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Excellent diverse score
Review date: 2008-03-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
Even more than films, TV series tend to suffer from the One Tune Syndrome in their soundtracks. There is the Big Theme, which fans like, and a lot of bland filler. Fans buy the CD and are usually disappointed at most of the content.
This is definitely not one of those. Joss Whedon's trademark originality in so many aspects of the series seems to have infected the composer (whom I had not previously heard of) and the result is a set of tracks impressive in their diversity, moving, haunting, relaxing, or rousing as needed, and set off by that uniquely edgy theme song.
Fans of the acclaimed but prematurely-cancelled show will definitely want to buy this one. And others who haven't seen it will still appreciate the music.
Of course, the standout is the main theme, written by Firefly mastermind Joss Whedon, it summarises the show, and basically tells Mal's feelings, thoughts and story in its minute long running time.
Another decent effort is The Funeral, which is really emotional. Honestly, I might get choked up! It's memorable and eerie, particularly when coupled with the episode it was aired with, and the knowledge that this was a doomed TV show.
Still, it's not all doom and gloom. There are some real sprightly songs here, all wind instruments and fast flowing. They're a real joy to behold.
However, it's quite a long CD, and it suffers from much of a sameness. Some of the later tracks seem indistinguishable from earlier tracks.
And also, how could they not include the Jaynestown song? "He robbed from the rich, and he gave to the poor, the hero of Canton, the man they call Jayne!" A classic little ditty from one of the episodes that was begging to be included, and its disappointing that it wasn't.
Still, this is an excellent accompaniment to the show, and really sums up the Western style well.