Musical Muse

Music is an integral part of my life and sometimes I tend to overlook that fact. Music can perk me up, console me,   and it can evoke memories, both good and bad.

Television used to have outstanding theme songs. You knew immediately what was coming on based up on the theme. Who can hear the “William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger ? And everyone is familiar with the bar where everyone knows your name.  Bonanza, Rawhide, The Rockford Files great shows and memorable theme songs.

Can you think of a show, that isn’t animated, on television today with a memorable theme? There are a few like “Bad Things” from True Blood; and “ I’m No Superman”, Scrubs, but after those I was drawing a blank.

Then I came across a  show which has a great memorable theme and infuses music throughout. Music is integral to the show. The show is on TNT and although I don’t subscribe to cable I found it on streaming video at their website. That show is Memphis Beat. The music is early rock and blues. The show stars Jason Lee, yes that quirky guy from My Name is Earl. He portrays a Memphis Police detective that sings part-time and has a heart. He uses his knowledge of Memphis history to solve crimes.

The crime solving isn’t flashy or high-tech, it is mostly good old-fashioned pavement pounding and asking questions. The writing is fair to good but the infusion of the music is superb. I find myself unable to sit still and I tend to back up and replay certain sequences just to hear the music again.

Speaking of music, I went to hear Freddie, Larry and Steve play at Chubby’s and they were great. Kudos to Larry he has become  a musical virtuoso. I am going to have to catch them more often to see how deep their repertoire is.

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