Third Man Theme
When The Band convened in 1973 to record an album of Rock and Roll songs from their youth, they threw in one curveball, "Third Man Theme".
The theme was a piece of music for the zither composed by Anton Karas and was part of the soundtrack to the film "The Third Man" starring Orson Welles. The song was released as part of a disc of Viennese Favorites a few years back.
While the original is nice, I'm all for The Band.
- Bob, Columbia, Missouri, United States, 01.11.2005
The Band 1973 |
vs. |
Anton Karas 1949 |
Click on the cover for listening |
|
Click on the cover for listening |
Further information about song and bands:
The Third Man Music |
The story behind Anton Karas' famous zither score. You can also find here background information about the film. |
The Band Record Reviews |
A short biography and album reviews of The Band at Wilson & Alroy's Record Reviews. You can find here album reviews of lots of popular bands. A very good ressource. |
Comments about Third Man Theme:
BTW. Check out versions by Chet Atkins and a really Freaky version by Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass
- Herby, Palm Harbor, United States, 24.07.2006 |
The band's version is good, but nothing compares to the original. And it you havn't seen this incredible film, then go out and rent it RIGHT NOW.
- Herby, Palm Harbor, United States, 24.07.2006 |
Good grief -- there's no comparison. Karas' version is fresh, crisp, exciting. The Band's effort is sincere but they sound tired. At this point in their career, with hard living, and with them no longer cooperating too much on song writing, as Robbie Robertson had received too much individual credits for their communal efforts, the Band had run out of worthwhile original material.
- Rex Chickeneater, Kisumu, Kenya, Other - Africa, 14.11.2005 |
There is a German zither player here in NW Indiana, Karl Kugler, who plays a 'killer' version of the Third Man Theme.
- David Besterman, Valparaiso, IN, United States, 09.11.2005 |
I love both the orginal and The Band cover. Wouldn't know which to pick. There was also a very tangy version recorded by Eddie Cochran in 1959 (issued however as the "Fourth Man Theme"!).
- David, New York City, United States, 02.11.2005 |