I think the most dystopian music with references to russian literature and the meaningless of existence in a suitably arty/angsty clever with words fashion that is contemporary with the series is the music of Magazine. Just look at a few song titles and example lyrics (for more info go to shotbybothsides.com, or simply purchase all their records :-))). Just rereading these - many look like summaries of happenings in the B7 series!
Shot by Both Sides (Blakes POV in early seaon 1 episodes): "This and that, they must be the same what is legal is just what's real what I'm given to understand is exactly what I steal I wormed my way into the heart of the crowd I wormed my way into the heart of the crowd I was shocked to find what was allowed I didn't lose myself in the crowd
Shot by both sides on the run to the outside of everything shot by both sides they must have come to a secret understanding
New offences always in my nerves they're taking my time by force They all sound the same when they scream they have to rewrite all the books again as a matter of course"
Rythm of Cruelty (Vila to Avon): "Becasue in my drunken stupor I've got to admire your ingenuity and I nod my head, oh so wisely to the rhythm of your cruelty...."
Feed the enemy (unconvincing guards - name any episode ;-)): "How many friends have we over there ? the border guards fight unconvincingly whatever we do it seems things are arranged we always have to feed the enemy"
Philadelphia (the last two lines suit the terra nostra thread): "Your clean-living, clear-eyed clever, level-headed brother says he'll put all the screws upon your newest lover Buddha's in the fireplace the truth's in drugs from Outer Space maybe it's right to be nervous now"
Sweetheart Contract: "We drank from cups on standard-issue sofas under scaffolding informed sources said we were seen by observers in some meeting I received an education I was dominant for hours
I won myself a wealth of weapons, supermassive wealth under a sweetheart contract which clearly stated 'Strength is always health' I had one upper hand I was dominant for hours
I want to be there, on the far side of sin I've been putting myself through hell, waiting for hell to begin I got insurance I was dominant for hours
My tour-de-force is to forget all that's gone on around and about me my manners are forever and whatever sells the newspapers suits me I got an education I was dominant for hours"
Okay (:)) - that should be enough to give you a taste of what I mean.
Other music that "fits" in a similar way: Joy Division (all of it - even some early new order), Killing Joke ("What's this for?" and "Killing Joke"), Human League (up to Travelogue), The Stranglers (well.. Black and White) and don't get me started on Slave's best friend: Gary Numan!
- Iain