Meaning:
The quote you provided is from Jonny Greenwood, a musician best known as the lead guitarist of the band Radiohead. In the quote, Greenwood expresses his admiration for the soundtrack of the film "The French Connection II," calling it his favorite soundtrack. He also mentions that the soundtrack has not been officially released, and he had to obtain the music by making a recording of the film.
"The French Connection II" is a 1975 crime thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, and Bernard Fresson. The film is a sequel to the 1971 movie "The French Connection" and follows Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle as he travels to Marseille, France, to track down the drug smuggler who eluded him in the first film.
The soundtrack for "The French Connection II" was composed by Don Ellis, an American jazz musician known for his innovative approach to big band music and his use of unorthodox time signatures. Ellis was also known for his work in film scoring, and "The French Connection II" was one of the notable films for which he provided the music.
It's interesting to note that Greenwood, in the quote, mentions that the soundtrack of "The French Connection II" had not been officially released. This is not an uncommon occurrence in the film industry, as there are instances where a film's soundtrack may not receive a commercial release for various reasons. This can be disappointing for fans of the music, especially when the soundtrack is highly acclaimed, as in the case of Greenwood's admiration for the "The French Connection II" soundtrack.
Greenwood's actions to obtain the music by making a recording of the film reflect the dedication and passion that music enthusiasts often have for acquiring and preserving rare or unreleased music. This also speaks to the impact that film music can have on listeners, as Greenwood's effort to obtain the soundtrack indicates the profound impression the music made on him.
As a musician himself, Greenwood is likely drawn to the unique qualities of the "The French Connection II" soundtrack, which was composed by Don Ellis. Ellis was known for his experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music, incorporating elements of jazz and avant-garde sounds into his compositions. It's possible that Greenwood's appreciation for the soundtrack stems from its unconventional and innovative musical qualities, which align with his own artistic sensibilities as a musician.
Overall, Greenwood's quote about the "The French Connection II" soundtrack sheds light on the often overlooked but significant role of film music in shaping the artistic experiences of both filmmakers and audiences. It also underscores the lasting impact that a compelling film score can have on a listener, prompting them to go to great lengths to obtain and appreciate the music. While the soundtrack may not have received an official release, Greenwood's words serve as a testament to the enduring power of film music and its ability to resonate deeply with those who encounter it.