THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#2: THE BRADY BUNCH

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

A close second to the theme occupying the number one spot, The Brady Bunch theme provided the Greek chorus that introduced new viewers to a high-concept show with multiple characters and complex story arcs, such that it’s lyrical summary and set-up ensured that people could pick up the series at any time, without fear of missing the essential back story. Seriously, though, the show lasted for 5 seasons, the kids hit puberty during it (and some of them hit it hard, right in their faces–bam!), and producer Sherwood Schwartz updated the images, but not the song. It never changed. Sherwood was a wise man.

Oooooh!  I wonder what #1 will be!

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#3: THE TWILIGHT ZONE

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

Like the theme to Batman, The Twilight Zone Theme broke into popular culture and took on a meaning of its own. It’s influence is unmistakable.

Twilight Zone-Lupe Fiasco

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#4: GILLIGAN’S ISLAND

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

Like the Brady theme, and also a Sherwood Shwartz production, the theme to G’s Island gave you all you needed to know, and more.  It even managed to sum up in two words Tina Louise’s complex portrayal of a shallow, wealthy actress who must deal with the loss of her idol-status by becoming a common islander: “The movie star.”  Of course, Mr. Howell’s wife was basically the same character on the show, and all she got was “And his wife.”  But who got it the worst?  The smalltown hottie whose persona, value to society, and role on the show could basically be summarized as: “Mary Anne.”  Terrible show, hilarious theme, and a great reflection of the dying ethos of the 1950s.

Gilligan’s Island-Blues Traveller

I used to have the following song on a CD, but I seem to have lost it . . . Anyway, watch this. It’s “Stairway to Gilligan’s Island.” A classic.

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#5: THE A-TEAM

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

“If you have a problem. If no one else can help. And if you can find them. Maybe you can hire, the A-Team.” A show so good it inspired an awesome underground rap group to take its name (and to base entire songs on the show’s characters), and its theme has been used in dozens of samples, like the remix below.

Intergalactic (A-Team remix)-The Beastie Boys

A.B. Baracus-The A-Team.

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#6: MIAMI VICE

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

A theme that was so popular, it made it to Kasey’s top 40 countdown. It’s sheen and pop was a perfect mirror for the vapid, violent program it introduced. The Miami Vice Soundtrack is one of the few T.V. soundtrack albums worth owning. It’s got Glen Frey on it, for chrissakes! Twice!

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#7: THE MUPPET SHOW

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

The theme to a show that launched about a hundred great songs.  One of the best family programs in history, and one that sadly is being forgotten by this generation.  Plus, remember how at the end of the song Gonzo would blow his horn and something different would happen each time?  I bet that’s what inspired the changing sax solo in the opening theme to The Simpsons (see below).

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#8: KNIGHT RIDER

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

The network T.V. theme equivalent of pop-gangsta rap–y’know, like late-career Snoop stuff. It was used by Punjabi MC (among other songs) to great effect. I’m not posting that “cover,” because it’s not indie, but I am recommending that album. Super funky.  And the best part about the theme is that David Hasselhoff didn’t sing it.

Knight Rider Theme-The Ride.

And you all remember the Hoff, right? This was his greatest role:

THE TOP 40 T.V. THEMES EVER–#9: FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR

Posted on August 16th, 2009 by ekko

The show’s theme was about as charming as its star, and that’s saying a lot.  Never before–or at least not since James Dean–has an American actor been able to parlay his charisma into such a storied career.  (Let’s face it, Will Smith doesn’t have a lot of range.  Anyone who says he’s a great actor has to reach all the way back to 6 Degrees of Separation.) And never before has such a career been launched from a TV show where said actor dressed like Pepa.

Smith performed the theme with his DJ, Jazzy Jeff, who was on the show in a recurring role as a guy getting tossed out on his ass.  Which was surprisingly funny.  Even more surprising?  There’s a bunch of dudes who’ve covered it . . .

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air-Beyond the Nile. A fair quality audience boot of a straightforward cover.  What’s so funny about it?  The drunk in the audience who screams out, “Saved by the bell!”

FPOBA-Sparrows and Crows.  This acoustic cover is the shit, yo.

And here’s another cover, just for shits and giggles: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air-Polypdsia

a.k.a. “Believe it or Not.”  This song really has nothing to do with the show (“Believe it or not I’m walking on air” clearly is about love, not wearing magical pajamas), but it’s one of a handful of songs on this list that, in addition to being a good theme, is also a really good pop song.  I’ve heard they’re making a movie out of this show (but other sites report that it’s been scrapped).  If anyone but Joey Scarborough does the theme, it will suck.  Except maybe if it’s Eddie Vedder.  That would be hysterical.

A final note: William Katt was killer in House, a cult classic wherein he gets to jam a grenade inside the rotting ribcage of zombie Richard (“Bull” from Night Court) Moll.

Greatest American Hero-Matt Nathanson

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