John Carpenter and Alan Howarth - They Live (OST) [Ltd Ed Black & White Galaxy Vinyl] (RSD Essentials 2022)

A classic story of one man fighting for the freedom of the world with a great science-fiction twist. This movie is full of amazing dialogue and also contains the greatest fist fight in the history of cinema. Like most of Carpenter's films, They Live has an urban-western feel to it, which is emphasized by the infectious score.

Celebrated designer and artist Alan Hynes has crafted a spectacular collectible package for the soundtrack befitting the film’s theme of subliminal communication, utilizing the iconic sunglasses to reveal hidden messages as you pull the disc sleeve from the slip case.

Carpenter and Howarth's main theme conjures up images of a lone cowboy entering town, with the main melody augmented with the sounds of harmonica and saxophone. There's a carefree attitude which reflects Rowdy Roddy Piper's character, but the score takes on a more sinister tone when he realizes he doesn't know anything about what's really going on. Carpenter's signature synth tones create an uncomfortable atmosphere, but the main bassline is always fighting against them, never giving up. Electric guitar is used fleetingly, but brilliantly, and the whole score embodies the kind of rebelling against authority Carpenter is famous for.