Battle of the TV Theme Songs (First Five Rounds)

[Spinal]

Round 1:
The Adventures of Pete & Pete 13
Degrassi Junior High 7

Jonny Quest 12
Saint Seiya 7

Police Woman 15
Flying Blind 4

Super Chicken 15
The Brady Bunch 3

The Real Ghostbusters 15
The Big O 8

Hellsing 16
The Hilarious House of Frightenstein 5

The Mary Tyler Moore Show 15
Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil 3

Excel Saga 12
NBA on NBC 8

Great Teacher Onizuka 9
Salute Your Shorts 8

Tranzor Z 9
Overman King Gainer 5

Dinosaucers 13
Partners 3

The Addams Family 14
Mad Men 5

Mr. Belvedere 14
Macron One 6

The Young Ones 13
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law 10

Chuck 12
Rocko's Modern Life 9

The Equalizer 16
The Facts of Life 4

Barney Miller 17
Bleach 3

True Blood 18
Robotech 1

The Angry Beavers 12
King of Kensington 8

S.W.A.T. 16
Rex the Runt 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This thread will pit all of your very favorite TV theme songs against each other in a totally pointless, but hopefully entertaining battle royale! Moody instrumentals will take on catchy pop jingles! Will you choose your current favorite? Or will nostalgia win the day as you vote with your inner 12-year old?

After a nomination process, the top themes will be placed in a tournament style bracket and face off against each other one-on-one. And then ... votes will be cast, tears will be shed, profanity will be uttered ...

How to nominate a TV theme:
For these battles, I would like all voters to have the opportunity to quickly listen to both themes before casting their vote. Therefore, if you are the first person to nominate a particular theme, it must be accompanied by some sort of link where we can hear it. All subsequent nominations for a theme that has already been linked can simply occur by listing the title. Again, you only need to provide a link for a first nomination. However, if you think you have a better link for a nominated song, by all means, include it.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme was used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. I will ask voters to keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard (suggested by others) for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Ideally, you will provide a video link (via Youtube, etc.) in which we can listen to the theme and see how it was used in context. If you cannot find a video link, audio links will be acceptable. However, if you cannot find any such link, the song will NOT be eligible.

All other issues will be resolved by me as we go.

To start with, I will only allow 15 nominations from each person, so choose wisely. Ranking will be determined by number of nominations, so yes, it does matter if you mention a theme that has already been mentioned. Go ahead whenever you're ready.

[Spinal]

Fraggle Rock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSDeoO-j3G0)
Twin Peaks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oDuGN6K3VQ)
Star Blazers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5oniErmeuE)
The Muppet Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_aG5MzPVM)
Paranoia Agent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U)
Six Feet Under (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYAe0qwg9Yw)
The Twilight Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTSX91J6UtE)
The A-Team (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwrIoxrHpAQ)
Bonanza (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTWB_ByQD4w)
Hawaii Five-0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUeacmnyS84)
Mission: Impossible (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55NuWQCh78)
M*A*S*H (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hJdvbbIGzQ)
Millennium (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFdyHLhgnIk)
The Greatest American Hero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzEb5IzdcrU)

[Sven]

The Winner:
Panda! Go Panda! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwd9W6VwIu4)

Welcome Back, Kotter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVS3WNt7yRU)
DuckTales (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwH1taatvyM)
Paranoia Agent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U)
Taxi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9QscGB9LV4)
Fraggle Rock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSDeoO-j3G0)
Golden Girls (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgssjkrRqA4)
Rex the Runt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_36qpqU7hI) (theme starts at 0:40, but watch it all... it's hilarious)
Police Woman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLax5kn8tF4)
The Avengers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQzNIxGLyM)
Good Morning Mickey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APTOz1PwUcY)
General Donald Duck Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsqJixybJCw) (beginning only, unless you want to see a great cartoon)
M*A*S*H (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2q3aYXFKvE)
Avenger Penguins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE-0HGbrJ1s)
Metalocalypse (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3uyq7YK4XI)

[Sycophant]

This is awesome. Nominations in no particular order:

Paranoia Agent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-anabfAg06U).
Darkwing Duck (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czCqMWRFVg4).
DuckTales (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frGLMtGsotc).
Mad About You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka-UKX0--gI&feature=related).
Early Edition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-sOwvzPCow&feature=related).
The Wire (season 4) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QE1VEsXSmc&feature=related).
Kaiba (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OH1ObXl1NI).
Kemonozume (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiSFftcwbxQ).
The Muppet Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42cRLsZ4Qmw&feature=related).
The Kids in the Hall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsKcxdtuZE0) (begins 30 seconds in).
The X-Files (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6lPw8kfENs&feature=related).
Cowboy Bebop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6zDfxZ4NcE).
The Sopranos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUT07eZoXPw)
Panda! Go Panda! (see Sven)
Golden Girls. (Sven again)

(BTW, must the song be originally created for the series? 'Cause if not, I so want to swap something out for The Sopranos)

[Sven]

By the way, Police Woman and The Avengers are Kristen-choiced.

[Sven]

Changed Belvedere to Avenger Penguins, thanks to the B-man.

[Spinal]

There's going to be some brutal decisions to make.

