The Batdance...

This summer, the world waits in anticipation for the release of the movie THE DARK KNIGHT. This second prequel to the Batman movies before traces further back in time to the origins of Batman and more importantly, this film introduce his eternal nemesis The Joker, played by Heath Ledger who died untimely after acting in this dark role.

When i first gotten news of this movie, it did not take me long before my memories flew back to 1989, the year when the first major Batman movie hits the big screen, starring Michael Keaton as The Batman and veteran actor Jack Nicholson as The Joker. I was just 12 years old and i saved enough to buy the cassette soundtrack of this movie. On first look, all the songs were done by Prince, whom i have already heard and loved his songs by then, such as 'When Doves Cry' and 'Purple Rain', which sound as fresh and timeless today as when i first heard them so many years ago. Prince wrote, composed and produced all the songs on this soundtrack, just as all his music releases. Here was such a versatile musician and encompassing many musical styles who could play virtually every musical instrument.

'Batdance' was the leading single from this soundtrack which shot to #1 on the music charts. It starts off with a chilling laughter from The Joker before the energetic drums kicked in. Interlaced with dialogue from the main characters in the movie, this rollercoaster ride of a song impressed with pop, rock, funk, heavy metal all thrown in and changes pace so intelligently. In a word, this unique song is just as "insane" as the Joker himself, in a good sense though. Thinking back, i just marveled at how fatefully this soundtrack was given to a creative, adventurous and playful music mind as Prince to write and produce. If it had landed in another musician's hands, the result will undoubtedly be very different...in fact, it will fail miserably i think. Watch the MTV.

Check out these two other tracks from the soundtrack 'Partyman' and a beautiful Prince duet with Sheena Easton called 'The Arms of Orion'.

Watch the movie trailer here.

I am waiting with great anticipation for this new Batman film not because of the hero Batman. i am never one who goes for the good guys. The villains and bad guys appeals more to me. Also, this movie is going to trace the origins of one of my favourite villain The Joker. Heath Ledger's death soon after this role made it all even more poignant. The Joker appeals to me not just on the cinematic level but on a personal level as well. That madness, insanity, dark persona and shrill laughter is a reflection of me in many sense.