It's legit. (Even though Mr. Kendall would deny it.) The quality is impeccable and I'm very glad
Harkit has released it. I'd be curious though if and how FSM is going to release this score. But
I'm sure he couldn't add to the quality.

coma, May 2, 2006; 11:55 PM

THis is indeed a bootleg and you can trace it down to the fact it is derived from a LP bootleg itself - it doesn't matter how good it sounds it is still a bootleg. The widow of Michael Small has even said in a recent interview that to her knowledge it has never had a legit release even on LP she stated that a pressing was said to have been done at the time of the films original release but to her knowledge she had never seen a copy.

The quality may be good doesn't account for the fact it is a bootleg that is able to be released due to different legal reasons.

Believe me I want to buy it but won't I'd rather have a real issued release. a bootleg I can download for free if I wanted.

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 12:34 AM

Oh no, not these typical argumentations from the former colonies again!

coma, May 3, 2006; 12:57 AM

I recently received my cd copy and have to admit that the overall production of ''Klute'' by Harkit as well as the music by Michael Small is wonderful.
Whether it is a legitimate release it is not up to me to decide.

There was a thread in this forum not so long ago debating the sound quality of this cd and whether Harkitt had pulled this cd recording directly from their LP and so on. To me this is all hearsay. The sound quality is excellent!
In fact I have a few other cd releases by Harkit and the cd sound quality is excelllent as well.

If and when this cd is released by FSM, extended or not, I will most likely buy it in addition to the Harkit release simply because I like to listen to, collect, and support all the meticulous FSM releases but until then I believe that anyone who is contemplating about purchasing ''Klute'' they should just go ahead and buy it with no hesitations. FSM might not release ''Klute'' and this wonderful Harkit limited release might sell out and become out of print.

Ciao!

serifiot, May 3, 2006; 1:11 AM

Coma if you don't have the facts then you have nothing to back it. THese have been written facts. If by chance FSM can release the soundtrack you have to realize this is done when the studio allows it and they use the best track masters they can get in touch with. --- plus Coma if you want the real truth why don't you go to Harkit and demand the truth ask them Where did you get the sound tracks from for this release? Is it really from a formerly pressed LP? If so hell why not just bootleg everything while we are at it. I recorded some tunes off the radio back in the 80's we can transfer those to CD I'm sure the original artist won't mind and I can sell those thru Harkit. Until Harkit speaks up and tells the truth then we can only assume the worst which is what is factual. You can argue it till you die Coma I'm sure Harkits release of the score is nice but doesn't make it legit. End of story.

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 1:01 AM

WHO CARES? It's an excellent release!


conjuctionjuction, May 3, 2006; 1:17 AM

Jack,

I do not think it's up to me to check the contracts. But it's a common nuisance that most
Americans consider european releases (which are licensed for european countries only) as
illegal.
Sorry, but there are many cases where the rights are held by various owners and just
because a label can't afford to secure worldwide rights, it's absolutely no reason to disqualify
them as frauds.
Furthermore, Harkit is a renowned label - whether you like their products or not - and if they
were doing what you are implying, they would commit mercantile suicide.

I guess it would be high time to accept that there are labels which might not behave
according to the american idea of business conduct and who are legal though.

And, as this is not the FSM board, I do not take Mr. Kendall - who has all my respect - for the
proclaimer of the Ten Commandments. He surely follows his own business interests.

Regards,

David


PS: 100 points for self-righteousness anyway!

PPS: Sorry for having kicked off such a debate again..!

coma, May 14, 2006; 4:57 PM

Amen!... Unfortunately you are talking to a wall coma. Some people only choose to see black and white.

conjuctionjuction, May 3, 2006; 1:33 AM

Ok Coma I'll leave it as this --- Harkit took an LP and then they transferred the sound to a CD format - Great work WOW they did such a great Job Let's all go buy it. It seems so legal! Coma you sure you don't run a bootlegging business of your own?

I do realize that there are IMPORTED soundtracks that are legit etc such is the case for Legend (Goldsmith) back in the day but common sense should tell you there was no work involved in doing what Harkit did to get the CD released. It may sound great but Mr Small doesn't have a say in teh matter now does he.

Furthermore when FSM or any other legit label releases a soundtrack usually they do a bit of research trying to track down the best sound elements possible for the release copying LPs just to sell a release is lazy. and Harkit=Lazy

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 1:49 AM

Geez--sorry I asked the question in the first place!

(Do you have to be Jewish to work at Bagel Nosh?)

filmfactsman, May 3, 2006; 1:47 AM

Jack... let's say that this cd is from an LP source. I'm assuming you are referring to the Harkit LP. Where did Harkit get their masters to make the LP in the first place back in the late 90's? Didn't they have to pay someone to acquire the masters?

conjuctionjuction, May 3, 2006; 1:47 AM

Conjuntion - The LP is a bootleg. It was stated in a magazine article by Michael Small's widow that the LP was NEVER EVER RELEASED. SO much so they never owned a copy. Wouldn't you think the creator would own a copy some point in time? Question that.

