SOA Music
September 4, 2011 8:42 PM   Subscribe

Sons of Anarchy is a show that you either love or hate, but they do know how to choose music. One of the best covers during the past three years of the series is a haunting version of Dylan's Forever Young, done a cappella by Audra Mae,.

John the Revelator was covered by Curtis Stigers.

Dylan's Girl from the North County, covered by Lions.

Gimme Shelter done by Paul Brady and the Forest Rangers.

The show's theme song, This Life was redone for a few shows in the third season while the MC was in Ireland.

Neal Young's Hey, Hey, My, My was covered by Battleme in the last season's final episode.

There's more, much more, but these should get you started (and create an intense urge to go on a road trip tomorrow morning. Keep the rubber side down!).
posted by HuronBob (83 comments total) 17 users marked this as a favorite
 
What if I neither love nor hate it but find it very boring?
posted by xmutex at 8:45 PM on September 4, 2011 [5 favorites]


What if I loved it before they went to Ireland then I hated it?
posted by furiousxgeorge at 8:50 PM on September 4, 2011 [6 favorites]


I think they pick a lot of good songs, but I don't care for the bands they choose to do the covers. Which fits, because for everything that show does that I love it does one thing that I hate.
posted by Bookhouse at 8:52 PM on September 4, 2011


I think it is clear that you have to either love it or hate it, sitting on the fence is not allowed. And, it got better once they got back from Ireland, and you could understand the dialog again.
posted by tomswift at 8:52 PM on September 4, 2011


This could have been *amazing* with a wordless harmony vocal part.
posted by grimmelm at 8:54 PM on September 4, 2011


The remake of the theme song for Ireland was one of the worst butcher jobs I have ever heard.
posted by Ardiril at 9:05 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm in the middle of the second season right now. I'm not 100% sold on it, but the actors are charismatic enough to keep me watching.

Neal Young

um....
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 9:07 PM on September 4, 2011


I was watching one episode and back in the garage, Black Mountain's "Wucan" was playing in the background. That's some nice modern stoner rock you don't hear too many places.
posted by insulglass at 9:11 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


"Neal Young"... I would like to blame that typo on my broken keyboard...
posted by HuronBob at 9:14 PM on September 4, 2011


I believe all the foibles can be forgiven as long as the Jameson's juice box is taken into consideration.

That, and you remember that the plot is entirely based on the premise that every character, when given choice A or choice B will inevitably choose the worst possible of the two, which will later cause nothing but pain and misery and bloodshed. If you can get into that, it's a pretty good show.
posted by Ghidorah at 9:16 PM on September 4, 2011


Is SOA a love it or hate it thing? I would say that I liked it despite its faults until they started in on the Irish thing, at which point I completely lost the ability to suspend disbelief. I can't decide whether I should plow through the last season, even though every Irish thing makes me wince, just because I think next season will be un-Irish and therefore better.
posted by craichead at 9:18 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


I plowed through seasons 1 and 2. I have never rolled my eyes harder than at some of the more melodramatic SOA moments. Also, am I the only one that's bothered by the way they shoot guns as if they were revolutionary war soldiers forming a line?
posted by Think_Long at 9:23 PM on September 4, 2011


Hank Rollins channeled one hell of an intense scary homicidal Neo-Nazi rapist.

But being mega intense and scary isn't much of a stretch for him anyway.
posted by Skygazer at 9:27 PM on September 4, 2011 [4 favorites]


I have never seen men hug each other so much as I have in that show. Some episodes have to be 10% hugging with that back slapping that says "I am still manly and totally not getting a chubby from this body contact. No really".

But thanks for extracting the nice music.
posted by munchingzombie at 9:31 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


am I the only one that's bothered by the way they shoot guns as if they were revolutionary war soldiers forming a line?

Gods no. That is one of the strangest, craziest things about the show. They have gun fights like they've already read the script and know they won't get hit.
posted by Bookhouse at 9:32 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


"Neal Young

um...."

Neal Young is Neil Young's Newfie cousin trying to cash in. You know, like Gallagher Too.
posted by MikeMc at 9:40 PM on September 4, 2011


"You must either love it or hate it" is almost never true, and usually said about television shows by fans who grossly overestimate the exposure that their favorite show gets. I'd wager that for every person who either loves or hates Sons of Anarchy, there are ten people who have never seen the show, and who can't name two of its actors or identify its time slot with a gun to their head.
posted by cribcage at 9:48 PM on September 4, 2011


Does this show about Hamlet with motorcycle gangs ever get to the part where they do stuff on motorcycles or re-enact Hamlet?
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 9:51 PM on September 4, 2011 [5 favorites]


I have never seen men hug each other so much as I have in that show. Some episodes have to be 10% hugging with that back slapping that says "I am still manly and totally not getting a chubby from this body contact. No really".

I want to hug Opie. He looks like he should be playing in an orgcore band.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 9:52 PM on September 4, 2011 [3 favorites]


That Neil Young cover is too well done and too perfectly tasteful which ruins it for me. I have never seen this show so I have no opinion whatsoever on it though for the life of me I can not imagine a motorcycle gang using the word anarchy in their name. Could someone who watches this show explain? Thanks.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 9:57 PM on September 4, 2011


I think that trying to explain the logic behind a MC's name is probably wasted time.

Locally we have "Forbidden Wheels", "Hell's Angels".. nationally groups like "free souls" or "mongols"...

