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MTV might have dropped the word “music” from its name after all but giving up on videos, but you can still find great music on TV. I recently looked at the state of late-night music. But prime time can also be a great place to discover your new favorite tunes. At least you’ll hear more Alexi Murdoch, Grizzly Bear and Ida Maria than most any radio station I know of. Here are the 10 TV shows with the best music:
10. Music on Scrubs (ABC)
Music supervisor: Christa Miller
Recent artists: The Cardigans, Marvin Gaye, Alexi Murdoch, Bishop Allen, The Weepies, Ari Gold
Usually the job of the music supervisor is behind the scenes, but Christa Miller also starred as the ice-cold Jordan Sullivan. With Scrubs recently bowing off the air, she’s continued providing music (and acting chops) for her husband Bill Lawrence on his new show Cougar Town.
9. Music on House (Fox)
Music supervisors: Gary Calamar, Lynn Grossman
Recent artists: Billy Bragg with Natalie Merchant and Wilco, Elvis Costello, Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, Metric, Ray LaMontagne, Fanfarlo
The season premiere mixed epic compositions from Mozart, Schumann and Beethoven with Radiohead, Iron & Wine and The Frames, with a little Cole Porter thrown in for good measure.
8. Music on Weeds (Showtime)
Music supervisor: Gary Calamar
Recent artists: Michael Franti and Spearhead, A Camp, The Mountain Goats, Tuung, DeVotchKa, Toots & The Maytals
Gary Calamar oversees the musical selections of Weeds, True Blood, Dexter and House when he’s not hosting “The Open Road” on KCRW in L.A.
7. Music on Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Music supervisors: Frankie Pine, Robin Urdang
Recent artists: Alexi Murdoch, Griffin House, The Avett Brothers, Angus and Julia Stone, Gregory Alan Isakov, Carla Bruni, The Damnwells, Hem, Katie Herzig, The Weepies, The Swell Season
Sally Field isn’t the only thing this prime-time soap opera has going for it. The music adds to the dramatic touch.
6. Music on True Blood (HBO)
Music supervisor: Gary Calamar
Recent artists: Dave Alvin, Buddy & Julie Miller, Bob Dylan, Wanda Jackson, Lyle Lovett, Beck, Rolling Stones, 13th Floor Elevators, Lucinda Williams
Jace Everett’s theme song perfectly fits the swampy vampire vibe of Alan Ball’s True Blood, and Calamar has chosen some fantastic tracks to go with it.
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I'm glad that you mentioned Parenthood. Heard Neko Case on there the other night!
Great list, but don't Gary Calamar and Lynn Grossman music supervise HOUSE.
Love you, mean it,
Gary Calamar
One of my fav musical moments from scrubs - gotta love colin hay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ45xrtNnzk
how come Greys Anatomy's not here. they've featured great music in their past seasons.
One Tree Hill? If not for its wide assortment of lesser known artists (some of which are cited with other shows in this article), then at least for managing to include Zeppelin's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," featuring Kate Voegele, and introducing much of the world to the music of Wakey! Wakey! and Everly (Bethany Joy Galeotti and Amber Sweeney). It is, at the very least, one of the most musically infused shows not inspired by Broadway.
I almost didn't even scroll down to check out your #1, because I was that sure it would be The Sopranos. This list is totally bogus without The Sopranos.*
This comment is bogus if this list is only covering currently running shows.
I know it has a really limited audience in the U.S., but the show Skins is always chocked full of awesome music. There's awesome dubstep left and right. Plus, I've heard Health, Manchester Orchestra, Grizzly Bear,CCR, Port O'Brien. Lots of cool stuff.
Good music is likely a prerequisite for any show with Lauren Graham in it. The opening sequence of the first episode of the show features Lorelai (Graham's character) bustling through the streets of her town. And it featured not only good music, but artists like The Shins, Sparks, The Bangles, Yo La Tengo, and Kim Gordon & Thurston Moore (and their daughter!) in guest appearances, as well as Sebastian Bach and Carol King in recurring roles.
I watched a part of Parenthood and couldn't get into it, but Neko Case might convince me otherwise.
Good music is likely a prerequisite for any show with Lauren Graham in it. The opening sequence of the first episode of Gilmore Girls features Lorelai (Graham's character) bustling through the streets of her town. And it featured not only good music, but artists like The Shins, Sparks, The Bangles, Yo La Tengo, and Kim Gordon & Thurston Moore (and their daughter!) in guest appearances, as well as Sebastian Bach and Carol King in recurring roles.
I watched a part of Parenthood and couldn't get into it, but Neko Case might convince me otherwise.
Wow. totally agree. Same order too!!!
A couple of omitted Honorable Mentions (for me at least) would also be FlashForward and Carnivale and ... wow ... cant remember the other show. dang.