From Amazon.co.uk
The Ipcress File hails from the most liberatingly experimental period in film music: composer John Barry could choose an instrument such as the twanging cimbalom without worrying that it was geographically inaccurate. His "Man Alone" theme, therefore, made a big impression in 1965 and has proved one of his most lasting favoured creations.
The Ipcress File gave Michael Caine his first leading role, and he has consistently praised the composer for the boost it gave his career. This album features the "Man Alone" theme in all its incarnations. There's "Jazz Along Alone", "Alone in Three-Quarter Time" and "Alone Blues". Even though the theme never overstays its welcome, there are other great tracks in between, most of which perpetuate the film's darkly mysterious atmosphere, such as "Meeting with Grantby and Fight"). Potentially distracting to some listeners are the dialogue extracts which alternate with the music cues. They can't completely spoil the score's effect, but do be prepared for the "secret track" which definitely will be as annoying to you as it was to Palmer. --
Paul Tonks
