Heroes Original Soundtrack
NBC Records

Executive producer Allan Arkush’s notes on the inner sleeve of the Heroes soundtrack are a disclaimer: the selection of songs on the 18-track album is a sample of the music played on the set. They are songs that inspire the show’s writers. Unlike the traditional soundtrack, it is not a collection of songs heard during the episodes.

The album opens with a 13-second sampling of the show’s theme, the creation of American musical duo Wendy & Lisa. The pair gained recognition mainly for collaborations with Prince in the 1980s and they now score all the music for the sci-fi drama. They have three more tracks on the album, all delicate instrumentals, with the longest one failing to reach three minutes. Arkush’s determination to showcase music that inspires the show is probably the reason why the duo’s songs barely make an appearance on the album, even though they’re the kind of music actually played during the episodes.

After Wendy & Lisa comes none other than Iggy Pop with the Brighton Port Authority (aka Fatboy Slim) doing a version of The Monochrome Set’s He’s Frank. One of the highlights of the album, the song is saved from being too pop by Iggy’s low robotic brawl. Bob Dylan’s Man In The Long Black Coat resonates with the dark thriller aspect of the show as the legend’s raspy voice spits out words of eerie nights and obscure characters. The album is closed off very indulgingly with Bowie’s Heroes, but at least it’s one of the better songs with ‘Hero’ in the title (bear in mind Enrique Iglesias’ Hero or I Need A Hero from Footloose...).

It’s convenient if the show’s writers actually like indie rock given that their main audience may very well be the same people at some of these bands’ gigs. Panic At The Disco, Death Cab For Cutie, My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf and The New Pornographers all contribute songs to give the album a young sound. Not one in particular stands out, and it’s fair to wonder how they actually chose which ones to include given the lack of cohesion throughout them.

The cover says this is the original soundtrack of the show, so those expecting to hear more of the music that plays over scenes of heroes saving the world may be disappointed. The mix is interesting, however, in that it offers an insight into the personal tastes of the people thanks to whom the show exists in the first place. It’s smart in including both top class artists and airwave-dominating acts. Its heterogeneity is double edged, as it offers something for everyone, but it would be nice if it delivered actual musical bits of the show.

Christina Cromeyer Dieke