SUBWAY

The film

Luc Besson's excentric adventure tale "Subway" takes place almost exclusively in the giant subway structures of Paris. The prothagonist flees into the underground as he is being chased by a gang of suits. He gets involved with a rich lady of whome he stole something, he gets chased by the police, he meets a range of peculiar individuals who live in the undergrounds. A strangly appealing film that doesn't try to make sense as much as it tries to both entertain and fascinate. Or, as the song the end sais "It's only mystery, but I like it."

Serra didn't only write the score for this film, but he acted in it as well, playing the small role of the Enrico the bassplayer.

The music

 
  
 

The score prolifically uses rhytmic, funky music with some disco influences. It's heavy on the rhythm section, with Serra's baseguitar work sticking out. Melody is of less importance. Synthesizers are used to thicken the sound. The result is effective and catchy.

The song "It's only Mystery" is the pop ballad that the band performs near end of the film. Track 2 is also a song. Both were written by Serra, together with Corine Marienne and Louis Bertignac.

The LP was also released in the USA, on the famous soundtrack label "Varese Sarabande" (STV 81269), featuring a slightly different cover design than the French LP and CD. (see scan on the right)

Released in 1985
RCA . . . GMD 9702

Soundtrack Listeners Communications . . . SLCS 7065 [Japan]
    1.  Subway              1:45
    2.  Guns and People     3:53
    3.  Burglary            2:30
    4.  Masquerade          3:40
    5.  Childhood Drama     2:17
    6.  Man. Y              2:30
    7.  Congabass           1:32
    8.  Song To Xavier      2:25
    9.  Speedway            3:38
    10. It's Only Mystery   4:32
    11. Drumskate           1:50
    12. Dolphin Dance       2:30
    13. Racked Animal       3:00
    14. Pretext             5:00
    15. Dark Passage II     1:05
  

Single

 
 

A 7" single was released on vinyl, containing the album's two songs. "Guns and People" is featured on the A side, but the cover first lists "It's Only Mystery" so it's comparable to a double A-side release. Label is Gaumant on RCA, catalogue: GM 459702.

There was also a German 7" single for "It's Only Mystery", backed with Serra's instrumental "Masquerade" track. RCA, ZB40569. Germany also so a 12" maxi (45RPM) release of "Only Mystery", with both "Masquerade" and "Pretext" on the B side.


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