Ashes to Ashes

Sorry, A2A fans!

2009-06-13T21:28:00.001-07:00

I know I've been MIA these past weeks.
I apologize for that.
I've been working my bum off and have been sick at the same time.
My plan is to catch up on season 2 next week.
I am disappointed that BBC America has yet to announce a premiere date for Series 2.
But I can't wait for them to get their act together.
There is so much I wanna share now!
So hopefully next week I'll have some reviews up.
Thanks for your patience!

Ashes to Ashes Soundtrack!

2009-05-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

One of the first things that seduced me into becoming a fan of Ashes to Ashes was the use of music. The show not only featured enough 80s songs that made you instantly recall when and where and what god awful hairstyle you had when you first heard it. But it also used the songs in a way that captures the moment on screen brilliantly.

I mean- who else got chills when during the closing of Series Episode 1 set to Same Old Scene by Roxy's Music? Don't remember?
Let me refresh your memory.
The familiar music pulses as the camera slowly zooms in on a Gene Hunt alone in his office. You see his staring at an article tribute to Sam. A voice heavy with longing creeps in and seems to echo Gene's thoughts that "Nothing lasts forever." He definitively swigs the last of his drink, wearily puts on his coat, fluffs his collar (of course, it is the 80s!) , and embraces the darkness of the hallway. Cut to Luigi's as Alex walks in and surveys the primary characters in her "life" now. Alone -- she resigns herself at the bar. Reemerging from the darkness-- Gene appears and pours her a drink. No words. He simply returns to his faithful corner. She gratefully sips her drink. She stars off into the distance while he stars at her from a distance. All the while we hear:
"When I turn the corner
I can't believe
It's still the same old movie
That's haunting me
Young loving may be
Oh so mean
Trying to revive
The same old scene"

C'mon.
C'moooooooooooooon.
Perfect!

The marriage between the music and show is definitely one of its allures. And I expect no less from Series 2, especially after I listened to its soundtrack.

The A2A Volume 2 consists of 27 tracks: a selection of 80s songs we all know and some new to me, as well as clips of some dialogue from the show. And of course, it would not be complete without the musical themes of Gene and Alex. It got me very excited for Series 2 now. Hello, BBC America! Get your act together!

The official website for the soundtrack can be found here.
If you have chance, check it out. There are chances to win a 40" Sony LCD TV, as well as copies of soundtrack. Classic ads from the 80s are scattered throughout the site.
And the cleverly written classifieds cracked me up.

Here is the complete track list:

1. Queen & David Bowie - Under Pressure

2. Dialogue "Alex Drake"

3. Edmund Butt - Opening Titles

4. Duran Duran - Planet Earth

5. Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight

6. The Specials - Rat Race

7. Dialogue "Vindaloo"

8. The Human League - Mirror Man

9. ABC - The Look Of Love (Part 1)

10. Odyssey - Going Back To My Roots

11. Dialogue "The Strangest Day"

12. Edmund Butt - Alex's Theme

13. The Jam - Funeral Pyre

14. New Order - Temptation

15. Fun Boy Three - The Lunatics (Have Taken Over The Asylum)

16. Echo And The Bunnymen - Back Of Love

17. A Flock Of Seagulls - Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)

18. Haircut 100 - Love Plus One

19. Dialogue "Felicity Kendal"

20. Adam & The Ants - Stand & Deliver

21. Thompson Twins - Lies

22. Anti Nowhere League - Streets Of London

23. Japan - I Second That Emotion

24. The Korgis - Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime

25. Blondie - Atomic

26. Epilogue "Tea & Sympathy"

27. Edmund Butt - Hunt's Theme

Overall, the CD has not left my rotation yet. It's a great addition to your collection if you love the show and like me, you still have most of the songs on cassette. When the show finally starts airing here, I'm sure there will be a few songs or dialogue I wished were included. But that is inevitable as an addict's craving is never satiated...
:)

They're Here!

2009-05-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow A2A Addicts,

I apologize for being MIA. Real life sometimes distracts from my addiction.
I have fantastic news!
Today, I received 5 copies of the A2A Vol.2 soundtrack from the good people at Sony Music UK!
And I confess: I delicately opened one copy!
I'm sorry I couldn't resist.
I can't wait to listen to it this weekend and share my thoughts!
I'll post some pics up tomorrow.

