TV Themes compilation

Firstly I should point out that this CD compilation is not new. It was released last year but as I picked it up recently in an MVC bargain bin I thought it worthy of a mention. This double 60 track CD collection originally retails for the excellent price of Ł9.99 but I managed to pick it up Ł3 less than that.

The first disc deals mainly with the more well known themes such as Dangerman, Z Cars and Steptoe and Son. The second disc is a little more obscure.

Disc one contains a rather unusual working of the Dr Who theme (written by Ron Grainer, 1964). As the theme is so well known, usually performed by The BBC Radiophonic Workshop but here is performed by Eric Winstone and his Orchestra and a fascinating piece it is too. This music gem is performed by using conventional instruments and gives an indication of what it might have sounded like without the help of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. It takes a little getting used to but I like it.

Another Ron Grainer composition is 'Old Ned' the Steptoe and Son theme. Written in 1964 this piece is just wonderful as is the Dad's Army theme sung by Bud Flannagan. In case you forgot what it sounds like, which is unlikely now that Dad's Army is going through a renaissance with recent BBC repeats, who can forget the opening line "Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler?" Superb!

One of the earliest memories for this reviewer is Z Cars (1962) performed here by Johnny Keating and his Orchestra. I can actually remember telling friends I could not go out when it was on, it was that addictive for me.

The Derek Scott Music perform the Hancock Theme (1963) complete with voiceovers from the great man himself, "You cannot whack a bit of the old harpsichord." Lovely.

McGoohan fans will find the Dangerman theme (Highwire, 1964) included, it is performed here by the Bob Leaper Orchestra. Anderson fans also get a good look in with Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlett, Joe 90 and Stingray but sadly no UFO. The CD title should inform you that The Avengers theme by the Laurie Johnson Orchestra (1965) is also included, sleeve notes inform us that the show ran for a staggering 161 shows. It about time some FFA readers wrote an in depth article of this classic show.

The 2nd CD left this reviewer a bit baffled as the themes are more obscure and include title music from Scarlet Hill, The Richard Boone Show, The Naked City and Crane. No, it's alright, I have never heard of any of these shows either. However, some are a bit more well known such as The Doctors, Sam Benedict, Sir Francis Drake, Perry Mason, Our House and the Charlie Drake series Who is Sylvia?

The CD sleeve folds out into a complete track listing information sheet, giving small details of each show and also reproduced are some wonderful mementoes of the era, such as Dangerman, Dr Who, Champions annuals, to theme tune LPs and paper backs from The Avengers, The Saint etc. I also note the sleeve notes thanks a few familiar Six of One names, namely Simon Coward and Stephen McKay for supplying memorabilia and advising on the track listing.

Overall this CD collection is an excellent reference to a superb decade of television. A decade when many chances were taken, and a lot of them paid off. Despite the fact that for this reviewer the 2nd CD, is not great, the first CD alone, is worth the asking price and makes this an essential purchase, especially if you are old enough to remember these classics, and if you're not, it's still worth buying to listen how a theme tune alone can get you interested in a television show.

The Avengers & Other Top TV Themes (Nem CD 976)Š

Š Copyright 1998 Sequel Records