TV Theme Songs (Part 4)
Posted on May 9, 2010 at 8:00 am
Cartoons!
When I was a kid, the cartoon theme songs were light pop jingles and we could all sing along.
But then some of them got more electric, more rock power ballad-style, even some hip-hop.
Listen to the sweet original theme of “Sesame Street”
And here’s the bouncier update:
And here it is, sung by an R&B superstar.
Compare the opening song for the 1950’s Mickey Mouse Club with the more energetic 90’s version or the two versions of the PBS kids’ show, “Zoom.”
As a classic movie, and classic tv fan I have been a avid collector of tv and movie themes for years. I would have to agree that tv themes have become a afterthought when tv shows are first produced. I can mane several of my favorites, MASH, Rockford Files, Hill Street Blues. Notice that the newest one is Hill Street. Moon River comes to mind from the movies, from the movie “Breakfast at Tiffanys” and Henery Mancini’s Pink Panther Theme. and of course baby Elephant Walk form Hatari!
I said all of that to give you a idea of where I’m coming from. Tv and movies are our history on film, and to a large extent the music form them also give a history of was popular and who were popular artist at the time.
Today I can’t think of one really good theme on tv. Even my favorite of the VERY FEW new shows I watch NCIS have a very short theme and its not exactly humm-able or even playable if one could get the music.
A theme sets the whole tone for the show, in many cases of classic themes for classic tv shows, it can even tell the background story for the show… ala; “Beverly Hilliblies”
A great comment, Kenneth, thanks! I loved the theme from “Hill Street Blues.” It had a wistful quality that really set the tone. And no one is better than Mancini! I have a greatest hits CD with the themes you named as well as “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Charade,” and “Peter Gunn.” Sounds like you have a wonderful collection. I’m sorry that shows today are in too big of a hurry (or too worried about losing the audience) to give us great themes that take us to the place where the story is set. I do like the one for “The Office,” though.
Nell;
Thanks for reading my comment.
My interests run from “Casablanca” to to classic tv, to watching netcast on line and using blogs and other media to educate consumers on the changing face of media . and the way its is effecting the way they can use media and hardware they buy now and in the future.
Ken Lawson
It is a pleasure to read your comments — the best thing about this blog is the chance to engage with thoughtful people who share my interests and concerns. I am very interested in all the topics you list and hope you will share your views and suggestions often.