Music By W.G. Snuffy Walden

It seems a bit ironic that a recording by one of television's most identifiable composers is noteworthy more for the pieces that are not theme songs than those that are. Walden's trademark sparse and folksy acoustic style was first heard with the theme to Thirtysomething, which is reworked thoughtfully here — though at almost four minutes the slow pace wears the melody a bit thin. Likewise, "Felicity's Theme" and the orchestrally enhanced bonus tracks to The West Wing are pretty but a bit tame. Much more engaging is the edgy rock-blues jam "New York/Melting Pot," which finds Walden and Dean Parks engaged on both electric and acoustic guitars as an orchestra swells sharply behind them; Jon Clarke's pennywhistle adds an Irish tinge. The funky rock of "Big City" has a similar vibe, with Walden's acoustic dancing around a blistering electric and orchestra combination. Of the TV themes, only "Once and Again" approaches this kind of uniqueness and energy; after a gently swaying intro, the theme develops into a punchy, easy-to-hum three-guitar jam featuring Walden, Parks, and George Doering. Definitely a mixed bag that should also attract listeners unfamiliar with Walden's TV resume.