[Ezee E]

Batman 60's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P46bQNssQWQ)
Batman Animated Series (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEx9r5enZsk)
Salute Your Shorts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwoGyVYwtLw&feature=related)

[Spinal]

(BTW, must the song be originally created for the series? 'Cause if not, I so want to swap something out for The Sopranos)

Oh, goodness no. No such Academy-esque rules here.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Dark Place (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpdgEv9us5A&feature=related)
Dexter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0yN3ee4oEw)
The Wire, Season 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtuMw0KRbcc) (fast-forward through the gunfight to 3:47; sorry, best I could find)
Animaniacs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4nRyDvNkM0)
Chuck (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0nJGRnobXE)
The Simpsons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PZjdMX6KHI&feature=related)
Cheers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD8ljNobUys)
South Park (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nnVKWwV-s0&feature=related) (Season 9, I believe)
Friday Night Lights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnF9t-wacas)
30 Rock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAwKna6rn08) (Season 3, starts at 1:10)

Ones that have already been listed:

Twilight Zone
Twin Peaks
X-Files
M*A*S*H
Six Feet Under

[Kurosawa Fan]

I gotta say, 15 is too few. This was really difficult. I wanted to mention some new ones, but I also wanted to vote for several that had already been mentioned. I hope some of my other favorites still make the cut.

[Spinal]

Hmmm ... would it help participation if I just let you list themes rather than tracking down the links? I was hoping not to have to do it myself, but if it's keeping people from making a list, then ... I guess I can do it.

[Lucky]

Rome (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzd1szJLFoI)
Tiny Toons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTxo1grM8m0)
The X-Files (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-9L-RZkod4)
ER (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUIobzrrwTY)
Cheers
The Wire Season 2

I'll come back to this when I have more time. I really just wanted to get the first two in.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm replacing Fraggle Rock (which seems to have enough support) with 30 Rock, in the hope that it makes the cut.

[Russ]

Alfred Hitchcock Presents (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w7-KW_OaDk8&feature=related)
The Avengers (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=n0YOlU3SMgs)
The Banana Splits Show (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=A8jlJpceXpY)
Dragnet (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mdyvqFN6bCU&feature=related)
Green Acres (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbPAt1_vc4)
The Green Hornet (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uuoNLnrPlFM&feature=related)
I Dream of Jeannie (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w1dlLxrBn1c&feature=related)
Jonny Quest (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=shh3teASy3Y&feature=related)
The Monkees (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bC2d4DbpDx0&feature=related)
Rawhide (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GP2mcVwQ2as&feature=related)
The RoadRunner Show (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=18oyNInSgDc&feature=related)
The Ren & Stimpy Show (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oH1BpY3efmQ&feature=related)
Secret Agent Man (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=j8tM7r3NGHs) (1:00 - 1:40)
Super Chicken (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FKss2pBYQ6Y)
The Wild Wild West (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rSn-Ps1Y7JQ&feature=related)

[Watashi]

Denver the Last Dinosaur (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH7UfKmXRUQ) (this should win the entire tournament)
Dinosaucers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfz-Fqv8nbo)
Millennium (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJEyhemH_FM)
Darkwing Duck (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czCqMWRFVg4)
Animaniacs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA0TS9l_nJE)
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbtQm5qZx0A)
Justice League (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o8ZJUwwTWE)
Batman: The Animated Series (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-u07UEDT5I)
Doug (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obHeBLHlA3U)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHIA1LGuMhQ)
Gummi Bears (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loUNoy0Qub0)
Mad Men (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcRr-Fb5xQo)

[Sven]

Dinosaucers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfz-Fqv8nbo)

!!!!!!!!!! I totally would've forgotten all about that show! Man, I must've seen every episode. Holy jeez.

[Spinal]

Denver the Last Dinosaur (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH7UfKmXRUQ) (this should win the entire tournament)

That was pretty sweet.

[Watashi]

I can't believe I forgot Garfield and Friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB2RspTyyGw)!

This is way too hard.

[Watashi]

And Inspector Gadget (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXYNJv38_E&feature=related)!

Screw Denver, this should win everything.

[Milky Joe]

The Office (US) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itO7cOWsYM4)
John From Cincinnati (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrWZlh7DnBE)
CarnivÃ*le (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Onb-FqR74&feature=related)
Deadwood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B909njPoX7k)
The Sopranos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYX6p2YYlss)
True Blood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-UORRmi1ZI)
The Adventures of Pete & Pete (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcqSfAHvuAo)
The Angry Beavers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R_vwXjXolA)
Rocko's Modern Life (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRYR6dWmgG4)
Twin Peaks
The Wire Season 2
Six Feet Under
Justice League
Batman: The Animated Series
Doug

[Kurious Jorge v3.1]

Sanford and Son (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqazleR3FE)
Carnivale
Office UK
Twin Peaks
Deadwood
Six Feet Under
The Simpsons
The Sopranos

[Watashi]

I'm surprised I'm the first to mention Fresh Prince.

Did any of you have childhoods?

[Spaceman Spiff]

Uh.... Seinfeld, people? There's no way I'm the first to mention it.

[Watashi]

Wait, we're just doing theme songs or TV openings?

If so, then that it quite a bit of a difference.

[Russ]

Wait, we're just doing theme songs or TV openings?

If so, then that it quite a bit of a difference.
Thread title: Battle of the TV Theme Songs.

[Spinal]

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme was used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. I will ask voters to keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard (suggested by others) for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.


From the first post.

[Winston*]

Tale Spin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIl5YwcO72g

[Kurosawa Fan]

Is no one else going to back up Dark Place? How is this possible? C'mon people!

[Sycophant]

Tale Spin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIl5YwcO72g

So very barely missed my list.

