Trigger Happy TV
Encyclopedia
Trigger Happy TV was a hidden camera
/practical joke
reality television program
. The original British edition of the show, produced by Absolutely Productions
, starred Dom Joly
and ran for two series on the British television channel Channel 4
from 2000 until 2002. Joly made a name for himself as the sole star of the show, which he produced and directed with cameraman Sam Cadman.
and Cheltenham
.
The humour in the programme is derived mainly through observation of the public's reactions to Joly's shenanigans. This signaled a departure from the usual hidden camera
format, where members of the public are themselves pranked or "stitched-up" by show producers.
Unlike most hidden camera programmes, many of the scenes in Trigger Happy TV did not revolve around trapping normal people into embarrassing and impossible situations. Instead, Joly often made fun of himself rather than others, and many scenes made people stop and either laugh or simply wonder what was going on; the passers-by are never made aware of the fact that they are on television, presumably until they sign a release form allowing the use of the footage shot. Such scenes include Joly answering a gigantic novelty mobile phone and shouting at the top of his voice into it (normally in quiet locations like golf courses, cinemas, libraries and parks), a chef chasing an actor in a large rat costume out of a restaurant, and two actors dressed as masked Mexican wrestlers getting into spontaneous fights in grocery stores. The programme's surreal sketches have been described as being influenced by Dada. Other scenes include people dressed as animals breaking into a fight and the progress of various costumed pedestrians (such as a snail and an old man) across a zebra crossing
in London. Joly also often dressed as a Cub Scout, a foreign person with bad English, or a park attendant.
The show didn't include a laugh track
, instead playing instrumental and sometimes sad music during sketches. Bands such as Eels and The Crocketts
have been used multiple times in Trigger Happy TV.
Two series and two Christmas
specials of the show were produced in the UK, from 2000 to 2002. Three DVDs were released, containing the "best of" both series and the Christmas specials. Despite the show's popularity over two continents, Joly says he will not make any more in Britain, as his face and voice are now too well known. The comedy is also known for its contrastingly sombre musical soundtrack, which was released commercially. Dom Joly notes in the booklet of the soundtrack CD for Series 2 "Also Johnny Vaughan
ask me why all the music is so sad and not plinky-plonk, happy-clappy cartoon type stuff, 'cos I don't want to be the Big Breakfast
, 'nuff said."
The status of this sketch premise as synonymous with the series, and arguably Dom Joly's eventual boredom with it, was reflected in the final episode, where it served as the final sketch. It begins with Joly sitting on a bench at a train station, smoking, beneath a sign reading "The End". He looks somewhat downbeat, with the phone resting beside him. In time the familiar ring tone sounds and he lifts the phone only to speak in a low and measured voice "Hello? No... No... I can't talk now, bye." and soon a fade to black.
documentary about Joly followed the original three series, called Being Dom Joly which was produced and written by Joly himself. This aired prior to screenings of Trigger Happy TV in the USA and earned critical acclaim, with one reviewer Bob Croft, LA Times calling Joly "the funniest man in Britain".
. It retained the original format but almost all sketches were performed by a cast including Jessica Makinson
(13 episodes), Travis Draft
(4 episodes), Jerry Minor
(4 episodes) and Brett Reylander
(3 episodes). A total of 13 episodes were made and broadcast on Comedy Central in the US, comprising the one series. The series was subsequently broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, under the title "Trigger Happy TV USA." Though Joly did cameo sporadically on the show (he appeared to a greater or lesser extent in 4 episodes), he was very unhappy with the programme and called it "Trigger Happy by numbers". He had a producer credit on the show, but disassociated himself with the project.
. The three individual releases have also been released together, along with "Being Dom Joly" as a box-set entitled "Trigger Happy TV Complete", again on both VHS and DVD, along with unseen footage of "Being..."
As of February 2011, and in spite of the name of the box-set, there has been no home release of any complete series containing all the sketches originally broadcast, although every episode of every series is available to view online in the UK on Channel 4's 4od
service.
