John Carpenter is one movie director who likes to write the scores for his films as well as direct them. Probably one of his better known themes is the piano theme from Halloween. However, his theme for Escape from New York is popular as well. Prior to it's being remixed and modernized for the sequel, the Main Title stands as one of the most catchy cult movie themes. Back to the Pod/The Crazies Come Out is one track that always gives me the heebie-jeebies. It is such an eerie piece that one can't help but shudder when listening to it.
Besides the Main Titles, one of the other themes from the film that fans will remember is the Duke of New York's theme which is presented in The Duke Arrives/The Barricade. The one vocal song included is called Everyone's Coming to New York. Regardless to what people may say about it, it is a funny song that I love to listen to. Writer Nick Castle wrote the lyrics as a sort of joke and John Carpenter loved it so much that he included it in the movie. It's an all-male chorus backed by drums, piano and cazoos, yes cazoos. As for the rest of the score, it is a typical 80's synthesized fair that fits well with the film as a whole. If you're thinking that this score is like Escape from LA I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Since the films were made over 15 years apart, there is a big difference in the music too. I just like the Main Titles so much that I decided to get the soundtrack and I don't really regret that decision.
Total time: 37:28
1: Main Title (3:52)
2: Up the Wall Airforce #1 (2:29)
3: Orientation #2 (1:48)
4: Engulfed Cathedral (Debussy) (3:33) *
5: Back to the Pod/The Crazies Come Out (3:00)
6: Arrival at the Library (1:06)
7: Everyone's Coming to New York (2:54)
8: The Duke Arrives/The Barricade (3:35) **
9: Police State/Romero and the President (3:21)
10: The President at the Train (2:55)
11: The President is Gone (2:30)
12: Chase Across the 69th Street Bridge (2:33)
13: Over the Wall (3:43)