Ladies and gentlemen, right at this very moment, I am watching the brand new series of Skins.Er, well, trying to, as this buffering shit is taking a MILLION years. Le sigh.
Either way, I have no idea what's coming in terms of quality as the first generation was so spectacular-- which I'm sure you all know. But perhaps one of the best parts of Skins is the amazing Alex Hancock's tip-top music selection for every episode. As I watch lots of TV, I should know: perfection in TV music is ridiculously hard to come by. And Skins did it. Here are a few of my favorite moments from Series 1 and 2, in order of appearance:
Death in Vegas "Dirt"
This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite electronic bands, and when I heard this in the first episode, I knew I was getting into something good! A great introducion to the show-- y'know, aside from the obvious Chingy factor. Chingy FTW.
UK Apache & Shy FX "Original Nuttah"
THIS SONG MAKES ME GO APESHIT. And when Jal's dad plays this at a party to save it from irretrievable boringness, EVERYONE does. It's... beautiful. I especially love Anwar in this scene!
Tricky "Hell is Around the Corner"
Reduce me, seduce me, dress me up in Stussy. The soundtrack to one of the sexiest, most beautifully tragic scenes in Skins history. Cassie swaying on a bench in her stunning golden tap shoes and vodka spray gun... I die. V knows what I'm talking about.
Archie Bronson Outfit "Dart for My Sweetheart"
I love when music so fittingly narrates plot. THIS is a perfect example, in which a jealous Tony prepares to blackmail Michelle's new boyfriend. True love, Skins style.
Blonde Redhead "23"
This song wasn't even used in a Skins episode-- it was used on a teaser, and oh my God, did it work to capture the drama of series 2. It was arresting, sexy, made you want to know more and really was a perfect intro to the shocking, unbelievably more character-introspective season. And of course, the music in series two was the best Skins has ever been.
DJ Shadow "Organ Donor"
Because Skins has the best dance music ever. End of story.
Beach House "Childhood"
This was a perfect choice for Maxxie and Michelle frolicking on the beach and trying to ignore the slutty Scarlett and her awkward advances on teenage boys.
Charlie Parr "One-Eyed Jack"
When Jal and Chris make their defining bet with each other. I only wish I had this song! It's like Chris and Jal's love song. It's so beautiful.
The Good, the Bad & the Queen "The Good, the Bad & the Queen"
This is the background music to the hottest sex scene Skins has ever seen-- maybe one of my all-time favorites! So hot. Tony does it with this chick who might not even be real, making it the first time he's had sex since his accident. As this act would cement Tony's transformation, drama was necessary. And thanks to my darling Damon Albarn, it was amped to the extreme. ALL of the music on this episode is perfect, by the way. It's my favorite episode yet.
Low "Sunflower"
This plays in Jal's series 2 episode as Chris is being rolled away in the hospital. This was such a good play on the tragedy that is Chris and Jal's love story, and the beautifully sad lyrics helped to foreshadow Chris's death.
Lipps, Inc. "Funkytown"
Because I think we all really, REALLY needed this. Thank you, Skins. (BTW, who else totally loves Doug? OMG squee at the cuteness. Lots of him in series 3, plznthnx!!)
ADELE "Hometown Glory"
A gripping narration of Cassie alone in New York. This song provided a great deal of insight into her mind, giving viewers the impression that an escape from her life's turmoil was impossible.
Elliott Smith "Between the Bars"
Hands down, one of my favorite songs of all time. As Elliott Smith was pivotal to my middle school emo phase, hearing this during such a poignant moment on the show gave me a nice, warm feeling. Every time I crawl under my duvet, this song now plays in my mind.
Maps "It Will Find You"
GAWD I love this song. While it wasn't the last song of the season (that was given to MGMT's "Time to Pretend"), it's such a great conclusion to this generation that sends off each and every character, and gives fans the impression that they're all headed for great things.
Gonna miss these guys. So much.
4 comments:
I have just watched the new Skins and I can now say that it's pretty much a fail. New Skins is NOWHERE near as brilliant as the original and I miss the old cast so so much.
OMG I am so grateful to you for this list! I totally forgot about some of these songs. And yes Hell is Around the Corner...pretty much my favorite moment in Skins history. Ever. ?
I'm watching it right now! I'll get back with my opinion! What's yours, besides the fact that it's a fail?
But it's true, the only characters so far who are charming at all are Pandora and Naomi. I think even the beloved Effy may be trying a bit too hard? I don't know what to think.
I don't know, it seems more immature and less well written than the old seasons. It's just didn't appeal to me thus far.
I kind of like Emily too, she's got a little something going on. But omg I heart Pandora like SO much. And Naomi seems pretty cool so far. I liked her jacket. Watch it, than we shall skype it up and discuss!
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