And I totally haven't forgotten about the contest.
I am in a bit of a quandry as A2A Series 2 has yet to air in America, and I want all fans to have a chance to score a copy. Any thoughts?

It feels like Christmas!
:)

The Bad, Good, and Awesome

2009-04-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the bad:
Series 2 has yet to premiere in the US.
And the date has changed again.
I am going stir-crazy here!

But I am not complaining!
I understand UK fans had to wait over a year.

Good News:
I saw the first episode, and it was so good!
Click here for more info on the music credits. *spoilers*
I won't give anything away, but I am so freakin' excited for Series 2!!!

And now the Awesome:
I managed to get my hands on a few copies of the recently released
Ashes to Ashes Series 2 Soundtrack!!!!

And . . . and . . .
I will be giving them away!!!
Stay tuned for details on how you can snag one!

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 1

2009-04-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Song: 'The Lunatics Have Taken'
Artist: Fun Boy Three
Scene: Yay! Welcome back, Alex and the Three Armed Bastards! But why are you creepin' in underground tunnels?

Song: 'Grange Hill Theme aka Chicken Man'
Artist: Alan Hawkshaw
Scene: Alex watching TV.

Song: 'Non T'amo piu'
Artist: Paulo Tosti
Scene: Faintly heard in the background at Luigi's.

Song: 'Rio'
Artist: Duran Duran
Scene: Our first car chase of Series 2? Nope. Gene just likes to drive like a bastard too. Was this song really around 1982? *googling* And yes, it was. Damn, I was like 3 years old and singing this song. hmmph. That ain't right.

Song: 'Love Plus One'
Artist: Haircut 100
Scene: Back at the station. Awwwwww. And Chris pines over Shaz.

Song: 'Look of Love' (See original video here.)
Artist: ABC
Scene: OOOOOOOOh, so that's what 1982 strippers looked like?

Song: 'Stand & Deliver'
Artist: Adam and The Ants
Scene: Um, duh, Alex! Of course, they are going to just stand there! But Gene cannot avoid the power of Alex's Death scare, and caves. Hah!

Song: 'The Model'
Artist: Kraftwerk
Scene: Chris -- digging himself deeper.

Song: 'Rat Race'
Artist: The Specials
Scene: Chris, I think she is trying to seduce you.

Song: 'You Sexy Thing'
Artist: Hot Chocolate
Scene: The sexiest and most hilarious strip show you'll ever see in yo life! Bow down to Chris! You know you loved every second of it! You know you strained your neck AS IF you could get a better peek at the goods!

Song: 'Mirror Man'
Artist: Human League
Scene: Closing Credits. I didn't really like the song at first. I thought the beat and tone distracted from that chilling and tense scene over the phone. I read the lyrics and see they apply, but I still think it abruptly changed the mood.

Season 2 Can't Come Soon Enough

2009-04-05T03:20:00.001-07:00

First A2A S02 BBC Trailer!

*sigh*
can't wait!!!!

Music Credit
Song: 'Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)'
Artist: Spandau Ballet

Ashes to Ashes Music Season 1

2009-03-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Ashes to Ashes Series 1 Original Soundtrack out now!

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8

*sigh* Completely lost in my A2A addiction, I went ahead and found all the music used.
When I was finally done, my brother told me that someone probably already did that.
Oh well, too late. It was a labor of love. Enjoy!

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 8

2009-03-31T05:46:00.000-07:00

Song: '2, 4, 6, 8, Motorway'
Artist: Tom Robinson Band
Scene: Alex and Ray on a stakeout.

Song: Ashes to Ashes
Scene: . . . yeah, i'm not gonna spoil it.

Song: 'Take the Long Way Home'
Artist: Supertramp
Scene: Luigi's and closing credits.

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 7

2009-03-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Song: 'Police on My Back'
Artist: The Clash
Scene: Watching TV.

Song: 'The Man with the Child in His Eyes
Artist: Kate Bush
Scene: Talking in the break room.
Wear something slutty.

Song: 'Whine and Grine'
Artist: The English Beat
Scene: Being taunted by boys on the street.

Song: 'One day in Your Life'
Artist: Michael jackson
Scene: Alex gets Gil Hollis to relax.