"Soundtrack to the Series" (Series 1)
1. Embrace - All You Good Good People
2. The Church
- Under The Milkyway
3. Babybird
- If You'll Be Mine
4. Pulp
- Babies
5. The Honey Smugglers - Listen
6. Beta Band
- Dr Baker
7. House Of Love
- Shine On
8. Waterboys
- Spirit
9. Gomez
- Tijuana Lady
10. Monaco
- What Do You Want From Me
11. Faithless
- Drifting Away
12. Deus - HotelLounge (Be The Death Of Me)
13. Stone Roses
- This Is The One
14. Television Personalities
- I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives
15. Gene
- Speak To Me Someone
16. James
- PS
17. Stereophonics
- Just Looking
18. Elastica
- Connection
"Soundtrack to Series 2" (Series 2)
1. Grant Lee Buffalo
- Jupiter & Teardrop
2. Slade
- Everyday
3. The Crocketts
- 1939 Returning
4. Laid Back
- Bakerman
5. Mercury Rev
- Tonite Is Shows
6. David Gray
- My Oh My
7. Grandaddy
- He's Simple, He's Dumb
8. Day One
- Ordinary Man
9. Super Furry Animals
- Long Gone
10. A Flock Of Seagulls
- I Ran
11. Suede
- Down
12. PJ Harvey
- We Float
13. Shack
- Streets Of Kenny
14. David J
- Stop This City
15. Captain Sensible
- Glad It's All Over
"Soundtrack 3" (Christmas Specials and 'Being Dom Joly')
1. Faithless - Crazy English Summer
2. Eskobar
- On A Train
3. Dodgy
- Grassman
4. Dandy Warhols - Get Off
5. The Cure
- A Forest
6. Therapy
- Diane
7. Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way
8. Nick Drake
- The River Man
9. James - Next Lover
10. Starsailor
- Tie Up My Hands
11. Haircut 100 - Whistle Down The Wind
12. Suede
- Sleeping Pills
13. Fleetwood Mac
- Need Your Love So Bad
14. Men at Work
- Down By The Sea
15. Beach Boys
- God Only Knows
Perhaps the most notable absentee from the soundtracks, considering prominence during the series, are Eels
, whose song "Novocaine for the Soul" was often used but appears on none of the CDs.
Although appearing in the Christmas Special, Ryuichi Sakamoto
's "Forbidden Colours
" was not released on any soundtrack.
Hidden camera
A hidden camera is a still or video camera used to film people without their knowledge. The camera is "hidden" because it is either not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object...
/practical joke
Practical joke
A practical joke is a mischievous trick played on someone, typically causing the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out, or is let in on the joke, rather than being fooled into handing over money or...
reality television program
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
. The original British edition of the show, produced by Absolutely Productions
Absolutely Productions
Absolutely Productions is a television production company formed in 1988 by Morwenna Banks, Jack Docherty, Moray Hunter, Pete Baikie, John Sparkes and Gordon Kennedy, all of whom were the cast of British television comedy sketch show AbsoluTEly....
, starred Dom Joly
Dom Joly
Dominic John Romulus "Dom" Joly is a British television comedian and journalist. He came to note as the star of Trigger Happy TV, a hidden camera show that was sold to over seventy countries worldwide...
and ran for two series on the British television channel Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
from 2000 until 2002. Joly made a name for himself as the sole star of the show, which he produced and directed with cameraman Sam Cadman.
Format
The program consisted of Joly deliberately entering into ludicrous or embarrassing situations in public places, which were filmed surreptitiously by Cadman. Sketches took place in a variety of locations, though most appeared to be filmed on the streets of Central LondonCentral London
Central London is the innermost part of London, England. There is no official or commonly accepted definition of its area, but its characteristics are understood to include a high density built environment, high land values, an elevated daytime population and a concentration of regionally,...
and Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Cheltenham , also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a large spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds in the South-West region of England. It is the home of the flagship race of British steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup, the main event of the Cheltenham Festival held...
.
The humour in the programme is derived mainly through observation of the public's reactions to Joly's shenanigans. This signaled a departure from the usual hidden camera
Hidden camera
A hidden camera is a still or video camera used to film people without their knowledge. The camera is "hidden" because it is either not visible to the subject being filmed, or is disguised as another object...
format, where members of the public are themselves pranked or "stitched-up" by show producers.
