CD: Carlton/Silva Screen Records FILMCD 609. Price: £10.99 (UK) - it can vary so shop around.

check out websites: www.thunderbirdsonline.com and www.supermarionation.net
Thunderbirds
Supermarionation

For those who remember my May 2003 review of this first CD of 'Thunderbirds' music from the original 1966 series, shouldn't be under any illusions here that I'm not going to praise this CD. If you didn't read it, try out our internal search engine cos it's still here somewhere.

One of the most interesting things you can think of where Barry Gray's music for any of the Anderson shows is concerned is that they are a major contribution to any episode and that they are instantly recognisable and humable. It's equally fair to say that they can be heard sans the episode and still strike a chord and have you listening along to it on their own. I found myself picking out tracks from 'The Perils Of Penelope' and Danger At Ocean Deep' without having to look at the sleeve notes. Speaking of which, there's also another nifty 16-page booklet of info and mini-photos accompanying the CD, something I doubt you'd have got if this was a vinyl release.

Of particular note here on the CD itself, we have 'The Mighty Atom' music of the electronic mouse that photographed that Australian nuclear plant and scared the hee-bee-gee-bees out of Lady P waiting in Thunderbird 2. There is also an unused end title theme called 'Flying High' that wasn't used on the show. Considering the Anderson prevalence upto that time to have vocal and instrumental tracks surrounding their shows, be grateful we were spared this one but at least you have an opportunity to hear it here. It's also a strong reminder that not all tunes created end up on the final product.

Obviously, if you enjoyed the 'Thunderbirds' TV series, you'll be picking this CD up anyway and I'm talking to the converted. If you're just into theme soundtracks then you won't be disappointed neither. Now if they will only re-release the old 33rpm 'Thunderbirds' vinyl episodes from the 60s, we'd be collecting them all over again.

GF Willmetts