I’ve finally did it. I didn’t want to, and might have been actively avoiding it, but after a long weekend of binge watching every other possible show, there was only one place left to go: The Handmaid’s Tale.
After my initial disdain for the storyline and theme, I’m embarrassed to say I’ve developed a kind of appreciation and adoration of the show. Now this could be for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s the obvious sexual tension this kind of apocalyptic society creates, or maybe it’s the doe-eyed, distressed, lesbian version of Alexis Bledel, but I think the overwhelming reason I’ve developed a liking to the show is undoubtedly the perfectly picked and placed songs. You’re welcome to read on to my crude analysis of the soundtrack, but I’m gonna spare you the few minutes of your life and get to the point right here: Watch The Handmaid’s Tale, IF ONLY for the soundtrack.
…Oh, you’re STILL reading? Congratulations young scholar! You’ve proven your attentiveness and concentration to the task at hand and triumphed in the face of your generation. Your prize awaits at the end of this article…
I digress.
It’s safe to say a huge part of a show or movies success comes from the music (except maybe Games of Thrones, that show could have a soundtrack solely of fart noises and it would only slightly hinder my appreciation of the series). The Handmaid’s Tale is of no exception. Which is not to say it’s not a great show on its own, but the music is certainly in my mind what makes it what it is. With bands such as Fugazi, Jay Reatard (RIP), Marilyn Manson, and PJ Harvey (among others) it perfectly encapsulates the suffocating and enraging emotions the show produces. Also with songs such as “Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed)” by The Raveonettes, “You Don’t Own Me” by Leslie Gore, and “Fuck The Pain Away” by Peaches and the excellent addition of some of our late and great all female punk rock bands Sleater Kinney, Pussy Riot, and Bikini Kill it’s clear the contradictory commentary they’re making to the shows patriarchal and Orwellian setting. It makes my angry, confused tween self swoon and I’m all about it. FUCK THE SYSTEM! *pokes head out window* “I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE!”
(Kudo’s to you if you got that “Network” movie reference)
This brings me to the end of the article. You now understand my love of The Handmaid’s Tale and it’s nostalgic fierce soundtrack, and you’re expecting your prize. Well here it is: the end of an article- you’ve finished something today. “But I don’t care about your stupid review and feelings about ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and it’s soundtrack” you say. And to that young interweb explorer I respond “…but now you see you can finish and accomplish anything you put your mind to. You see, the Prize was with YOU all along.” *I wink at you and rouse up your hair as you dismayingly gaze upon me*
https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/hulu/playlist/7vXzp5wv2E2oEE419Dv6R4
Adiós,
xx Cora
