I’ve lost track of the amount of amazing bands and artists I’ve discovered after holding out my crappy little Nokia so Shazam could record and identify the epic theme tune at the start of my fave shows. This list is all about songs that work independently in their own right as well as being part of brilliant opening credits.
Luther (BBC)
A brilliant but damaged detective meets his match in a sociopathic femme fetale who, rather surprisingly, helps him to see a different perspective. The theme is a well mixed sample of Massive Attack’s sultry Paradise Circus over artistic graphic-novel-brought-to-film style opening credits.
Bosch
Another crime drama series about a detective with issues. For me this series has a film noir feel to it, from the subtly moody cinematography to this wonderful smooth jazz theme ‘Can’t Let Go’ by Caught A Ghost.
True Detective
Two amazing detectives who are polar opposites begrudgingly combine their skills with great effect. The theme ‘Far From Any Road’ by The Handsome Family matches the series perfectly with it’s downbeat, Southern US sound. I think the editing and overlaying in the opening credits make them some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Boardwalk Empire
Set in the prohibition era between the 20’s-30s we follow ‘Nucky’ Thompson as he plays both sides of the law for his own benefit. There are many modern musicians who are inspired by 20’s jazz and blues who they could have asked to write the theme. Instead they chose a heavier interpretation of ‘Straight Up and Down’ by The Brian Jonestown Massacre. However, I love it, so it made my list!
True Blood
Telepathic waitress falls in love with a vampire and has weird sexual chemistry with another. Actually the whole town is full of supernatural beings. “I don’t know what you’ve done to me but I know this much is true, I wanna do bad things with you.”I love Jace Everette‘s voice, especially his intonation in places! I could definitely imagine dancing to this in a dimly lit dive bar in the deep South.
Treme
A story about a community trying to gather it’s self again after the floods in New Orleans. I love the upbeat nature of this song coupled with the double base that drives it. Me and the bloke always have a boogie in our every time we hear it and we have to do the “whoo” at the end of course. Here’s the full version by John Boutte.
Sons Of Anarchy
A motorcycle gang who are actually nice guys deep down – except it turns out they aren’t when the sh!t really hits the fan, well duh. Great guitar rock track titled ‘This Life’ by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers.
The Sopranos
A man tries to balance family life with being a gangster. No wonder he ends up in therapy. This theme titled ‘Woke Up This Morning’ performed by Alabama 5 is so smooth. Full of foreboding lyrics, yet so laid back.
Dexter
The psychopath who loves his family, does well in his job as a blood splatter expert and ‘takes out the trash’ by bumping off bad guys to satisfy his blood lust. With a mysterious feel to it and a delightfully unsettling (yet tongue in cheek) circus style melody in the middle, this music is just perfect for the show.
Finally an old one that still can’t sit still listening to…
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Teenage girl kicks vampire butt, also has weird sexual chemistry with one and falls in love another one. The whole town is in fact full of supernatural beings. The first True Blood basically. I love the way this theme song written by pop punk band Nerf Herder thunders along up to a big finish. It reminds so much of Offsprings ‘The Kids Aren’t Alright’ so much that the two overlap in my head.
Vamp It Up 