Unlike most hidden camera programmes, many of the scenes in Trigger Happy TV did not revolve around trapping normal people into embarrassing and impossible situations. Instead, Joly often made fun of himself rather than others, and many scenes made people stop and either laugh or simply wonder what was going on; the passers-by are never made aware of the fact that they are on television, presumably until they sign a release form allowing the use of the footage shot. Such scenes include Joly answering a gigantic novelty mobile phone and shouting at the top of his voice into it (normally in quiet locations like golf courses, cinemas, libraries and parks), a chef chasing an actor in a large rat costume out of a restaurant, and two actors dressed as masked Mexican wrestlers getting into spontaneous fights in grocery stores. The programme's surreal sketches have been described as being influenced by Dada. Other scenes include people dressed as animals breaking into a fight and the progress of various costumed pedestrians (such as a snail and an old man) across a zebra crossing
Zebra crossing
A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. A zebra crossing typically gives extra rights of way to pedestrians.The use of zebra...
in London. Joly also often dressed as a Cub Scout, a foreign person with bad English, or a park attendant.
The show didn't include a laugh track
Laugh track
A laugh track is a separate soundtrack invented by Charles "Charley" Douglass, with the artificial sound of audience laughter, made to be inserted into television programming of comedy shows and sitcoms.The term "laugh track" does not apply to the genuine audience laughter on shows that shoot in...
, instead playing instrumental and sometimes sad music during sketches. Bands such as Eels and The Crocketts
The Crocketts
The Crocketts were a rock group originating at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1995/6. They recorded two full length albums for V2 Records - We May Be Skinny And Wirey and The Great Brain Robbery...
have been used multiple times in Trigger Happy TV.
Two series and two Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
specials of the show were produced in the UK, from 2000 to 2002. Three DVDs were released, containing the "best of" both series and the Christmas specials. Despite the show's popularity over two continents, Joly says he will not make any more in Britain, as his face and voice are now too well known. The comedy is also known for its contrastingly sombre musical soundtrack, which was released commercially. Dom Joly notes in the booklet of the soundtrack CD for Series 2 "Also Johnny Vaughan
Johnny Vaughan
Jonathan Randall Vaughan is an English broadcaster and journalist. Vaughan has become well known as a television and radio personality and has also built a reputation as a film critic. He co-presented Capital Breakfast alongside Lisa Snowdon on 95.8 Capital FM between 2004 and 2011...
ask me why all the music is so sad and not plinky-plonk, happy-clappy cartoon type stuff, 'cos I don't want to be the Big Breakfast
The Big Breakfast
The Big Breakfast was a British light entertainment television show shown on Channel 4 and S4C each weekday morning from 28 September 1992 until 29 March 2002 during which period 2,482 shows were produced. The Big Breakfast was produced by Planet 24, the production company co-owned by former...
, 'nuff said."
Recurring sketches
- The signature sketch of the series sees Joly innocuously present in a public location, often a place of relative quiet such as an art galleryArt galleryAn art gallery or art museum is a building or space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art.Museums can be public or private, but what distinguishes a museum is the ownership of a collection...
, a libraryLibraryIn a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
or an internet cafeInternet cafeAn Internet café or cybercafé is a place which provides internet access to the public, usually for a fee. These businesses usually provide snacks and drinks, hence the café in the name...
, when a loud Nokia ring toneNokia tuneThe Nokia tune is a phrase from a composition for solo guitar, Gran Vals, by the Spanish classical guitarist and composer Francisco Tárrega, written in 1902....
sounds. After a moment's pause Joly lifts an oversized model of a mobile phone into view and shouts "HELLO?!" into it. He then proceeds to yell conversational dialogue about where he is and what he's doing. Apart from an occasion where he was "ON A BOAT IN HOLLAND!", this is usually while he slowly exits the area. It almost always concluded with him saying some variation of "YEAH IT'S RUBBISH... CIAO!"
The status of this sketch premise as synonymous with the series, and arguably Dom Joly's eventual boredom with it, was reflected in the final episode, where it served as the final sketch. It begins with Joly sitting on a bench at a train station, smoking, beneath a sign reading "The End". He looks somewhat downbeat, with the phone resting beside him. In time the familiar ring tone sounds and he lifts the phone only to speak in a low and measured voice "Hello? No... No... I can't talk now, bye." and soon a fade to black.