[Yum-Yum]

The Equalizer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB1NiNKwueE)
Doctor Who (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLJPJqL_v8I)
Miami Vice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGkurWAXgZs)
Homicide: Life on the Street (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZLSomwuLw)
King of Kensington (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrP8mjsmy8U)
The Littlest Hobo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PINxfouNQFw)
Degrassi Junior High (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d57D2MSSFzk)
The Practice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSF8oSRBAh0)
Knight Rider (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlt4GQ45TXg)
Flying Blind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKAqmkbIA5Q)
Magnum P.I. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VIPlG8Xtq8)
Night Court (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjiWblC_iG8)
Hilarious House of Frightenstein (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsaFDZfz8Lc)
H.R. Pufnstuf (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-yLYz6ejqw)*
Partners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4S_YbnpUGE)

*Remember kids, only take what you can handle, and always know your dealer!

[Russ]

I had never heard of any of these until this thread, but now I am in deep infatuation with:

Kemonozume
Dark Place
The Angry Beavers
True Blood

Wonder if the TV shows are anywhere near as good as their theme songs?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Dark Place is better than its opening.

[Sycophant]

Can't speak for the other three, but Kemonozume (Masaaki Yuasa's first TV series, dude) is fantastic and perfectly deserving of its incredibly OP.

[Spinal]

We currently have 102 themes mentioned. What I think I'm going to do is include all nominees mentioned thus far and ask for 26 more to bring us up to 128 total.

So ... the next 26 themes listed will be included. If you have not used all 15 yet, you may list more. If you have not submitted any nominees, you may submit a full ballot. But be warned, I will cut things off at 128.

[Ezee E]

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEH2xPcGpVE&feature=related) (best I could find)

[Stay Puft]

The Raccoons (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXsjzcC4Jdw)
Space Ghost: Coast 2 Coast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQfvIjdMv0&feature=related)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IJA9NahPtU)
Perfect Hair Forever (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrsyp3drKb8) (Cat Snatch Fever opening)
House, M.D. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVLmqfPEuuw&feature=related)
Berserk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYLmMcKZZ_c&feature=related) (although it's a shame Susumu Hirasawa's Forces (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HuIMaLfKXg&feature=related) is not eligible as such)
Tales From The Crypt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyUE2mpw7bI)
The Real Ghostbusters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4d8Fc22HYI&feature=related)
Super Mario Bros. Super Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkWYP95WbbY) (Sorry, I had to...)

The rest of my list was going to be stuff already mentioned (I absolutely would have had your back on Dark Place, KF), but I guess that's not necessary now.

Edited to add a couple more.

[Spinal]

I'm going to use my last nomination on The Young Ones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCb1pRczfP4&feature=related).

[Spinal]

Another edit: In retrospect, I guess the individualized "theme songs" of Perfect Hair Forever isn't what we're looking for, but I'll leave them in for Spinal to decide.

Can you maybe pick one of them you like best?

[Spinal]

15 more ...

[Stay Puft]

Can you maybe pick one of them you like best?

Okay, I'll go with the Cat Snatch Fever opening since it's the closest to being an actual "theme song" for the show. I edited my post.

[Yxklyx]

Monty Python's Flying Circus (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL6ton0Dbz4)
Star Trek (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rqlz9r3h2g)
Star Trek: TNG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqEO8TyJQ9c)
Sesame Street (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnOZbY2bR1s)
Peter Gunn (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dHy2nLNT1qU&feature=related) [starts at 1:38]
Twin Peaks
Mission Impossible
Dr Who
The X Files
The Avengers
The Simpsons
The Twilight Zone
Batman (60s)
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Futurama

[monolith94]

Big O (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdA6iRk94Hc)

The Prisoner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AL7npkSXZE)

Doctor Who (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdVivT0ShC4)

FLCL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR23XtxF66c)

Neon Genesis Evangelion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgATlhZFAfs)

Farscape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBNXQgEhLig)
(starts at 6:50)

The Storyteller (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs81RjW4kvs)

Sealab 2021 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRrQSGD2e14)

Futurama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN_QE45fVkU&feature=related)

Star Trek: TNG (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL8nnMpV2Eo)

I'll also issue props, major props, to Darkplace.

[Stay Puft]

The Prisoner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AL7npkSXZE)

Fantastic choice! I should have thought of that.

[Watashi]

If we need some more, I nominate:

Bill Nye the Science Guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjpVQbNpGKo)
Chip N' Dale Rescue Rangers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e5q6ubDlZE)
The Magic Schoolbus
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8KaZeNA7Ys)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0FbYe3lRE)
Married With Children (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze1sx9YR2Ec)

[Winston*]

Wonder Showzen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdL2jiM601U)

[Spinal]

Wonder Showzen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdL2jiM601U)

Was that first part the theme?

At any rate, the slate is now full. I will begin match-ups in the next day or so.

[Winston*]

Was that first part the theme?

Yeah.

[Thirdmango]

Okay here comes my full nominees

Great Teacher Onizuka (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MubyA1jh7M4)
Lucy Daughter Of The Devil Opening 4 (http://lucydotd.com/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item 127)
Bleach Opening 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvZ33psSH6Y)
Mr. Belvedere (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psETDQ8v7PM&NR=1)
Lupin III Season 2 3rd opening (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyxc18fyp58)
King Arthur and the Knights of Justice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXb-JyTJfJA)
Excel Saga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50l-9RNBo8)
Panda! Go Panda!
Cowboy Bebop
Dexter
Space Ghost C2C
Kemonozume
Metalocalypse
Gummi Bears
Sealab 2021

[EvilShoe]

One of my favs that hasn't been mentioned yet:
Samurai Champloo: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=4OuRajFzMYI

[EvilShoe]

Too late?
Poor Samurai Champloo.

