MovieChat Forums > How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980) Discussion > Catchy Patrick Williams score with R+B/f...

Catchy Patrick Williams score with R+B/funk overtones.


Like many posting on these forums, I also grew to love this film dearly as of its early 80's cable rotation. Of course, its dynamite leading ladies are a major asset, as its scathing sense of humor and numerous hilarious set-ups.

However, I've always felt that one of its most underrated plusses is the score by Patrick Williams. Williams was such a diverse composer, whose work ranged from luxurious traditional orchestral scores, to jazzy suspense (a la Lalo Schifrin), and a handful of these very memorably melodic rock/R&B fusion scores.

This one in particular has that fantastically catchy, tight bass melody that links most of the cues, and good dose of (what sounds like) supplemental Spanish guitar. The whole thing yields a very effective medley of rock, jazz, R&B, funk, and a few disco overtones in places...all of which has a very distinct personality of its own when juxtaposed together. Really great score.

Another solidly good collaboration between Patrick Williams, Hubert Laws, and Earl Klugh is the score to 1985's JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS. While that work bears more of a mid-80's sound, with heavy synthesizer that likens perhaps a Dave Grusin score of the same period, it still has those tight bass melodies and R&B overtones that make the sound easily identifiable in all the right ways.

As for HIGH CO$T, anyone else here have a standout love for this score?

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I've collected soundtracks for 30-some years. This is one of my earliest soundtrack memories. I have not seen the movie since the early 80s, but to this day I can still remember the main theme.
The movie is so good- an original heist movie with so many memorable characters and situations.

I have been waiting for so long for the likes of Intrada, LaLaLand, Kritzerland, or BSX to put this music on CD.

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AdmNaismith, thank you so much for commenting and sharing in the joy of this soundtrack. So sorry I didn't see your post sooner.

Incidentally, as it turns out...there HAS been a CD release of this on Wounded Bird records.
http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/title/26566/How+To+Beat+The+High+Co%24t+Of+Living

Some generous person uploaded it onto YouTube, and it was so affirming to hear that music in its entirety in a digital presentation without that "bootleg record" sound. Alas, the upload has been taken down. But I'll send you a PM or something if I see it's been posted again.

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Can't say I thought much of the score, but diff'rent strokes.

This movie plays like a TV movie throughout and the score resembles music from 70s series like "Charlie's Angels" or "CHiPS," which reinforces this.

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I like the score, but would have to agree, I never thought much about it.

I like the setting, actually. I live about an 90 minutes from the CA-OR border, which is only a few hours south of Eugene (well, maybe 4-6). It really is that beautiful up (t)here, even 35 years later. I love the intro, where the camera does a wide sweep of Eugene.

Another thing: Even tho the 'Valley River Center' is mentioned several times, is the word 'mall' ever actually spoken? I was about 11 when this movie came out, and I think I'd already been to a few malls already. I don't think anyone ever says the word 'mall' in this movie. Can anyone corroborate this??

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