Tunes on TV: 5 Shows to Watch for New Music

 

Some television shows do such a wonderful job at selecting the soundtrack and discovering new and lesser-known artists to feature for their viewers — you can’t help but hunt down the songs on the show after you’re done watching.

If you want to expand your musical horizons while getting television entertainment, some smart TVs have an application that displays the songs used in a particular episode. Apps such as this are rather helpful for finding out who the new artist you just can’t get enough of is. There are also several web and mobile apps that perform the same function, as well, such as Shazam and Curation Station. Read on for five of the best television shows to watch to discover new music.

‘Game of Thrones’

5.) “Game of Thrones” is a fantastic HBO series on its own, but the music elevates it even further. The instrumental music of Ramin Djawadi really capture the epic scope of this acclaimed show. HBO is a premium channel, so you can install Direct TV, Cable ONE or a satellite provider in order to experience the show and its fantastic music. Even if you aren’t a fan of orchestral music without much vocal work, you’ll have your mind changed after listening to some of these tracks, and the show features indie by bands such as The National, as well.

‘The Vampire Diaries’

4.) “The Vampire Diaries” focuses on less well-known bands with great music that really fits the series. Entertainment Weekly talked to Chris Mollere, the person behind the music selections for the show. He focuses on angst, dark and mood-fitting tracks. You’ll discover a lot of Industrial, Grunge, Goth, and Metal.

‘That ‘70s Show’

3.) “That ‘70s Show” might not be introducing the baby-boomer generation to any new music, but for anyone who wasn’t born in the ‘70s, the show provides exposure for a lot of classic bands that formed the framework for the music scene today. Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper and ABBA are just a few of the bands featured on the popular sitcom. You might not be able to sit through music class, but when you’re laughing along with “That ‘70s Show,” you’ll get just as much musical exposure as you would be in the classroom.

‘The Walking Dead’

2.) AMC’s “The Walking Dead” might be known for its superb acting, and always hungry zombies, but the music plays a key role here. Entertainment Weekly reports most of the music is recorded specifically for “The Walking Dead.” It’s a great way to hear new tracks, emerging artists and material that you haven’t heard a million times on the radio already.

‘True Blood’

1.) “True Blood” is another popular vampire-centric series with plenty of opportunity to play up its musical selections. Entertainment Weekly interviewed Gary Calamar on his musical selections for the series, and explained that he likes the covers, such as the song “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” by The Animals. He’s also looking into ragged bands, such as Ex Cops and TKTTSM. Many of the artists he’s collaborated with for the series are actively coming out with albums, giving him plenty of material to pick and choose from for the series.

What show do you think has the best music score on TV? Tell us in the comments.

Image by Ernst Moeksis pursuant to the terms of his Creative Commons license.