HAROLD FALTERMEYER - Top Gun unreleased score [Camelblue's version] (1986)

This is a revamped post from years ago, per request. The quality and the cult-status of this music deserves it.
Get it while it's hot...

As you may know, this is not a movie score music blog.
This will be the only one ever posted here, because it's special. It belongs to the # 1 icon movie of the '80s, and remains unpublished.

Harold Faltermeyer's score couldn't have complimented the film any better.
His work defined the '80s style of action scoring, heavily synthesized, tuneful and rhythmic. It was years ahead of everything in its genre for the time.
This music score was the first to be performed and recorded DDD on the polyphonic 16 bit stereo Synclavier Digital Music System.
All started jointly with Giorgio Moroder with the idea to also compose catchy AOR / arena rock songs to complement the incidental music. But Faltermeyer left the project (apparently due to differences with executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer) and the Top Gun score incomplete. That's why never was released.
Some tracks were re-recorded for the film, but Harold's takes are far better.


I made my own version of this score.
Sources vary; most of them from a very rare big Harold folder I own containing true gems like rock&pop songs used in different OST and never released on any format, rejected scores, amazing demos and this, the Top Gun unreleased score. Some tracks were ripped (not by me) from the 5.1 DVD version of the movie.
There's not included here any song / version present in the official V.A. soundtrack, just the unreleased stuff.
As bonus, you have Giorgio Moroder's "Radar Radio", the first song playing on the jukebox at the end of the film, track only appeared as b-side of the movie promo vinyl single 'Take My Breath Away' by the band Berlin.

There's a CD bootleg release of this score-soundtrack (German I think), but miss many tracks. Recently I've seen another double-boot on eBay including my 'Radar Radio' vinyl rip! And even a complete rip-off of this file sold as 'original CD'.
Hope you enjoy my version. I didn't followed the movie's sequence, my tracklist order is just according to my taste.
Some track names may differ from the bootlegs, like 'Flying Again' = 'Get Back In The Saddle', 'New Mission = Mission Briefing', etc.
That's how they are labeled in my archives.

All tracks are original 320 Kbps files.
Artwork designed by me included.


01 - Opening Theme (2:39)
02 - MIG 28's (1:42)
03 - Viper's Dog Fight (2:08)
04 - Flying Again (3:20)
05 - Duke Mitchell's Story (1:09)
06 - Goose's Death / Goodbye Goose (1:49)
07 - Negative G Pushover (3:22)
08 - Who's Side Are You On / Never Again (3:30)
09 - Top Gun Anthem [film version] (3:45)
10 - Dog Fight #3 (2:38)
11 - Mighty Wings [instrumental] (1:40)
12 - Still Awake / Can't Sleep (2:07)
13 - Take My Breath Away [instrumental] (1:40)
14 - MIG's Dead Ahead (3:00)
15 - Flat Spin (4:26)
16 - New Mission (2:28)
17 - Memories (2:50)
18 - Great Balls Of Fire [demo] (2:33)
19 - Radar Radio [G. Moroder feat. Joe Pizzulo] (3:38)


TOP GUN SCORE - UNRELEASED


MIRROR
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HAROLD FALTERMEYER - The Ultimate Collection (2007)

Session musician, composer and producer Harold Faltermeyer redefined action film scoring in the '80s.
He is recognized as the man who introduced the typical synth rock&pop sound of the glorious decade into the movies, creating a new niche in the business.

Faltermeyer's career began in 1979, playing synthesizer on Donna Summers' "Bad Girls" album along with executive producer Giorgio Moroder.
Alternating his session work as musician and arranger, he started a parallel career composing incidental music for film studios.
Harold's first big smash hit was the electronic theme for Beverly Hills Cop ('Axel F') - one of the most successful soundtracks ever - followed by 1984 'Thief Of Hearts' and 1985 'Fletch' Original SoundTracks.
But Faltermeyer always will be remembered for his work on the eighties iconic movie 'Top Gun', the best selling soundtrak in history. With 'Top Gun Anthem', won his 2nd Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance with guitarist Steve Stevens.

Often imitated but never surpassed in his game, Harold's heavy synthesized style combined with bombastic electronic drums (or subtle programming when needed) become a staple in the genre.
"The Ultimate Collection" comprises his most known eighties works altogether with some pretty rare, unreleased and hard to find material, such as "Didi Der Doppelganger" or "Wake Up Musical" scores, the rare Wimbledon's "The Challenge" instrumental versions, and even the never officially released movie version of "Restless Hearts" ('The Running Man' 1987) performed by John Parr.


