For some reason, I've had a snippet of the theme song from a long-defunct TV show called High Mountain Rangers stuck in my head all day. In his book Musicophilia, Oliver Sacks tells us that these occurrences are actually little seizures, and can be effectively overcome by listening to the whole song. Thanks to the glory of the Google, I found a link to the opening of this late-'80s relic in a few seconds. Then I watched it, and the song isn't really stuck in my head anymore. So I guess Sacks might be on to something. But the real questions are:1) Is this a good TV theme song?
2) Do you remember this show at all?
Personally, I like the song. It's predictable as could be, but something about it just works for me. I did grow up not far from where the show was filmed (Sierra Mountains), though, so there could be a warm nostalgia factor that's fogging my view. In other words, would I like it if hearing it didn't "take me back" to my childhood? Not sure. But I am pretty sure that the clip of the two guys on horses moseying down the city street rules. Your thoughts?
The song sounds like it had some lyrics adapted from an existing country-rock song, though I couldn't say which one, and no, I don't think it's a very good TV show theme song. Also no, I have no memory of the show.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I was thinking the melody sounded awfully familiar as well. Regardless, that chord progression is hackneyed, to say the least. Still, something about the whole package still gets me. Guess I'm just sentimental.
ReplyDeleteI remember the show but never cared for the song. And I'm a country fan but this sounds forced to me and at near two minutes way too long for an opening to a show.
ReplyDeleteBut I remember liking the program itself.
I had that thought, too David, i.e. about it being way too long. I guess it's just nostalgia for me. I wonder if they played this opening every show, or if there's a condensed version, too? Golden Girls had a "long" and "short" intro, as I remember. Lots of shows around that time did, I think.
ReplyDeleteI love the song and the show. THere is a yahoo group for fans of High Mountain Rangers if anyone is interested.
ReplyDeleteI loved the show, and the melodic, majestic tune which opened the show. It was much better than the scream-o opening of the pilot episode. I still watch the show, and have to fast-forward through the nerve-wracking screaming until we get into the synthesized action-tune.
ReplyDeleteI love both the show and the song. Unfortunate we dont have shows like that these days… the Conrad family has serious talent! And kudos the Lee Greenwood for his vocals.
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