Iconic music keeps memory alive
When I talk about iconic music keeping something alive, I should probably explain a lot more than that. Music sparks a memory. Many who’ve read this blog will know that when I write, I write with music playing in the background. I find it helps. Lately, everything I’ve been listening to has been soundtracks.
In particular, soundtracks from space.
The title themes of many different sci fi movies, television programs, even radio serials, can spark memories or even the imagination. I know several people who know exactly the TV show just by hearing the opening sequence of “Space, the final frontier…” They know right away that it’s from Star Trek, whether that’s the original series or the next generation. That monologue was even used in the last episode of Star Trek Enterprise, as the different parts went between Captain James T. Kirk, Captain Jean Luc Picard and Captain Johnathon Archer.
That speech is just as iconic as the music itself, from any of the Star Trek series.
Another that doesn’t require a long discussion about, happens to be a British series. This series has gone on even longer, and started before Star Trek. It also happens to be a series that just by hearing the familiar klaxon, or seeing the words “Police Box” knows what it is without having watched a single episode.
Doctor Who is just as iconic (if not more so) than Star Trek is. A lot of that happens to be thanks to the familiar music of the show, just like Star Trek. From the first Doctor to the thirteenth Doctor, there are those who are going to recognize at least one, if not more of those pieces.
Back in the 1970s, science fiction on television wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is today. Those kinds of shows usually failed. But there has been the odd one that made an impact. This one happened to have been the first time I even saw Lorne Greene (even before seeing him on Lorne Greene’s New Wilderness).
One of the most iconic intros (or themes or anthems) for a movie series happens to come from the same era as Battlestar Galactica. Never a television series itself (though, there were a few animated series featuring Ewoks and droids) but hearing the opening music one knew right away what it was from.
Star Wars had the notoriety of two themes being well known, with the second, for Darth Vader, being just as popular, if not more so.
There’s most likely more that people can remember. I remember the theme to the old seventies cartoon Rocket Robin Hood (yes, that pretty much dates me right there).
While this entry may not have been incredibly informative, I at least hope it brought back a few good memories. Have one of your own from an iconic television show or movie to share? Leave a comment.
