The Wire concludes with series soundtrack

Since its 2002 inception, HBO’s Baltimore-centric drama The Wire has often received critical praise for its gritty realism, filming on-location in the city and featuring guest spots from locals such as ex-drug Kingpin Melvin Williams. As the show reaches its fifth and final season, Nonesuch Records will continue the trend of authenticity by including numerous Baltimore artists on The Wire “… and all the pieces matter”, a comprehensive series soundtrack that drops Jan. 8 (two days after the final season begins). From a September article in the New York Times by John Caramanica:

“The Wire” has already invigorated the city’s musicians. “Even though it’s fictional, the show has influenced rappers in Baltimore,” said Blake Leyh, the show’s music supervisor. “And by using this music, there’s a sense in which these different worlds are feeding back on each other now.”

Mr. Simon added: “I think the show gave Baltimore a certain pride. It was coming out of their ghetto. Forget West Philly, forget East New York. When it comes to drug trafficking, we’re the first string. There’s perverse pride in that.”

No detailed track list is available yet, but among the samples of local talent is “Dance My Pain Away” by undisputed Baltimore club pioneer DJ Rod Lee, “The Life, The Hood, The Streetz” by Mullyman (currently banned from his local radio station) and “Projects” by Tyree Colion. And, because Tom Waits can never be covered enough, multiple versions of his series theme, “Way Down in the Hole,” also show up on the album.

Interspersed with memorable dialogue and packaged with essay-filled liner notes by series writer George Pelecanos and hip-hip journalist Jeff Chang, the album is a must-have for all obsessives who kept the under-watched cult hit alive.

Tentative, unordered track list:

The Blind Boys of Alabama - "Way Down in the Hole" (opening theme)
The Neville Brothers - "Way Down in the Hole"
DoMaJe (group of Baltimore teenagers) - "Way Down in the Hole"
Rod Lee - "Dance My Pain Away"
Tyree Colion - “Projects”
Diablo - “Jail Flick”
Mullyman - “The Life, The Hood, The Streetz”
Ogun (ft. Phathead) - “What You Know About Baltimore?”
Michael Franti - "Oh My God"
Paul weller - “I Walk on Gilded Splinters”
The Pogues - “The Body of an American”
Steve Earle - “I Feel Alright”
Solomon Burke - “Fast Train”
Blake Leyh - "The Fall" (closing theme)

Related links:
HBO.com/TheWire
Nonesuch.com

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