Budd's finest score; superb mix of influences
07/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Budd blends jazz, funk and eastern influences for this, the finest of his 1970s scores. Much sought after on vinyl thanks to the dancefloor-friendly, bass-heavy funk cuts, 'The Thief' and 'Thief On The Prowl'; this CD reissue gives the masses a chance to hear what the fuss is all about. Easy-listening fans will enjoy 'Brauty and the Bass', a wah guitar bossa nova. Jazz fans will find much to enjoy in the small group jazz tracks. In places lush and orchestral in scope; in others, tight and funky, Budd always maintains a tense atmosphere in keeping with the surprisingly good movie. A classic soundtrack to rank along with 'Shaft', 'Superfly', 'Trouble Man' and 'Bullitt'."