This won’t be a list where I lament the premature cancellation of one of the greatest shows ever televised. No, this is a time to rejoice thanks to the recent Shout Factory release of Freaks And Geeks: The Complete Series – Yearbook Edition, previously only available directly from the Freaks And Geeks website. With 2 extra bonus discs and an 80 page year book packed with rare photos and more, it’s a must own for any Freaks And Geeks fan. But don’t worry budget conscious consumer, the also excellent 6 disc Complete Series is available. So here now are my picks for the best music cues of the series, no easy task when dealing with a soundtrack this eclectic and expansive.
10. “Let The Good Times Roll” by The Cars from the episode The Garage Door
After finding a mysterious garage door opener in his father’s car, Neil sets out to find the door it belongs to, with the help of the always reliable geeks Sam and Bill. As the trio rolls around aimlessly, Neil pointing the clicker at every garage they pass, it becomes clear that the good times will be less frequent for the Schweiber’s.
9. “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You” by Dean Martin from the episode Noshing And Moshing
A rare, out of period music selection for the series, Dean Martin’s timeless crooning plays over a montage featuring Daniel, bruised and partially pierced, returning to Kim’s open arms, Neil temporarily coming to terms with his father’s infidelity, a tense moment between the Schweiber’s, and the hilariously drunk Weir’s stumbling home.
8. “Look Sharp” by Joe Jackson from the episode Looks And Books
In a desperate attempt to impress his dream girl Cindy Sanders, super stud Sam Weir struts into school feeling confident in his brand new duds…but confidence never lasts long for the geeks.
7. “Love Reign O’er Me” by The Who from Dead Dogs And Gym Teachers
While happily enjoying a bowl of Count Chocula, Bill is confronted with the uncomfortable reality that gym teacher Mr. Fredricks has spent the night at his house. Perhaps no other band conveys the kind of teenage angst that The Who found second nature (okay, The Kinks, but that’s really Wes Anderson territory), which is why this is their first of two appearances on this list.
6. “Ripple” by The Grateful Dead from the episode Discos And Dragons
The final song of the series, the bittersweet Grateful Dead tune from the Mr. Rosso approved American Beauty album plays as Lindsay waves goodbye to her family and says hello to her new Deadhead friends.
5. “Come Sail Away” by Styx from the episode Pilot
After Sam works up the nerve to ask Cindy Sanders for the dance she promised, the two slowly navigate the dance floor look for a spot, but before you know it, the song begins “to carry on…” and Sam’s first slow dance with a girl becomes his first fast dance with a girl. Also going on, Lindsay making ammends with Eli and rocking out in her green army jacket.
4. “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” by Bob Seger from the episode Smooching And Mooching
Bill enjoys 7 minutes in heaven with Vicki Appleby after charming the pants off of her with lines from The Jerk (what woman could resist?), while Sam finds out that Cindy Sanders is not quite as delicate as she looks.
3. “Spirit Of The Radio” by Rush from the episode I’m With The Band
Nothing conveys the awesome feeling of playing the drums (poorly) better than Nick Andopolis banging along with Neal Peart on “Spirit Of The Radio.”
2. “Rosalinda’s Eyes” by Billy Joel from the episode Carded And Discarded
As the geeks spend the afternoon shooting off rockets with the new girl Maureen, the mood is set by the sounds of the king of suburban romance, Billy Joel.
1. “I’m One” by The Who from the episode Dead Dogs And Gym Teachers
There has never been a more perfect depiction of the type of bliss associated with after school relaxation than Bill kicking back with a grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate cake as he toasts Garry Shandling stand-up with a glass of milk as the Quadrophenia classic plays.
Bonus:
“Lady L” by Jason Segel from the episode Dead Dogs And Gym Teachers
No words necessary. Just watch.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Czbpk33PI]
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Now playing: The Who – I’m One
via FoxyTunes
Isn’t it nice when a movie surprises you? I will admit straightaway that my initial reason for going to the theater to see Fright Night was the one and only 10th Doctor, David Tennant. Remakes are not usually the most stellar examples of cinema, with horror entries in particular leaving a bad taste in my mouth given some especially disappointing recent titles. I thought that, at best, Fright Night would be a relatively painless 106 minutes to be endured in exchange for the chance to see my favorite actor on the big screen. Instead, what I experienced was one of the most enjoyable times at the theater in recent memory. Not only was Tennant remarkable to watch in the role of Peter Vincent, but I was also struck by the fantastic performance of Colin Farrell as Jerry. The talent of these two actors alone would be enough to save even the most potentially disastrous of films. A perfect mix of tense horror and slick humor, Fright Night is one of my favorite films of the year. If my fawning alone is not enough to convince you, check out this clip below from one of the movie’s best scenes.
