Categorical Records releases the score soundtrack to the 1988 film Cheap Shots. Composed by Jeff Beal, this soundtrack holds particular significance as it marks his first film score, a milestone in a remarkable career that has spanned decades. Cheap Shots is an off-beat black comedy that centres on a run-down roadside motel owned by downtrodden Louie Constantine. Fixated on a beautiful blonde and her gangster boyfriend, Louie and his friend Arnold decide to put a video camera in their guest's cabin hoping to capture something salacious. Instead of sex-they record a double murder that will change their lives forever...

Jeff Beal's score for Cheap Shots is being released in conjunction with the film’s digital restoration. It's a quirky score consisting of 21 tracks (39 min, 28 sec) that constantly shift and change. It's a delightful listen and one that fans of the film will be pleased to add to their music collection.

On the score Beal reflects: "I’m thrilled this gem of a film has finally been restored, and I can share my first film score with listeners. The music is a quirky mix of Nino Rota and Bernard Herman sensibilities. Fans of my music for the black comedy Monk starring Tony Shaloub and other scores, may recognize some threads which have become a part of my musical voice as a film composer".

While it's mostly quirky, memorable themes that make up this score, there's also eerie themes ('The Road'; 'Murder') which help to flesh out the film's dark side.

It's an upbeat, memorable score which is its own character in the movie.

7

Darren Rea