20 TV shows with the best soundtracks and music
By Sundi Rose
Treme
No other soundtrack (or show, for that matter) has captured the spirit of the city in which it is set quite like Treme. Named for the historically musical neighborhood in New Orleans, the soundtrack features some of the biggest names in jazz, brass bands and blues.
Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, the show follows the lives of ordinary residents struggling to regain control over their lives and return to some kind of normalcy. Starring NOLA native Wendall Pierce, the show, at one time or another, features some of New Orleans’ most famous (and infamous) artists.
You can find Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Juvenile, Steve Earle, The Soul Rebels and Kermit Ruffins. If you’ve ever even driven through New Orleans, you know how important their music is to the soul of the city, and how important it became to the residents who decided to return and rebuild. The Treme soundtrack captures this immaculately, and offers a taste of the Big Easy every time you hit play.
Treme was a short-lived HBO series by the producers of The Wire, David Simon and Eric Overmyer. It takes on the gravitas of the task of restarting your life, but imbues it with music that honors the traditions of the city and it’s residents.
You will instantly be transported to Bourbon and Orleans the second you listen to the Rebirth Brass Band work its magic.