STAFF PICKS: Theme songs…
Time for another staff picks playlist and this instalment includes the team’s favourite theme songs. We all have a theme song that we can’t stop humming, a tune that triggers fond memories of stories, adventures and lovable characters. From children’s TV shows to American sitcoms, this Tracks & Fields playlist is one to jog your memories.
MARC TANZMANN – HEAD OF MUSIC/MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Scrubs: Lazlo Bane – “I’m No Superman”
Scrubs was actually a very music-orientated series featuring many exciting indie bands. Its theme song is a perfect example of this!
ANNA MURAKAMI – MUSIC PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence: Ryuichi Sakamoto
I remember it was played on TV shows more than once when I was a teenager – I think on a score compilation I bought for practicing piano as well as on a school textbook for a music class in junior high. And it became one of my favourite film scores, employing a beautiful & memorable signature piano melody. It’s so extraordinary how Sakamoto’s works deeply affected Japanese music culture.
BEN ESSER – EXECUTIVE MUSIC PRODUCER
Doctor Who: Ron Grainer & Delia Derbyshire
Never really a Doctor who fan! But definitely a big fan of the radiophonic workshop – they were pioneers in electronic music and sound design.
HATTIE LONG – MUSIC RESEARCHER
Arthur: Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers – “Believe in Yourself”
The Arthur theme tune is nothing short of iconic. Catchy, motivational and with a simple message that comes from the heart, the soundtrack to the adventures of Arthur the anthropomorphised aardvark and his friends instantly transports me back to the early 2000s and I still know every word.
KATE SZKOLNY-APSEY – MUSIC RESEARCHER
Winnie the Pooh: The Sherman Brothers
Anyone that knows me well could tell you that this would be my theme of choice. I am the biggest fan of Winnie and his cuddly pals.
DAN FINNEGAN – PROJECT MANAGER
Friends: The Rembrandts – “I’ll Be There For You”
“I’ll Be There For You”. It’s relatable, catchy and instantly feel-good. I don’t care if it’s an obvious choice.
ANASTAZJA MOSER – ASSOCIATE MUSIC CONSULTING
Gilmore Girls: Carole King – “Where You Lead”
I guess I love it because of its association with the show, apparently it has been recommended for young people in the army for its anti-anxiety properties?? I don’t know If that’s true. But It definitely works for me.. and even when binging the show I would let it play. It makes me feel warm and cosy.
LUCIEN BERLEMONT – MUSIC SCOUT
Stranger Things: Michael Stein & Kyle Dixon
The composers manage within 1:07 minutes to get us directly into the environment of the series. The infectious beat and the mysterious synth together create a supernatural atmosphere filled with secrets. I have never heard a theme express so well the emotions that you feel watching the series, immediate goose bumps!
