Dialogue on a soundtrack album is normally a huge mistake. You smirk maybe the first few times, then grow rapidly frustrated having to programme out the offending tracks (if possible). Then there are those rare few where it would be impossible to imagine one without the other (Pulp Fiction for example). Thankfully Flash Gordon belongs in the latter camp ("camp" being entirely appropriate in this context). The idea of using Queen for this sci-fi hokum was both daring and inspired. On the other side of the universe-friendly title chant of "Flash!" is a remarkably varied score. There are five principal themes ("Flash", "Love", "Ming", "Vultan" and "Battle"), yet there are plenty more. In fact, there are yet more in the film that didn't make it to the album--this is a straight digital master of the 1980 LP. Clap your hands to the Football game in Ming's Court, attempt the high notes in "The Kiss", find a keyboard that can emulate "Ming's Theme" today or just enjoy screaming "DIVE !" with Brian Blessed. Incredibly the band were only once called upon in a similar capacity again for Highlander.--Paul Tonks
