Drop the needle.
Every week we’re choosing one TV show that deserves your attention because time is precious and there are some stunning shows available to watch.
The first episode of Vinyl has just aired on Sky Atlantic this week and here’s why you should check it out.
1) What’s it about?
Let’s be honest, we’ve all dreamed about living a life that’s filled with sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll but HBO’s new show looks like it could be the closest thing to actually living it.
Truth be told, Vinyl arrives with more impressive credentials and star power than a Led Zeppelin reunion concert. Martin Scorsese directed the pilot, Mick Jagger is its co-creator and The Sopranos/ Boardwalk Empire scribe Terence Winter is the man responsible for guiding us through the purple haze that’s life in the quickly imploding American Century Records label.
The show is set in the ’70s as New York music executive Richie Finestra has to make a career out of the city’s diverse music scene as it faces an upheaval like no other. Punk rock, disco and hip-hop are quickly becoming the most popular genres but can Richie keep his label afloat but most importantly…cool.
Drop the needle. Crank up the volume. #Vinyl premieres now on @HBO. pic.twitter.com/kIDuum30HI
— @vinylHBO (@vinylHBO) February 15, 2016
The first episode has already displayed some vintage Scorsese touches. Amazing soundtrack? Check. Loads of cocaine? Check. Violence? Check.
Mick Jagger originally pitched the show as ‘Casino for the music industry’ and the pilot certainly felt like that as we’re introduced to the motley crew of characters that shape the music scene in NYC ranging from the record label suits, shock jocks (emphasis on the word shock) and mafia kingpins.
Aside from one seriously dodgy Robert Plant impression, Vinyl’s a show that’s made by music lovers specifically for music lovers.
Tracks by Otis Redding, Black Sabbath, Bo Diddley and The Temptations are all here among many others. We’re going to keep the record playing.
2) It’s almost like…
As mentioned earlier, it feels like the intoxicating world of Casino where danger and euphoria lurk around every corner but set in the music industry.
3) It’s worth your time because…
The opening episode did lose focus at times but the music is so good that it instantly recaptures your attention. The characters also seem like they’ve the potential to get very interesting, mainly Ray Romano’s Zak and Ato Essandoh’s disgruntled blues singer Lester.
4) Did you know…?
This is the second time that Bobby Cannavale has worked with creator Terence Winter. He won an Emmy for his portrayal of Gyp Rosetti in Boardwalk Empire.
5) One episode and you’re hooked…
Since we’ve only seen the one so far, it has to be the pilot.
6) If the show was a person…
Your friend that really adores music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI6Pg_lIB2M
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
