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"Paradise Alley" (MCA-5100) is the soundtrack album for the 1978 American sports drama film of the same name. This LP features music composed by the legendary Bill Conti, with contributions from the film's star and director, Sylvester Stallone, and singer -songwriter Tom Waits. The album was released by MCA Records.

• Plot: The film, written, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone in his feature directorial debut, tells the story of three Italian-American brothers in the 1940s living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. The oldest brother, Cosmo (Stallone), a hustler with big dreams, convinces the youngest, a gentle giant named Victor (Lee Canalito), to become a professional wrestler. The middle brother, Lenny (Armand Assante), a cynical war veteran, reluctantly agrees to manage him. The film follows their journey as they navigate the seedy world of back-alley wrestling, trying to escape poverty and find a better life. The plot, written before Rocky, shares similar themes of underdog struggle and brotherhood.

• Stallone's Vision: Paradise Alley was a passion project for Stallone, who had originally written it as a novel. The film is known for its gritty, stylized look and its eccentric, colorful characters. Despite the success of Rocky, the film received mixed to negative reviews, with many critics drawing unfavorable comparisons.

• Composer: The score was composed by Bill Conti, who was hot off the phenomenal success of his work on Rocky. While the album doesn't contain a hit on the level of "Gonna Fly Now," it showcases Conti's talent for creating a dramatic and emotionally resonant score. The music is characterized by its powerful, orchestral arrangements, with a focus on brass and strings that underscore the film's themes of struggle and hope.

• Notable Tracks & Collaborations: The soundtrack is a unique blend of Conti's score and songs featuring the film's artists.

  • "Too Close to Paradise": The main theme, which is sung by Sylvester Stallone himself, a rare vocal performance from the actor.

  • Tom Waits: The album features two songs by Tom Waits, "(Meet Me in) Paradise Alley" and "Annie's Back in Town." Waits's distinctive, gravelly voice and jazz-infused style fit perfectly with the film's gritty, 1940s aesthetic.

  • Frank Stallone: Sylvester's brother, Frank Stallone Jr., also contributes vocals on the tracks "Angel Voice" and "Please Be Someone to Me."