[Skitch]

Too late to nominate Firefly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjRDcOW7Xp8)? But...I...just got here! Damn.

[Russ]

Peter Gunn (http://midia.xpg.com.br/xpg2.0/0/i/n/infantv/speter.mp3)
Can't believe I forgot that classic. From a clip (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dHy2nLNT1qU&feature=related) of the show, you can see/hear the theme in the context of the show, from 1:38 to 1:58.

[D_Davis]

I know I missed to cut off - too busy yesterday - but these need to be mentioned

The Mysterious Cities of Gold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbVNZ-cghz0)
Macron One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hydiAR_XAd0)
Tranzor Z (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_DpnPpGKTc)
Robotech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuWlcZRuiVI)
Overman King Gainer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97j86qH91Nk)

[Spaceman Spiff]

From the first post.

Okay.

And Wolff's score is used in the opening credits/standup of most Seinfeld episodes. So I do believe that it is eligible.

My 15 will be up later tonight.

[Spinal]

How many people were wanting to submit ballots and did not get a chance? Because my impression was that we were petering out. I can reopen the nomination process if there is sufficient interest.

[Kurosawa Fan]

How many people were wanting to submit ballots and did not get a chance? Because my impression was that we were petering out. I can reopen the nomination process if there is sufficient interest.

And people want a playoff system in college football. See, people? See what will happen?

[Spinal]

And people want a playoff system in college football. See, people? See what will happen?

Yes, if anyone would like to nominate Western Kentucky, I'm all ears.

[Spinal]

OK, I see. I close the nomination process and everyone's got extra ideas they want to contribute. I offer to open it back up again and nobody makes a peep. Messing with me again. I'm starting to know how Sasquatch feels.

[number8]

I have not participated. Therefore, this contest is a dud.

[Spinal]

I have not participated. Therefore, this contest is a dud.

Indeed.

[number8]

Indeed.

It is late. I am sick. So bed time. Tomorrow morn, expect 15 awesome tunage.

[Thirdmango]

I have very little internet time available sunday-wednesdays so when I found this sunday morning I was able to get some in, but then you opened it and I had no time. If I have some time tonight I'll try and throw together another 13 for my nominees to help with seeding.

[Spinal]

OK, I'll leave it open for another day or so and see what happens.

[Stay Puft]

I thought of a couple more (nostalgic choices from my youth):

The Tick (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbhMKQc58go&feature=related) (Can't believe I forgot that one)
Freakazoid! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iF96BunNIw)
Earthworm Jim (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfXKm12rVQM)

That brings me to twelve, I think.

[Thirdmango]

alright, my 15 are in, thanks for reopening.

[number8]

Homicide: Life on the Streets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZLSomwuLw)
Hellsing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMNJwUUHMxc)
Swat Kats Season 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TdqpWiBliw)
Tour of Duty (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YounU6LsM0)
The Wire Season 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipaV4k2n__I)
Freakazoid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LTpB-tpXpI)
Twilight Zone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzlG28B-R8Y)
Justice League (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p81_kAFdyr8)
The Streets of San Francisco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F0wlfmxKdU)
S.W.A.T. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Iwp1d7eKbA)
Cowboy Bebop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6zDfxZ4NcE)
Firefly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrAS20mNZUE)
Hill Street Blues (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmtJV8IRKgE)
Deadwood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B909njPoX7k)

Last but not least...

Saint Seiya (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBvpZSsovPs)

[DavidSeven]

NBA on NBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ3IAriL0k&feature=related)

It had to be done.

EDIT: Edited Version Used in Actual Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UooitEU6AtE)

[Spinal]

OK, so I'm going to start working on bracketizing these and start match-ups ASAP.

[Ezee E]

NBA on NBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ3IAriL0k&feature=related)

It had to be done.
Nice one. I remember making a highlight reel on the basketball court with this playing in my head.

[Spinal]

A few final notes before I post the first battles:

* There is a total of 160 themes that will duke it out.

* Themes with more nominations have been given favorable early match-ups.

* If a theme only received one nomination, then it is possible that it will have to win a "play-in" match to reach the main part of the bracket (the final 128). This affects 64 themes. The 32 that win these "play-in" matches will take the final spots in the main bracket.

* You may notice that I have added a few themes into the mix to make the numbers work out a bit easier.

* Battles will occur in individual threads. We will be moving fairly quickly so each thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours. After that, I may close the voting at any time. Once the battle is over, I will merge the threads into this main thread so that the TV forum does not become overwhelmed.

First battles coming shortly.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

The Adventures of Pete & Pete (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcqSfAHvuAo)

The Adventures of Pete & Pete was an American television series produced by Wellsville Pictures and broadcast by Nickelodeon. The show featured humorous and surreal elements in its narrative, and many recurring themes centered on two brothers both named Pete Wrigley, and their various interactions with family, friends, and enemies.

The show was created by Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi and began as minute-long shorts in 1989 that aired in between regular programs. Owing to the popularity of the shorts, five half-hour specials were made, followed by a regular half-hour series that ran for three seasons (1993-1996) and continued in reruns until around 1999. The N aired reruns of the show between 2002-2003. Since 2005, reruns of the series have occasionally aired on Hallmark Channel along with other classic Nickelodeon series. The first two seasons were released on DVD in 2005 and the third was planned for 2006 but was indefinitely postponed.

