Batman
Released in 1989
I am not generally a fan of the tiny purple Princely nameless one but this album is just fabulous. It spent 6 weeks at the top of the US Billboard chart and hit the top this side of the pond too. It also spawned 3 top 30 singles with Batdance, Partyman and The Arms of Orion.
The film walked the line between dark, gothic night and the brightly lit cartoon image of Batman. Micheal Keaton proved himself equally impressive whether he was in a black latex suit or a dinner jacket. Jack Nicholson embodies the Jocker. He is sadistic, manic, psychopathic master criminal with the odd flash of a crippled and broken Jack Napier. This was before the horrors of George Clooney, Robin or *shuffer* Mr Freeze.
Director Tim Burton was reportedly less enthusiastic about the soundtrack but I for one think Prince nailed it. Gotham City retains a very bleak aspect, mixing an almost depression era vibe times the 1950’s divided by an unspecified future date and the music matches perfectly.
The ownership of all things Batman are complex mindfield and this soundtrack is no exception. The music is actually owned by Warner Brothers and the singles do not appear on greatest hits or best offs of the purple Princely ones. Maybe the fact they haven’t been played to death is what keeps them sounding fresh and if a little bombastic.
Cutting film clips into audio tracks is a little risky. Queen managed it to great effect in Flash Gordon (but then it is scientifically proven that adding Brian Blessed to anything improves it 100%) and Prince manages it here too. I already have ‘Vic Vic Vicky Vale Vicky Vale’ on a slightly annoying loop in my head…..
