The term ‘cult’, in reference to artistic productions, can have two meanings: the first concerns those works that have become so famous by crossing the barriers of a specific genre of belonging and being part of a global culture, something that ‘one can’t be unaware of’; the second one refers to what was unjustly neglected at the time of its release, and that has only recently been rediscovered and re-evaluated by a small group of enthusiasts.
In this second sense, “La via della droga” (mainly exported as “The Heroine Busters” or “Dealer Connection”) is a totally cult film: a serious crime movie, coming out when (1977) the genre was already losing it at the expense of the cheaper ‘Italian comedy’, could not last long. And so it was, in fact, despite the presence of the actor David Hemmings, the same starring in “Deep Red”.
An even more cult item is Goblin’s soundtrack, here in a 4-piece configuration (Simonetti / Morante / Pignatelli / Marangolo) immediately after the recording of “Suspiria” and keyboardist Guarini’s resignation. It had been necessary to wait until the ’90s for an official publication of those songs that remained completely unedited for over two decades.
“La via della droga” comes out on AMS Records for the Record Store Day 2016. It’s the first vinyl edition ever, with new artwork and a poster attached with reproductions of flyers and lobby cards of the film. The vinyl also, in white color, carries tracks that hadn’t yet seen the light outside of the movie, for a total of over 34 cuts! In a few words: the most complete version ever released of this hidden gem!!!
Tracklist:
Side A:
1.La via della droga, M1, M4, end titles (full version)
2.Hong Kong (main titles), M2
3.Cartagena, M3
4.The couriers’ arrival, M5
5.The stakeout, M6
6.Blitz at the hotel, M7
7.Drug coat, M8
8.Beating, M9
9.Withdrawal symptoms, M10
10.Heroin, M11
11.Heroin, M11 (unused version)
12.Abjection / Jailbreak, M12+M13
13.Mike and Fabio, M14
14.Psychedelic lesbo, M15
15.Psychedelic lesbo, M15 (unused version)
16.Manhunt, M16
17.Assignment in Genoa, M17
18.Jewelry store robbery, M18
Side B:
19.The end of Gillo and Vera, M19
20.The end of Gillo and Vera, M19 (unused version)
21.The bait, M20
22.Courthouse, M21
23.Shooting at the courthouse, M22
24.Motorbike escape, M23
25.Tailing 1, M24
26.Tailing 2, M25
27.Raid at the Chemical, M26 I/II
28.Breathless run, M27
29.In the construction site, M28
30.Chased, M29
31.In the tunnel, M30
32.Motocross at Caracalla, M31 (unused)
33.Air duel, M32 (unused)
34.Bonus track: Amsterdam – Hong Kong – Cartagena – Roma – New York, M1-M4 (film version)
