Basic Instinct (1992) [unrated]

Jerry Goldsmith's most provocative feature film score, Basic Instinct brilliantly evokes the sex and suspense that together galvanize the onscreen narrative. Ominous piano, stiletto-sharp bursts of strings, and bubbling electronics combine to capture lust in all its myriad forms, from carnal desire to murderous rage, as well as delineate the subtle differences between each iteration. Goldsmith scores the film's notoriously graphic sex scenes with particular aplomb, achieving what can only be described as an orchestral orgasm as the music builds to its climax. For all its sophistication and invention, Basic Instinct is above all the work of a dirty old man, and it's fascinating.

Jerusalem Slim released an album titled Jerusalem Slim but broke up in 1992, due to Monroe and Stevens' musical disagreements. When Michael Monroe began working on the follow-up to his Not Fakin’ It solo album, songwriting work with ex-Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens metamorphosed into a full band with the recruitment of drummer Greg Ellis and Monroe’s former Hanoi Rocks colleague, bass player Sam Yaffa. However, the guitarist’s bombastic style never really gelled with Monroe’s more straightforward rock ‘n’ roll approach, and the band dissolved when Stevens joined ex-Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neil’s band.

The Naples years, 1815 to 1822, are at the very centre of Rossini's creative life. It is here that genius—''I had facility and lots of instinct''—was put to school. And firmly so: the serious masterpieces of the Naples years take as their subjects the Bible and Shakespeare, Scott and Racine, Tasso and English historical romance.