VS.

Degrassi Junior High (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d57D2MSSFzk)

Degrassi Junior High is a Canadian CBC Television teen drama series that was produced from 1987-1989 as part of the Degrassi series. The show followed the lives of a group of students attending the titular fictional school. Many episodes tackled difficult issues such as drug use, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, homosexuality and divorce, and the series was acclaimed for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of the challenges of teenage life. The cast comprised mainly non-professional actors, which added to the show's sense of realism.

[Ezee E]

I don't even like the Pete & Pete theme, but it's getting my vote here, as the other theme is ugh...

[Ezee E]

Spinal wants his 1000 points rep. And it'll be well deserved.

No idea at what will end up winning.

[DavidSeven]

Pete & Pete.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Saint Seiya (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBvpZSsovPs)

Saint Seiya is based on the manga series of the same title. The animation series by Toei Animation first premiered on Japan's TV Asahi on October 11, 1986. The first anime series was produced by Toei Animation from 1986 to 1989. It was directed first by Kōzō Morishita (episodes 1 to 73) and then by Kazuhito Kikuchi (episodes 74 to 114). The character designers were Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno, and Seiji Yokoyama composed the soundtracks. The chief scriptwriters were Takao Koyama and Yoshiyuki Suga. The series has three main parts: Sanctuary (episodes 1 to 73), Asgard (74 to 99), and Poseidon (100 to 114). In the United States, the series premiered in Cartoon Network on August 30, 2003 but only the first thirty-two episodes aired. The other ones were released in DVD and VHS.

VS.

Jonny Quest (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=shh3teASy3Y&feature=related)

Jonny Quest (often referred to as The Adventures of Jonny Quest, which is actually a separate series) is a science fiction / adventure animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, and created and designed by comic book artist Doug Wildey, about the adventures of a young boy who accompanies his father on extraordinary adventures. The first of several Hanna-Barbera action-based adventure shows, which would later include Space Ghost, The Herculoids, and Birdman and the Galaxy Trio, Jonny Quest ran on ABC in prime time for one season in 1964–1965. After spending two decades in reruns, new episodes were produced for syndication in 1986. Two telefilms and a spin-off series (The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest) later revived the characters for the 1990s.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Flying Blind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKAqmkbIA5Q)

Flying Blind is a single season 1992 Fox network half-hour situation comedy revolving around awkward post-collegian Neil Barash (Corey Parker) who by serendipity, meets beautiful libertine Alicia (Téa Leoni) and begins a relationship with her. The show explored the difficulties faced by self-conscious and repressed Neil in dealing with the erotic antics of Alicia and her eccentric roommates, Jordan (Robert Bauer) and Megan (Clea Lewis). Flying Blind premiered September 13 1992 and ran through May 2, 1993. It was created by Richard Rosenstock, who later went on to write for Fox's Arrested Development. The theme song for the show was "A Million Miles Away", written and performed by David Byrne which appeared on his spring 1992 album release Uh-Oh. The production companies were Viacom and Paramount. The series is owned today by CBS, and no DVD release is planned.

VS.

Police Woman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLax5kn8tF4) (theme begins about 32 seconds into clip)

Police Woman was an American television police drama starring Angie Dickinson that ran from September 13, 1974 to March 29, 1978 on NBC. It is not only considered to be the first successful series to focus on a female police officer, but also the first successful primetime drama series to feature a woman in the title role.

The show revolved around Sgt. Leanne "Pepper" Anderson (Angie Dickinson), an undercover agent working for the Criminal Conspiracy Unit of the LAPD. Sergeant William "Bill" Crowley (Earl Holliman) was her immediate superior, and Pete Royster (Charles Dierkop) and Joe Styles (Ed Bernard) were the other half of the undercover team that investigated everything from murders to rape and drug crimes. In many episodes, Pepper went undercover (as a prostitute, teacher, nurse, dancer, waitress, etc.) in order to get close enough to the suspects to gain valuable information that will lead to their arrest.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

The Brady Bunch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM-0Pwgr7-E&feature=related)

The Brady Bunch is an American television situation comedy based around a large blended family. The show originally aired from September 26, 1969 to March 8, 1974 on the ABC network and was subsequently syndicated around the world. In 1965, following the success of his TV series Gilligan's Island, Sherwood Schwartz conceived the idea for The Brady Bunch after reading an article in the Los Angeles Times that said "40% of marriages [in the United States] had a child or children from [a] previous marriage." He instantly set to work on a pilot script, called Yours and Mine, and passed it around the "big three" television networks of the era. ABC, CBS and NBC all loved the script, but each network wanted changes to it before they would commit to filming it. Schwartz felt that his script was perfect, and although he had the interest of all three networks in America, he decided to shelve it.

VS.

Super Chicken (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=FKss2pBYQ6Y)

Super Chicken is a segment that ran on the animated television series George of the Jungle. It was produced by Jay Ward and Bill Scott, who earlier had created the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. It debuted September 9, 1967 on ABC. Super Chicken (voiced by Bill Scott) and his dimwitted lion sidekick Fred (voiced by Paul Frees) who wore a sweatshirt with a backwards "F" on the front, and had an exaggerated New York Jewish accent, would usually begin their adventures with the battlecry that went something like: "Quick, Fred, to the 'Super Coupe,'" which was an egg-shaped air vehicle in which Super Chicken and Fred would fly to the rescue of innocent victims of crime.

