School, in some ways it seems like only yesterday, in other ways it feels like years ago! But one thing you always remember is the music you went to school with. I grew up in the golden age of pop, which was filled with bands like Take That, Blue, The Spice Girls, and for the boys, Brit Pop from the likes of Oasis, Blur, and Pulp. Today’s teenagers, or at least those in the world of Comedy show ‘The Inbetweeners’ have slightly different tastes.
The hit comedy show has just released it’s new soundtrack album, and the two CD’s are packed full of what they describe as ‘school disco’ songs, ‘road trip anthems’, and ‘teenage love songs’. This all equates to a selection of indie, rock, folk, and punk tracks from legends, established acts, and some newer talent too. The double album has also been interspersed with little snippits from the show, so you can relive some of the finer quotes and one liners! To be honest, I’m not really a fan, so these little additions don’t gel with my sense of humour, but I’m really here for the music anyway.
Highlights on CD one include the very catchy ‘Second, Minute, or Hour’ by Jack Penate, the soaring and rhythmic Mumm-ra with ‘She’s Got You High’, and the Kate Nash hit ‘Foundations’. Also worth a listen is ‘Moving To New York’ by The Wombats, and for something different the club track ‘The Creeps (Get on the Dancefloor) by Freaks. Other songs featured include ‘Cinema Car’ by Transformer, ‘Inbetween Days’ by The Cure, Sheila by Jamie T, and Sexyback from Justin Timberlake. There are 26 tracks in all (including the comedy clips), and for me, the one that stands out above all the rest is ‘Elasticity’ by Royworld, a brilliantly melodic rock feast for the senses! Listen out for this, and for the music goodness on CD two. Highlights here include the catchy, well written riffs on Biffy Clyro’s hit ‘A Whole Child Ago’, the cool grooves and R&B/Rap vibe on ‘Dance Wiv Me’ from Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris, and the high quality melodies of ‘Girls and Boys In Love’ by The Rumble Strips. Other tracks that stand out are the acoustic based ‘War of the Worlds’ by Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, and Fire Fire by Sam Issac, which has some crossover appeal. Once you’ve had your fill of these great acts, keep listening for a quirky mix of old school rock, contemporary indie, and smooth percussive beats, all courtesy of acts like The Gorillaz, the slightly irritating but popular Hot Chip, The Young Knives, The Maccabees and more.
All in all it’s a jam packed two CD set, which seems to fit well into what I know of the style and setting of the TV. Although for me some of the tracks were a bit samey and predictable (too much all at once), there were some great tracks in there as well. If you’re a fan of the BAFTA nominated sitcom, then I’m sure this soundtrack will be heading into your CD collection very soon, and if not, why not have a listen anyway, you might just enjoy it.
The Inbetweeners Soundtrack is available now, along with box sets of series 1&2.
Coming soon your chance to WIN copies of the soundtrack!