I first learnt about the great Italian soundtrack composer the late Piero Umiliani with the “Musicaelettronica” compilations featuring his proto-electronique synth music. That posthumous compilation was so-so yet it was enough to spark interest in hunting down one of his best soundtrack work, “Cinque Bambole.” A hell of a composer on the seminal Right Tempo/Easy Tempo recordings from Italy, he is most famous for “Mahna Mahna” the famed The Muppet Show piece, but it’s kind of a disrespect to his other work which spans more than 100 lps and 45s and the soundtracks for more than 200 italian movies.

I can’t say how much I love the leitmotif melody which Umiliani takes through a plethora of styles with ease. Today the rehashed 70’s Italian lounge sound can be heard on many lacklustre chillout compilations, but after hearing this you’ll agree with me that none capture the timbre and creativity of the authentic sound. This album will take you back to days of straight-haired, miniskirted women spies and car chases in European streets.

Piero Umiliani - Cinque Bambole (Version Coro)
Piero Umiliani - Danza Primitiva
Piero Umiliani - Danza Jazz
Piero Umiliani - Fantoccio Grottesco
Piero Umiliani - Cinque Bambole Rosa (Organo E Ritmi)
Piero Umiliani - La Volta Stellare