[Ezee E]

Police Woman!

Never heard of the show.

Did we really have to nominate all these themes? ha.

[Spinal]

Degrassi Junior High

[Ezee E]

I figured Brady Bunch had it in the bag...

But Super Chicken is an instant fav.

[number8]

We're allowed to vote for our own nominations, right?

Cause, Saint Seiya gets this. So hard.

[Spinal]

Police Woman. The David Byrne song is great, but it seems to be something that has merely been rent out, rather than something that effectively sets the mood for what is to come.

[Derek]

Pete & Pete

[Spinal]

Super Chicken.

Although the original version of The Brady Bunch is much more tolerable than the version sung by the kids.

[Ezee E]

Jonny Quest.

[Spinal]

Saint Seiya.

[Derek]

Johnny Quest

[Derek]

Super Chicken.

Like E, this is an instant fav. I tend to like TV theme songs that go on absurdly long like Johnny Quest or get right to the point like this one.

[Derek]

Flying Blind

Can't vote against Byrne and I thought we were voting based solely on the quality of the theme song, not how it works with the credits or sets the tone...b/c obviously Angie Dickinson's legs, hilarious slo-mo and the kickass freeze frame of Gallagher and the black cop after they burst through the doors would get Police Woman to at least the final four.

[Sycophant]

Oh my god, how did I forget that Super Chicken exists?

Super Chicken.

I need to pick up the George of the Jungle DVD set.

[Sycophant]

Pete & Pete

[Sycophant]

Tough call, but I'm going with Flying Blind because that Byrne song is pretty swell.

[Saya]

Pete & Pete

[Saya]

Saint Seiya

[Winston*]

Super Chicken

[Winston*]

Saint Seiya

[Saya]

Police Woman.

[Winston*]

Pete & Pete

[Saya]

Add another vote for Super Chicken.

*cluck cluck cluck cluck*

[Winston*]

Police Woman

[Yum-Yum]

Degrassi Junior High

[Yum-Yum]

Angie Dickinson's legs. I mean, Police Woman.

I nominated Flying Blind.

[Yum-Yum]

Jonny Quest

[Yum-Yum]

The Brady Bunch

[Russ]

Super Chicken. Also endorsed by Jerry Seinfeld (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ9UYYDWI18&feature=related)

[Russ]

Police Woman

[Russ]

Jonny Quest. Tho, I must admit, Saint Seiya rocks.

[Russ]

Pete & Pete

[Kurosawa Fan]

Degrassi. No contest.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Jonny Quest. The other one feels like every other anime opening I've seen.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Police Woman

*drools*

[Kurosawa Fan]

Super Chicken, which may be my new favorite theme song ever.

[Sven]

Degrassi by a country mile. That Pete and Pete opening is just terrible.

[Sven]

Super Chicken.

[Sven]

Police Woman.

[Sven]

Let's see.... two different schools of "fucking awesome," but I think the one with the overdriven guitar gets the cake:

Saint Seiya.

[D_Davis]

Johnny Quest, without a doubt.

[Thirdmango]

This is super cool. I'm going to be checking Match Cut daily again.

[Thirdmango]

Pete & Pete

[Thirdmango]

Wow, Super Chicken is amazing. It's going to be tough to beat.

[Thirdmango]

Saint Seya

[Thirdmango]

Police Woman

[Ezee E]

Jonny Quest. The other one feels like every other anime opening I've seen.
Yes.

[Sycophant]

After much deliberation, I'm going with Jonny Quest.

[Spinal]

Can't vote against Byrne and I thought we were voting based solely on the quality of the theme song, not how it works with the credits or sets the tone...b/c obviously Angie Dickinson's legs, hilarious slo-mo and the kickass freeze frame of Gallagher and the black cop after they burst through the doors would get Police Woman to at least the final four.

Read the instructions.

[Biff Justice]

Gotta go with Jonny Quest.

I had "gotta catch 'em all" going through my head through the whole Saint Seya theme, and that's not a good thing.

[number8]

Police Woman.

[number8]

Anything wins over the Brady Bunch theme.

But Super Chicken really is awesome.

[number8]

Degrassi by a country mile. That Pete and Pete opening is just terrible.

What he said.

It's been said that grunge music other than Nirvana is not music at all.

[Biff Justice]

Flying Blind.

This was a tougher one, as the Police Woman song did work with the credits better, but the Byrne song itself was so much better that trumps other considerations.

[number8]

I hate you, Match Cut.

[Raiders]

Degrassi.

Why aren't these polls?

[Raiders]

Super Chicken.

[Biff Justice]

Degrassi. Was that Julie Brown singing?

[Raiders]

Jonny Quest.

[Raiders]

Police Woman.

[Sycophant]

Gotta go with Jonny Quest.

I had "gotta catch 'em all" going through my head through the whole Saint Seya theme, and that's not a good thing.

Jesus Christ, how did the first season Pokémon theme not get nominated? I let us all down there.

[Biff Justice]

Super Chicken. It may even outrank Darkwing Duck as my favorite superpowered bird cartoon theme song.

[Sven]

I have a feeling Super Chicken is going to make it close to the top. Deservedly.

[Spinal]

Why aren't these polls?


To encourage people to comment rather than just vote.

[Kurosawa Fan]

To encourage people to comment rather than just vote.

Psst. It's working.

