The last couple of weeks I have managed to devour five seasons of series television: both seasons of the BBC’s Life on Mars? and all three of the sequel, Ashes to Ashes. To watch episode after episode in the evening hours brings a certain rhythm to one’s holidays which is both nicely relaxing and fosters expectancy for another night-time fix. I recommend the UK versions of both shows for some not too demanding, intelligent viewing.
This patch of couch grazing has me thinking about the use of popular song in series television. Both these shows use music in quite central ways. The premise is integral to the songs; the main character finds themself inexplicably thrown back in time where retro cool can be mined for all its worth (Life on Mars? is set in the 70s and Ashes to Ashes in the 80s). In some ways the music is more important than the plot lines and the development of ideas. They do accomplish something highly effective though – the fashioning of instant nostalgia. While every other ingredient in a production may be lacking the music can still lay down meaning and elicit emotion from the viewer via our attachment to the song. And in so doing, we have another memory or visual image tied to these ditties. I remember our heroine freed from near-death in a cold room to Ultravox’s “Vienna”. An intimate dance moment made uber-romantic with the added strains of “True” by Spandau Ballet. The thumpingly rhythmic synths of “Baba O’Reilly” heralds a new fissure in the space-time continuum.
However, The Sopranos (the greatest ever dramatic television show?), uses the tone and lyrics of a song in more profoundly moving ways. One never feels over-stimulated by the soundtrack, nor is it utilised to hide a lack in the story or characters. Don’t Stop Believing by Journey, used in the final episode of the show, can now bring me close to tears. The song for me is forever caught up in the creation and life of the show’s characters and their ultimate fate. Only in two key moments of Life on Mars? and Ashes to Ashes is something similar accomplished; I don’t think I will ever listen to David Bowie’s “Life on Mars” or “Ashes to Ashes” in the same way again!
Nevertheless, all three shows have underlined the power of popular songs. They remind us of times and places, sights and smells, sadnesses and joys. They are such a strong force in our emotional lives.