Making sense isn't part of the process....
posted by HuronBob at 10:03 PM on September 4, 2011


They have gun fights like they've already read the script and know they won't get hit.

Similarly, that cover of "John the Revelator" sounds as if everyone involved knew that it was supposed to be badass, so they moved all the "atmosphere" sliders on the mixing board to the top. Ugh.
posted by kenko at 10:07 PM on September 4, 2011


I want to hug Opie.

Opie's a fucking wonderful character. He's one of several supporting characters who are normal human beings, as opposed to transposed Hamlet characters, which is refreshing. I say that as someone who really enjoys SoA - but damn, Jax, Clay and Gemma spend a lot of screen time with WALKING STEREOTYPE written across their foreheads. Opie and his family dynamics actually seem a lot more interesting at times.
posted by AdamCSnider at 10:11 PM on September 4, 2011 [6 favorites]


done a cappella

No, it's not.
posted by dobbs at 10:29 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


I like SoA. There, I said it.
posted by flippant at 10:37 PM on September 4, 2011 [4 favorites]


Here's the thing about SoA and note that I am the furthest thing from an expert on such matters: they need to MODULATE THE FUCKING DRAMA. I absolutely love this show but honestly, there is so much terrible stuff happening constantly that I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to bother with an MC?
If they ever showed the upsides then it would make more sense.
They need to have a 4 episode run where they just have BBQ's and lIsten to Allman Brothers.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 10:41 PM on September 4, 2011 [6 favorites]


identify its time slot with a gun to their head - I have watched all 3 seasons on Hulu. I don't even now what network shows it.
posted by Ardiril at 10:48 PM on September 4, 2011


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGSSvA6kR3o

this is how John the Revelator should sound.
posted by PinkMoose at 10:59 PM on September 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


I believe all the foibles can be forgiven as long as the Jameson's juice box is taken into consideration.

That, and you remember that the plot is entirely based on the premise that every character, when given choice A or choice B will inevitably choose the worst possible of the two, which will later cause nothing but pain and misery and bloodshed. If you can get into that, it's a pretty good show.


Exactly this. I describe this show to people as "The show where Things Go Wrong", and I fuckin' love it.

Although it has made it harder to watch Futurama.
posted by kafziel at 11:13 PM on September 4, 2011


I have Forever Young stuck in my head now, but it's the Alphaville version.
posted by maryr at 11:22 PM on September 4, 2011


That Peggy Bundy sure is a handful.
posted by unliteral at 11:31 PM on September 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


I devoured the first two seasons of Sons of Anarchy in a weekend. I fucking loved the first two seasons (though I can see why some might not like it). It sounds like I would not like season 3 (what? It's in Ireland, what?). Did it pull a Heroes (or a Season 4 of Weeds)?
posted by dirigibleman at 12:03 AM on September 5, 2011


Season 3 is best described as 2 decent ideas stretched over 8 episodes too many.
posted by Ardiril at 12:07 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


... and 1 brilliant idea that kind of got shuffled into the back.
posted by Ardiril at 12:08 AM on September 5, 2011


Ah yes, John the Revelator! I do that tune sometimes!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 12:32 AM on September 5, 2011 [3 favorites]


prospect
posted by clavdivs at 1:23 AM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


My wife described season 3 as "If I wanted to watch Lifetime-esque television, I'd just change the channel to fucking Lifetime." Here's hoping this one is better.
posted by sideshow at 1:26 AM on September 5, 2011


I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to bother with an MC?

Despite their many many problems, there's obviously a lot of benefits to belonging to the Sons. You don't really need a day job beyond piddling around in the auto repair shop when you have nothing else to do.

If anyone fucks with you, you have a band of brothers who will have your back. Obnoxious boss? Someone cuts you off in traffic? Neighbor is too noisy? Just one call and you'll have six brothers joining you to stomp the problem away. (And there's no problem which can't be fixed with a good stomping.)

If you're interested in a life of crime, the Sons are probably your best option. They're relatively democratic (all members get a vote on key issues), cozy with the local law enforcement so there's always an escape route, and, on issues between members, they're generally trustworthy. Compared to the risks of membership in the Mafia, a Mexican drug cartel, or a stereotypical inner city gang, the Sons are much less likely to turn against each other. All you have to do is not rat, not appear to be a rat, and never leave a brother hanging.

And then there's the fringe benefits. Like to travel? There's a chapter in most states and a handful of countries. Every chapter will house you, feed you, hide you from the law, include you in their orgies, and are required to treat you as if you were part of their local membership. (Just be careful in Belfast. Bunch of wankers there.)

Uniforms are provided and are apparently rather attractive to women. You'll have to cover the cost of your own tattoos however, but getting some version of the MC logo on your body is mandatory. Just don't forget to remove the tattoo if you leave the club for any reason. Facial hair is encouraged but isn't required.

Medical insurance is not provided. However, most chapters have at least one friendly doctor who will essentially provide catastrophic coverage. Funerals are paid for by the MC and surviving family will receive some benefits, so you won't have to purchase burial or life insurance.

Alcohol and marijuana are provided in great quantities, parties and orgies are common, and smoking is not only permitted but encouraged. So, as long as your vices go in this direction, you'll be happy. Always remember that hard drug use is not tolerated.

