Hi ONTD,
I'm back with another music-related question. We did scores last time, so let's talk about songs. A needle drop is using an existing song as opposed to an original written for the film/tv show itself. the selection of the perfect song for a moment can really elevate a scene and permanently etch the scene in your memory. So on this slow Sunday, why don't we talk music? feel free to expand the definition by talking about your favourite soundtrack as a whole (or should that be a different post?)
I'll start us off by picking some great ones at random. What are yours?
Panic by the Smiths--used in Black Mirror, "Hang the DJ"
Upfront, this scene is the very last of the episode, so it's kind of a massive spoiler if you plan to watch it. For that reason, I won't say too much about the scene, but just know that the song and the chemistry between the characters combined makes the ending amazing. WATCH IT.
Make Your Own Kind of Music by Mama Cass--used in Lost, "Man of Science, Man of Faith"
Used in the opening scene of season 2 of Lost, this song, combined with the record player and overall retro look of the space of this unknown man, sort of gave the impression this scene was set in the past somewhere. LOST was noted for its use of flashbacks in each episode to tell the story of a single character in focus. All of a sudden, a bang and the music stops suddenly, leading to the reveal that the unknown man lives on the island--one of the best opening scenes of any TV show. Don't @ me because you know I'm right.
some of the best moments in Lost are not connected to the tension of the main storyline--rather, showing the characters adapt to their new reality, and the character development that comes with it. For Hurley, convinced that he won the lottery with a set of cursed numbers, being able to start this van (later connected to the story of Ben, the Dharma Initiative, etc. just watch the show!) was a step in realizing that there is no curse and he can "make his own luck." and the music exemplifies that joyful feeling in letting go.
With or Without You by U2--used in the Americans, "START"
Another scene with a massive spoiler, given that it is from the last episode, so again I won't say too much if you haven't watched. but for those who have--THAT reveal--you know which one--syncs with the music so masterfully. one of the best uses of music I've ever seen.
Gravity by Sara Bareilles--used in Community, "Paradigms of Human Memory"
Community approached the well-worn sitcom trope of a clip show with their own signature hilarious twist, having the characters flash back and reminisce about scenes that never happened on the show. In this particular clip, Annie decides to show Jeff that there has been romantic tension between them all season, using Gravity to perfectly mimic a Youtube shippers montage video, complete with dramatic slo-mo.
immediately after, Jeff disagrees that there is chemistry between them, saying that "you can do the same thing with Pierce and Abed."
Dreams by the Cranberries--used in Derry Girls, season 1, episode 6
Dreams was actually used a few times in Derry Girls, but none compare to this scene, the final one of season 1. Exemplifying what makes Derry Girls so great and poignant, the scene contrasts the goofy fun the teenager characters are having on stage at their talent show, sticking up for Orla, who was being teased for doing a step routine, with the adult characters reacting to the grim news on TV of a bombing.
sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 + my opinions
I'm back with another music-related question. We did scores last time, so let's talk about songs. A needle drop is using an existing song as opposed to an original written for the film/tv show itself. the selection of the perfect song for a moment can really elevate a scene and permanently etch the scene in your memory. So on this slow Sunday, why don't we talk music? feel free to expand the definition by talking about your favourite soundtrack as a whole (or should that be a different post?)
I'll start us off by picking some great ones at random. What are yours?
Panic by the Smiths--used in Black Mirror, "Hang the DJ"
Upfront, this scene is the very last of the episode, so it's kind of a massive spoiler if you plan to watch it. For that reason, I won't say too much about the scene, but just know that the song and the chemistry between the characters combined makes the ending amazing. WATCH IT.
Make Your Own Kind of Music by Mama Cass--used in Lost, "Man of Science, Man of Faith"
Used in the opening scene of season 2 of Lost, this song, combined with the record player and overall retro look of the space of this unknown man, sort of gave the impression this scene was set in the past somewhere. LOST was noted for its use of flashbacks in each episode to tell the story of a single character in focus. All of a sudden, a bang and the music stops suddenly, leading to the reveal that the unknown man lives on the island--one of the best opening scenes of any TV show. Don't @ me because you know I'm right.
some of the best moments in Lost are not connected to the tension of the main storyline--rather, showing the characters adapt to their new reality, and the character development that comes with it. For Hurley, convinced that he won the lottery with a set of cursed numbers, being able to start this van (later connected to the story of Ben, the Dharma Initiative, etc. just watch the show!) was a step in realizing that there is no curse and he can "make his own luck." and the music exemplifies that joyful feeling in letting go.
With or Without You by U2--used in the Americans, "START"
Another scene with a massive spoiler, given that it is from the last episode, so again I won't say too much if you haven't watched. but for those who have--THAT reveal--you know which one--syncs with the music so masterfully. one of the best uses of music I've ever seen.
Gravity by Sara Bareilles--used in Community, "Paradigms of Human Memory"
Community approached the well-worn sitcom trope of a clip show with their own signature hilarious twist, having the characters flash back and reminisce about scenes that never happened on the show. In this particular clip, Annie decides to show Jeff that there has been romantic tension between them all season, using Gravity to perfectly mimic a Youtube shippers montage video, complete with dramatic slo-mo.
immediately after, Jeff disagrees that there is chemistry between them, saying that "you can do the same thing with Pierce and Abed."
Dreams by the Cranberries--used in Derry Girls, season 1, episode 6
Dreams was actually used a few times in Derry Girls, but none compare to this scene, the final one of season 1. Exemplifying what makes Derry Girls so great and poignant, the scene contrasts the goofy fun the teenager characters are having on stage at their talent show, sticking up for Orla, who was being teased for doing a step routine, with the adult characters reacting to the grim news on TV of a bombing.
sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 + my opinions