- A random customer about to enter a grocery store is told by Joly (dressed up in a flamboyant suit, flanked by glamorous women and beneath a celebratory banner) that they are the millionth customer and anything they can get in their shopping trolley in a one minute "dash" will be free. The customer proceeds to speed through the store filling up their cart while Joly and the other actors remove the set and quickly leave.
- Joly is seen dressed in a stereotype burglar costume and asks a random passerby to aide him in some apparently criminal endeavour. Invariably after completing his "crime" he'd start yelling his joy at the success and implicate the passerby as an accomplice, while departing ("escaping") the scene. One instance saw him shouting from the upstairs window of a house asking a passerby to put a ladder back up for him and hold it while he climbs down (complete with a bag marked "Swag"), upon reaching the bottom he runs away screaming "We burgled the house! Me and him just burgled the house!", leaving the passerby holding the ladder.
- Joly, dressed in authentic costumes, would walk up to people sitting at a table or bench, often outside a restaurant, and offer (usually in a mock-foreign accent and broken EnglishBroken EnglishBroken English is a 1979 album by singer Marianne Faithfull. It is often cited as Faithfull's definitive recording; Faithfull herself describes it in her autobiography as "the masterpiece"...
) to perform some form of entertainment, most commonly play a musical instrument, sing or perform a dance. Whether they accepted or refused the offer, he'd proceed to give a performance of terrible quality and, however they reacted, hold out a hand in expectation of a tip. On one occasion, Joly, wearing a porkpie hat and white jumpsuit, walks up to a couple sitting on a bench in a park. Despite no encouragement he proceeds to do a terrible Morris danceMorris danceMorris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords, handkerchiefs and bells may also be wielded by the dancers...
. When finished he calmly places his hand out as if asking for change. - Joly is seen in a laundrette with boxer shorts and an undershirt on, and wearing a hockey mask on his face, à la Jason VoorheesJason VoorheesJason Voorhees is a fictional character from the Friday the 13th series of slasher films. He first appeared in Friday the 13th , as the son of camp cook-turned-murderer, Mrs. Voorhees, in which he was portrayed by Ari Lehman. Created by Victor Miller, with contributions by Ron Kurz, Sean S...
. He stuffs a bloody jumpsuit into the washer. - Outside an incongruous location (such as a pornographyPornographyPornography or porn is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video,...
shop or public toilet), a random customer is seen to enter and quickly Joly sets up outside in flamboyant suit and wig, holding a microphone, flanked by glamorous women holding champagne, a couple of men with brass horn instruments, photographers, and all beneath a large banner, faced by a television crew. When the customer leaves the shop, fanfare erupts, cameras flash and Joly yells congratulations to the person for being the millionth customer. - Joly stands in front of an enormous picture of himself plastered against a wall that says "Do not trust this man!", but still manages to get passersby to talk to him and do things for him. In one memorable sketch, somebody actually comes up to him and asks him for directions.
- In Trafalgar SquareTrafalgar SquareTrafalgar Square is a public space and tourist attraction in central London, England, United Kingdom. At its centre is Nelson's Column, which is guarded by four lion statues at its base. There are a number of statues and sculptures in the square, with one plinth displaying changing pieces of...
, people sit down to have Joly, dressed as a FrenchFrench peopleThe French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
artist, paint their portrait. Rather than actually painting the portrait, Joly paints a comical phrase or picture on the canvas and walks away, leaving the customer sitting in their pose. Examples include him painting "I need to sing" before picking up a nearby guitar and strumming away across the square and "Goodbye cruel world" before climbing into the nearby fountain and floating face-down. - Persons are stopped at random on the street by Joly, accompanied by a cameraman and boom operatorBoom operator (media)A Boom operator is an assistant of the production sound mixer. The principal responsibility of the boom operator is microphone placement, sometimes using a "fishpole" with a microphone attached to the end and sometimes, when the situation permits, using a "boom" which is a more intricate and...