Membership in the MC is not for everyone but I think you can see the advantages. The show is definitely an expression of a modern male fantasy: belonging to a strong tribe, lots and lots of male bonding with rather hairy kisses, getting to stomp things and act out when life gets too complicated, and there's the easy availability of women. To a lot of viewers the risks pale by comparison.
posted by honestcoyote at 1:33 AM on September 5, 2011 [13 favorites]


But despite all the male fantasy (and some parts of it do appeal to me) it seems like two of the most important characters in the first two seasons were Tara and Gemma.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 3:06 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


Tara, Gemma and Opie are the reasons I like it.

Mainly Gemma.
posted by robcorr at 3:12 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


I have Forever Young stuck in my head now, but it's the Alphaville version.

Well, surely you mean it's the Alphaville SONG. Not version, because that implies that Alphaville recorded a cover of the Dylan tune, which they certainly did not.

And we won't even mention that horrid Rod Stewart bastardization of the Dylan tune.

Oh, damn, I just did. :(
posted by hippybear at 4:36 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


The show is definitely an expression of a modern male fantasy: belonging to a strong tribe, lots and lots of male bonding with rather hairy kisses, getting to stomp things and act out when life gets too complicated, and there's the easy availability of women.

Awwww. With all the great appeal of your description, why'd you have to go and ruin it with that last bit?
posted by hippybear at 4:38 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


I have never seen this show so I have no opinion whatsoever on it though for the life of me I can not imagine a motorcycle gang using the word anarchy in their name. Could someone who watches this show explain? Thanks.
I can try, but I'm probably getting this wrong, because I didn't see the first few episodes.

The motorcycle club was originally founded by a bunch of disaffected Vietnam vets who were fed up with a society that had so thoroughly screwed them over. They saw their club as a kind of intentional community: they would set up their own little society outside of the mainstream and live by their own rules. One of the original members, John Teller, was kind of an intellectual, and he was influenced by, among others, Emma Goldman. Despite its origins, the club quickly degenerated into a purely criminal enterprise. Shortly before his death, which occurred years before the series begins, John Teller wrote a manifesto urging the Sons to return to their anarchist roots. There's an implication that his wife, Gemma, may have conspired with another member of the club, Clay Morrow, to kill John Teller because of his plans to change the direction of the club. John and Gemma's son Jax is now an adult and a high-ranking member of the Sons of Anarchy, and he finds his father's manifesto. He is also struggling with his discomfort at the club's violent tendencies, so it hits a nerve, but he also ends up using a lot of violence, because various sorts of shit are constantly hitting various fans in ways that he can't figure out how to deal with.
posted by craichead at 5:44 AM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


I try hard to like the show (Ron Perlman! Katey Sagal!), but I just can't find anything or anyone redeemable to care about. Even when Jax's son was kidnapped, instead of sympathizing with Jax, all I could muster was "Well, WTF did you expect? You're a fucking gangster! You are in bed with the IR-fucking-A!"

But, yeah, the music on the show is top-notch.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:13 AM on September 5, 2011


when Jax's son was kidnapped

Wait. There's someone on the show named "Jax"? Goddam lurkers stealin' my shit.

where's my lawyer? get my lawyer on the phone.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:24 AM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


No, No, THIS is how John the Revelator should sound.
posted by TheCoug at 7:46 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


No, No, THIS is how John the Revelator should sound.

The Son House version is certainly the prime inspiration for my version. Powerful stuff.

I want to like the Nick Cave, I really do, but... I don't really believe him.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:10 AM on September 5, 2011


Yeah, being in SOA is a lot like being part of Metafilter (Bonding ,democratic, orgies, pot, pluralistic, gun-running, stomping etc...), except without the cool MC jackets.

Need some motorcycle jackets with badd-ass patches ("I am a special snowflake," "Someone hope me" "Everyone needs a hug" "Bring the Schmoopy" "Pony Request" "Take it to MeTa" "Same as in town" "Flag and move on." You get the idea....).

Occasionally crash Reddit or Boing Boing meet-ups and kick some ass.

Of course this makes Jessamyn - Gemma, Matt Howie is Jax, and Cortex is Opie.

Need more orgies...
posted by Skygazer at 8:16 AM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


@skygazer

barfo
posted by This, of course, alludes to you at 8:51 AM on September 5, 2011


Honestly, all I know about this show is that the guy running it has had a few public meltdowns on the internet where he talks shit about other shows that get more critical love and throws in a bunch of Howard Stern-isms along the way. I don't know if that's a put-on or what. I sort of hope so, because I like the cast and think I might like the show. But that's not a good way to sell it.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 9:05 AM on September 5, 2011


Thanks the Coug--those are brilliant, and original, I was trying to sort out the implications of covers.
posted by PinkMoose at 9:19 AM on September 5, 2011


Thanks craichead, much obliged.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 10:49 AM on September 5, 2011


I 'd like to pipe up for Kim Coates's convincing and pretty funny portrayal of Trig the necrophiliac.
posted by not_that_epiphanius at 11:22 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


@This, of course, alludes to you

((((Hug))))

posted by Skygazer at 11:26 AM on September 5, 2011


Tig.
posted by not_that_epiphanius at 11:47 AM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


There's an unofficial soundtrack floating around on torrent sites, with almost every track ever used on the show. Definite recommend.
posted by waraw at 1:18 PM on September 5, 2011


The first season of this show is really amazing (especially the Hamlet themes) but, like Friday night lights, I couldn't think of any reason to keep watching it after a while. I get it, and thanks! Also I'm really bored of violence. Meanwhile, Men of a Certain Age was cancelled right as it went from OK to genius. Sigh.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 2:01 PM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


Yeah, I too, don't see any reason to stay with it. The story arc has stagnated somewhat and the only thing I'd stick around for would be if Jax get's some inkling of the role his mother and Teller played, if indeed they did play a role, in the death of his father and I guess that would go into a thoroughly Hamlet direction and it would be great if it did, with the madness and the play within a play and the whole nine-yards.

