Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Yup. I am not a music person - I just don't listen to music much, maybe because my ears are nearly-useless, or at least one is "profoundly deaf". I can't say I really have much in the way of "tastes" in music, though I don't generally listen to hip hop or country.

With all that said, I find that music comes in handy to have on in the background when I'm writing. Almost a requirement. Doesn't matter whether I'm writing fiction, writing for classes, or what.

Writing for fiction especially. There, I need music. I tend to write my fiction very "cinematically", and it always helps to have a playlist ready that fits each scene. Background music, if you will. I have personal favorites for certain scene types (romantic sorts of scenes often get Louis Armstrong's "Kiss to Build a Dream On" in the background, for example - I associate it deeply with my first girlfriend), but in many cases I go by what I have available - which isn't much, and I'm constantly trawling the internet with no idea what to look for.

So I'm going to ask for suggestions for my modern police writing. I'm going to throw out situations, and I'll let you have the fun of suggesting music that should be playing in the background, as long or as short a piece as you want. :biggrin5: Feel free to comment on each other's choices and generally try to put music to the scenes of a modern cop's existence, that's half the fun. :)


Getting ready for the day, getting ready for a shift. I don't *often* write these sorts of scenes, but hey, they do happen.

Briefing/Roll call.

Foot patrol in the city.

Interacting with kids.

Automobile patrol in the city.

Stops (either a pedestrian stop or a traffic stop).

Getting a call.

En route.

Executing a search warrant or arrest warrant.

Shootouts/use of force.

Making an arrest.

The Miranda Warning.

Finding a murder scene (patrol officer).

End of shift

Coming home after a shift

Officer down (injured)

Officer down (death)

Investigations

Domestic violence

End of day

And if you have any other suggested scenes, feel free to add em.

Yup. I am not a music person - I just don't listen to music much, maybe because my ears are nearly-useless, or at least one is "profoundly deaf". I can't say I really have much in the way of "tastes" in music, though I don't generally listen to hip hop or country.

With all that said, I find that music comes in handy to have on in the background when I'm writing. Almost a requirement. Doesn't matter whether I'm writing fiction, writing for classes, or what.

Writing for fiction especially. There, I need music. I tend to write my fiction very "cinematically", and it always helps to have a playlist ready that fits each scene. Background music, if you will. I have personal favorites for certain scene types (romantic sorts of scenes often get Louis Armstrong's "Kiss to Build a Dream On" in the background, for example - I associate it deeply with my first girlfriend), but in many cases I go by what I have available - which isn't much, and I'm constantly trawling the internet with no idea what to look for.

So I'm going to ask for suggestions for my modern police writing. I'm going to throw out situations, and I'll let you have the fun of suggesting music that should be playing in the background, as long or as short a piece as you want. :biggrin5: Feel free to comment on each other's choices and generally try to put music to the scenes of a modern cop's existence, that's half the fun. :)


Getting ready for the day, getting ready for a shift. I don't *often* write these sorts of scenes, but hey, they do happen.

Briefing/Roll call.

Foot patrol in the city.

Interacting with kids.

Automobile patrol in the city.

Stops (either a pedestrian stop or a traffic stop).

Getting a call.

En route.

Executing a search warrant or arrest warrant.

Shootouts/use of force.

Making an arrest.

The Miranda Warning.

Finding a murder scene (patrol officer).

End of shift

Coming home after a shift

Officer down (injured)

Officer down (death)

Investigations

Domestic violence

End of day

And if you have any other suggested scenes, feel free to add em.


Jimmi Hendrix motivates me. Interestingly enough, I just figured out my favorite, "All Along the WatchTower" is about prison (law enforcement). I still love it though :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuOl36vamI&feature=related

Video link snipped

I like your style...:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuOl36vamI&feature=related

LMAO. That was good. You looked good in that suit there, 2Jail~

Ok, Penta, I happen to LOVE all music so here's another suggestion. By the way, I have nothing to do with law enforcement and know nothing about it, but I do like almost all kinds of music.

