Fear music is the collective name given to the ominous incidental music that is increasingly found in every facet of modern mass media. It is said of any electronically-driven low-bass incidental music of action, horror or suspense films and primetime TV shows about crime, murder and dismemberment, of some commercials and even of pseudo-documentaries appearing on the History Channel about any subject of a violent, mysterious or speculative nature (Nostradamus, end of times prophecies, Da Vinci, Hitler and other evil historical figures, ancient torture devices, the antichrist, natural disasters, war, terrorism, disease, etc.).
In dramas, it often drowns out dialogues and announces the violent content to follow. In pseudo-documentaries, it often accompanies ominous disclaimers such as “although nobody knows for certain” and “the viewer is free to draw his own conclusions”. It is often satirized in comedy shows making fun of bad movies such as the “Scary Movie” series or The Onion.
Critics see it as “the new soundtrack of America” and indicative of the present anxious mood of the US. It is also criticized as hack work using lazy musical clichés, cheap electronic or percussive effects and low-frequency vibrations designed to give the listener the creeps while rattling his dental fillings, without ever resorting to true musical invention. Its use and development have been variously credited to James Horner and other second rate film composers.
In dramas, it often drowns out dialogues and announces the violent content to follow. In pseudo-documentaries, it often accompanies ominous disclaimers such as “although nobody knows for certain” and “the viewer is free to draw his own conclusions”. It is often satirized in comedy shows making fun of bad movies such as the “Scary Movie” series or The Onion.
Critics see it as “the new soundtrack of America” and indicative of the present anxious mood of the US. It is also criticized as hack work using lazy musical clichés, cheap electronic or percussive effects and low-frequency vibrations designed to give the listener the creeps while rattling his dental fillings, without ever resorting to true musical invention. Its use and development have been variously credited to James Horner and other second rate film composers.
When I heard the fear music coming from the living room, I first assumed my wife was watching the History Channel. But it turns out she was just watching an infomercial about an insect repellent.
I’m surprised “Film Score Monthly” didn’t do a cover story on fear music yet.
I’m surprised “Film Score Monthly” didn’t do a cover story on fear music yet.
by baracine April 27, 2010
Get the Fear Music mug.When a Dj at a night club plays music that girls like to dance to on the dance floor.
Like Poka face by lady Ga ga.
Like Poka face by lady Ga ga.
Man, it was a total sausage fest on the dance floor until Bryce told the DJ to put some Fanny Music on. Then the ladies were all over it.
by El Dicko February 28, 2009
Get the Fanny Music mug.Music that isn't actually all that good, but is addicting. Will often get stuck in your head for weeks.
by NKYS.23 November 20, 2009
Get the Musical Crack mug.a rising southern california underground band consisting of mad cow, mix master mason, okera, and grasshopper. hip hop addicts is a group associated with evolve music. these bands make experimental hip hop, jazz, instrumental, you name it!
visit evolvemusic.org "folding spacetime since 1996"
visit evolvemusic.org "folding spacetime since 1996"
by sun ra November 9, 2004
Get the evolve music mug.A slang term teenagers used back in the late 1950's-1960's to define which is now known as easy listening or beautiful music.
My grandparents didn't like the music my parents listen to back when they were teenagers, so they try make them listen to square music.
by BruinKiller3469 March 18, 2009
Get the Square Music mug.The best music in the world yes by the way I am Irish ☘️ not telling you specifics btw it contains a banjo flute an fiddle
by Irish ☘️ JJ May 30, 2018
Get the irish music mug.When the copyright of a once good or even mediocre song expires and a musician with absolutely no talent what-so-ever steals the best parts of that song, puts them in thier music and either claims originality, or completely ruins the original song for all who like it.
Douchebag#1: What song is this? Right Round by Flo Rida?
Douchebag#2: Yeah, I love this song! Flo Rida's such an original musician with a lot of talent.
Cool-guy: You 2 are douchebags! This song pulls such a musical fraud on Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Right Round".
Similar circumstances for Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani and If I Were A Wealthy Man from the movie Fiddler On The Roof, etc.
Douchebag#2: Yeah, I love this song! Flo Rida's such an original musician with a lot of talent.
Cool-guy: You 2 are douchebags! This song pulls such a musical fraud on Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Right Round".
Similar circumstances for Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani and If I Were A Wealthy Man from the movie Fiddler On The Roof, etc.
by 3ATM3 December 9, 2009
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