Time, as a poet, or potentially a pretentious policeman, once said, is a flat circle. What once was old is now new again, and vice verse, and few things exemplify that more than “Stranger Things,” the Netflix series that might be the major pop culture phenomenon of the year. It’s an homage to all kinds of 1980s supernatural thrillers and blockbusters, from “E.T.” to “It” and beyond, and has connected in a way that even its makers, the Duffer Brothers, probably never dreamed of.
One of the most praised elements of the show has been its unforgettable theme tune and synth-heavy score, by Austin band Survive, which proved so popular that a soundtrack release was created by fan demand. And now, that score’s been paid tribute to by one of the bands that inspired it, as Rolling Stone have revealed that Tangerine Dream have recorded a cover of both the theme music, and another cut from the score.
If you, like the cast and creators of “Stranger Things,” are too young to actually remember the 80s, Tangerine Dream are a German electronic band founded in 1967, known for both their prolific work, and for their music for seminal 70s and 80s films like “Sorcerer,” “Thief,” “Risky Business,” “The Keep” and “Near Dark.” Founder Edgar Froese died at the start of last year, but his current bandmates are still touring, and clearly were fans of “Stranger Things” and its music.
In part because it paid tribute to them, and not just directly (one of their songs featured in episode six): “We get to see all that stuff, and then, like, ‘Sorcerer’” Survive’s Kyle Dixon told Rolling Stone of their preparation for the show’s music. “There’s a Tangerine Dream score for ‘Sorcerer’ that’s great. I’ve rented that one a few times. ‘The Keep.’ I think you can only get ‘The Keep’ on VHS.” Listen to both Tangerine Dream cuts below.