Song: 'Fame'
Artist: David Bowie
Scene: Gene gets his makeup done.

Song: 'Too Much Pressure'
Artist: The Selector
Scene: Gene reminisces about the good old days.

Song: 'Reunited'
Artist: Peaches and Herb
Song: Alex has a few drinks.

Song: 'Dancing in the City'
Artist: Marshall Hain
Scene: Gene apologizes and closing credits.

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 6

2009-03-31T05:43:00.000-07:00

Song: 'Tainted Love'
Artist: Soft Cell
Scene: Alex wakes up and sees a memory of her playing with a rubiks cube.

Song: 'Into the Valley'
Artist: The Skids
Scene: In the Quattro (of, course), chasing two men on motorbike.
All hail the mighty Quattro!

Song: 'Same Old Scene'
Artist: Roxy Music
Scene: Gene doodling . . . something. :)

Song: 'Kids in America'
Artist: Kim Wilde
Scene: Impromptu birthday cake for Donny.

Song: 'Vienna'
Artist: Ultravox
Scene: Probably one of the coolest slo-mo Gene scenes ever!
I bloody dreamt about doing this. Don't you dare!

Song: 'Golden Brown'
Artist: The Stranglers
Scene: Returning Krishna to his owner and removing the "obscene filth" pinned on the wall.

Song: 'Ghosts'
Artist: Japan
Scene: Alex dreams of free-falling again and closing credits.

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 5

2009-03-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

Song: 'One Step Beyond'
Artist: Madness
Scene: Alex and Gene are running on the rooftops.

Song: 'I Travel'
Artist: Simple Minds
Scene: Chasing the gun dealer.

Song: Sergeant Rock
Artist: XTC
Scene: Alex puts Chris' nose to the grind: "I want everything you've got . . .. Now, Chris."

Song: 'Turn to Red'
Artist: Killing Joke
Scene: Gene angrily driving to find Neary.
Gene: "I'm going to bury you in liquid shit!"

Song: 'I feel Love'
Artist: Donna Summer
Scene: At the bar, looking for Neary.
Gene: "Shit. Come on, quick, move. Get up!"

Song: 'Love Magic'
Artist: John Davis and The Monster Orchestra
Scene: Alex tries to get information from Neary.

Song: 'Don't You Want Me'
Artist: The Human League
Scene: Ray is the perfect man for the job.
Gene: "Just watch your back!"

Song: 'I Lost My Heart to a Startship Trooper'
Artist: Sarah Brightman & Hot Gossip
Scene: Ray plays his part well . . . really well.
"Were you looking at me, or was it me who couldn't take my eyes off you?"

Song: 'Where Did Our Love Go'
Artist: Soft Cell
Scene: Alex and Gene at Luigi's.
Alex: "What am I doing here? What is the point?"
Gene: "To dress like a tart. Wiggle your arse in my direction, and fill my days with glimpses of the depths of your depraved mind."

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 4

2009-03-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

Song: 'To Cut a Long Story Short'
Artist: Spandau Ballet
Scene: Arriving in the Quattro at a crime scene.

Song: 'Green Door'
Artist: Shakin Stevens
Scene: Alex is looking through her childhood room.

Song: 'Girls on Film'
Artist: Duran Duran
Scene: Interviewing the RWF.

Song: 'Enola Gay'
Artist: OMD
Scene: Alex thinks the station is bugged.
Very good. Very Poppy. Don't expect me to dance to it though.

Song: 'London Calling'
Artist: The Clash
Scene: Getting in the Quattro.
My station. My evidence. Bastards.

Song: 'Love Action'
Artist: Human League
Scene: Chris and Shaz arguing.

Song: 'Reward'
Artist: Teardrop Explodes
Scene: At Edgehampton.
Gene: Let's be quick about it.
Alex: I bet you say that to all the girls.

Song: 'Green Door'
Artist: Shakin Stevens
Bloody hell, it's wonder chris!

Song: 'Police and Thieves'
Artist: The Clash
Scene: Luigi's and closing credits.
So what are you, C or a D cup?

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 3

2009-03-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

Song: 'Staring at the Rude Boys'
Artist: The Ruts
Scene: Opening car chase.

