakila, Darshan Ambient, & Dot Allison) before I drifted off into Dub & harvest & krazy kat adventures. Think I’ll venture back to that dreaded folderland (it was helping me straighten out messes that I’ve left too long undone) until the end of the year (or until life once more distracts me).

Brought to you by the letter E & pertinent to out dismal times…



Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack to White Dog. White Dog is a 1982 film directed by famous cult filmmaker Samuel Fuller. The film depicts the struggle of a dog trainer named Keys (played by the great Paul Winfield) trying to retrain a stray dog found by a young actress (a ‘young actress’ Kristy McNichol), that is a "white dog", that is, a dog trained by racists to viciously attack any black person. Fuller uses the film as a platform to deliver an anti-racist message as it examines the question of whether racism is a treatable problem or an incurable condition.

The film takes a hard look at racism. Fuller's uses melodrama & metaphors to present his argument. The film’s disheartening ending makes its point that while racism is learned, it cannot be cured. Many critics have questioned the film's lack of release in the United States when it was completed in 1982 (Paramount Pictures feared “negative press”) & have applauded its belated release (2008) by Criterion.

Included is a 16 page booklet that delves deeply into the whole production-process fiascos & Fuller’s frustration with Hollywood.


Ennio Morricone – White Dog soundtrack, FSM Vol. 13 No. 3, 2010.
decryption code in comments

Tracklist –
Main Title
Sick Dog
Death of a Dog
Walking Dog
Dog’s Escape
Saving Cops
Chasing Rabbits
Dog Pound – The Girl’s Thought
Sweeper Attack
Dog’s Return
Stewardess Surprise
Untitled 3M3
Certainties & Uncertainties of the Dog
Cure or Kill – Dog’s Escape
Protected Attack
Sorrowful Julie
Cage Escape
Attack #2
After the Murder
White Dog
White Dog 2
Absent-mindedly from a Radio far Away
The Girl & her Problems
Cured Canine
Attempts at Fidelity
Death of a Dog – End Credits

Bonus tracks
Second Theme: The Girl & the Dog
Guitar Venizia
After the Murder (alternate)
Absent-mindedly from a Radio far Away (source music)
Lamb Bone Muzak
Inside the Church
Death of a Dog (part 1)
Death of a Dog (part 2 – album track)

Enjoy while we can,

3 comments:

  1. !Ao1FEZiJrsLrIvfX3y1axq_mi3RIVlNExss3wG6_boo

    ReplyDelete

  2. Hey, Nathan, I didn't realize you had a blog until today. While backtracking through the DM wastelands, I found your link. Like a message in a bottle!
    I've only been browsing for a few minutes and I've already found several goodies and even an inspiring message from Bernie Sanders. This blog's a pleasant surprise, indeed!
    Thank you for the copy of White Dog, btw. I've been looking for a clean copy of same for the longest time. I'm bookmarking this blog. I hope that won't hurt your feelings :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, is this THEE Diver?

      You have hurt my feelings. First you call the Police ("Message in a Bottle"). Then you found several goodies but "all my goodies are gone". & now I'll be (book)marked for life.

      Welcome aboard the Ship of Fools. Hope there is much to your liking. & if you have any requests or wants, it never hurts to try. I have some diverse shit, you never know.

      Thanks again & do reply.

      Delete