Jerry Goldsmith's vast western output of the 1960s and early 70s was barely represented on CD until about two years ago, and those titles that were available were not really among his best. What happened to change this? Film Score Monthly. They almost single-handedly addressed the hole in film music albums before other companies jumped on the bandwagon until we're now in the situation where most of Goldsmith's best scores in the genre are now available for us all to enjoy.

One of the very best is 100 Rifles, an obscure film made in the aftermath of The Wild Bunch that attempted (but failed) to replicate its success. Starring Burt Reynolds and Racquel Welsh (always a sure sign of quality), the film was directed by Tom Gries. Goldsmith's score is strident, exciting and every bit as potent as the film is impotent.

The opening title theme is one of the composer's catchiest western themes and had it been in a more successful film I'm sure it would be known around the world today. The rest of the score is a well-oiled combination of Mexican elements, solid Americana and terrific, adrenaline-pumping action music that only Goldsmith could have delivered. "The Hanging" and "Cliff Fight" are fine examples of the composer's avant garde experimentations of the time but are surrounded by exquisite melodies. "Escape and Pursuit" and "Downhill Ride" are among the most thrilling pieces of action music he's written.

The album is presented in two halves - first in great-sounding stereo, then the whole thing again (plus a couple of extra cues that did not survive in stereo, including the incredible "Downhill Ride") in mono. Liner notes are as comprehensive as ever and the pictures of Racquel Welsh are both plentiful and most welcome. Unmissable album.