Soundtrack Information

This page is meant to inform people on where to get "the music that is" The 'Burbs. One of the most frequent questions I get (as well as the message board) is in regards to the soundtrack.

1.) Question: I love the music in The 'Burbs. Is there a soundtrack for The 'Burbs? If so, where can I get it?

Answer: I know, we all do. If you don't, you're a freak. Yes, as you may or may not know, Jerry Goldsmith composed the music for the movie. Unfortunately, Varese Sarabande only released 2,500 copies of the CD. Despite some confusion, the CD was released in 1992 even though the movie came out in 1989. Each copy is hand painted, crafted, and numbered (actually, just hand numbered). They were never available in stores, only through the Varese music club. You can find them for sale at several places on the net. They are hard to find, so expect to pay between $70 to $120. I found my copy from this site. Please be careful when buying there, it is risky. And don't think you can just waltz down to your used CD store and pick up a copy for $2.99. I could happen, but it wont--trust me. People who have the CD know what is is worth.

Answer: It does have most of the music from the movie. Of course, this is a score-only CD. There are only instrumental songs (unless you count a lady's "ahh"'s or a dog's barking singing. It is around 31 minutes long. There are a few parts of the CD that were not in the movie. They are not major, they are merely little themes to tie the tracks together. There is, however, rumors of an extended score which is 60 minutes long.

3.) Question: Where can I find this extended score? What is missing off the regular release?

Answer: I don't really think you can. I'm sure it exists...somewhere, but I've only heard rumors. The regular release had a lot of music cut out which made people mad. The main themes I can think of that were cut out is the little peice when Ray and Art are using credit card to open the Klopek's door. That theme is really cool (it is the one with the tambarine). There is also a peice at the end with an electric guitar playing the main theme. That isn't on the regular release.

4.) Question: Where can I find the songs from the movie that are not instrumental?

Answer: There are several songs in the movie that are not score, but available in other places. Please refer to the bottom of this page to see what other music is in the movie.

5.) Questions: Is is possible that The 'Burbs soundtrack will be re-released? I mean, is there anyone I can write to beg to release it again?

Answer: I know, I know. It really isn't fair. It took several years after the movie came out for the score to be released--and some release it got! Should we be happy a score was released or P.O.'ed that it wasn't longer and more widely available. I asked Varese Sarabande if I could post the complete score on the net in MP3 format. They gave me a big ol' phatty negative. They did however, find the kindness in their heart to let me post 5-30 second tracks from the CD on my site. You can find these here. Also, visit my links page for links on where to find some more clips! And if you want to contact Varase Sarabande about a proper, complete release of the score, either write them here or visit their site. I asked them about a re-release, but they said they can't since it was a limited numbered release. But, it wouldn't be the first time a re-release like that has occured. Maybe, someday, a petition will get organized for a proper release of the score like with other soundtracks. This is less likely than you finding a copy in a used CD bin.

6.) Question: Well, this all stinks. There is no way I would spend so much on a CD, much less one that only has 30 minutes of score and none of those other songs. Hmmm... Is there anything close to The 'Burbs score?

Answer: Ummm, no. Well, kind of--but not really. I highly recommend the Gremlins 2: The New Batch score. I have yet to see this Dante film, but the score (also by Goldsmith) is fantastic. It is similar to The 'Burbs in many cases, and they way the music plays, but it is very different. It is one of my favorite scores. But, yeah, you're right, this all does stink.

If you want the complete music for The 'Burbs, this is what you'll need to look out for. This will be tough since most of the CD's are out of print and pretty rare. Prices listed are in U.S. currency.

Cover Art	Title	Artist or Composer	Available / Price	Description	Year CD Released
	The 'Burbs (Original Soundtrack)	Jerry Goldsmith	No / $70-$120	The holy grail of 'Burbs collectables. Has 30 minutes of score. Great CD! Released by Varese Sarabande.	1992
	The Bootleg Extended Score	Jerry Goldsmith	N/A / *	Does it exist? It is rumored to have around 60 minutes of score. Possibly a holier grail... * Note: Out-of-Print bootleg CD-R's normally sell for around $15.	N/A
	Feel the Shake	Jetboy	No / $15	The songs: "Bloodstone," "Locked in a Cage," and "Make Some Noise" on this CD are all in the movie. Released by MCA Records.	1989
	Circus of Power	Circus of Power	No / $32	The song, "Machine," is on the CD and in the movie--the part where Ricky plays air guitar. Released by RCA Records.	1989
	Once Upon a Time in the West (Original Soundtrack)	Ennio Morricone	Yes / $9	This is a great western CD. It contains the music where Ray and Art go walking up to the Klopek's house for the first time. The track is called "Man With a Harmonica." Released by RCA Records. (See note below.)	1988
	Arias & Songs	Enrico Caruso	Yes / $9	This CD has the song, "Questa o Quella," which is played while everyone (except Art) has coffee over at the Klopek's house. Released by EMI Records.	1988

Note: The track from Once Upon a Time in the West is called "Man With a Harmonica." This version is much different than it is in The 'Burbs. Goldsmith made his own version of the song and changed it enough to avoid copyright conflicts. This is why it is not listed during the credits. Also, Goldsmith must have originally planned to have the track, "Klopek House," from the soundtrack to play durring this scene because that song does not appear anywhere in the movie but it has the same feel.