With a name like Whedon, all projects are going to get noticed. After all, Joss Whedon was the man who brought us Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which has perhaps one of the  biggest cult followings of 90s TV shows with new fans appearing daily. Joss also brought us Angel, Dollhouse,Firefly/Serenity and a boatload of comics and movie scripts that span pop culture.

But while Joss created Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, it was his brother Jed who helped score the music. Now Jed’s on his own with an album titled History of Forgotten Things, released August 10, and while the album is not Dr. Horrible 2 (don’t worry—that’s in the works), it is a perfect placeholder for Whedon geeks while the brothers’ other projects are still in development.

“Interstate” opens the record with light electronic drums and effects along the lines of Postal Service or Imogen Heap. Jed’s soft voice, filtered at first, meets a light yet driving beat. Then comes “Tricks on Me,” which sounds like it belongs on a Zack Braff movie soundtrack (think “New Slang” by The Shins). With more soft drums, piano and guitar and Jed’s self-harmonization, it definitely has a poppy, indie rock sound that keeps the vibe laid back.

“To Be Money” opens like a track by The Killers, but it still has a fairly minimal feel. Jed’s voice is probably better suited for lighter music anyway, as his vocals come off soft and airy, especially when he hits high notes in the chorus. In typical Whedon fashion, Jed also uses friends to sing the backup “la la las,” one of whom is Felicia Day of Dr. Horrible, Buffy and The Guild.  Read more...