Not for sale, this double CD was made for promotional use only.
A collector's item, a must have for any OST fan and any true '80s sound lover.



VOL.1


The Ultimate Collection Vol.1




VOL.2


The Ultimate Collection Vol.2



ENJOY

HAROLD FALTERMEYER - Top Gun score [unreleased] (1986)

As you may know, this is not a movie score music blog.
This will be the only one ever posted here, because it's special.
It belongs to the # 1 icon movie of the eighties, and remains unpublished.

Harold Faltermeyer's score couldn't have complimented the film any better.
His work defined the 80's style of action scoring, heavily synthesized, tuneful and rhythmic.
It was years ahead of everything in it's genre for the time.
This music score was the first to be performed and recorded DDD on the polyphonic 16 bit stereo Synclavier Digital Music System.

The project started jointly with Giorgio Moroder, with the idea to also compose catchy AOR / arena rock songs to complement the incidental music.
But Faltermeyer left the project (apparently due to differences with producer JB) and the Top Gun score incomplete. That's why never was released.
Some tracks were re-recorded for the film, but Harold's takes are far better.

I've made my own version of this score.
Sources vary; most of them from a very rare big Harold demo folder I own, containing true gems like rock&pop songs used in different OST and never released in any format, rejected scores, amazing demos and the aforementioned Top Gun unreleased score.
Also some tracks ripped (not by me) from the 5.1 DVD version of the movie.
Not included here any song / version present in the official V.A. soundtrack. Just the unreleased stuff.
As bonus, Giorgio Moroder's 'Radar Radio', the first song playing on the jukebox at the end of the film, song only appeared as b-side of the movie promo vinyl single 'Take My Breath Away' by the band Berlin.

There's a CD bootleg release of this soundtrack (german I think), but miss many songs.
Recently I've seen another double-boot on eBay, including my 'Radar Radio' rip! (posted in my AOR Treasures Vol.10 compilation).
Hope you enjoy my version, I didn't followed the movie's sequence, my tracklist order is just according to my taste.
Some track names may differ from the bootlegs, like 'Flying Again' = 'Get Back In The Saddle', 'New Mission = Mission Briefing', etc.
That's how they are labeled in my archives.

All tracks are original 320 Kbps files.
Artwork designed by me included.



01 - Opening Theme (2:39)
02 - MIG 28's (1:42)
03 - Viper's Dog Fight (2:08)
04 - Flying Again (3:20)
05 - Duke Mitchell's Story (1:09)
06 - Goose's Death / Goodbye Goose (1:49)
07 - Negative G Pushover (3:22)
08 - Who's Side Are You On / Never Again (3:30)
09 - Top Gun Anthem [film version] (3:45)
10 - Dog Fight #3 (2:38)
11 - Mighty Wings [instrumental] (1:40)
12 - Still Awake / Can't Sleep (2:07)
13 - Take My Breath Away [instrumental] (1:40)
14 - MIG's Dead Ahead (3:00)
15 - Flat Spin (4:26)
16 - New Mission (2:28)
17 - Memories (2:50)
18 - Great Balls Of Fire [demo] (2:33)
19 - Radar Radio [G. Moroder feat. Joe Pizzulo] (3:38)



UPDATED HERE

AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.10

Here is another compilation of AOR / Melodic Hard Rock songs that were part of movies.
I'm surprised to have reached 10 volumes, a really time-consuming job, but worth the effort, due its worldwide acceptance.
Have seen most volumes posted in blogs and forums from India, Thailand, Nigeria, China ... incredible.


01 - VINCE NEIL
You're Invited But Your Friend Can't Come (film version) [Encino Man]
Song composed and recorded for this movie, along with Tommy Shaw & Jack Blades (DAMN YANKEES a.t.m.)
It was later wonderfully re-recorded to be included in Vince's 1st solo album "Exposed", but this original version has more guitars and fire.
A personal favourite.


02 - VICE
Keep Holding On [Bloodmoon]
Australian band, contributed two songs for this film, but only the score was released.
Party song similar to POISON. Pretty hard to find.


03 - MARK SPIRO
She Doesn't Mean A Thing To Me [Voyage Of The Rock Aliens]
Very rare soundtrack, good bunch of songs.
I've chosen this uptempo AOR song by Mark Spiro, not appeared in any of his albums.
Totally 80's !


04 - LISA LOUGHEED
Run With Us [The Raccoons]
Legitimate eighties sound: good vocals, electronic drums (so fashionable at the time), disco-keyboards and a guitar at the bottom in the mix, but always present and consistent throughout the song.
I love this tune.