, and asked to take a blindfoldBlindfoldA blindfold is a garment, usually of cloth, tied to one's head to cover the eyes to disable the wearer's sight. It can be worn when the eyes are in a closed state and thus prevents the wearer from opening them...
ed taste test of a new foodstuff or drink. Once the person is blindfolded and given a sample in each hand, Joly and crew silently but quickly walk away leaving the person standing there. Sometimes a noticeably different crew replaces the original one. - Joly is in the process of conducting a streetside interview with a British celebrity, but becomes increasingly distracted before abruptly departing. Distractions took the form of his own dissatisfaction with the job (walked off after expressing it), an ardent fan who kisses him and dares him to chase after her for more (he pauses for a moment then runs off after her), a persistent busker constantly getting in the frame (chases after him having smashed his guitar and threatening to do worse) and his kidnapping right in front of the interviewee by a van of hoodlums.
- Joly, disguised in trench coatTrench coatA trench coat or trenchcoat is a raincoat made of waterproof heavy-duty cotton drill or poplin, wool gabardine, or leather. It generally has a removable insulated lining; and it is usually knee-length.-History:...
, dark glasses and hat plays the role of a KGBKGBThe KGB was the commonly used acronym for the . It was the national security agency of the Soviet Union from 1954 until 1991, and was the premier internal security, intelligence, and secret police organization during that time.The State Security Agency of the Republic of Belarus currently uses the...
spy. He'd approach a random member of the public and usually utter a code word or phrase ("You are red fox?") in an apparent attempt to confirm they are the contact he is supposed to meet, and try to hand them a briefcase. The most elaborate set up involved an unsuspecting phone-box user becoming the centerpiece of a bizarre money exchange laced with secret codes involving a "nun" and a "doctor". - Joly, dressed as a Swiss tourist, holding a Phrasebook, asks a passerby a question in comical and especially bad broken englishBroken EnglishBroken English is a 1979 album by singer Marianne Faithfull. It is often cited as Faithfull's definitive recording; Faithfull herself describes it in her autobiography as "the masterpiece"...
, such as "Where may I go to empty my bottom?" (go to the toilet). Some people laugh; others genuinely try and help him. - Various sketches involving actors in animal costumes copulating, urinating, or violently assaulting others, in the presence of ordinary people. The sketches with animal costumes, especially the violent ones, are arguably second only to the mobile phone sketches as a "signature sketch."
- Other examples are the "___-a-gram" services, wherein Joly delivers an actor in costume to an innocuous business location (often a laundromat) and the actor proceeds to stand in the corner, looking completely forlorn and sighing often after Joly leaves.
- Assuming the role of a park-keeper, Joly attempts to politely vilify elderly park goers, all-but accusing them of behaving like young hooligans. Each sketch starts with the park-keeper saying that he's been "tipped off" and that someone "matching your description" was acting improperly (setting off fireworks, doing graffiti, joyriding, etc.) When the elderly victim pleads innocence, the park-keeper will sometimes persist, but usually make a highly qualified acceptance, politely by strongly implying he doesn't believe them but as he can't prove anything he'll let them off this time.
- Joly, dressed as a traffic wardenTraffic wardenA traffic warden is a non-warranted officer employed by a statutory authority in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Ireland, to assist in regulating the flow of traffic.- Ireland :...
, accuses motorists stopped in traffic or at traffic lights of being illegally parked and proceeds to ticket them. In this character (an over-zealous jobsworth essentially) his oft-repeated mantra is "not on my patch, never". Other targets included a street cleaner who is forced to move his wheelbarrow of equipment away from double-yellow lines, a bus which Joly attempts to ticket for illegal parking when it's at a bus stop and a taxi, which he himself hailed to a stop. - Joly and other actors wearing "fat suits" and trying to fit into tight places, such as a telephone booth or narrow alleyway. One memorable example included Joly and another actor in fat suits holding up an entire escalator full of people.
Being Dom Joly
A spoofParody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
documentary about Joly followed the original three series, called Being Dom Joly which was produced and written by Joly himself. This aired prior to screenings of Trigger Happy TV in the USA and earned critical acclaim, with one reviewer Bob Croft, LA Times calling Joly "the funniest man in Britain".
US Version
A new series of Trigger Happy TV was made for the US market in 2003, for Comedy CentralComedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
. It retained the original format but almost all sketches were performed by a cast including Jessica Makinson
Jessica Makinson
Jessica Makinson is an American actress, comedienne, and improviser known as a series regular for several Comedy Central programs, voice over work for animation, and as a sketch player for late night talk shows.-Early life and career:...
