First appearing on TV screens in September 1968, Joe 90 was a unique nine year old boy with the ability to absorb the brain patterns of top experts enabling him to become the most special agent of W.I.N. (World Intelligence Network).

Whilst there are arguably better-known scores amongst Barry Gray's sublime catalogue of work with the Andersons, the composer's work for Joe 90 is in many ways the most consistent and inventive selection he ever wrote. Developing a theme for the new series was always the musician's starting point, and for Joe 90, the pop charts breezed into Gray's studio, with an opening tune featuring a genuine groove. Mixing Gray's inventive electronics with '60s "surf rock" guitars was an inspired decision. It is no wonder that this piece has gone on to enjoy a second life as a Northern Soul disco floor-filler.

For episodic incidentals, Gray was freed from the detached unearthly premise of Captain Scarlet and able to bring back a playful sensibility and a more mature musical palette which are amply illustrated in this 24 track collection. -SILVA SCREEN

The Most Special Agent
1 Joe 90 Main Titles
2 A Dream Come True

Hijacked
3 A Wolf In The Fox's Den

Splashdown
4 Splashdown - Air/Sea Rescue

Colonel McClaine
5 Wagon Train Of Fear
6 Running The Gauntlet

Big Fish
7 Tragedy Aboard The U85 / Porto Guava

Three's A Crowd
8 A Song And Dance Of Death
9 The Tangled Web

The Race
10 Race Of Intelligence
11 Taking The WIN

The Fortress
12 Fleming In The Fortress
13 Breakout And Pursuit

Arctic Adventure
14 Nuclear Winter

Double Agent
15 Boy With A Suitcase

The Unorthodox Shepherd
16 Church Rats
17 Divine Intervention

International Concerto
18 Agent Sladek
19 Sladek's Recital

Talkdown
20 Trapped In The Sky

Project 90
21 The Alpine Clinic Waltz
22 Balloon Ride

Relative Danger
23 The Mine Rescue
24 Joe 90 End Titles