Also, I think Opie might just be Horatio. He's certainly not Laertes as that character seems primarily defined as being Ophelia's brother.

And I believe Opie might end up being the head honcho if they go the ole Hamlet route.


But otherwise, yeah snooze-ville city with one of the most annoying aspects of the show is the suspicion that many parts of the show seem designed to appeal to the Fox viewer with TP/libertarian sympathies and in that way reflects Murdoch's vision of a Motorcycle gang.

Perhaps it is just me but I feel like a lot of the F/X and Fox TV shows, with the exception of The Simpsons, have this low level background ambient 911 GOP vibe to them, that I've developed a fierce rash and antipathy towards.
posted by Skygazer at 2:35 PM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


the suspicion that many parts of the show seem designed to appeal to the Fox viewer with TP/libertarian sympathies and in that way reflects Murdoch's vision of a Motorcycle gang

If you feel like it, Skygazer, will you please write more about this?
posted by box at 5:08 PM on September 5, 2011


But otherwise, yeah snooze-ville city with one of the most annoying aspects of the show is the suspicion that many parts of the show seem designed to appeal to the Fox viewer with TP/libertarian sympathies and in that way reflects Murdoch's vision of a Motorcycle gang.

I think it comes down to a much more traditional representation of masculinity rather than a specifically libertarian point of view. That's not to say that masculinity and traditional libertarian/tough tea partier ideas don't have a lot of crossover, but I wouldn't necessarily read a lot of ideology behind it.
posted by Think_Long at 5:41 PM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


I think it comes down to a much more traditional representation of masculinity rather than a specifically libertarian point of view. That's not to say that masculinity and traditional libertarian/tough tea partier ideas don't have a lot of crossover, but I wouldn't necessarily read a lot of ideology behind it.

I'm only up to season 2, but it seems like the Sons are against big business, at least when it threatens Charming.

I did love how they used John The Revelator in the Season 1 finale.

As for the 'fantasy' aspect, I'm a pretty un-manly guy. But there's still something appealing about the idea of being part of a badass group like that that, with all the betrayals and conflicts, still mostly sticks together. Plus motorcycles are cool.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:45 PM on September 5, 2011


I thought the show was quite good right up through the end of the first season...and then they backed off the Jax/Clay feud that was set up with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, making it more of a slow simmer than a boil.

However, the use of music in the show is truly excellent, and the narrative structure is interesting too--there's a point in almost every episode at around the 2/3 or 3/4 mark that feels like the natural wrap-up, but then they keep going. It works, but it kinda screws with my expectations.
posted by Dr.Enormous at 5:58 PM on September 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


But otherwise, yeah snooze-ville city with one of the most annoying aspects of the show is the suspicion that many parts of the show seem designed to appeal to the Fox viewer with TP/libertarian sympathies and in that way reflects Murdoch's vision of a Motorcycle gang.

There's really not much, if any, ideology in the show. I can't see any tea partier embracing this sort of lifestyle, since most teabaggers in the 60's would have been the straights terrified by the antics of the Angels (see Hunter Thompson's book).

Any 1 percenter MC is going to be a temporary autonomous zone of sorts, so there's going to be some appeal to the libertarians and some appeal to the hippies. In terms of their politics, the short answer is that they really don't have much.

They're against rampant corporate development and do everything they can to prevent mass development changing the Mayberry quality of their small town. That's not a quality Murdoch would endorse nor would most libertarians.

Despite frequent use of "nigger" and "wetback" as insults, they have a serious problem with any organized racism. As long as a black gang or a latino gang treats them fairly, they'll return the favor. A black MC in a neighboring town is considered honest and loyal partners.

Religion isn't taken seriously by most members. I doubt they have much of an opinion on taxes since the bulk of their income would be tax free, and one of their members is the son of a Mafia accountant so even their legitimate businesses probably don't pay much if anything. Their stance on women is remarkably primitive. Their stance on marijuana use is "pass it over here." I suppose they would be full members of the NRA if they could be arsed to sign up and they probably couldn't get the motivation together. I have no idea what their stance on gay marriage would be other than a shrug from the younger guys and vague disgust from the older ones.

In terms of the red/blue politics, the MC stands apart. I can't see how they could be pigeonholed as a Murdoch / Fox ideological exercise.
posted by honestcoyote at 6:11 PM on September 5, 2011 [4 favorites]


Watching Glee and Sons of Anarchy is a great way to compare various method to "protect the club." That's all.
posted by stet at 6:11 PM on September 5, 2011


Oh fuck me, I meant:


Watching Glee and Sons of Anarchy at the same time is a great way to compare various method to "protect the club." That's all.
posted by stet at 6:12 PM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


Watching Glee and Sons of Anarchy at the same time is a great way to compare various method to "protect the club." That's all.

