80s tv themes: a guest post by karen g.

I started humming a tune as I sped off to Target the other day. (I often have these moments of reflection when I’m on my way to or in Target. The store is a source of inspiration, and reasonably-priced goods after all). For a moment, I couldn’t quite place the song, and then it hit me. Riptide! A detective show that ran from 1983 to 1986 starring Perry King and Joe Penny in short 80’s shorts. How could you not get caught up with such a catchy intro tune?



This opened the floodgates to all the forgotten and sometimes obscure TV shows of my childhood. Speaking with my American friends, I realized that I may have had the opportunity to see many shows that they missed – either that or I was just neglected as a child and watched way too much TV to compensate. Today I will share some of my favorite 80’s TV theme songs with you.

Airwolf! Cold War themes, James Bond type espionage, Jan-Michael Vincent in leather bomber jackets and aviators. I remember the thrill of seeing those helicopter blades floating into the air as the show started. Airwolf was the helicopter version of Knight Rider – if only Kit could fly ...



Then there was Sledge Hammer. A spoof of detective shows of the mid-80’s (think Naked Gun). I remember sitting and laughing at how preposterous the episode themes were. Sledge Hammer barely had two seasons in the limelight – but it will live in my memory forever. Where are you now David Rasche?



Hill Street Blues, probably one of the most beloved theme songs of all time.

Hunter – starring ex-NFL player Fred Dryer as Sgt. Rick Hunter and Stepfanie Kramer as Sgt. Dee Dee McCall. I loved that Dee Dee constantly had to play dress-up (usually as a prostitute or stripper) to lure in suspects. Lots of 80’s spandex, glitter and big hair!



And now for my claim to fame. According to my “Mommy Dearest”, before I could even speak, the first noticeable form of communication from me was a song I hummed. The theme song to... wait for it... Dallas. Maybe I’m destined to marry an oil baron after all.




Here are a few more nods on my trip down theme song memory lane, starting with a few of the more obscure:

Tales of the Golden Monkey



The Littlest Hobo (Le Vagabond)



Monkey Magic



The Raccoons (this song was way too hot for a kid’s TV show)



Night Court



Benson



Mr. Belvedere



Newhart



Hart to Hart



Falcon Crest (named one of my dogs after a villain in this show)



Dynasty (a jdbrecords favorite)



And for my mini-series nods...

Shogun



The Thorn Birds



and North and South

90210 fashion day

Are you celebrating? Which character is your favorite style maven? Donna Martin for me... all the way.

i watched too much tv as a child

dynasty fights

& The Moldavian Massacre

In memory of John.

strangest shows from childhood

Yesterday's post on "Saved By the Bell" reminded me of how much bad TV I consumed as a child. I'm saddened by this.

Here's just a sampling of the strangest shows from childhood.

"Alf"

"Small Wonder"

"Dinosaurs"

Some have found subversive political meaning behind the show.

"Muppet Babies"

"The Snorks"

"Zoobilee Zoo"

"Out of this World"

Can you think of any others?

bayside style

Perusing through American Apparel reminds me of "Saved By the Bell." I remember thinking when the show was new that the clothes would always look stylish.

I love Jessie's tie in the high-waisted acid wash jeans look here. Very Annie Hall '90.

No one could rock the headband better than Jesse.

Lisa was Bayside's style maven.

Kapowski lookbook.

There's no hope in dope.

A look at the characters' individual styles.

Tori Spelling's performance was so arresting here.

Bayside Boy style.

"Jessie's Song" remains the most compelling episode. And there's a lot of great fashion in it too!

And whenever I'm feeling down, this clip always cheers me up.

Rave has wonderful screencaps.

levi

Why do I love Kathy Griffin & Levi Johnston so much?

zoe my gosh

What I need right now is "The Rachel Zoe Project." It returns August 25th. I unexpectedly got addicted to it last season. Sign up for her Zoe Report here.















Thanks dlisted for the pic.