Bones Soundtrack CD - Import

Television soundtracks are almost always a losing proposition aesthetically, with a few terrific exceptions. This one, assembled for the hit series Bones is, as expected, a decidedly mixed bag. There are some killer cuts and some unnecessary junk. The opening theme song created by Crystal Method is one of the better things here; a four to the floor pumping meld of industrial house and synthetic funk. As a bonus track there is a DJ Corporate remix tacked on to the other bookend of the set. Placebo's cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" is here for non-Placebo fans (those who follow that band's every release have had no less than three official chances at snagging it before now). A real exclusive, however is in "Angel," by Sinéad O'Connor, which exudes her typical excellence and honesty. The Thievery Corporation remix of Sarah McLachlan's "Dirty Little Secret" is also a plus. If there is a complaint, it's that there is too much mid- to-slow tempo material; the show varies its mix week to week, including numerous uptempo numbers to create tension. The complete lineup here falls more on the mopey and sophomoric side of the coin, lending it a drowsy feel, for the most part, not quite suited to the atmospherics -- or comedy -- of the show itself. ~ Thom Jurek