NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS – IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT

It is ‘Umbrella Academy‘ appreciation week here on NMTB. Yes, that’s a thing. Yes, you’re welcome.

In case you don’t know what ‘Umbrella Academy‘ is: First it was a comic book series created by former My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way. And now it is a Netflix show. A kick-ass Netflix show, to be precise, with a killer soundtrack.

Yes, the score is good. But when I say ‘killer soundtrack’, what I really mean is the use of popular songs of a wide variety of musical styles, genres and eras, used to brilliant effect throughout the show (the ten episodes of the recently released first season).

Case in point, the dance scene in episode one, set to Tiffany’s 1987 version of ‘I Think We’re Alone Now‘. One of the greatest pieces of television I’ve seen in a while. That scene alone should exist as a standalone music video.

Sadly, to-date Netflix has only put out the score of the show for you to buy – but the soundtrack is really a thing of beauty. There are great cover songs, there is great original music (Morcheeba’s 2010 ‘Blood Like Lemonade‘, ‘Soul Kitchen’ off The Doors’ 1967 debut album, Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now‘ (1979), Gin Wigmore’s ‘Kill of the Night‘ off the 2011 album ‘Gravel & Wine‘) and it all makes for a beautiful musical cocktail for a very different kind of superhero show.

As a little taste, I’ve picked ‘In the Heat of the Moment‘ by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (off their second album, ‘Chasing Yesterday‘, 2015). That’s for the original songs used on ‘Umbrella Academy‘. Check back later this week for a great cover song used on the show.