Have y’all seen Sons of Anarchy? I recently watched season one. I liked the writing and the unusual free rein accorded its creator and producer, Kurt Sutter.
Season one
Sutter wrote, directed and produced most episodes; for better or worse it’s his voice throughout. (He also appears as the character, Otto.) His fluid writing and attention to detail make this tale about a motorcycle gang and the Charming, California townsfolk both entertaining and realistic.
Jax (Charlie Hunnam), the angel-faced bad boy lite was created with wide audience appeal in mind. It’s easy to understand why the girl who grew up to be a physician is still in love with him. In less skilled hands this storyline would be a tough sell.
While everyone loves a hero, my favorite character is Tig (Kim Coates). His sociopathic tendencies are illuminated by deliciously twisted depravity. Even amidst the violent criminality, Tig’s biker brethren are taken aback by his behavior: “What happened to you as a child?”
Clay (Ron Perlman) and Gemma (Katey Sagal), well-cast as the President and his old lady, are the bedrock of the motorcycle club. Or are they puppeteers? While Sagal (Married with Children) is Sutter’s wife, her role couldn’t have been better filled if they’d held an open call.
The rest of the cast is excellent with notable appearances by Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos) and Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black).
I’ve only watched the first season, but it’s safe to say SoA probably wouldn’t make my Top 10 list, if I had one. That said, I admire Sutter’s writing and deft handling of complex subject matter. Woven throughout the ruthless outlaw battles for power are themes of love, loyalty and belonging.
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“No easy way to be free.”
The music! The episodes are filled with roadhouse music. Ranging from bluesy to heavier rock as the scenes dictate, there is so much music that four soundtracks have been released along with three EPs and one single:
- Songs of Anarchy: Music from Sons of Anarchy Seasons 1-4 [Various Artists]
- Songs of Anarchy, Vol. 2 (Music from Sons of Anarchy) [Various Artists]
- Songs of Anarchy, Vol. 3 (Music from Sons of Anarchy) [Various Artists]
- Songs of Anarchy, Vol. 4 (Music from Sons of Anarchy) [Various Artists]
- Sons of Anarchy: North Country – EP
- Sons of Anarchy: The King Is Gone – EP
- Sons of Anarchy: Shelter – EP
- Riding With the Wind: The Sons of Anarchy TV Series Single by The Charlie Brechtel Band
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The band The Forest Rangers are frequently featured and were so well received they recorded and released their debut album via crowdfunding PledgeMusic campaign.
One song in the first season stood out for me. A bit of research uncovered… Anvil! Who knew? Well, these bloggers for starters: Boppin’s Blog; 80smetalman; mikeladano; Heavy Metal Overload.
For your listening pleasure, here is Anvil with Franky Perez performing “Slip Kid”. Credits below. Enjoy!
Did you love/loathe the show and music? Never heard of either?
P.S. No spoilers, please! I’ve just finished season one and some readers may not have seen the show. Thanks. 🙂
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Not seen the show (not a big watcher of TV shows to be honest). But Anvil doing Slip Kid?! Sign me up for that!
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I don’t have a TV but have watched some shows online or on DVD paying close attention to the writing.
Anvil’s musical contribution stood out for me.
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I’ve watched all seven seasons through, twice! I have it on boxed set. All I will tell you that things definitely get interesting as the seasons progress. Sutter knows how to throw in the surprises. Great song to feature though.
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I’ll have to watch the rest! It’s great to know that Sutter keeps things rolling and manages some surprises too! Glad you like the song. 🙂
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Fairly enjoyable show, Danica… I did find the last couple of seasons a bit mnah and the writing started to get a bit too messy, but the casting was great.
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Several other writers and producers contributed in later seasons, sometimes that must help and other times it must simply become a bit crowded.
Good to know the cast remains solid!
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Haven’t seen it yet – but I do like when writers/directors are given some freedom to be creative!
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Absolutely! This level of autonomy seemed unusual, and the gamble paid off for FX.
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I love Mr. Robot and Orange is the new black. I’m going to try this puppy!
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I haven’t seen Mr. Robot — I must be in a crowd of about a dozen people, lol. Let me know what you think!
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It’s one of those things I’d like to watch but I never seem to find the time at all.
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Well, I’m only a few years behind the times on this one. 😉 So much entertainment and so little time….
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I’m with you on Tigs! Great character and he really gets going as the seasons progress….
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It must have been a lot of fun writing him! It’s good to know he really gets going as the seasons progress — something to look forward to. 🙂
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Thanks for the shout out.
I started watching this show but life got real busy and I stopped.
I haven’t even watched thr entire first season.
I love Katey Sagal as an actress.
She was great on Married With Children, and also 8 Simple Rules (To Date My Daughtet).
Now I need to rewatch all of those shows.
Andddd listen to Nazereth.
If only you weren’t so influential.
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My pleasure! I hope some new readers visit you.
I agree with you about Sagal and she does a great job in this role.
Enjoy the show and Nazareth!
Haha — I hope my influence is for the forces of good. 🙂
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After all of these shows and Nazareth listening I may need a drink. Then tomorrow some Hair of The Dog.
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