[Ivan Drago]

I know the brackets are full but just out of interest would Entourage have made it in? Because I know the theme is an actual song; I just wasn't sure if that would keep it from getting in.


NBA on NBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AQ3IAriL0k&feature=related)

It had to be done.

EDIT: Edited Version Used in Actual Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UooitEU6AtE)

Oh yeah! Brings me back to the times when ESPN didn't own the rights to everything in sight.

[Spinal]

I know the brackets are full but just out of interest would Entourage have made it in? Because I know the theme is an actual song; I just wasn't sure if that would keep it from getting in.

Non-original songs known for their use as themes have been included.

[Stay Puft]

Saint Seiya

[Stay Puft]

Super Chicken

[Raiders]

To encourage people to comment rather than just vote.

Fair enough. Just didn't want you to have to do more work than necessary.

[Stay Puft]

Degrassi Junior High

[D_Davis]

Repeat, Pete and Pete.

[Spinal]

I just didn't think the Pete & Pete theme had much of a personality at all. At least the other one had some spunk.

[D_Davis]

Super Chicken, really?

That thing is terrible. Not only is the music mediocre, but it also lacks the iconic power of the Brady Bunch theme. Also, the animation is terrible. I've seen Flash cartoons with more FPS.

The Brady Bunch all the way. It is such an iconic theme. It may not be a great song (how many TV themes are?), but it represents so much about TV and the sitcom in general. It's like Leave it to Beaver, The Andy Griffith Show, and My Three Sons.

I am appalled at you all for voting for Super Chicken - feels like anti-populist BS to me.

[Sycophant]

Davis, I can't believe you just knocked Jay Ward animation.

Things I would never have expected: Being criticized as anti-populist for loving something by the creators of Rocky & Bullwinkle.

[D_Davis]

Flying Blind

David Byrne wins, and the opening segment is edited nicely to the tune.

[Spinal]

I am appalled at you all for voting for Super Chicken - feels like anti-populist BS to me.

The Brady Bunch didn't even get a nomination. It's lucky to be here really.

[D_Davis]

Davis, I can't believe you just knocked Jay Ward animation.

Calling it "animated" is a stretch. I've drawn flip-books with more tweens.

While the writing for Jay Ward's shows was often spectacular, and incredibly smart, the actual animation and drawings were crude beyond belief, and, IMO, defiled the art of animation.

Never cared for it.

[Sven]

Calling it "animated" is a stretch. I've drawn flip-books with more tweens.

While the writing for Jay Ward's shows was often spectacular, and incredibly smart, the actual animation and drawings were crude beyond belief, and, IMO, defiled the art of animation.

Never cared for it.

Hysterical.

[D_Davis]

Hysterical.

Isn't it?

[Acapelli]

pete & pete

that degrassi theme is pretty awful

[Acapelli]

and no way in hell can you call the pete and pete theme song grunge

[Acapelli]

jonny quest

[Russ]

The Brady Bunch didn't even get a nomination. It's lucky to be here really.
You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.


Never cared for it.
buck-ACK

[D_Davis]

I even remember being a very young kid and complaining to my mom about how terrible the drawings and animation were in the shows like Rocky and Bullwinkle. I couldn't stand to watch them even then - they always seemed so lazy and uninspired.

One of my earliest memories is telling my mom that I didn't want to watch those cartoons, I wanted to watch the ones with the big eyes and the small mouths, the ones about soccer and robots, that were on the Mexican station. Little did I know that even by the age of 4 or 5 I had already gravitated towards Japanese animation.

[Derek]

Read the instructions.

I was never one for instructions. I'd change my vote, but Police Woman has it in the bag.

[Sven]

and no way in hell can you call the pete and pete theme song grunge

It's sub-Spin Doctors. And that's pretty low.

[D_Davis]

Jesus Christ, how did the first season Pokémon theme not get nominated? I let us all down there.

I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was

dun, dun, dun-dun

To catch them is my real test, to train them is my cause

[Watashi]

Pete and Pete

[Acapelli]

police woman

[Watashi]

Jonny Quest

[Milky Joe]

Not even a contest. Pete & Pete. That theme (and show) is glorious.

[Watashi]

Super Chicken is terrible.

Brady Bunch

[D_Davis]

It's been said that grunge music other than Nirvana is not music at all.

The Wipers, Screaming Trees, Pond, Meat Puppets, and Mud Honey would like a word with you.

[Watashi]

Police Woman

[DavidSeven]

Police Woman

[Russ]

Super Chicken is terrible.
This means so much coming from the guy that nominated Gummi Bears.

[D_Davis]

This means so much coming from the guy that nominated Gummi Bears.

Gummi Bears blows Super Chicken away. GB is awesome. Good to great animation, solid stories and writing, and a fantastic, lighthearted atmosphere that doesn't pander to the LCD.

Gummi Bears, bouncing hear and there and everywhere; high adventure that's beyond compare -- dude.

[Russ]

While the writing for Jay Ward's shows was often spectacular, and incredibly smart, the actual animation and drawings were crude beyond belief, and, IMO, defiled the art of animation.
If most folks felt this way, we not only would never have had Super Chicken and Rocky and Bullwinkle, we almost certainly would never have gotten South Park either.

I understand your reservations regarding the animation, I'm just glad that it's not the general concensus.

[D_Davis]

I've simply never been a fan of ultra-limited animation. I understand it has some artistic merit, but I just don't dig it.