(13 episodes), Travis Draft
Travis Draft
Travis Draft began his career at Chicago's The Second City in 1992 as an observer, working behind the scenes while attending film school at Columbia College...
(4 episodes), Jerry Minor
Jerry Minor
Jerry C. Minor is an American actor, comedian and writer known for his comedic roles in numerous television programs such as Mr. Show, Saturday Night Live, Delocated, Crossballs, Carpoolers and Lucky Louie....
(4 episodes) and Brett Reylander
Brett Reylander
Brett Reylander is an English actor, known for his roles on British television. As Scott in Holby City , Chris in Grange Hill , John in Family Affairs and with other guest roles in London's Burning , Midsomer Murders , Trigger Happy TV and as a presenter on NBC Europe and on local radio...
(3 episodes). A total of 13 episodes were made and broadcast on Comedy Central in the US, comprising the one series. The series was subsequently broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, under the title "Trigger Happy TV USA." Though Joly did cameo sporadically on the show (he appeared to a greater or lesser extent in 4 episodes), he was very unhappy with the programme and called it "Trigger Happy by numbers". He had a producer credit on the show, but disassociated himself with the project.
Video
Separate "Best of" collections have been released on VHS and DVD for each of Series 1, 2 and 3 (Christmas Specials), with each containing an amount of unseen footageDeleted scene
In Entertainment, especially the film and television industry, Deleted scenes are parts of a film removed or censored from or replaced by another scene in the final "cut", or version, of a film...
. The three individual releases have also been released together, along with "Being Dom Joly" as a box-set entitled "Trigger Happy TV Complete", again on both VHS and DVD, along with unseen footage of "Being..."
As of February 2011, and in spite of the name of the box-set, there has been no home release of any complete series containing all the sketches originally broadcast, although every episode of every series is available to view online in the UK on Channel 4's 4od
4oD
4oD is a video on demand service from Channel 4. Launched in November 2006, 4oD stands for "4 on Demand". The service offers a variety of programmes recently shown on Channel 4, E4, More4 or from their archives...
service.
Soundtrack
Three Soundtrack CDs have been released, each compiling most of the tracks used in the respective series. They are all on the label "4 Music", copyright Channel Four Television Corporation."Soundtrack to the Series" (Series 1)
1. Embrace - All You Good Good People
2. The Church
The Church (band)
The Church is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1980. Initially associated with new wave and the neo-psychedelic sound of the mid 1980s, their music later became more reminiscent of progressive rock, featuring long instrumental jams and complex guitar interplay...
- Under The Milkyway
3. Babybird
Babybird
Babybird are a British indie band formed in 1995. The band is fronted by Stephen Jones, who has also released records as a solo artist, using his own name.-Career:Jones had begun...
- If You'll Be Mine
4. Pulp
Pulp (band)
Pulp are an English alternative rock band formed in Sheffield in 1978. Their lineup consists of Jarvis Cocker , Russell Senior , Candida Doyle , Mark Webber , Steve Mackey and Nick Banks ....
- Babies
5. The Honey Smugglers - Listen
6. Beta Band
The Beta Band
The Beta Band were a British musical group who received much critical acclaim and achieved cult status amongst avid followers of the underground and experimental music scene...
- Dr Baker
7. House Of Love
The House of Love
The House of Love is an English alternative rock band. Formed in 1986, the band rose to prominence in the UK as a leading indie rock band in 1988 and split up in 1993, eventually reforming a decade later in 2003. The band is best known for its detailed psychedelic guitar sound and for the...
- Shine On
8. Waterboys
The Waterboys
The Waterboys are a band formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from Scotland, Ireland and England. Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Spiddal, New York, and Findhorn have all served as homes for the group. The band has played in a...
- Spirit
9. Gomez
Gomez (band)
Gomez are an English indie rock band from Southport, comprising Ian Ball , Paul "Blackie" Blackburn , Tom Gray , Ben Ottewell and Olly Peacock . The band is distinguished for having three singers and four songwriters, employing traditional and electronic instruments...
- Tijuana Lady
10. Monaco
Monaco (band)
Monaco was a side project of New Order bassist Peter Hook. Together with David Potts, the only remaining member of Revenge, the band was formed in 1995...
