losing it on account of michael giacchino

After I read that, like me, Alex Ross had fallen sway to J.J. Abrams mania, I got in touch with him about our affliction. I explained both that "Lost" has such a hold on me that it's affecting my sleep, and that I'm really happy that the music, written by Michael Giacchino, is blissfully written and recorded weekly -- a virtue for Hollywood studio musicians swallowing the reality TV tsunami. Alex countered by reminding me that it's the music that's probably inspiring my entertainingly cinematic nightmares, and I've got to say now after a thorough night of dream-logging that he's right. What's even more great about "Lost," though, is that it beats reality TV at its own game. It nods sarcastically in the direction of castaway copycats like "Survivor" and proves that fictional televison and the dramatic music that drives it wins in the end. Real life just ain't as exciting as what John Locke may be up to. Sad, perhaps, but true.