Apparently this soundtrack exists on LP only so far ... but have a look here for some interesting info about the hexagonal vinyl record :

http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/articles/2001/16_Aug---Vinyl_Mail_Bag.asp

I don't know this particular score. In fact, the only one by Gil Melle I can recall right now is the score for BORDERLINE, what a great music ! Also waiting for its release.

42zaphod, December 7, 2004; 10:43 PM

It's a superb electronic score by a composer of profound imagination and talent.

The name Gil Melle in itself has a mysterious out of this world feeling about it.

From scarce jazz offerings on vinyl from the late 1950's to the hexagon shaped recording from the film "The Andromeda Strain" and beyond the music of Gil Melle is always outstanding and innovative.



, December 7, 2004; 11:10 PM

I'm always puzzled by the interest in this score. I can only assume it's
because it's so rare - and, by and large, because those who are hunting for it
have not actually HEARD it.

I'm a HUGE fan of Gil's music. I was passionately into his TV scores in the
1970s. I went to see THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR at cinemas because of his
music - and I wasn't disappointed. A tremendous, quirky sci-fi action score.

So when a friend offered to sell me the LP of THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, I
slapped the money in his hand without batting an eye ... and was severely
disappointed when I listened to it. It's a cold, alienating soundscape of
quasi-musical cues that support the movie well - but if you're a fan of Melle's
music because of Borderline or The Organization or The Ultimate Warrior or
Frankenstein:The True Story or The Questor Tapes or Columbo or any of his
other TV movies ... you will probably be chilled into boredom by this LP.



stephenlister, December 7, 2004; 11:06 PM

This is actually the only score of Gil Mellé that I have and personally know. So far, it has only been released on LP. Though somewhere I stumbled about a (japanese) CD description - I think - years ago - don't recall exactly. Do a google search, and you will probably end up with some info. I think it was only a compilation or something...

I truly love this score. Sure, it's otherworldly and cold - but completely unique. I am very much into experimental and early electronic sounds - but this one really is unique and - in my opinion - phenomenal and worth searching for.

Try www.astherecordturns.com. Very nice people and this is where I found my hex shaped copy about 2 years ago, so you never know...

Best,
Burnie


blinddoc, December 7, 2004; 11:22 PM

It's all a matter of mood.

Thats what makes listening to film music good.

Many times have I suited a particular mood with certain music.

"The Andromeda Strain" has the potential of enhancing an evening of mind wandering contemplation in a way that very few musical experiences can.

There are times when it may bore me as well then again there are times when a certain fusion of mind, thought and sound keeps company with it quite well.

The film scores of Popol Vuh could be considered equally compatable to a night of inner thought bordering on the outer realm of Saturn.

, December 7, 2004; 11:24 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. i'll keep on looking. :)

flambeur, December 8, 2004; 10:44 AM

Actually, the standard 12" lp is now considered to be the one that's harder to find and hence, more collectable.

weavercp, December 8, 2004; 5:25 PM

Since i have a serious cash flow problem and this item is seriously collectable:
no thanks but thanks!

flambeur, December 20, 2004; 3:36 PM

I engineered much of the soundtrack at Decca studios ( later MCA) with Gil Melle. The work took months, & I inherited the job after Gil literally wore out the first record engineer. Needless to say the state of electronics was primitive at that time, which probably added to the schedule. I have a copy of the hexagonal LP. I doubt that MCA will ever release it as a cd, although it could be licensed to another company.

stnycrk101, February 20, 2009; 6:07 PM

I recently inherited my grandfather's record collection, and along with it a original copy of the Andromeda Strain hexagonal LP. The record is in NM condition - looks like it may have been played once if ever. The cover is in VG -, the top and bottom right corners are slightly bent, but the rest of the cover (including the fold out sections) is in perfect condition.

If any one is interested in purchasing this record, I'm willing to send pictures and sell it for a reasonable price. My email is a.parks1018@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Alex

a.parks1018, June 17, 2010; 3:05 PM

On a related note, I have a copy of the non-hexagonal LP I would like to
sell. It was given to me as a peace offering, along with a bass guitar, by
a roomate who had to bail out early on our lease. I've personally only
listened to it once, it ain't my bag, and since I'm more into listening
than collecting, I'm looking to get rid of it. The LP itself is in outstanding
condition, I can't personally see a single scratch on it. The inner sleeve is
mint, the outer sleeve has very light ring wear and the upper right
corner is slightly bent. rockadayjimmy@gmail.com

rockadayjimmy, July 23, 2010; 5:33 PM