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SCORES FROM THE SCREEN
If we were talking about the music from Stranger Things, what would you think of? Probably something along the lines of 'Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)' by Kate Bush or 'Should I Stay or Should I Go' by The Clash - and understandably so. However, there is much more to the epic soundtrack than just 80s classics.
The instrumental soundtrack (by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of the electronic band 'Survive') is characterised by the extensive use of synthesisers and electronic beats which are reminiscent of the 80s works of John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream. These help to give the soundtrack the nostalgic feel that enhances the show's 80s vibe. Additionally, the theme for the Upside Down includes microtones (fine-tuned notes that are between the keys of a piano) to make the music sound unsettling, as they can sound 'off-key' and are uncommon in Western music, so may sound unfamiliar to the audience. These micro-tones are possible due to the use of an analogue step sequencer.
In the September of 2017, Dixon and Stein won the Emmy Award of 'Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music' for their work on the Stranger Things theme. This memorable piece consists of a main sequence, a bass line, and a 'heartbeat' sound, played on vintage synthesisers such as a Roland SH-2.
Lastly, if there weren't enough reasons to love this soundtrack already, just take a look at the track names the 'Stranger Things 4 (Original Score From The Netflix Series)' album. It includes 80 tracks in total with quirky names such as 'Hiiiiiiiii', 'ELVIS CLONED BY ALIENS' and '[delicate, intense music playing...]'.
My Top 3 From The Soundtrack:
1) Soldiers 2) The Upside Down 3) In the closet (at Rink O Mania)
