Twin Peaks has a uniquely atmospheric soundtrack already, but what about what’s playing on the Roadhouse radio? What’s the house band got going on tonight? Here are five songs that perfectly emulate the series’ mysterious, small town vibe.
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Twin Peaks‘ Roadhouse Radio, from Mainstay Julee Cruise to 80s Icons Tears For Fears
“The Vibes Ain’t Nothin’ But the Vibes” — Barry Adamson
This new age-y jazz track by Barry Adamson, recorded live and released in 1996, gives off that Twin Peaks feel in its use of vibraphone right from the start. The soundtrack for the series, composed by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti, relies heavily on the mysterious sound of vibraphone to create a questionable atmosphere. “The Vibes Ain’t Nothin’ But the Vibes” uses a combination of piano and vibraphone, as well as Adamson’s hushed narration of a bizarre couple who are “secretly conspiring to murder each other, hoping that will alleviate the slightly more uncomfortable feelings that may arise.”
“Falling” — Julee Cruise
A Twin Peaks playlist isn’t complete without “Falling” by Julee Cruise. Instrumentally, it’s used as the series’ opening theme. Cruise also performs the song during the first scene at the Roadhouse, continuing to sing in her breathy, atmospheric voice while a fist fight is going down in the bar. There’s probably not a song more associated with Twin Peaks than “Falling,” and Julee Cruise was synonymous with the show for a long time.
“I’m On Fire” — Chromatics
While Chromatics appeared on the third season of Twin Peaks performing their song “Shadow,” their cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” also fits with the tone of the series. The Springsteen element serves to represent the show’s small town feel, and the Chromatics element blends that with its dreamy, atmospheric aesthetic for an all-around perfect vibe.
“I Only Have Eyes For You” — The Flamingoes
A lot of the atmospheric aesthetic of Twin Peaks comes from the feeling that it’s simultaneously modern and weirdly stuck in the 1950s. Most of the characters would blend right in were the series set in that time period (except maybe Bobby Briggs, who definitely knows who Pearl Jam is). “I Only Have Eyes For You” has an empty room feel to it that meshes well with the Twin Peaks vibe.
“The Working Hour” — Tears For Fears
The saxophone in the beginning of “The Working Hour” sets the tone for the rest of its dreamy composition. Rolling drums like thunder, solemn piano, and the stalwart saxophone make this song the perfect vibe for the more desperate moments of Twin Peaks. When Laura Palmer’s case is going cold, Dale Cooper is working off of divine dream messages, and things are getting more and more confusing the longer they go on. “The Working Hour” feels like moments of reflection and revelation.
Featured Image by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
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