Henry Mancini’s “Once is Not Enough,” Sol Kaplan’s “Spy Who Came in from the Cold” Premiere on CD from Intrada

Thanks to the Intrada label, it was a swinging March for film soundtrack fans.  Intrada has just recently released the world premiere of one of Henry Mancini’s finest scores together with a deluxe expanded edition of a spy classic from composer Sol Kaplan.  Mancini penned the score to the 1975 film adaptation of Once is Not Enough, the deliciously trashy 1973 novel by Jacqueline Susann of Valley of the Dolls fame.  Though it’s positively bursting with melodies both bright and haunting from the maestro, the rich score to Once is Not Enough never received a soundtrack album.  Intrada has rectified this with a deluxe edition containing all of the music used in the film as well as alternates and bonuses direct from the Paramount vaults in an all-new stereo mix.  Of particular interest might be three different lyrics to Mancini’s theme tune.  The first was provided by Oscar-winning legend Sammy Cahn (“All the Way,” “Three Coins in the Fountain”).  It was then replaced by a lyric from Tony Asher of Pet Sounds renown.  Asher’s lyric, too, was rejected, and ultimately the assignment went to Larry Kusik (“Speak Softly Love,” “The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle”).  All three lyrics premiere here on CD.  Mancini’s score is typically eclectic and typically accomplished, with lush orchestral passages accompanied by electronic, rock and lounge-flavored cues.

The second release from Intrada also has a literary source –John le Carré’s famous 1963 novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.  Martin Ritt (The Front, The Great White Hope) directed the 1965 Hollywood adaptation starring Richard Burton, and Sol Kaplan (Star Trek, the 1953 Titanic) provided the brassy, bold period score.  Intrada’s CD release includes both the original RCA Victor soundtrack album and the actual music as presented in the motion picture. After the jump, we have the full text of Intrada’s releases on both titles plus order links and complete track listings!

Love Never Felt So Good: Epic Readies Michael Jackson’s Posthumous “XSCAPE”

Roughly three-and-a-half years following the 2010 release of Michael, Epic Records and the Michael Jackson Estate have announced the second posthumous collection of unheard music from the King of Pop. Xscape, due on May 13, will feature eight previously unissued Jackson tracks including the Invincible outtake which lends the album its title. While the standard edition will feature “contemporized” productions employing Jackson’s original vocals, a deluxe edition will also boast the original, untouched recordings as well as a DVD with music videos.

Expectedly, the project is still shrouded in a degree of secrecy; a complete track listing has not yet been confirmed. However, it is known that executive producer L.A. Reid has assembled a production roster including Timbaland, Jackson’s Invincible collaborator Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “JRoc” Harmon and Jackson Estate executor John McClain. Guest artists reported to appear (but not confirmed) include Jesse Johnson of The Time as well as Mary J. Blige, The Roots’ Questlove, and D’Angelo. Reid states in the March 31 press release announcing Xscape, “Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world. Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”

After the jump, we’ll take a look at what you might be able to expect on this new Jackson release!