100 Greatest TV Themes (2002)

Composer(s):
Various

Released in:
2002

Reviews

A real kick for baby-boomers who grew up glued to the tube
by Bret Wheadon (January 26, 2008)
This Silva Screen 4-CD compilation of orchestral re-recordings of the seminal tv-themes of the last half century is compelling listening. Much of this music has become so ingrained in the public's consciousness, you don't even have to have watched these shows to recognize the music that is presented. Since these are re-recordings, they don't sound exactly like they did on their original incarnations, but many of them are close enough to fool the casual listener - and the breadth of the shows represented is impressive - everything from the jazzy "Batman" TV theme, to the idiosyncratic, and wonderful title music to "Northern Exposure" is included; but what makes this set really fun is the diversity and depth of the music. Much of the music written for TV shows is marvelous, creating two-to-three minute hooks that introduce the mood of the show, and whose purpose is to instantly hook the listener into the show. Dramas, children's shows, comedies, science-fiction, action, westerns, and more are all here - and their side-by-side juxtapositions make for a wonderful tapestry of entertainment of the last fifty years of television. Unlike Vol. 2, which was released in 2007, the majority of shows here are audience favorites which ran for several seasons, and are considered classics in their genre. Worthwhile listening, unless you're a purist and insist on the original recordings.

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