- What Do You Want From Me
11. Faithless
Faithless
Faithless were a British electronica band consisting of Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss and Rollo. The group is best known for their dance songs . Faithless recorded six albums. During their career they sold over 15 million records worldwide...
- Drifting Away
12. Deus - HotelLounge (Be The Death Of Me)
13. Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
- This Is The One
14. Television Personalities
Television Personalities (band)
The Television Personalities are an English group with a varying line-up. The only constant member is singer–songwriter Dan Treacy , who uses the band as a vehicle for his music...
- I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives
15. Gene
Gene (band)
Gene were an English alternative rock quartet that rose to prominence in the mid 1990s. Formed in 1993, they were popularly labelled as a Britpop band and often drew comparisons to The Smiths because of their Morrissey-esque lead singer, Martin Rossiter. Gene's music was influenced by The Jam, The...
- Speak To Me Someone
16. James
James (band)
James are a British rock band from Manchester, England. They formed in 1982 and were active throughout the 1980s, but most successful during the 1990s. Their hit singles include "Come Home", "Sit Down", and "She's a Star" as well as their American College Radio hit "Laid"...
- PS
17. Stereophonics
Stereophonics
The Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band now living in turners x that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in Cynon Valley, Wales. The band currently comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist and backing vocalist Richard Jones, drummer Javier Weyler, guitarist and backing...
- Just Looking
18. Elastica
Elastica
Elastica were an English alternative rock band that played punk rock-influenced music. They were best known for their 1995 album Elastica, which produced singles that charted in the US and the UK.-History:...
- Connection
"Soundtrack to Series 2" (Series 2)
1. Grant Lee Buffalo
Grant Lee Buffalo
Grant Lee Buffalo is a rock band based in Los Angeles, California, consisting of Grant-Lee Phillips , Paul Kimble and Joey Peters . All three were previously members of another Los Angeles band, Shiva Burlesque.-Career:...
- Jupiter & Teardrop
2. Slade
Slade
Slade are an English rock band from Wolverhampton, who rose to prominence during the glam rock era of the early 1970s. With 17 consecutive Top 20 hits and six number ones, the British Hit Singles & Albums names them as the most successful British group of the 1970s based on sales of singles...
- Everyday
3. The Crocketts
The Crocketts
The Crocketts were a rock group originating at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1995/6. They recorded two full length albums for V2 Records - We May Be Skinny And Wirey and The Great Brain Robbery...
- 1939 Returning
4. Laid Back
Laid Back
Laid Back is a Danish Post-punk group formed in Copenhagen by John Guldberg and Tim Stahl in 1979...
- Bakerman
5. Mercury Rev
Mercury Rev
Mercury Rev is an American alternative rock group, that formed in the late 1980s in Buffalo, New York. Original personnel were David Baker , Jonathan Donahue , Sean Mackowiak, a.k.a...
- Tonite Is Shows
6. David Gray
David Gray (musician)
David Gray is an English singer-songwriter. He released his first studio album in 1993 and received worldwide attention after the release of White Ladder six years later...
- My Oh My
7. Grandaddy
Grandaddy
Grandaddy was an American indie rock band, formed in 1992 in Modesto, California by singer, guitarist, and keyboardist Jason Lytle, bassist Kevin Garcia, and drummer Aaron Burtch. Guitarist Jim Fairchild and keyboardist Tim Dryden later joined the band in 1995...
- He's Simple, He's Dumb
8. Day One
Day One (band)
Day One is an English band from Bristol, consisting of Phelim Byrne and Matthew Hardwidge. They were originally signed to Virgin/Melancolik, the record label started by Massive Attack. Their début album, Ordinary Man, was released in 2000 to critical acclaim. It peaked at #70 in the UK Albums Chart...
- Ordinary Man
9. Super Furry Animals
Super Furry Animals
Super Furry Animals are a Welsh rock band that lean towards psychedelic rock and electronic experimentation. Since their formation in Cardiff, Wales in 1993, the band has consisted of Gruff Rhys , Huw Bunford , Guto Pryce , Cian Ciaran and Dafydd Ieuan Super Furry Animals are a Welsh rock band...
