This is England is a landmark of British cinema and audiences were thrilled to welcome their favourite characters back to the screen courtesy of This is England ‘86.
Needless to say, four episodes weren’t enough and, fortunately, Shane Meadows has resurrected the series for two seasons – ‘88 and ‘90 – since then, both of which earned great acclaim.
This is England ‘90 was released in 2015 but fans are still hopeful the gang will get back together.
In 2020, Shane was interviewed on Andrew Shim’s Shimmy Corona Diaries Ch2 on YouTube in which he revealed he’s been contemplating catching up with the usual cast ten years down the line.
Grace | Original Trailer | BritBox
“I don’t know when but I’ve got This Is England ’00 in my head, the millennium one,” he explained, “because I sort of thought it would be nice, because when did we shoot the last one? Was it 2015, 2016?”
With hope still alive, we thought we’d highlight ten tracks we’d love to hear if This is England 2000 is green-lit. So, here goes…
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Trailerpark by Blur
Taken from 1999 LP 13, this album track remains a treasure and the band’s impact and popularity bled into the 2000s.
Sure, you could have one of the group’s big singles and it would perhaps go down better, but this track would work perfectly for a drunken, disorientated sequence that helps you consider the consequences.
Corpses In Their Mouths by Ian Brown
Shane Meadows’ love of The Stones Roses is well-documented and they played an important role in This is England ‘90.
It’s hard to imagine the show returning in ‘00 without a cut from frontman Ian Brown, who released his debut solo studio album Unfinished Monkey Business in 1998.
The song is a particularly trippy and well-known track from the LP and would fit with the feel of Shane’s cast of loveable misfits nicely.
My Name Is by Eminem
“Hmmm, what would Flip and Higgy be listening to at the turn of the century?”
We’d bet money they’re bumping 1999’s The Slim Shady LP. Of course, we figure they’d be dressed the part for it too.
It’s funny just imagining them rocking up in the car blasting this one with Em’s trademark haircut and baggy clothes as a reintroduction.
All You Good Good People by Embrace
Of all the Embrace songs you could choose, it makes sense to go with one of their biggest in this case.
Released in 1998 on the album The Good Will Out, this one has a climactic finale vibe plastered all over it.
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A Place Called Home by PJ Harvey
This album – Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea – actually came out on 1 January 2000 and you could pretty much pick any song from this absolute masterpiece.
We can imagine this being on quietly in the background, with one of the characters playing it on a stereo to supplement the dialogue but not totally distract from it.
Considering PJ Harvey did the music for Shane Meadows’ The Virtues, it would be a cool nod to that too.
Stay Young by Oasis
You could use something from Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants, which was released in February 2000 but this one just feels right.
How could you do This is England ‘00 and not have some Oasis on the soundtrack? Exactly.
One of the best tracks on 1997’s Be Here Now, Stay Young would be a perfect way to illustrate just how much older the characters are now while still conveying that attitude we’ve grown to love them for.
Kill All Hippies by Primal Scream
Taken from 2000 album XTRMNTR, if you’re hoping for something really nostalgic and grew up in the early 2000s, you’ll likely remember putting this LP on and being struck by the first track.
Still a classic.
Disco 2000 by Pulp
It would be great to see everybody having a dance to this one and it pretty much speaks for itself.
Possible intro song? We’d wager so.
Going For Gold by Shed Seven
The York band, and this song in particular, would be good to help reinforce the time setting. Going For Gold came out in 1999 but is the sort of album you would’ve still found inescapable in 2000.
‘Lucky Man’ by The Verve
Another classic and iconic track that would perfectly accompany one of the series’ feel-good moments.
Released towards the tail end of the 90s, it would help emphasise the transition into a new decade and century. Want to feel nostalgic? Put this on and the emotions will come flooding back.
