from Wikipedia
Roswell was my second favourite TV show when I was a teenager, beaten only by Buffy. A big part of what made me adore Roswell was the music. I found so many great bands and musicians from watching Roswell that I’d never have heard of otherwise. If you don’t know anything about Roswell, click HERE to read my thoughts on the show.
Unfortunately, much of the original music didn’t make it on to the DVDs, something I was livid about when I got my boxsets of all three seasons. I couldn’t believe it when I read through the leaflet in the boxset explaining that for licensing reasons, some songs had to be changed. I was devastated, and to this day I don’t bother watching those DVDs. Thankfully, I still have my videotapes. I diligently recorded every episode.
Roswell ended more than ten years ago, but when I listen to music from it, I still get goosebumps and come over all nostalgic. The characters felt like my friends and when I watch Roswell, it’s like I’m back in secondary school and 17 all over again.
I’ve chosen a small sample of songs I came to love because of this show.
Amy Hit the Atmosphere by Counting Crows. This song played out against a desert backdrop in season 1. Poor Isabel learned that her brother hadn’t revealed their true identities as aliens to her mother. Isabel desperately wanted her mother to know who she really was, believing her mom loved her unconditionally and would accept them. (I don’t think this song made it on to the DVD)
Fear – Sarah McLachlan. “Fear” played during the pivotal moment in the pilot episode when Max saves Liz’ life by healing her from a gunshot wound.
Crash Into Me – Dave Matthews Band. Max and Liz admit their attraction to each other but don’t see a way forward for them because they’re too different. She’s human, he’s not. Very Romeo & Juliet.
Save Yourself – Sense Field. For all the teenagers facing peer pressure.
In the Air Tonight by Majandra Delfino. I couldn’t find the video on YouTube of Maria performing this on the show. My one gripe with that scene was that Michael (her on/off boyfriend) wasn’t there to see her shine.
Run by Collective Soul. “Run” played out against a heartbreaking and poignant moment between Michael and Maria.
I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow. This would have been Liz and Max’s wedding song, had future Max not time travelled to break them up to prevent the end of the world. One of the most beautiful and heartbreaking scenes of all three seasons.
That’s just a tiny sample of the music featured on the show. Other songs I adored were “Colorblind” – Counting Crows, “Save Tonight” – Eagle Eye Cherry, “On Any Given Day” – Laura Webb, “40 Miles from the Sun” – Bush, “Brave New World” – Richard Ashcroft, “She Cries Your Name” – Beth Orton, “We Haven’t Turned Around” – Gomez and many many more.
Are you running over to Netflix? Just remember many of these songs didn’t make it, but you’ll still love hanging out with all the gang at the Crashdown cafe where Liz, Maria and Michael worked. Are there any Roswell fans in the house?
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