The best musical moments from Game Of Thrones

There were some truly lovely fireside moments in the last episode of Game Of Thrones. But above Brienne’s knighthood and even Tormund’s giant-slaying tale was Podrick’s gorgeously maudlin a capella rendition of ‘Jenny Of Old Stones’. The episode ended with Florence + The Machine performing the song, not the first time Game Of Thrones has married the show’s in-built folklore to well-matched contemporary artists. Here are a few more of our favourites, definitely not including Ed Sheeran.

THE NATIONAL – ‘THE RAINS OF CASTAMERE’
The song that spelled doom for so many of the Stark clan is given a brooding makeover by the Ohio indie band, somehow making it all feel even more ominous. The National send their regards.

THE HOLD STEADY – ‘THE BEAR AND THE MAIDEN FAIR’
Craig Finn’s bawdy indie rockers were the perfect choice for the song that follows Jaime losing his hand in season three. In a double indie-cred episode, Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol sings the song as part of the Bolton crew that capture Brienne and Jaime, but The Hold Steady’s version sounds like The Pogues after a particularly hard night’s drinking.

MASTODON’S RETURN
Texan metallers Mastodon looked the part in their season five cameo as Wildlings at the Hardhome massacre. It was a touch of genius then to bring them back as Wights for the season seven finale. They also recorded an epic ode to the White Walkers for the Catch The Throne Vol. 2 mixtape.

SIGUR RÓS – ‘THE RAINS OF CASTAMERE’
The ill-boding Lannister theme turned on its own family with the murder of prostiture-skewering sneering shitbag Joffrey at his wedding to Margaery. The Icelandic soundscapers cameo at the wedding as mistrels, performing a version that makes even The National sound cheery.

THE THEME SONG
We’ve heard Ramin Djawadi’s cello-driven theme so many times now that it’s easy to forget just how accomplished it is. Not only does it feel ingrained in the fabric and mood of the show, it’s become one of those pieces of music that stirs the senses in much the same way that John Williams’ Star Wars theme does. No ‘Skip Intro’ needed here, this is all part of the excitement.