In a Very Special Episode of Glee, Bobby Elvis teaches the Glee club....
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 6:54 PM on September 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


heh, somehow the Glee/SOA connection just works, doesn't it.
posted by tomswift at 7:14 PM on September 5, 2011


heh, somehow the Glee/SOA connection just works, doesn't it.

and AV Club reckons Glee is just Community. Doesn't matter who you are... everyone dreams of belong to some close-knit group. Though I'd take Ron Perlman over even Joel McHale.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 7:23 PM on September 5, 2011


the "AV Club".... the original geeks. What the rest didn't know, was the high that came with sniffing the fluids used in that ditto machine.
posted by tomswift at 7:26 PM on September 5, 2011


guy running it has had a few public meltdowns on the internet

That'd be Kurt Sutter (Katey Sagal's irl hubby) who I followed on twitter for a while, hoping to pickup some extra insight into the production. All I got outta that was a load of self-absorbed (and somewhat right-wing) bullshit. Dude seems about half a degree off crazy.

I like the show, although "Our Irish Holiday" left me cold. Having had one boot in the door of an outlaw chapter in the mid '80s, a lot of the time I can only roll my eyes at some of the clubs antics.
posted by Duke999R at 9:44 PM on September 5, 2011


The accents on the show drive me bonkers.

Jax's American accent is terrible - when he talks all I can hear is this.

And Maureen's Irish accent sounds awful, too, which is weird because she's actually Irish.
posted by robcorr at 12:40 AM on September 6, 2011



Box: If you feel like it, Skygazer, will you please write more about this?
In regards to: Perhaps it is just me but I feel like a lot of the F/X and Fox TV shows, with the exception of The Simpsons, have this low level background ambient 911 GOP vibe to them, that I've developed a fierce rash and antipathy towards.
It's difficult to articulate because on the surface SOA is democratic and even progressive in ways, as honestcoyote shows so well in his comment above. It's just a sort of sensibility I can't put my finger on, but I definitely feel it in a lot of the Fox shows and other F/X properties, what I can watch of them before I'm reviled and need to turn them off. SOA has definitely gotten over that bar of general disgust with bad television, but I've only ever watched it on Netflix or Amazon streaming or DVD's and I can't imagine sitting through that show if it involved sitting through actual commercial breaks.

I guess it'a theory I'm working on a bit and maybe it might make a good FPP sometime in the future, but I will say this, I can't really watch early Battle Star Galactica anymore (and I realize it's not a Fox show), because it is so infused with that post-911 fear and trauma, and I feel like the Fox shows (Fox News certainly) have never moved away from that...sensibility, and we're like what 10 fucking years down the line from it??

(Sorry for the derail.)


I'll second the use of John the Revelator in the end of the first season of SOA. It's one of the greatest songs of all time and it imbued quite a bit of class and gravitas to that show, even as a cover.


Quick correction: Clay is actually King CLaudius, John Teller is King Hamlet and the father of Jax. Who is obviously Hamlet. Gemma is Lady Hamlet. Tara is Ophelia and Opie is a weird Laertes/Horatio amalgam.
posted by Skygazer at 10:05 AM on September 6, 2011 [2 favorites]


Wendy might make a better Ophelia than Tara though...
posted by Skygazer at 10:15 AM on September 6, 2011 [2 favorites]


It's difficult to articulate because on the surface SOA is democratic and even progressive in ways

Hunter Thompson's book on Hells Angels covered a lot of this territory. On the surface, the proto-hippies and more liberal intelligentsia of the west coast during the mid 60's thought they had a lot in common with the Angels and the other 1% MCs. Hells Angels seemed to reject the structures of modern suburban life, clashed frequently with authority, and did everything they could to freak out the normals. So they were embraced for a short amount of time on the Bay area cocktail and acid party circuit.

And then the Hells Angels crashed an antiwar protest march in '66 and stomped on all the hippies in sight, thus ending the brief hope that the revolution would have hairy guys on Harleys leading the vanguard. As Sonny Barger said at the time (from memory, not an exact quote) "We're not commies and we're not going to let these assholes destroy our country."

Everything the hippies saw in Hells Angels was essentially true but under the surface chaos of the MC hid a somewhat fascistic mindset. It's an interesting contradiction, especially since in a real fascist society Hells Angels would be rounded up and shot or sent to labor camps.

I hope you'll do a FPP on 1 percenters, Skygazer. There's a lot to explore in their contradictions.
posted by honestcoyote at 2:15 PM on September 6, 2011 [3 favorites]


Here is a listing of some tracks collected in the "unofficial soundtrack" torrents (my favorite tracker is down at the moment unfortunately). At the time I got them there was only a sparse listing for Season 3 but some are listed below.