05 - B.B. KING
Into The Night [Into The Night]
B.B King in a Hard / AOR compilation?
Yes, the 'King' couldn't resist the wave of the moment ('85), and recorded this song exclusively for this movie, with a very good feeling and pounding synth keyboards, but retaining its characteristic guitar sound.
Very Good.


06 - JOE LAMONT
Victims Of Love [Final Fantasy VIII]
Composer of countless film songs, this beautiful ballad was chosen as Final Fantasy VIII "love song".
Wonderful.


07 - DAUGHTRY
Feels Like The First Time [CNN America Votes '08]
Not exactly a soundtrack, but it was CCN's official song used for their television coverage of the USA 2008 elections.
FOREIGNER's classic, great version, approved by its creators as the best cover of this song ever made.
Rocks good.


08 - VINCE DiCOLA feat. STAN BUSH
TF:TM Main Title [Transformers The Movie]
Mythical soundtrack, this song wasn't included in the official album, but can be heard in some TV episodes.
Bombastic!


09 - GIORGIO MORODER
Success [Scarface]
Another song that does not ended in Scarface's official soundtrack.
A real mistake, since it's one of those typical Moroder compositions, full of cliché, but totally adorable!
Vocalist: unknown.
Included as an 'extra' in the movie video game.


10 - ERIC MARTIN & JUN SENOUE
The American Dream [Daytona USA]
Recorded exclusively for this game OST, very much in the vein of MR. BIG, albeit with cheaper production.
A good rocker.


11 - PAUL SABU
Street Angel (HRZ) [Hard Rock Zombies]
Never released soundtrack, songs composed and performed by Paul Sabu.
This is the main theme and one of the least known, low budget production and minimal lyrics, but fits perfectly into this b-movie.


12 - MYSTERY
She Likes Double Trouble [Koko Flanel]
Absolute rarity, track recorded by the good belgian band Mystery (before the release of their debut album) exclusively for this movie.
Hard melodic tune, only released as vinyl single in Belgium.


13 - GIORGIO MORODER feat. JOE PIZZULO
Radar Radio [Top Gun]
Item not present in the (perhaps) most famous 80's soundtrack.
Can be heard at the end of the movie (jukebox scene).
Rock 'n roll oldie (with eighties updated sound), sung by Pizzulo, famous in the westcoast genre and renowned sessionist.
Very rare song only appeared as b-side in a single promo.


14 - BRUCE SCOTT
Look At Me [10 To Midnight]
I really like this one.
Rare OST, this is the best track.
Unusual mix, displaying panned guitars in surround stereo.
Exclusive of this soundtrack.


15 - BILL WRAY
She Loves The Radio [Summer]
Unknown movie, TV only release.
Simply AOR-rock with noisy keyboards, only with three musical notes carries the pace of the song.
Totally 80's.


16 - VALERIE STEVENSON
Follow Your Dream [Project A-ko]
Japanese anime, which OST was put in charge of the gurus Joey Carbone & Richie Zito.
They have composed, played and produced all the songs, some instrumentals, some with hired singers.
This is my fav, mild, sweet and pleasant poppy AOR tune.
Only published in Japan.


17 - CHRIS THOMPSON
When The Night Falls In [Jolly Joker]
German TV series, Thompson recorded the title theme and this song, which I have chosen because it is quite different from what we usually hear from this artist.
Very rare and sought after by Chris fans, only released in Germany.


18 - JOHNNY LOGAN
White Magic [White Magic]
Beautiful ballad, written and arranged by the ubiquitous Harold Faltermeyer, and very well performed by this irish throat.


19 - HAROLD FALTERMEYER
Top Gun Anthem (Film Version) [Top Gun]
Harold again, with his most famous instrumental.
This is the other version that is heard in the film, less "anthemic".
I still prefer the official OST recording, much more organic and punchy, but I've added this 'film version' into my compilation because it's rare, Top Gun score never has been officially released.



70 min, vbr, artwork.
Most tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.


AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.10
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AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.7

Another one, with some pretty good rarities.
Remember, more comments, more uploads...