Ok, so here's another of my fav's: Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride." You ever watch "Cops?" You know when they throw 'em in the back seat and drive off.....the "ride" downtown???

One that offers a lot of potential - Santana. "Black Magic Woman" is my favorite Santana - especially watching a Drum and Bugle Corps play it with the precision of Drum Lines. How about that one for #18, Investigations. Or "Evil Ways." Or "Smooth" for the perp walk.

Or how about anything off the Best of Gipsy Kings. Some of the most beautiful music ever. "Trista Pena" for a murder scene or domestic violence or making an arrest. How about "Quiero Saber" or "Viento Del Arena" for en route. Builds up the anticipation. I use those two for belly dancing actually. "Camino" for shootouts or use of force. GK is such versatile music I'm surprised it's not used more on tv or movies. Camino can also (sadly) be used for officer down...it evokes the right emotion, It means "path." Or "Trista Pena" which means sad pain. I say get your hands on the Gipsy Kings.

Paperback Writer, by the Beatles, 1965.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwap79uy1G8

Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO, RDS~ That's a good one for harmonica as well, lol....

I let this thread go for a few days and you guys come up with some gems. Thanks muchly. :) Now to find them on the usual sources.

Oh, oh, oh. Also - need background music for when main character doesn't call at the end of his shift and his GF (in a long-distance relationship) gets worried. Y'know, music for getting yelled at by the girlfriend/wife/SO.:)

You don't need music for that, pal. The sound of our lovely, seething, annoyed, sarcastic....I mean melanic voices should be enough, right?

j/k penta :) let me look tomorrow...

Sorry, Penta, I meant melodic in my last post, lol. Ok, how about the soundtrack from Mission Impossible for that one?

How about the "24" soundtrack?

Also, "The Rock" soundtrack is good, as is "The Gladiator" soundtrack, any of the "Bourne" soundtracks.

I prefer those while writing...

-Citicop.

Sorry, Penta, I meant melodic in my last post, lol. Ok, how about the soundtrack from Mission Impossible for that one?

*dies laughing* Next time I'm getting yelled at by anyone now, I'll hear the M:I soundtrack....

How about the "24" soundtrack?

Also, "The Rock" soundtrack is good, as is "The Gladiator" soundtrack, any of the "Bourne" soundtracks.

I prefer those while writing...

-Citicop.

Love all of those! Citicop, did we hear hints of you being a writer?

Love all of those! Citicop, did we hear hints of you being a writer?

Infer what you will. :biggrin5:

But calling me a "writer" is like calling the guy who paints the stripes on the highway a "painter." Technically it's true, but the end product isn't exactly "art."

-Citicop.

Infer what you will. :biggrin5:

But calling me a "writer" is like calling the guy who paints the stripes on the highway a "painter." Technically it's true, but the end product isn't exactly "art."

-Citicop.

Heh. If I'm totally honest, even my fiction is like that. Sure I write...But I'd be shocked if anyone would call what I put out any good. So you are not alone!

Infer what you will. :biggrin5:

But calling me a "writer" is like calling the guy who paints the stripes on the highway a "painter." Technically it's true, but the end product isn't exactly "art."

-Citicop.

YEP, no doubt about it. Anyone who uses the word "infer" properly is a writer. LOL. You're OBVIOUSLY a modest bloke Citicop. All you LEOs are. What's up with dat? :)

Heh. If I'm totally honest, even my fiction is like that. Sure I write...But I'd be shocked if anyone would call what I put out any good. So you are not alone!

I'm guessing you're modest too, penta. :)

Nah, just realistic.:)

Penta, buddy, have you had a chance to play any of the music suggested on here? :)

That which I've found on youtube or similar, yes. Not too bad.

That which I've found on youtube or similar, yes. Not too bad.

