Search - Edwin Astley :: The Saint: Music From The TV Series

Pure Cocktal Lounge Delight For Saint Fans

Paul A. Fucito | Washington, DC | 04/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Roger Moore played The Saint on television during the 1960's, the late Edwin Astley provided the perfect soundtrack, truly capturing the swashbuckling and debonair Simon Templer at his best. Like the early John Barry Bond music of the Connery-era, there is a cocktail-lounge feel to much of it ("Chaise Lounge," "Halo" and "Cantina" are perfect examples). Astley doesn't dissapoint however when it comes to scoring the action sequences, with songs like "The Saint Takes A Ride" and the infamous "Saint Theme" (which is longer on the soundtrack than it was in the opening credits of the show by the way). And if ever there was a song that encouraged one to snoop around, "Recumbent Love" is the perfect skullduggery theme.I disagree with one review in which the person can't recall any of the songs from the series. Upon watching the recently issued DVD series with Roger Moore, one can clearly hear a number of the songs, if not variations on them. Like many TV soundtracks, these versions are longer than the usual 30 to 60 second snippets they would have in any given episode. I do agree that the themes from "The Fiction Makers" and "Vendetta For The Saint" would make a perfect addition to the CD.The CD, a re-issue of the original vinyl pressing from the 60's, comes with an extensive booklet full of facts and photos from the famous tv series.The Saint was ruthless, romantic, arrogant, buccaneering, humourous, and suave. Edwin Astley has captured all of those traits with this fantastic collection. For fans of The Saint, this collection is a no-brainer. For fans of 60's cocktail, lounge, and spy music this is a must have. But grab it while you can as it is now out-of-print."

ASTLEY'S WORLD

THE FAMILY CAT | Blackpool England | 02/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the name of a documentary about Edwin Astley and which covered his early years.I am Virginia Astley's biggest fan and collect anything associated with her.
The CDs have long been overdue as the vinyl was only available in the States.
I also publish a couple of books called THE ASTLEY/TOWNSHEND DYNASTY and THE EDWIN ASTLEY TRIBUTE.
I have a photo site on PhotoBox of Edwin Astley pictures"