So, civilisation has now advanced to the level where the latest craze in Hollywood is for self-parody monster movies; after the likes of Deep Rising and Lake Placid comes Eight-Legged Freaks (renamed from its original title of Arac Attack so that the most stupid members of the American public didn't go to the cinema expecting a thoughtful documentary about the Gulf War). My favourite title (also listed on the European release of the album) is the French Les Monstres à Huit Pattes.

Ottman quickly sets out his stall with a boisterous, engaging main title theme in "Spider Mania". It's a catchy (if simplistic) theme that recurs a few times through the album (what's this - film composer writing theme but not over-using it - government demands probe). The rest of the score is pleasantly melodic, always good fun and entertaining to listen to. Few tracks really stand out - the mood is constant, the music never takes itself especially seriously and there's fun to be had by all.

Don't be under any illusions that this is a major work, but sometimes sheer fun overtakes more serious considerations when it comes to film score albums. At a shade under fifty minutes, the slapstick wears a bit thin (before Varèse started releasing longer albums I always complained they were too short; now I complain they're too long - miserable old git that I am) but you can hear the fun Ottman had while composing it, and that wears off onto the listener too.

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