(Just attempting a shot in the arm here.)

1988's Alien Nation told the story of a none-too-distant future, where a race of aliens emigrates to the United States. Working to keep the peace were Sgt. Matthew Sykes (James Caan), a cop who isn't too eager to invite these 'Newcomers' into society and his new partner, George Francisco (Mandy Patinkin)...an alien.

The score was written by...music editor Curt Sobel, but there was another score composed for the film by Jerry Goldsmith which was tossed out (I don't know why, either).

In addition to being one of a handful of rejected scores in the composer's career, it was also one of his few all-electronic scores. While not one of the Goldsmith masterpieces, it is still an enjoyable work.

(A YouTube user, PetroxExplorer, had posted clips from the film with bits of Goldsmith's score, but they had to be removed. As a fan of this score, I cannot tell you how disappointing this is.)

"Alien Landing" introduces three of the main motifs featured in the score: a sustained two-note idea (most likely for the aliens), low pulsing tones (which, to my ears, sound just like the Technodrome music from the old "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" cartoon!) and a warm (possibly love) theme on synth flute. (Ironically, this theme was used in another rejected Goldsmith - Wall Street. It would find a permanent home in The Russia House.)

"Out Back" places the two-note idea over thumping electronics, creating a stunning action cue. Prior to a driving action cue, "Are You Alright?" introduces two electronic nuggets that Goldsmith would, for better or worse, interpolate into later scores: an ascending wailing sound later to be heard in Total Recall, and a sort-of twinkling effect that would feature heavily in Warlock.

"Take it Easy" features the love theme on synthesized sax over dreamy electronics. Amusing neo-classicism earmarks "Jerry's Jam", before getting funky for "Alien Dance". "The Vial" reacquaints us with the two-note idea and throws in pulsating synths.

In "Tow Truck Getaway", the electronics thump away, signalling great urgency...but there's still time for a somewhat comic take on the two-note idea. (This was my favorite of the YouTube clips; someone was trying to plant a bomb in a car, but George, who was in the back seat, tried to foil the criminal. The would-be bomber escaped on a tow truck. The comical music underscored George fumbling for his gun.)

An airy take on the variation of the two-note idea appears in "The Beach", creating an interesting atmosphere. "Tell Them", however, is all about action, with its electronic ostinatos. Everything from synth horns to electronic beeps shows up in "A Game of Chicken", while synth strings and tympani go crazy in "A Nice View".

"Just Ugly" makes for a fine climatic cue with its chaotic electronic layers. "The Wedding" features a full presentation of the love theme, segueing nicely into the end credits.

The Varese Sarabande CD Club was nice enough to put this out a few years ago. Surprisingly, there are several copies still available...and if you do decide to get it, you will be treated to one of the finest, funniest hidden tracks ever.

If you like electronic scores, or are curious to see what film producers are like when they take leave of their senses, do check out Alien Nation. It's pretty good.