A Dynamic Duo: Music and TV

By J9 of J9's MusicLife


The radio isn't the only place to discover new music. . .sometimes the best place is on your very own TV screen!  All of my life, I've enjoyed watching TV shows not only because of its great content but also because of the music that was showcased.  Usually these songs appear at a pivotal point in the episode, capturing the mood of that particular scene.

Back in the day, it was difficult for me to find the song I heard.  Luckily, in this day in age, I have Google or Shazam to help me find the song's name and artist to then download.  Some shows even do the work for you and display the song information during or at the end of the program.
 
Today, I thought I would feature some of my favorite TV Shows throughout the years that incorporated some great music:


1.  The Cosby Show

Oftentimes music would be heard during special family occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays.  The whole family would perform their own interpretation of a song together.  Songs showcased were mostly jazz, blues or R&B classics.





2.  Beverly Hills 90210

Music became more prevalent towards the later seasons.  Music artists would perform at a nightclub called "The After Dark," which was attached to the gang's famous spot the "Peach Pit."  They would feature current music of that time as well as independent and up and coming artists.








3. New York Undercover

Famous music artists would perform at "Natalie's," a nightclub where the two detectives would come to unwind after work or music would be played during a important moments of the episode.  The show did a great job mixing old and new R&B. 








4.  Nip/Tuck

The best tracks came on when the plastic surgeons were about to begin surgery on a patient.  Most of the time, the song directly related to the particular patient's storyline.  A wide variety of music could be heard from artists like Billy Idol, Frank Sinatra, Bach, Teena Marie, and Kanye West.






To check out the rest of the list, click here.

LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR - What do you think?

"Glee" meets "Paris Is Burning" in this groundbreaking film directed by Sheldon Larry ("Noah's Arc") and written by Glenn Gaylord ("Eating Out: All You Can Eat"). Jaw-dropping dance numbers are courtesy of Beyonce's choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. When Brad's mother kicks him out, he steals her car and heads to L.A. in search of shelter. There he meets Queen Latina and her House of Eminence. Brad falls for the fierce ball scene "and a cute new boy" but can he ever really escape his past?

Glee to Tour Across America!

Glee is going on tour again. Leading up to a brief European jaunt at the end of June, 13 members of the show’s cast will play a 16-city tour of the United States.

All of the New Directions choir will participate in the tour, meaning Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Dianna Agron, Heather Morris and Kevin McHale will be in the house. Darren Criss will also join the tour, though Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Ashley Fink will not. ‘Glee Live! In Concert’ kicks off in Las Vegas on May 21.

Here is a full list of the dates:

May 21: Las Vegas, NV, Mandalay Bay Event Center
May 22: Sacramento, CA, Arco Arena
May 24: San Jose, CA, HP Pavilion
May 27: Anaheim, CA, Honda Center
May 28: Los Angeles, CA, Staples Center
May 29: San Diego, CA, Valley View Casino Center
June 1: Minneapolis, MN, Target Center
June 2: Indianapolis, IN, Conseco Fieldhouse
June 3: Chicago, IL, Allstate Arena
June 6: Boston, MA, TD Garden
June 8: Philadelphia, PA, Wells Fargo Center
June 11: Toronto, Canada, Air Canada Centre
June 13: Detroit, MI, Palace of Auburn Hills
June 14: Cleveland, OH, Quicken Loans Arena
June 16: East Rutherford, NJ, Izod Center
June 18: Uniondale, NY, Nassau Colliseum

How Does Sue Sylvester see it? Those SNEAKY GAYS!

The Glee promo machine is in full swing, and we’re all for it if it means giving us more Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch). After the jump, her latest Sue’s Corner, in which she speaks out about “Sneaky Gays,” men who, unlike Liberace and Oscar Wilde, are not “so flaming they can be seen from space.”

“Jagger, Bowie, you knew they were women,” she says. “But nowadays, this internationally ranked cheerleading coach just can’t figure it out.” As an example, she offers Neil Patrick Harris. She hears he’s gay, but then he plays a cardigan-wearing womanizer on TV. “And then I heard a rumor you’re not actually a doctor. So much sneaky gay deception,” she says.

“Adam Lambert, you’re on the right track but still too subtle,” she continues. She suggests he “swish it up a bit.”

“Black nail polish? Swish it up a bit. I want to see enormous fuchsia rhinestone-studded gay claws so cumbersome you can’t even perform the most basic acts of personal hygiene.” The bottom line: “Swish it up, gays. Because if I can’t tell who’s gay, how will I know who to judge?”

“Swish it up a bit” — a new catchphrase?

In any case, as counterprogramming, please enjoy this very funny new video from “Glee,” one of many to get fans excited about the return of the television hit on April 13.

It is an event I am looking forward to as much as the iPad–so, maybe I will watch the new episodes on my new tablet to reach a state of glee.

‘Glee’ glorifies outcasts, redeems FOX

By Michelle Wright
The Badger Herald

Head of Glee Club, Will (Matthew Morrison), revisits his childhood dream of performing. Sitting in the staff lounge, he and fellow male teachers are inspired to sing away their sorrows and form a male acapella group, cleverly named, “The Acafella’s.”They are an instant hit, but begin to take away from Will’s commitment to his beloved Glee Club.

Will’s sub-par attendance falls in line with Sue Sylvester’s (Jane Lynch) plan to squash the Glee Club. She gets the inside scoop when three of her Cheerio’s join the club so that they may keep an eye on Finn (Cory Monteith). Quinn (Diana Arrgone), head cheerleader and Finn’s girlfriend, buddies up to her new “Gleeks” to create conflict and break up the group from within. In addition, Quinn and her cheerleader cronies bring in a high-maintenance professional choreographer to crack the group’s team spirit.

Rachel (Lea Michele) works with Finn after school to “expand his vocal range.” However, with the Cheerio infiltration and Will’s lack of attendance, Flinn begins to question his commitment to the club. However, Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley, another American Idol success story) is the Diva that brings ALL THE SOUL to the show.

Guest star Josh Groban makes an appearance, attending “Acafella’s” big community showcase. Groban plays himself, and comes with a “gift” for Sandy (Stephen Tobolowsky), a teacher desperate to be part of the group. Episode three explores relationships between characters and tests commitment to the club. It also gives increased camera time to the supporting characters, developing them as individuals, with issues separate from Rachel, Finn, or Will.

“Glee” continues to perform the perfect amount of musical sequences in its unique, “gleeky” and spirited way. The musical sequences are based on a show-tune style, but the show consistently infuses it with new genres. Episode three also experiments with more new stage sets, exploring the “music video” format. The musical sequences continue to compliment the plotline, and sets “Glee” apart from any other show on television.

Wednesday Night at 9pm EST on Fox
For Additional Info Check Out: Glee on Fox TV