s01e01 - Campanas De America - Tus Ojitos
s01e01 - Gia Ciambotti - Bobilicious
s01e01 - The Lions - Machine
s01e01 - The Lions - No Generation
s01e01 - Year Long Disaster - Fool And You
s01e02 - Big George Jackson - If I Could Change
s01e02 - Katey Sagal - Son of a Preacher Man
s01e03 - Big Linda - Get It While You Can
s01e04 - Austin Hanks - Alabama Clay
s01e04 - Austin Hanks - Sucker Punch
s01e04 - Johnny Hickman - Lucky
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Eye of the Sun
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Hang
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Mojo Man
s01e04 - The Lions - All Hail
s01e04 - The Lions - Evil Eye
s01e05 - Jesse Dayton - Tall Walkin' Texas Trash
s01e05 - Jin - Yum Dum Cha
s01e05 - Michael Sackler-Berner - Keep It Easy
s01e05 - The Donkeys - Excelsior Lady
s01e06 - Chris Thompson - One Man Mission
s01e07 - Cobra Verde - Riot in the Food Court
s01e07 - Tara Holloway - This Time fer Sure
s01e09 - Bob Neuwirth - Biding Her Time
s01e09 - Burning Brides - Plank of Fire
s01e09 - Chicago Stone Lightning - My Love Is a Good Look
s01e09 - Michael Sackler Berner - True Blue
s01e10 - The Donkeys - Dolphin Center
s01e11 - Howlin' Rain - The Firing of the Midnight Rain
s01e12 - The Lions - White Angel
s01e13 - Five Horse Johnson - Lightening When I Need
s01e13 - Tarbox Ramblers - Were You There
s02e00 - - Fortunate Son
s02e00 - Citizen Cope - Son's Gonna Rise
s02e01 - Marlene and the Sons of the Disaster - Step Up (I'm on It)
s02e01 - The Hangmen - The Devil
s02e02 - Katey Sagal - Ruby Tuesday
s02e02 - The Upsidedown - If You Are Hell Girl
s02e03 - Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned - Black Cat Road
s02e03 - Hillstomp - Cardiac Arrest in D
s02e03 - The Death Riders - The Wrong Way Out
s02e03 - Toadies - I Want Your Love
s02e04 - Pearlene - You Done Told Everybody
s02e04 - Tara Halloway - The Bottom (Live From The Billy Block Show)
s02e04 - The Obscurities - Stop Dragging Me Down
s02e04 - The Stone Foxes - Beneath Mt. Sinai
s02e05 - Pearlene - Two Crescents
s02e06 - Boo Boo Davis - I'm Comin' Home
s02e06 - Hillstomp - Nope
s02e06 - Southern Bitch - Free Man Now
s02e07 - Madi Diaz - A Little Bit
s02e07 - The Peak Show - Tell Me
s02e08 - Amanda Blank - Make It, Take It
s02e08 - Cycle of Pain - Pungle
s02e08 - Henry Clay People - Something in the Water
s02e08 - Sun Kil Moon - Salvador Sanchez
s02e09 - Glasspack - Lot Lizard
s02e09 - Tarbox Ramblers - No Harm Blues
s02e10 - All Points West - Novocaine
s02e10 - Bob Neuwirth - The Places I Can't Afford to Go
s02e10 - The Brought Low - There's a Light
s02e11 - Chuck Prophet - Love Wont Keep us Apart
s02e11 - Deadstring Brothers - Can't Make it Through the Night
s02e11 - Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth - Busload of Hope
s02e11 - Two Gallants - Fly Low Carrion Crow
s02e12 - Billy Valentine & the Forest Rangers - Someday Never Comes
s02e12 - Pearlene - Watch the Way
s02e12 - Straylight Run - Hands in the Sky
s02e13 - Bachi da Pietra - Casa di Legno
s02e13 - Don Caballero - Railroad Cancellation
s02e13 - MatLions - Burn this Town
s02e13 - Monster Magnet - Freeze and Pixilate
s02e13 - Pat James - City Lights
s02e13 - Pat James - Just Fillin' In
s02e13 - Pat James - Let Me Live Long Enough
s02e13 - Paul Brady - Gimme Shelter
s02e13 - Tape Deck Mountain - Ghost Colony

Some from Season 3:
Damien Dempsey - Spraypaint Backalley
Flatfoot 56 - Sons of Anarchy Season 3 - - Son of Shame
Joshua James & The Forest Rangers - No Milk Today
Justin Townes Earle - What Do You Do When You're Lonesome
McGuire Sisters - Sincerely
Preacher Stone - Not Today
Richard Thompson - Dad's Gonna Kill Me
Six Organs Of Admittance - All You've Left
The Celtic Rangers Family Singers - Into Thy Hands
The Chimpz - Home Invasion
The Sadies - Sunset to Dawn
The White Buffalo - Damned
The Young Dubliners - (I Don't Think I'll) Love Anymore
Cave Country - Panda Party
Crud - Devil at the Wheel
Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers - Travelin' Band
Dreadnoughts - Victory Square
Flatfoot 56 - Shiny Eyes
Flatfoot 56 - Way of the Sun
Flatfoot 56 - We Grow Stronger
Flogging Molly - Another Bag Of Bricks
Jennifer O'Connor - The Church and The River
Methods Of Mayhem - Fight Song
Mystery Girl - I Took the Poison
Paul Brady - Help Me to Believe
SAMCRO Irsh Intro
Scala and Kolacny Brothers - Our Last Fight
Sweet Apple - Flying Up A Mountain
The Beat Up-All Messed Up
The Dreadnoughts - Boneyard
The Tossers - A Night on Earth
The Tossers - Faraway
The Tossers - The Ballad of the Thoughtful Rover
The White Buffalo - Sweet Hereafter (live)
The Young Dubliners - Caroline
We Were Promised Jetpacks - An Almighty Thud

