Episode 106
Electronic Music of Dune
Playlist
Toto, “Main Title,” “Robot Fight,” and “Dune (Desert Theme)” from Main Title / Robot Fight / Dune (Desert Theme) (1984 Polydor). A single produced from the soundtrack of the David Lynch film version of Dune (1984). Toto, with its big synthesizers, created most of the soundtrack, although Brian Eno, Roger Eno and Daniel Lanois had one track (included later in this podcast). Bass, David Hungate; Drums, Percussion, Jeff Porcaro; Guitar, Steve Lukather; Keyboards, David Paich, Steve Porcaro. 6:36
David Matthews, “Part I: Arrakis,” “Part II: Sandworms,” “Part III: Song Of The Bene Gesserit,” “Part IV: Muad'Dib” from Dune (1977 CTI Records). Arranged by David Matthews and produced by Creed Taylor for his CTI jazz label, this was an extended work inspired by the novel by Frank Herbert. Cliff Carter plays the solo synth (mini-Moog?) on the first track and other places. The work is jazz with bits of electronic music blended into the instrumentation. It remains an interesting artifact partly because of the legal problems CTI faced once they released the album. Because CTI had not secured writer Frank Herbert’s authorization to use his novel Dune as the thematic center piece for the album, Herbert filed a law suit against CTI and won, forcing the label to delete it from catalog. For this reason, that interesting album was never reissued in the USA. Enjoy. Alto Saxophone, David Sanborn; Bass, Mark Egan; Bass Trombone, Dave Taylor; Concertmaster, Sanford Allen; Drums, Andy Newmark, Steve Gadd; Flute, Piccolo Flute, Dave Tofani; Guitar, Eric Gale, Hiram Bullock; Keyboards, Cliff Carter; Oboe, Clarinet, Lew Del Gatto; Percussion, Gordon Gottlieb, Sue Evans; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Grover Washington, Jr.; Trombone, Jerry Chamberlain*, Sam Burtis, Tom Malone, Wayne Andre; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Burt Collins, Jim Bossy, Joe Shepley, John Gatchell, Jon Faddis, Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker; Vocals, Googie Coppola. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, June 1977. The first side is the Dune suite, the second side features interpretations of other sci fi film themes (Silent Running, Star Wars, etc.). 20:29
Frank Herbert reading Dune from Dune, The Banquet Scene (1977 Caedmon Records) combined with a track by Alan R. Splet, “Space Travel W/ Changing Choral Textures” (2003 Sub Rosa) from An Anthology Of Noise & Electronic Music / Second A-Chronology 1936-2003. The recording of Herbert was made at the height of the Dune craze, the late 1970s. When David Lynch made his film for release in 1984, he was working with Splet who is not credited by whom may have contributed some electronic and ambient sounds. This track appears to confirm that and I’ve combined it with the Herbert reading. 5:07
Brian Eno, Roger Eno and Daniel Lanois, “Prophecy Theme” from Dune (Original Soundtrack Recording) (1984 Polydor). This little track was the only one that remained of Eno’s contributions to the Dune soundtrack, although he reportedly composed an entire movie’s worth of music for the film. Some was used as incidental music. 4:21
Zheani, “The Litany Against Fear” from Eight (2018 Sleepcvlt). Cassette release from this Australian rapper, electronic musician, model and actress.This is a famous quote from Herbert’s Dune and seemed fitting to have it represented by a musician for the podcast. 0:36
Klaus Schulze, “Dune” from Dune (1979 Brain). Yes, Schulze, too, was infected with the Dune craze and created this ambitious 30-minute work to acknowledge it. This is a truly lovely electronic work from those days when Schulze was largely still working analog synthesis, and synthesize voices and orchestral sounds, much like his earlier album X. The cello is played by Wolfgang Tiepold, produced by and all keyboards by Klaus Schulze. The first side comprises the piece called Dune and the second side features an unrelated work with vocals by Arthur Brown. An intriguing album all around! 30:05
Graeme Revell & The City Of Prague Philharm