In the wake of the smash success and pop culture phenomenon of AMC's "Mad Men," other networks have been scrambling to develop their own period-based dramas. ABC and NBC each tried with "Pan Am" and "The Playboy Club," respectively, and failed, with both shows already canceled. But Starz has faith in their late '50s-soaked "Magic City," chronicling the glitzy highlife (and lowlife) of Miami of the era. And with the show already renewed for a second season, they are looking to stick around for a while.
With "Magic City" now a couple of episodes in, Starz is not waiting to get the alternate revenue streams rolling as the soundtrack for the series is already on the way. And it's pretty solid. Boasting eleven tunes, it's steeped in the era with blues cuts from Bo Diddley and Johnny Otis, jazz from Lee Morgan, soul from Ray Charles and pop radio hits of the time from Frankie Avalon and The Diamonds. And there is one new tune of sorts from singer Patti Austin — who plays Ella Fitzgerald on the show — delivering her version on the classic "Tenderly."
A solid collection all around around. The "Magic City" soundtrack hits stores on April 17th and show air Friday nights at 10 p.m. on Starz. [Film Music Reporter]
"Magic City" Soundtrack Tracklist
1. I’m a Man – Bo Diddley
2. Tenderly – Patti Austin
3. Venus – Frankie Avalon
4. The Stroll – The Diamonds
5. Mambo Gallego – Tito Puente
6. Drowning On Dry Land – Albert King
7. Willie and The Hand Jive – Johnny Otis
8. Chances Are – Julie London
9. Mi Chiquita Quiere Guarachar – Beny More
10. The Sidewinder – Lee Morgan
11. Moon over Miami – Ray Charles