01 - Dennis Churchill - Crossing Over [Crystal Heart]WHITE SISTER's vocalist, bassist and composer (one of the most unjustly underrated AOR bands in history), performs a track full of magic, keyboards and thrill of 80's films. Exclusively for this movie.
02 - Kevin Chalfant & Satriani - Hold On To The Vision [No Retreat No Surrender]The great Chalfant, accompanied here by a then unknown Joe Satriani, a legendary song that was sought after by collectors for ages. Killer tune with all the punch and vibe of those years. Excellent.
03 - Double Dealer - Freedom [New Faces TV Show]
Canadian band that got its chance in this 'new talent TV show', winning a prize with this stunning song. A couple of years later they were able to release a full lengh album but did not have great promotion. HARDLINE fans will love this tune.
04 - Lessmann / Ziller (Bonfire) - Charlie und Luise [Charlie Und Luise]
Maybe you are wondering who these artists are. Clauss Lessmann and Hans Ziller are none other than BONFIRE's guitarist and vocalist, whom in '93 released an album as a duo (by the way, a very good one). Also, they recorded the 'Charlie and Luise' movie main theme, only released as single in their homeland. Delicious.

05 - David Glen Eisley - Sweet Victory [SpongeBob]
The unmistakable former GIUFFRIA's voice, with his trademak, power and emotion. Curious pick for a child's cartoon episode... Not included in the official soundtrack album, nor in any David solo.

06 - Ann Wilson - The Best Man In The World [Golden Child]
The great voice of HEART, song composed with her sister Nancy and talented arranger John Barry. Exclusive to this OST.

07 - Scott Grimes - Young & Wise [ER TV series]
Grimes, musician and actor, is part of the ER tv series cast since 2003. He penned a song for an episode. Great songwriting and emotive lyrics. Chilling Grime's performance, alone with his piano. Never was published in any format.

08 - George S. Clinton & Lisa Kauppi - The Cobra Strikes [American Ninja 3]
All terrain score composer, Clinton was encouraged to sing himself American Ninja's 3 central theme, and the truth is that he did a good job, but the big deal here its the song itself, with everything you look for in an 80's action movie track. Great.

09 - Ray Stevens - Cat's Eye [Cat's Eye]
Horror genre cult film, this is the main theme, pretty unknown, despite having all the ingredients to be a classic. Cliché fullfilled...so what? I love the 80's!

10 - Marietta - Thunder & Lightning [Fire, Ice & Dynamite]
Another great track from this great OST, catchy uptempo with very good guitars and nice keyboards. Exclusive to this movie.

11 - Gregg Tripp - I Don't Want To Live Without You [Kuffs]
Climatic song, had considerable radio airplay (at least at this side of the globe) when came out, and faded away. In the best THE SYNCH and REO Speedwagon tradition. Magnificent.

12 - Tony Carey - All In The Family [Der Joker]
The prolific Tony contributing several songs to the Der Joker flick, filmed and distributed only in Germany. This is one of them, classic Carey hallmark.

13 - Harold Faltermeyer (feat. Keith Forsey) - Bad Guys [Beverly Hills Cop 2]
Faltermeyer, another score monster, here with the depth and incredible voice of KEITH FORSEY (also great drummer and countless soundtrack producer), a song that did not ended in the official OST, but can be heard several times in the film. I love this song. A how-to studio recording lesson, perfect production.

14 - Peter Beckett - Jenny [Where The Boys Are '84]
Sir Beckett, singing, composing and producing this classic sound AOR piece, only released on vinyl. Exclusive to this soundtrack.

15 - Rick Springfield - Desperate Lives [Desperate Lives TV Movie]
Rick wrote and play the incidental music for this television only film. Also, the title track, with interesting lyrics that fits the screenplay perfectly. A fan club only release, very rare.

16 - Phoebe Cates - How Do I Let You Know [Private School]
It's not the eighth wonder in the songwriting world, but this track has all the lightness and freshness... Remember Phoebe? She was so lovely, we can pardon her limited skills singing...

17 - John Parr - The Minute I Saw You [3 Men And A Baby]
You know what to expect from a Parr tune. This is not the exception. A real good one. As far as I know, this song never was released. Heard twice during the movie. VHS-rip, stereo, good sound.

18 - Racer - For You [Lovelines]
Another film that has no soundtrack released. Amazing, since this is a musical movie, a band competition. This is my favorite song (although all are good), with a great chorus. Also Ripped from VHS, stereo.

19 - Alph Lyla & Yuji Toriyama - Hearts Of Fire (Ryu Theme) [Street Fighter 2]
The anime series have always been characterized by its great music. I chose this from Street Fighter II, which I think is the best of 'em. Fantastic melody and arrangements. VAI & SATRIANI fans, pay attention to this excellent playing.


As usual, + 70 min, vbr, artwork.
Most tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.


AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.7

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