Music and TV

            In Ben Aslinger essay we learn about the role of music in the history of television. WB network in attempt to reach teen audience included music into their programs. However, because  licensing was expensive the network figured an agreement where tv would be propaganda for the artist and their music in exchange for a lower cost to play the songs during one of their shows. However, when it came time for the programs to be released on DVD the licensing was too expensive that WB had to replace the original songs by soundalikes.

"the economic and legal negotiations surrounding licensing hit a major snag over DVD licensing rates.  The WB and production companies working with the network angered fans when early seasons of Felicity and Dawson's Creek were significantly altered in the transition from broadcast to DVD with original songs replaced with soundalikes" (82).

Aside from just having an aesthetic importance, music also has "textual, and affective importance." (86) Music was used as a way to "map characters' emotional growth in addition to the dialogue, mise-en-scene, and cinematography of the program" (87). I always considered music to have an impact in the way we perceive what we see. However, I dont think I've noted music involved in the development of a character.

Today, this the use of hit songs are still used on tv. However it works in reverse compared to the 90's. A song first becomes a hit song and then it is used on tv. When I speak of tv hit songs are mostly played - from what I'm aware of- on big time movies. I've failed hear big time songs on tv programs. although the last ones I've watched have been True Blood and Game of Thrones. Therefore, the music of today would not be fitting.

In the movie Tammy (2014) one of the sound track songs is Thrift Shop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes).  

Then we have programs like Carrie Diaries that use a lot of hit songs from previous years. Could it be that licensing it cheaper for older songs?

The list of Carries Diaries soundtrack for season 1 is: 
 "Material Girl" – The Bird & The Bee
 "Just Can't Get Enough" – Depeche Mode
 "Jetfighter" – The Three O'Clock
 "Footloose" – Kenny Loggins
 "Burning Down the House" – Talking Heads
 "Bette Davis Eyes" – Kim Carnes
 "Blue Monday" – New Order
 "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" – Cyndi Lauper
 "Hold Me All Night" – Jerry Honigman
 "I Melt With You" – Modern English
 "Let The Music Play" – Shannon
 "Temptation" – Cobra Verde
 "The Way You Love Me" – Jerry Honigman