What would Herrmann have done for 007? by filmfactsman (June 11, 2005)
Sandwiched in between "Vertigo" and "Psycho", Bernard Herrmann's shimmering, sparkling score for "North By Northwest" further demonstrates the amazing versatility of the great composer. This recently (1995) restored and remastered soundtrack CD is as every bit as breathtaking and exciting as it was when first heard in the 1959 Hitchcock film masterpiece. The Motion Picture Academy once again failed to honor Herrmann with an Oscar nomination as they had failed to do so with both "Vertigo" the year before and "Psycho" the year after) and MGM chose not to issue a soundtrack album at the time of the film's release (they were probably too busy promoting "Ben-Hur"). Thirty-six years is a long delay for an original soundtrack album to be released, but it was well worth the wait. I never get tired of watching the wonderful film and listening to this incredible soundtrack. The Warner Bros. DVD contains a music-only audio track showcasing the score. Now how's that for a tribute?