Batman RIP: The Soundtrack

From time to time I enjoy thinking up a track listing of music to serve as a soundtrack for things that wouldn't normally have the privilege of getting a soundtrack--like comics. Not a soundtrack that is meant to score actual scenes from the comic or to be listened to as you read along, but just a playlist of songs that mirror the story in question thematically. And out of this tradition comes my most recent compilation, Batman RIP: Musical Selections Inspired by the Comic Series.

I put this post out there keeping in mind that musical taste is highly subjective, probably more so than in any other of the arts. My preferences lean strongly toward alternative rock from the 90's and 2000's, so that's what you'll find on this list. If that's not your thing, you'll probably hate it. I tried to keep the sound of the whole thing relatively cohesive, but at times I had to sacrifice musical unity for lyrical content that was relevant to the story (and vice versa). All of the music is meant to follow the events of RIP sequentially, but many additionally work to underscore the story as a whole.


1. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Learning that the Black Glove seeks to destroy him, Batman tells his hidden foe to bring it on.

2. Dance With Me - Old 97's
In literal terms it evokes Bruce's invitation to the Black Glove's Danse Macabre, but it also represents his whirlwind romance with Jezebel Jet (or at least how it seemed to be).

3. Mosquito Song - Queens of the Stone Age
Joker's theme for the album. The vision he has when looking at the Rorschach blot at the end of Batman #676 is one of the most chillingly awesome Joker scenes I've ever read.

4. Push It - Garbage
Dr. Hurt knows what lies in the deep, dark recesses of the Batman's soul and he knows just how to use it to push the Dark Knight over the edge.

5. Fatal - Pearl Jam
I think it was this song that first inspired me to create the soundtrack. This is the story of Bruce Wayne wandering the streets after losing his memory. If Batman is out of sight...is he really out of mind?

6. Meds - Placebo
Continuing the odyssey of the homeless Bruce Wayne as he starts to remember the hero he once was...albeit in an off-kilter fashion.

7. The Everlasting Gaze - The Smashing Pumpkins
The Batman isn't dead, he's just hiding, prowling the city the only city that could have manufactured him. As for Billy Corgan's anti-God rant? Well, I guess you could pretend that it's Dr. Hurt talking.

8. Rainy Day - Guster
I wouldn't have thought to include this band in the soundtrack if I hadn't randomly hit this track on my mp3 playlist. It's the story of someone who has hidden themselves away preparing for disaster. And now disaster is knocking on the door.

9. Analyse - Thom Yorke
Batman thinks he can use logic and reason to make sense of everything. Joker begs to differ.

10. Dead! - My Chemical Romance
Joker tries to convince Batman that there is no real meaning in life. It's all one big joke!

11. The People That We Love (Speed Kills) - Bush
Probably where I went the most lax on lyrics in favor of dramatic sound. It's the breaking of Batman's heart and spirit that Jezebel Jet had in mind.

12. Sometimes - Ours
What would happen if Bruce Wayne laid down the cowl for good? There's also a hint of Batman's defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

13. Invincible - Muse
The tagline says it all as the conclusion of RIP brings the tale full circle. "Batman and Robin will never die!"


So, what do you say? Do you have additions or subtractions for the list? Got any comics soundtracks of your own?