The audience of The Wicker Man experiences the pagan Sommerisle through the eyes and ears of the devoutly Anglican Sergeant Howie, and the soundtrack by Paul Giovanni and Lodestone (aka Magnet) is a reflection of that. It eschews the classical approach to music in favor of melodies with older roots, intoxicating folk music that overwhelms Howie when he arrives on Sommerisle. Even when the score does slip into a more conventional style, as it does with "Horn at Cave - Cave Chase"'s senenties chase-music, it can't resist skewing the tunes.

"Corn Riggs 1 & 3" introduces the floating folk music that is expressed in various ways throughout the soundtrack. "Loving Couples," for example, is a strange mood piece with underlying sounds of sex and crying. (Some listeners will recognize therein the melody of "Gently Johnny," a song from the longer version of the film and one that is not included on this album.) "Willow's Song" is the most easily recognizable song on the album, and, in its thumping compulsiveness, is also the most involving. "Ruined Church Sequence," with its echoing trumpets, is my favorite of the folk-mood music in The Wicker Man. In order to not belabor my point, let me say that each track on the album has its own appeal, from the homey calm of the "Corn Riggs" to the nearly drunken revelry of "Procession" to the chilling joyousness of "Summer Is A Coming In."

Since the music of The Wicker Man is such an important component of the movie's feel, it perhaps makes sense that this album sounds as if it were taken directly from a print of the movie itself. This may be distracting to some, but for me it kept The Wicker Man's spirit intact. Unfortunately, it also results in some of the music being effectively drowned out by noises from the film (this is especially noticeable in "Hobby Horse & Tarring.") The album also sounds as if it has escaped the attention of any remastering efforts--sound quality varies throughout and is occasionally disappointing. Furthermore, I'm confused that despite the album's kitchen sink approach--it even includes a song composed of nothing but timpani hits--it doesn't include music from the longer version of the movie. I understand the recent US release of the score comes from a superior source and features additional material--I look forward to experiencing it. However, for the Wicker devotee, this release should suffice.