Song: 'It's Different for Girls'
Artist: Joe Jackson
Scene: Finding a woman alone by the water.

Song: 'Let's Stick Together'
Artist: Bryan Ferry and Jerry Hall
Scene: Cruising in the Quattro, looking for Alex.

Song: 'Over You'
Artist: Bryan Ferry
Scene: Late night at Luigi's.
I'm drunk. You're very drunk.

Song: 'Making Your Mind Up'
Artist: Bucks Fizz
Scene: Alex lets loose.

Song: 'Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey'
Artist: Modern Romance
Scene: Arriving at the costume party.
You could have made an effort.

Song: 'Planet Earth'
Artist: Duran Duran
Scene: Talking strategy at the party.

Song: 'Happy Birthday'
Artist: Altered Images
Scene: Alex is dancing with Ray.
Tell him you think women like me are dirty. Tell him you think I'm like a prostitute. You've got no respect for women like that. Nn fact, Gene, just be yourself.

Song: 'Autonomy'
Artist: The Buzzcocks
Scene: Looking for Ryan Burns.

Song: 'Doors of Your Heart'
Artist: The English Beat
Scene: closing credits

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 2

2009-03-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

Song: 'Swords of a Thousand Men'
Artist: Tenpole Tudor
Scene: Car chase.
Take that seatbelt off! You're a police officer not a bloody vicar!

Song: 'The Prince'
Artist: Madness
Scene: Interrogation at the pool hall.
God save the Queen.

Song: 'Body Talk'
Artist: Imagination
Scene: Alex meets Moore.
I promise not to twang his red braces . . . more than once.

Song: 'Money'
Artist: The Flying Lizards
Scene: Driving in the Delorean.
Thank you, frontal cortex.

Song: 'Fade to Grey'
Artist: Visage
Scene: Chris with eye liner. Need I write more?

Song: 'Souvenir'
Artist: OMD
Scene: Slow-dancing with the Thatcherite.

Song: 'We are all prostitutes'
Artist: The Pop Group
Scene: Interrogating the son.
I'm sure Barry Manilo's covered that one.

Song: 'Geno'
Artist: Dexy's Midnight Runners
Scene: Will you please just stamp my arse!

Song: '(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thing'
Artist: Heaven 17
Scene: Alex sees Moore again . . . a lot more!
"And nobody will know but me . . .."

Song: 'I Hear You Now'
Artist: Jon and Vangelis
Scene: Careful, Bolls. That formica was exhumed from the hills above Florence.

Song: 'Show Me'
Artist: Dexy's Midnight Runners
Scene: Street festival.

Song: 'Gertcha'
Artist: Chas and Dave
Scene: Congo line.

Song: Geno
Scene: Full moon tonight and closing credits.
Trousers down! 1, 2, 3!

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Episode 1

2009-03-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

Song: 'Ashes to Ashes'
Artist: David Bowie
Scene: Alex singing in the car.

Song: Vienna
Artist: Ultravox
Scene: Alex wakes up in 1981.

Song: 'Careless Memories'
Artist: Duran Duran
Scene: Alex meets the three armed bastards.

Song: 'Are Friends Electric'
Artist: Gary Numan
Scene: Chris shows Alex the most advanced radio in the station.

Song: 'Ashes to Ashes'
Scene: Alex dreaming and waking up in the flat.

Song: 'I'm in Love with a German Film Star'
Artist: The Passions
Scene: Alex enters Luigi's with full on 80s attire. See that nice white jacket? Get use to it. It ain't going nowhere.

Song: 'Careless Memories'
Scene: Shaz is listening to headphones while Chris tries to pee.

Song: 'I Fought the Law'
Artist: The Clash
Scene: Firing up the Quattro to save Shaz.

Song: 'No More Heroes'
Artist: The Stranglers
Scene: The three armed bastards save the day Miami Vice style. :)

Song: 'Same Old Scene'
Artist: Roxy Music
Scene: At Luigi's, Gene pours Alex a glass of wine and then they brood in their respective corners.

Back to Season 1 Menu

Ashes to Ashes Music Season 2

2009-03-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

Ashes to Ashes Series 2 Soundtrack just released!!!

!Spoilers!
Series 2 has not yet aired in other countries.
May contain spoilerish information.

Episode 1