THERE once was a time when you had to go to the pictures to see an A-list star on screen.

But the world of entertainment has evolved over the last 10 years or so.

It has seen film stars and some of the best writers and directors starting to migrate to big budget productions on TV.

And it works the other way too with the likes of Bryan Cranston now getting film roles on the strength of the series Breaking Bad.

But what is often forgotten is that music has played a big part in the success story of recent acclaimed TV dramas.

A well picked theme can lend tone, atmosphere and style to a show and the two often become synonymous with each other.

It is doubtful that fans of The Wire could hear The Blind Boys of Alabama's Way Down In The Hole without thinking of the iconic crime drama, for instance.

Fade To Black pays tribute to the music of the small screen, particularly crime dramas and thrillers, with this 23-track compilation.

It features theme songs from the likes of Breaking Bad, The Wire, Twin Peaks, Luther, True Detective and The Killing and you might be surprised how many celebrated bands and musicians have been involved like Massive Attack, Nick Cave and Mogwai.

There is plenty of scope for a second volume too with hit shows like The Sopranos and Sons of Anarchy noticeably missing.

DAVID MORGAN