‘They Live’ (1988) Vinyl Soundtrack Coming From Mondo

Great news, horror fans! Grab your sunglasses and your bubblegum – Death Waltz Recording Company and Mondo are bringing back John Carpenter and Alan Howarth’s killer score to They Live… on vinyl, no less! The all new deluxe release features collectible packaging from artist Alan Hynes and it goes on sale on January 30th at Mondo Tees.

Read on for all the details!

They Live Mondo Soundtrack Vinyl Press Release

A classic story of one man fighting for the freedom of the world with a great science fiction twist, the movie is full of amazing dialogue and also contains the greatest fistfight in the history of cinema. Like most of Carpenter’s films, They Live has an urban western feel to it, which is emphasized by the infectious score.

Celebrated designer and artist Alan Hynes has crafted a spectacular collectible package for the soundtrack befitting the film’s theme of subliminal communication, utilizing the iconic sunglasses to reveal hidden messages as you pull the disc sleeve from the slip case.

“They Live is as relevant now as it was when it was first released in 1988, maybe even more so. We are thrilled to be re-issuing the soundtrack of this iconic and important film,” said Mondo & Death Waltz Recording Company’s Head of Music, Spencer Hickman.

Carpenter and Howarth’s main theme conjures up images of a lone cowboy entering town, with the main melody augmented with the sounds of harmonica and saxophone. There’s a carefree attitude which reflects Rowdy Roddy Piper’s character, but the score takes on a more sinister tone when he realizes he doesn’t know anything about what’s really going on. Carpenter’s signature synth tones create an uncomfortable atmosphere, but the main bass line is always fighting against them, never giving up. Electric guitar is used fleetingly, but brilliantly, and the whole score embodies the kind of rebelling against authority Carpenter is famous for. They Live will rock your world without the need for a Brazilian plastic surgeons to put you back together again.

Kick ass! Have a look at a couple of the variants below.

They Live Vinyl Soundtrack Details

Re-mastered by Alan Howarth. Package design by Alan Hynes.

SIDE 1

• Prologue Broadcast
• Coming To LA
• A Message
• The Siege Of Justiceville
• Return To ChurchAll Out Of Bubblegum

SIDE 2

• Back To The Street
• Kidnapped
• Transient Hotel
• Underground
• Wake Up

Mondo web store exclusives include an “Annihilation Of Consciousness” variant (Black & White Swirl) and a “Formaldehyde Face” variant (Reverse Purple and Blue Splatter) go on sale January 30, 2019. The soundtrack retails for $35.

Final Thoughts

Yes! This is awesome. Great movie; very cool soundtrack! I love seeing it get a deluxe vinyl treatment. Great timing, too, since the film celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. By the way, Alamo Drafthouse owns Mondo, so check them out below.

What do you think? Will you snag a copy on January 30? Tell us in the comments!