Tracks these torrents didn't yet have when I got them (according to collector):

s01e01 - Fireball Ministry - Kick Back
s01e02 - Tarbox Ramblers - Already Gone
s01e02 - Lonnie Brooks - Don't Take Advantage of Me
s01e05 - Gia Ciambotti - Tail Wags the Dog
s01e07 - Austin Hanks - Rip It Up
s01e08 - Sean Talham - Road to Glencar
s01e10 - The Waco Brothers - Say Hello to Everybody
s01e12 - Boo Boo Davis - Who Stole the Booty
s01e12 - Fireball Ministry - End of Story
s01e12 - Mojo Monkeys - Bodacious
s01e13 - Holloway & The Scrantones - Temptation Took Control of Me
s01e13 - Ladies of the Canyon - Every Minute
s02e01 - Blonde Acid Cult (aka Calypsony) - Mad For You
s02e01 - Michael Sackler-Berner - The World Is Spinnin' on Its Side Today
s02e03 - Mojo Monkeys - Roll on Muddy River
s02e03 - The High Society - Caledonia Red
s02e04 - The Lions - Nothing
s02e06 - Fireball Ministry - Fallen Believer
s02e07 - Gram Rabbit - Stars
s02e08 - Chicago Stone Lightning Band - Lover, Lover
s02e08 - Souleros - Bag of Bones
s02e09 - Austin Hanks - Rip It Up
s02e10 - The Georgettes - Down By the River
s02e11 - Calypso - Elephant
s02e11 - Souleros - She Rolls Me
s02e11 - Keiran Fahey - Dohertys/Tommy Peoples
s02e11 - Pearlene - Rosemary Girl
s02e12 - Tara Halloway - Better in the Flesh

posted by waraw at 4:59 PM on September 6, 2011


holy shit. what was the end song for s3 ep1. TV shows do not leave me wide-eyed. WHOA.
posted by clavdivs at 6:35 PM on September 6, 2011


Richard Thompson - Dad's Gonna Kill Me.
posted by unliteral at 10:11 PM on September 6, 2011 [1 favorite]


I think one of the things I like about the show is that Jax, the center of the show, is often totally overwhelmed and unable to react to events in any way that difuses the situation. He's not all that bright (perceptive, yeah), and he has issues with impulse control and long term thinking, and while he's the 'hero,' he's also one of the reasons the club keeps getting into so much shit.

I do think, at some point they're going to get into the Hamlet stuff. With any luck, they'll have ample notice of the show ending or being cancelled, and they'll have the time to do the story right. I think it's pretty bluntly obvious at this point what happened to Jax's father, only the details are missing. When that comes out, it'll be massive bloodshed. You've got, at the very least, Clay and Jemma in on it. I would imagine Opie's father didn't know, but either way, there's a lot of room for interesting twists with his involvement or reaction to finding out. I would be surprised if Tig didn't know about it.

Here's the thing though: I don't know about Opie. When it all comes down to it, is his loyalty to Jax, or the club? I think that will be central to the ending of the story (or at least Jax's part). Either way will be pretty awesome to watch, but if Opie sides with the club and betrays Jax, I think he could easily go from everyone's favorite character (I like Tig, myself) to one of the most despised.
posted by Ghidorah at 12:39 AM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


"Thank you, I accept that."
posted by clavdivs at 4:34 PM on September 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Here is waraw's list with Youtuberry goodness added:
If you only watch one, make it the live The White Buffalo marked with the *****.

s01e01 - Campanas De America - Tus Ojitos
s01e01 - Gia Ciambotti - Bobilicious
s01e01 - The Lions - Machine
s01e01 - The Lions - No Generation
s01e01 - Year Long Disaster - Fool And You
s01e02 - Big George Jackson - If I Could Change
s01e02 - Katey Sagal - Son of a Preacher Man
s01e03 - Big Linda - Get It While You Can
s01e04 - Austin Hanks - Alabama Clay
s01e04 - Austin Hanks - Sucker Punch
s01e04 - Johnny Hickman - Lucky
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Eye of the Sun
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Hang
s01e04 - Mojo Monkeys - Mojo Man
s01e04 - The Lions - All Hail
s01e04 - The Lions - Evil Eye
s01e05 - Jesse Dayton - Tall Walkin' Texas Trash
s01e05 - Jin - Yum Dum Cha
s01e05 - Michael Sackler-Berner - Keep It Easy
s01e05 - The Donkeys - Excelsior Lady
s01e06 - Chris Thompson - One Man Mission
s01e07 - Cobra Verde - Riot in the Food Court
s01e07 - Tara Holloway - This Time fer Sure
s01e09 - Bob Neuwirth - Biding Her Time
s01e09 - Burning Brides - Plank of Fire
s01e09 - Chicago Stone Lightning - My Love Is a Good Look
s01e09 - Michael Sackler Berner - True Blue
s01e10 - The Donkeys - Dolphin Center
s01e11 - Howlin' Rain - The Firing of the Midnight Rain
s01e12 - The Lions - White Angel
s01e13 - Five Horse Johnson - Lightening When I Need
s01e13 - Tarbox Ramblers - Were You There
s02e00 - - Fortunate Son
s02e00 - Citizen Cope - Son's Gonna Rise
s02e01 - Marlene and the Sons of the Disaster - Step Up (I'm on It)
s02e01 - The Hangmen - The Devil
s02e02 - Katey Sagal - Ruby Tuesday
s02e02 - The Upsidedown - If You Are Hell Girl
s02e03 - Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned - Black Cat Road
s02e03 - Hillstomp - Cardiac Arrest in D
s02e03 - The Death Riders - The Wrong Way Out
s02e03 - Toadies - I Want Your Love
s02e04 - Pearlene - You Done Told Everybody
s02e04 - Tara Halloway - The Bottom (Live From The Billy Block Show)
s02e04 - The Obscurities - Stop Dragging Me Down
s02e04 - The Stone Foxes - Beneath Mt. Sinai
s02e05 - Pearlene - Two Crescents
s02e06 - Boo Boo Davis - I'm Comin' Home
s02e06 - Hillstomp - Nope
s02e06 - Southern Bitch - Free Man Now
s02e07 - Madi Diaz - A Little Bit
s02e07 - The Peak Show - Tell Me
s02e08 - Amanda Blank - Make It, Take It
s02e08 - Cycle of Pain - Pungle
s02e08 - Henry Clay People - Something in the Water
s02e08 - Sun Kil Moon - Salvador Sanchez
s02e09 - Glasspack - Lot Lizard
s02e09 - Tarbox Ramblers - No Harm Blues
s02e10 - All Points West - Novocaine
s02e10 - Bob Neuwirth - The Places I Can't Afford to Go
s02e10 - The Brought Low - There's a Light
s02e11 - Chuck Prophet - Love Wont Keep us Apart
s02e11 - Deadstring Brothers - Can't Make it Through the Night
s02e11 - Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth - Busload of Hope
s02e11 - Two Gallants - Fly Low Carrion Crow
s02e12 - Billy Valentine & the Forest Rangers - Someday Never Comes
s02e12 - Pearlene - Watch the Way
s02e12 - Straylight Run - Hands in the Sky
s02e13 - Bachi da Pietra - Casa di Legno
s02e13 - Don Caballero - Railroad Cancellation
s02e13 - MatLions Battleme - Burn this Town
s02e13 - Monster Magnet - Freeze and Pixilate
s02e13 - Pat James - City Lights
s02e13 - Pat James - Just Fillin' In
s02e13 - Pat James - Let Me Live Long Enough
s02e13 - Paul Brady - Gimme Shelter
s02e13 - Tape Deck Mountain - Ghost Colony

