If a song is no longer cool, you'll hear it on The Office

Late last week, I came across an amusing little New York Times article about how the producers of The Office pick the music that is played on the show. It has always fascinated me how much thought seemingly minor aspects of a television show, like the music, are given, and what's played at Dunder-Mifflin is no exception.

According to the article, if the song is new and/or hip, you'll likely won't hear it on the show. The idea is that a) Scranton may be a little behind the curve on new music and that b) since the songs are coming out of speakers and iPods and car radios instead of floating in the background, the selections have to be in tune with what the show's characters like and dislike. Dwight, for instance, probably won't be listening to The Shins or The Decemberists.

"It seems like a more intimate relationship exists between characters and the audience because we know what we hear is what they're choosing," co-executive producer Jennifer Celotta told the Times.

The songs don't necessarily have to be old, just past their peak. For instance, the article points out that audiences heard "My Humps" on Michael Scott's cell phone, but not until it had been out after a year; so not only was the song stale, using it as a ringtone made Michael look like he was straining to remain what he thought was "with it."

As far as I can see, the music selections on the show reflect what real people actually listen to. I'm a bit of an indie rock nut, but I know many more people who would be just as happy listening to eighties mixes or KISS CDs every day of the year. And, of course, there are poseurs like Michael, who listen to music they don't particularly like just to seem like they identify with "the kids." Anyway, I'm sure sometime during season four we'll hear someone humming "SexyBack." I'm just wondering who that's going to be...