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 1:50 AM

I guess it is obvious KLUTE = Controversy on both sides! We shouldn't ever speak of it again.

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 2:02 AM

At least *some* other Harkit titles are obviously mastered from the LPs, so I always thought they did master their first LP release of Klute from the "Warner" bootleg, and after profiting enough on the LP, they finally released it on a CD now (this last sentence is only a wild guess from me, probably untrue).

42zaphod, May 3, 2006; 2:03 AM

Do you believe everything you read Jack?
What do you mean the Harkit LP is a bootleg? How many LP releases of Klute are there anyway? Did not M. Small record his music in a studio once? Were there not master tapes for his recordings once? Where are these master tapes today? How did Harkit make the recording? Did they use a VHS tape or DVD release? I don't understand your claim.


conjuctionjuction, May 3, 2006; 2:19 AM

Conjuntion my claim is based upon a magazine interview discussing MR Smalls work in it his widow discussed tha fact that Warners was working on a LP release that was known to be limited HOWEVER she stated that she had never seen this release and since Warners never issued it she had yet to have a copy in her possesion. You'd think the family would have one. Now I'm sure it was pressed prob so but Harkit got a hold of that I would say and then they released their LP version yrs back then took that LP and copied it for the new CD transfer. This article appeared in FSM as I think there next to last or next to the next to last printed isssue so to speak. Far ahead of any news of the Harkit CD release.

It has been said that many of Smalls masters were destroyed it may the case that the now "bootlegged" lp version is all that is out there as a master - the fact is this is still a BOOTLEGGED pressing. Everyone knows it. If you are intelligent you will see the truth. I'm sure it is a nice release I want to buy it myself but I won't since it isn't right, it isn't fair to the artist or his family who would rather have a say in a legit release.

You can make up your own mind buy it if you like or have purchased it no big deal. Enjoy.

JackDVD78, May 3, 2006; 2:26 AM

Jack it's all too confusing. I would like to read that FSM article. The cd sounds great anyway. You are cheating yourself on a good listen.

conjuctionjuction, May 3, 2006; 3:11 AM

Filmfactsman... I think you should go ahead and make your purchase of Klute. You won't regret it. Perhaps you can compare it to the WS release you have and let us know if it is sounds like an LP recording.

serifiot, May 13, 2006; 7:44 PM

I had forgotten to mention something a while ago. The bootleg release was "masterminded" by an old acquaintance Bruce Kimmell and his pals in 1977. The WS LP sounds sensational, better than the Harkit LP release. I guess I'll buy the CD and see for myself (even though I've had the orig. bootleg LP(s)--I have 3 copies--converted to CD years ago. Don't ask--don't tell!)

filmfactsman, May 3, 2006; 4:48 AM

Wouldn'it it be nice to say how great this music is ? And be thankful someone made it available ? By the way, if you'd like to listen to "The Parallax View" and improve your french in the meantime, check this page : http://jacquesclouseau.free.fr/ !


jcmanu, May 3, 2006; 4:59 AM

Hi Guys

I have the WS LP - there are NO credits or copyright dates at all on the label - just WS 1940
The Summer Of 42 soundtrack is WS 1925 - the Billy Jack Soundtrack is WS 1926 - all from late 1971
The Klute soundtrack MAY have been scheduled for release, but it never eventuated
I have the Harkit LP - it has been dubbed from the WS LP. They did agreat job but it is an LP dub
I also have the Harkit CD - it is also an LP dub, it is a very nice job, but it is still an LP dub. Remastered master tapes would never sound like this.
I agree that is an exceptional score - what a pity that it probably won't get a legal release

Steve - Australia

scrumpl, May 3, 2006; 5:44 AM

On the back of the CD it says - Music published and licensed by Warner Tamerlane Publishing. Design by B Jones. Research and notes by Kathryn Simon. Special thanks to Travis Hooper & Chuck Eby. Restoration by Raymond Steeg at Dutch Masterers. This edition copyright and published 2006 by Harkit Entertainment Ltd.

Andrew

andrewdbaird, May 4, 2006; 9:11 PM

Bought the CD--listened to it several times--and updated my comments. No regrets.

http://soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackreviews.php?movieid=22405&;labelid=

filmfactsman, May 7, 2006; 10:55 PM

After all the distrust posted by some of the members on this forum concerning the sound quality, I'm really glad you think it's fine like I do and you're enjoying it!

serifiot, May 8, 2006; 1:37 AM