Soundtracks

Review: Two facts about Fireball XL5, the British sci-fi puppet show created by legendary husband and wife team Gerry and Sylvia 'Thunderbirds/Captain Scarlet' Anderson. Firstly, this was their third time using 'supermarionation', a word that has nothing to do with Nintendo and everything to do with plastic models moving their mouths in sync with real dialogue. Secondly, the programme only lasted one series, albeit it did comprise 39 episodes.

Background set, this reissue of the original soundtrack plays true to the Anderson OST rulebook, to the point where once you know the series it's impossible not to start picturing potential scenes on strings to suit the music. Nevertheless, it's all accomplished stuff, from dramatic overtures to espionage-worthy arrangements and weirdly complex, danceable stuff that pulls you in like an episode of The Monkees.

Review: Fans reckon this is one of the greatest ever soundtracks, and it's hard to disagree no matter your musical persuasion even in face of a huge catalogue of Japanese classics on a similar tip. Though not revelatory in terms of style, the bebop execution is beautiful and the mastering at the famous Van Gelder studio is tip top. The tracks range from high intensity, stab fuelled dance tracks to country tinged interludes via sombre trumpet solos that will make your heart bleed. It's cinematic, widescreen and filled with emotion.