Robert N EmersonYour Favourite Television Theme Music
October 31st 2006 04:40
While reading through the comments on Childhood Cartoons, I began thinking about the power of theme music. Several themes had made a lasting impression; Cibbuano cited the amazingly epic theme of Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, while Gareth linked to the rocking intro from Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors. I found it incredible that, as soon as Adrienne mentioned Lady Lovely Locks, the theme tune sprung into my mind, despite the fact that I couldn’t actually remember the cartoon.
So there’s no doubt about it – television theme tunes are pervasive, captivating and can last the test of time. Here are some of my favourite theme tunes.
Futurama
This one is definitely one I love – it’s even my ringtone at the moment. Christopher Tyng has created a really unusual and distinctive opening theme. He also created a host of other fantastic songs throughout the series. It’s interesting to listen to the commentaries on the Futurama DVDs where Tyng is present, as he outlines the obscure instruments he incorporates into the music.
Angel
This theme was one of the more beautiful opening tunes on television. The solo cello is haunting and never fails to send shivers up my spine. The addition of the rock instruments gives it an edge which is fitting of the show. The final piano mirrors the isolation of the protagonist perfectly. Overall it’s an evocative theme, capable of being listened to as a piece of music in its own right.
Alias
This is another great theme worthy of mention. It’s sort of mysterious, kind of funky, and just downright cool. Like the Angel theme, there is a certain edginess to the music that matches the feel of the show, which I believe is an important attribute in making a theme memorable. I preferred the original to the remixed version of the later seasons, but both are entertaining.
Which theme tunes are you favourites? What do you think makes a good theme tune, and why does it stick with you even if the show doesn’t?
*All images courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for review and criticism.
So there’s no doubt about it – television theme tunes are pervasive, captivating and can last the test of time. Here are some of my favourite theme tunes.
Futurama*
Futurama
This one is definitely one I love – it’s even my ringtone at the moment. Christopher Tyng has created a really unusual and distinctive opening theme. He also created a host of other fantastic songs throughout the series. It’s interesting to listen to the commentaries on the Futurama DVDs where Tyng is present, as he outlines the obscure instruments he incorporates into the music.
Angel*
This theme was one of the more beautiful opening tunes on television. The solo cello is haunting and never fails to send shivers up my spine. The addition of the rock instruments gives it an edge which is fitting of the show. The final piano mirrors the isolation of the protagonist perfectly. Overall it’s an evocative theme, capable of being listened to as a piece of music in its own right.
Alias*
Alias
This is another great theme worthy of mention. It’s sort of mysterious, kind of funky, and just downright cool. Like the Angel theme, there is a certain edginess to the music that matches the feel of the show, which I believe is an important attribute in making a theme memorable. I preferred the original to the remixed version of the later seasons, but both are entertaining.
Which theme tunes are you favourites? What do you think makes a good theme tune, and why does it stick with you even if the show doesn’t?
*All images courtesy of Wikipedia, and used under Fair Dealing for review and criticism.
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