The Best of Highlander:
The Series

A single CD proves that, when it comes to soundtracks for the Highlander TV show, "there can be only one"

	The Best of Highlander: The Series
	Roger Bellon
	68:56 min.
	GNP/Crescendo
	MSRP: $12.98 CD

Review by Jeff Berkwits

n this day and age, practically every speculative movie or television production seems to inspire at least a few steadfast—and usually quite vociferous—fans. Of course, each adventure doesn't necessarily deserve such blind devotion, but one title that's arguably worthy of an unfaltering following is the Highlander franchise. Although first launched as a motion picture, the inventive spinoff TV show, which for six seasons chronicled the ageless escapades of Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), provided some of the saga's more thrilling chapters and, not coincidentally, much of the legend's most diverse music.

Culled from over a dozen different episodes, the cues on The Best of Highlander: The Series exhibit an impressive array of sounds and styles. Quiet keyboards and guitar pervade the pensive "Hand in Hand," with a lighthearted, circuslike theme dominating "Michelin Mush" and a hard-rock atmosphere, replete with screaming vocals, prevailing on "Kansas Toto." "Canister Man" showcases a jaunty violin, just as an insistent synthetic beat opens "He's a Star/Level Playing Field." Uillean pipes augment elegant singing on two separate renditions of the time-honored ballad "Bonny Portmore," while The Immortal Choir boisterously belts out the traditional anthem "The Battle of Preston" and the poignant "Hymn to a Time."

Along with 23 numbers from the TV show, the recording also contains a trio of "bonus tracks" from series composer Roger Bellon's proposed Highlander—A Celtic Opera project. All three arias—"For Forever," "Magic of the Old Gods" and "Forever in You"—nicely capture the essence of the familiar fable, incorporating an appealing combination of subdued melodies and splendid voices.

Masterful yet muddled music

Despite middling reviews and a relatively modest audience, the Highlander franchise truly does seem to be immortal, with followers continuing to express steady interest in the exploits of the legendary Clan MacLeod. Devotees of the long-canceled TV program should consequently enjoy The Best of Highlander: The Series, though casual listeners will likely discover that overall the collection is somewhat muddled and, at times, surprisingly stark.

"Big River," from the episode "Mountain Men," is a gentle, introspective tune that progressively fades from spooky electronics to tender keyboards and acoustic guitar, nicely capturing the confusion and loneliness following a particularly difficult resurrection for Duncan MacLeod. Bellon's stylistic breadth is further evident on such disparate cuts as "Heart Come Back," a touching torch song augmented by the chic voice of Laura Creamer, the flamenco-infused "All My Life" and the gorgeous, Gaelic-influenced "Debra on Stream/Think of Me." The composer even exhibits a distinct classical flair with "Hans Kirshner"—from an installment titled "Modern Prometheus"—acknowledging that he was inspired by the third movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata in C# Minor.

Unfortunately, this broad musical palette, albeit necessary due to the show's centuries-spanning storyline, doesn't produce a cohesive listening experience. Traditional sounds clash with modernistic motifs, resulting in varied but periodically schizophrenic moments, and a few pieces, including the patently artificial "I'm Done" and the sparse "Will Ye No Come Back Again," are just too austere. The Best of Highlander: The Series clearly isn't for everyone, but stalwart supporters, or individuals simply seeking a minor melodic memento of the show, will undoubtedly find the CD fulfilling.

While this album is an acceptable sampler, Bellon has actually already released many of these works through his personal record label. Folks who really wish to immerse themselves in the melodious Highlander milieu might therefore want to obtain his two privately issued CDs, along with Highlander—A Celtic Opera, all available through Bellchant Records. — Jeff

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