LOL, good for you, bud!! Wait, I bet my suggestions were fantastic and Citicop's were so-so, which gave it the avg score of "not too bad." Right, LOL? Don't worry, he's nice, he won't take it personally :)

Just kiddin with ya...my suggestions were way out there, lol

Actually, it's more that "Trip's stuff didn't often appear on Youtube", versus "I can find movie soundtracks in a lot of places". So what I heard of your stuff sounded like covers, versus Citicop's suggestions of movie soundtracks where I could find the originals. But what I heard that was original, I liked.

Then there's the Team America montage clip, which I played incessantly for a few days.:)

Actually, it's more that "Trip's stuff didn't often appear on Youtube", versus "I can find movie soundtracks in a lot of places". So what I heard of your stuff sounded like covers, versus Citicop's suggestions of movie soundtracks where I could find the originals. But what I heard that was original, I liked.

Then there's the Team America montage clip, which I played incessantly for a few days.:)

Really, they didn't have Gypsy Kings on YouTube? Wow. They sell out big time whenthey come to DC. Cool....glad to hear you played a lot of the suggestions :) esp the montaqe....

oBMT3OMEPwk

Very imformative information... as I like to listen to music as well for inspiration.

Mythos has some songs that would be really good for sad scenes.

Hopefully I'm not too late with these suggestions. I'll let you match them up with the proper scenes instead of stepping on your creative toes.

rooster - alice in chains
bad company - bad company
shoot to thrill - acdc
wanted dead or alive - bon jovie
wild side - motley crue
where is my mind - pixies
turn the page - metallica

hmmm I think I got a good start to a new playlist here..... thanks for the inspiration haha.

Getting ready for the day, getting ready for a shift I don't *often* write these sorts of scenes, but hey, they do happen – “I Say A Little Prayer For You” Aretha

Briefing/Roll call – “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Andrews Sisters

Foot patrol in the city –“Summer in the City” Lovin’ Spoonful

Interacting with kids – Theme from “Mr Roberts”

Automobile patrol in the city - Theme from “Jaws”

Stops (either a pedestrian stop or a traffic stop) – “Stop, In the Name of Love” – The Supremes

Getting a call – “He’ll Have To Go” – Jim Reeves

En route – “Day Tripper” – The Beatles

Executing a search warrant or arrest warrant – “Standing on the Outside” – Cold Chisel (Australia)

Shootouts/use of force - “I Fought the Law” Bobby Fuller Four

Making an arrest – “Police On My Back” – The Clash

The Miranda Warning Finding a murder scene (patrol officer)- “Know Your Rights” – The Clash

End of shift - “I’m So Tired” – The Beatles

Coming home after a shift – “Going Home” Ten Years After

Officer down (injured) – O Fortuna – Carl Orff

Officer down (death) -"Adagietto From Symphony No.5" – Gustav Mahler

Investigations – “I Love This Bar” – Toby Keith

Domestic violence – “Who’s That Man” – Toby Keith

End of day – “Abide with Me”


And if you have any other suggested scenes, feel free to add em.

Theme – “Policeman” – “Chicago XI - Chicago

Everyday he wakes up
As his bare feet hit the floor
Grabs a cup of coffee
Straps his Magnum on once more
Feeds the cat he lives with
Since his wife walked out the door
In nine years he'll retire with a pension.

Everyday he suffers
'Cause he sees all kinds of pain
Sometimes feels helpless
In a world that's gone insane
Then he wins a battle
It restores his faith again
It's only human kindness he is after.

He is a Policeman, you know
All the years and nothing to show
He is a Policeman, you know.

Every night he comes home
With a sixpack all alone
Feeds the cat he lives with
He picks up the telephone
Needs to talk with someone
But the only love he's known
Was lost forever, he is a Policeman.

He is a Policeman, you know
All the years and nothing to show
He is a Policeman, you know
All the years and nothing to show

Words and music by Robert Lamm

If you need some music to get you going and wake up the creative juices let me suggest this! When you get midway through there is a guitar duel! He is AWESOME!!!

Steve Via: Dallas Texas, Cotton Bowl


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ9uTKItUyM

This thread comes back to life with some of the most amazing choices. You guys rock.:)