La Pietra

Record Kicks presents "La Pietra", the 45-exclusive track by Whatitdo Archive Group, now available on all digital platforms.

For the first time ever, Record Kicks is pleased to announce the release of the long lost soundtrack by Whatitdo Archive Group: the Italian Cinematic Masterpiece "The Black Stone Affair''. The Soundtrack will be released on April 09 on Gatefold LP, CD and Digital Download. "La Pietra", which will be first released on a 45 vinyl together with "The Return Of Beaumont Jenkins" on March 05, is a non-album bonus track and it will be available on all digital platforms on March 19.

Long thought to be lost alongside the movie itself by the production studio, the soundtrack's master reels were recently recovered and its audio meticulously restored and remastered by J.J. Golden in Ventura, CA. The movie itself was understood to be unusual for its time: a globetrotting adventure/western-noir written and directed by aspiring visionary, Stefano Paradisi. Unfortunately for Paradisi, the tragic loss of his masterpiece also meant the end of his short lived career in movies. People who worked on the film have been cited as saying this film was going to be a turning point in Italian cinema and henceforth put Paradisi on the map alongside the likes of Fellini and Antonioni.

Although "La Pietra" was ultimately left on the cutting room floor when Whatitdo Archive Group was assembling the soundtrack order, the "black stone" or "pietra" will always be the star of the film, and this bonus track encapsulates everything the stone represents in pure sonic form. Even if this track boasts a strong rhythm section featuring bass, drums and baritone guitar, its composition is ultimately orchestral. Tubular bells, timpani and violins swirl across the sonic spectrum and dance over one of the heaviest drum breaks from this time period. Despite these symphonic instruments, this 45-exclusive easily serves itself as a must-have in any modern DJ's wallet of 45's housing their secret sonic killers ripe for their audience to covertly Shazam.

While the movie never saw the light of day, the soundtrack by obscure band Whatitdo Archive Group was thankfully recovered. The music itself is staggering to hear and these first tracks are just a little appetizer of what you'll be hearing on the LP.