A must for any cross country or track runner

I heard this CD when I was watching an indoor track meet. One of my dad's runners showed me the CD and I listened to it. My Mom bought it for me back in 1997 as one of the first CDs I ever had. It is probably the best classical music CD I have ever owned or to which I have listened. If you run cross country or track this CD is a must as it gets you going gradually, especially the song "Titles." A must CD for runners and anyone else who likes nice classical background music.

ONE OF THE ALL-TIME BEST MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

Without yet being familiar to this soundtrack, I couldn't believe John Williams' phenomenal "Raiders of the Lost Ark" had been beaten at the Oscars, well, it did and justifiably so. Vangelis work remains fresh no matter how many hundreds of times I've listened to it. The movie was pretty good but without its music it would be just another forgotten period piece.

Why the 'Chariots' movie experience lingers

Why does the 'Chariots of Fire' experience linger a full 22 years after its original release? Part of it has to do with director Hugh Hudson's beautifully choreographed imagery, most notably the heart-stirring beach running scenes. That's just great movie-making.

But what has kept 'Chariots' front and center for over more than two decades is the music of Vangelis. This is the Gold Standard for movie soundtracks, right up there with The Godfather and Star Wars in terms of tunes that have been burned into the collective consciousness of the world-wide movie-going public.

Of course, here you get the well-known single, known (in a bit of misdirection) as 'Titles.' The track here listed as 'Chariots of Fire' is in fact 20+ minutes of Vangelis-directed backdrop, pieced together from various moments of the film. [Great stuff, by the way.]

You also get a stirring choral recitation of 'Jerusalem' (no Vangelis participation there). This was a great fit in the film for the Harry Abrahams storyline. It's a treat to have it included on the soundtrack.

"Eric's Theme" is a personal favorite. It's redolent of 'Titles,' but it's given a lighter, almost Scottish Highland touch by Vangelis. A perfect tribute to The Flying Scot.