Some from Season 3:
Damien Dempsey - Spraypaint Backalley
Flatfoot 56 - Sons of Anarchy Season 3 - - Son of Shame
Joshua James & The Forest Rangers - No Milk Today
Justin Townes Earle - What Do You Do When You're Lonesome
McGuire Sisters - Sincerely
Preacher Stone - Not Today
Richard Thompson - Dad's Gonna Kill Me
Six Organs Of Admittance - All You've Left
The Celtic Rangers Family Singers - Into Thy Hands
The Chimpz - Home Invasion
The Sadies - Sunset to Dawn
The White Buffalo - Damned*****
The Young Dubliners - (I Don't Think I'll) Love Anymore
Cave Country - Panda Party
Crud - Devil at the Wheel
Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers - Travelin' Band
Dreadnoughts - Victory Square
Flatfoot 56 - Shiny Eyes
Flatfoot 56 - Way of the Sun
Flatfoot 56 - We Grow Stronger
Flogging Molly - Another Bag Of Bricks
Jennifer O'Connor - The Church and The River
Methods Of Mayhem - Fight Song
Mystery Girl - I Took the Poison
Paul Brady - Help Me to Believe
SAMCRO Irish Intro
Scala and Kolacny Brothers - Our Last Fight
Sweet Apple - Flying Up A Mountain
The Beat Up - All Messed Up
The Dreadnoughts - Boneyard
The Tossers - A Night on Earth
The Tossers - Faraway
The Tossers - The Ballad of the Thoughtful Rover
The White Buffalo - Sweet Hereafter (live)
The Young Dubliners - Caroline
We Were Promised Jetpacks - An Almighty Thud

Tracks these torrents didn't yet have when I got them (according to collector):

s01e01 - Fireball Ministry - Kick Back
s01e02 - Tarbox Ramblers - Already Gone
s01e02 - Lonnie Brooks - Don't Take Advantage of Me
s01e05 - Gia Ciambotti - Tail Wags the Dog
s01e07 - Austin Hanks - Rip It Up
s01e08 - Sean Talham - Road to Glencar
s01e10 - The Waco Brothers - Say Hello to Everybody
s01e12 - Boo Boo Davis - Who Stole the Booty
s01e12 - Fireball Ministry - End of Story
s01e12 - Mojo Monkeys - Bodacious
s01e13 - Holloway & The Scrantones - Temptation Took Control of Me
s01e13 - Ladies of the Canyon - Every Minute
s02e01 - Blonde Acid Cult (aka Calypsony) - Mad For You
s02e01 - Michael Sackler-Berner - The World Is Spinnin' on Its Side Today
s02e03 - Mojo Monkeys - Roll on Muddy River
s02e03 - The High Society - Caledonia Red
s02e04 - The Lions - Nothing
s02e06 - Fireball Ministry - Fallen Believer
s02e07 - Gram Rabbit - Stars
s02e08 - Chicago Stone Lightning Band - Lover, Lover
s02e08 - Souleros - Bag of Bones
s02e09 - Austin Hanks - Rip It Up
s02e10 - The Georgettes - Down By the River
s02e11 - Calypso - Elephant
s02e11 - Souleros - She Rolls Me
s02e11 - Keiran Fahey - Dohertys/Tommy Peoples
s02e11 - Pearlene - Rosemary Girl
s02e12 - Tara Halloway - Better in the Flesh
posted by unliteral at 9:06 PM on September 8, 2011 [4 favorites]


best.show.on.cable.
posted by clavdivs at 11:38 AM on September 11, 2011


I had the opportunity this past Friday to hook four more people on this show, by showing them the first three episodes. I expect that by the time we meet again this coming Friday, they'll all have watched as much of the show as can be had on Netflix Streaming.
posted by kafziel at 11:41 AM on September 11, 2011


Jeeze, clavdivs... thanks!
posted by HuronBob at 9:12 PM on September 21, 2011


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