- Long Gone
10. A Flock Of Seagulls
A Flock of Seagulls
A Flock of Seagulls are an English New Wave band originally formed by brothers Michael "Mike" Score and Alister "Ali" James Score , with Frank Maudsley , Michael Kuby , H.J...
- I Ran
11. Suede
Suede (band)
Suede are an English alternative rock band from London, formed in 1989. The group's most prominent early line-up featured singer Brett Anderson, guitarist Bernard Butler, bass player Mat Osman and drummer Simon Gilbert. By 1992, Suede were hailed as "The Best New Band in Britain", and attracted...
- Down
12. PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...
- We Float
13. Shack
Shack (band)
Shack are an English band formed in Liverpool in 1987. Originally Shack consisted of Mick Head , his brother John Head , Justin Smith and Mick Hurst.-The Pale Fountains:...
- Streets Of Kenny
14. David J
David J
David John Haskins , better known as David J, is a British alternative rock musician. He was the bassist for the gothic rock band Bauhaus and Love and Rockets....
- Stop This City
15. Captain Sensible
Captain Sensible
Captain Sensible is a singer, songwriter, guitarist who grew up in Croydon, England, and co-founded the punk rock band The Damned in 1976. After leaving the band, he reinvented himself as an alternative pop singer with a rebellious, self-conscious image...
- Glad It's All Over
"Soundtrack 3" (Christmas Specials and 'Being Dom Joly')
1. Faithless - Crazy English Summer
2. Eskobar
Eskobar
Eskobar is the name of a Swedish indie/pop band that was founded in 1996 some 30 kilometres north of Stockholm, in the small town of Åkersberga...
- On A Train
3. Dodgy
Dodgy
Dodgy are an English power pop rock trio, that rose to prominence during the Britpop era of the 1990s, who are best known for their hits "Staying Out for the Summer", "If You're Thinking of Me", and "Good Enough"...
- Grassman
4. Dandy Warhols - Get Off
5. The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
- A Forest
6. Therapy
Therapy?
Therapy? is an alternative metal band from Northern Ireland. The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist–vocalist Andy Cairns from Ballyclare and drummer-vocalist Fyfe Ewing from Larne, Northern Ireland. The band initially recorded their first demo with Cairns filling in on bass guitar...
- Diane
7. Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way
8. Nick Drake
Nick Drake
Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake was an English singer-songwriter and musician. Though he is best known for his sombre guitar based songs, Drake was also proficient at piano, clarinet and saxophone...
- The River Man
9. James - Next Lover
10. Starsailor
Starsailor (band)
Starsailor is an English post-britpop band, formed in Leigh, Warrington and Greater Manchester. By 2009, they had four charting albums and ten Top 40 singles in the UK since 2001.-Early history:...
- Tie Up My Hands
11. Haircut 100 - Whistle Down The Wind
12. Suede
Suede (band)
Suede are an English alternative rock band from London, formed in 1989. The group's most prominent early line-up featured singer Brett Anderson, guitarist Bernard Butler, bass player Mat Osman and drummer Simon Gilbert. By 1992, Suede were hailed as "The Best New Band in Britain", and attracted...
- Sleeping Pills
13. Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
- Need Your Love So Bad
14. Men at Work
Men at Work
Men at Work are an Australian rock band who achieved international success in the 1980s. They are the only Australian artists to have a simultaneous #1 album and #1 single in the United States . They achieved the same distinction of a simultaneous #1 album and #1 single in the United Kingdom...
- Down By The Sea
15. Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
- God Only Knows
Perhaps the most notable absentee from the soundtracks, considering prominence during the series, are Eels
Eels (band)
Eels is an American indie rock band formed by singer/songwriter Mark Oliver Everett, better known as E...
, whose song "Novocaine for the Soul" was often used but appears on none of the CDs.
Although appearing in the Christmas Special, Ryuichi Sakamoto
Ryuichi Sakamoto
After working as a session musician with Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi in 1977, the trio formed the internationally successful electronic music band Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978. Known for their seminal influence on electronic music, the group helped pioneer electronic genres such as...
's "Forbidden Colours
Forbidden Colours
"Forbidden Colours" is a song composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto with lyrics by David Sylvian. The song is the vocal version of the theme from the Nagisa Oshima film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and was first released on the soundtrack album...
" was not released on any soundtrack.