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Dragons Domain has reissued numerous albums from the former Unicorn-Kanchana Records label, in addition to revisiting classic Label X soundtracks. For this release, they have remastered and re-edited Bernard Herrmann’s 1975 recording of his 1960 score for Psycho. The re-recording, made with the National Philharmonic, is one of several notable sessions Herrmann led during the final years of his life.

For this edition, producer James Nelson has combined many of the shorter cues into single tracks, streamlining the original 30+ track album. While some purists might prefer the original breakdown, this approach creates a more cohesive listening experience overall.

Also included is Herrmann’s Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestra, a three-part suite of the score recorded at the same time and originally featured on one of the London/Decca Phase 4 albums. The release also retains Christopher Palmer’s original liner notes. In the end, this edition is an excellent choice for fans eager to hear Herrmann’s final interpretation of this seminal score.

For clips, visit the BuySoundtrax website. —Steven A. Kennedy

Comments regarding this review can be sent to: stev4uth@hotmail.com.