[Sven]

Fuck the animation, Jay Ward's writing staff bests pretty much anything the Disney factory has ever written in terms of witty dialogue and entertaining scenarios, not to mention the incomparable voice-acting. Gummi Bears is status quo in comparison.

[D_Davis]

Fuck the animation, Jay Ward's writing staff bests pretty much anything the Disney factory has ever written in terms of witty dialogue and entertaining scenarios, not to mention the incomparable voice-acting. Gummi Bears is status quo in comparison.

Like I said, the writing was often spectacular, and incredibly smart. However, when it comes to cartoons, I like more out of the actual animation. Writing can only take an animated thing so far in my book. I demand quality animation and drawings out of my cartoons, and the Jay Ward stuff simply doesn't cut it in this department.

Just a personal preference.

[number8]

It's sub-Spin Doctors. And that's pretty low.

Spin Doctors. Heh.

[number8]

Fuck the animation, that song is awesome.

[Russ]

Fuck the animation, that song is awesome.
Yeah, I think we were veering off-course re: Spinal's instructions: "We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show."

[Spinal]

I was never one for instructions.

You is special!

[Ezee E]

The show Pete & Pete is glorious. A strange humor, but even when I checked it out recently, it was still funny.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, I don't even know what Super Chicken is, but that theme needs to be on my phone.

[Watashi]

I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be a drama-filled bloodbath.

How many is Spinal posting per day?

[D_Davis]

I have a feeling that this tournament is going to be a drama-filled bloodbath.


Fueled by the most evil and powerful of all substances known to nerdom:

Nostalgia

[Spinal]

How many is Spinal posting per day?

Four.

[Yxklyx]

Super Chicken - but it was close.

[Yxklyx]

Another close one goes to - The Adventures of Pete & Pete

[Yxklyx]

I like the Talking Heads song (seems a bit unfair that they used a popular song as their theme) - but I'm going to have to go with Police Woman.

[Yxklyx]

I like the percussion and rhythm in Jonny Quest.

[Yxklyx]

This is a better non-montage version of the Mission Impossible theme from the TV show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNC5P3-Dr2Y&

This is probably the only theme in 5/4 time. I think that's what makes it sound so good.

[Russ]

This is a better non-montage version of the Mission Impossible theme from the TV show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNC5P3-Dr2Y&
That's better than anything so far, but I'd still love to get the original 1st-2nd season clip.

EDIT: This one (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=30qB3O0umNc&feature=related) is slightly better.

EDIT: NEVERMIND, Here's (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mI9KhPJ-utE&feature=related) the best one you'll come across. Enjoy.

[Spinal]

Going to bed now. New battles tomorrow morning probably.

[Spinal]

Final scores:

The Adventures of Pete & Pete 13
Degrassi Junior High 7

Jonny Quest 12
Saint Seiya 7

Police Woman 15
Flying Blind 4

Super Chicken 15
The Brady Bunch 3

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Excel Saga (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50l-9RNBo8)

Excel Saga is a comedy manga series by Koushi Rikudou, and a TV anime series directed by Shinichi Watanabe. Both the anime and the manga are absurdist comedies following the attempts of Across, a "secret ideological organization," to conquer the city of Fukuoka as a first step towards world domination. Excel, the title character, is a key member of Across and ranks below only the organization's enigmatic leader, Ilpalazzo. In both the manga and anime, the city is defended by a shadowy government agency led by Dr. Kabapu, whose subordinates engage Excel and her junior officer, Hyatt, on several occasions.

VS.

NBA on NBC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UooitEU6AtE)

The NBA on NBC was a weekly presentation of National Basketball Association games on the National Broadcasting Company television network from 1955 to 1962, and again from 1990 to 2002. The NBA on NBC succeeded the NBA on CBS. During NBC's partnership with the NBA, the league rose to unprecedented popularity for the sport, with ratings surpassing the days of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the mid-eighties. NBC's theme music, "Roundball Rock" was composed by New Ager John Tesh. The song, which NBC used for every telecast in the network's twelve-year history with the NBA, is today often used by NBA TV for their live game coverage.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

The Big O (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdA6iRk94Hc)

The Big O is a Japanese animated television series created by director Kazuyoshi Katayama and designer Keiichi Sato for Sunrise Studios. The writing staff was assembled by the series' head writer, Chiaki J. Konaka. The story takes place forty years after a mysterious occurrence causes the residents of Paradigm City to lose their memories. The series follows Roger Smith, Paradigm City's top Negotiator. He provides this much needed service with the help of an android named R. Dorothy Wayneright and his butler Norman Burg. When the need arises, Roger calls upon Big O, a giant relic from the city's history that may hold the key to its future. The television series is designed as a tribute to Japanese and Western shows from the 1960s and 1970s. The series is done in the style of film noir and combines the feel of a detective show with the mecha genre of anime. The setpieces are reminiscent of Toho monster movies and the score is an eclectic mix of styles and musical homages.

VS.

The Real Ghostbusters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4d8Fc22HYI&feature=related)

The Real Ghostbusters is an Emmy-Nominated American animated television series based on the hit 1984 film Ghostbusters. The series ran from 1986 to 1991, and was produced by Columbia Pictures Television (now Sony Pictures Television), DiC Entertainment and Coca-Cola. "The Real" was added to the title over a dispute with Filmation and its Ghost Busters properties. The series continues the adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore, Dr. Ray Stantz, their secretary Janine Melnitz and their mascot ghost Slimer. There also were two ongoing Real Ghostbusters comics, one published monthly by Now Comics in USA and the other published weekly (originally fortnightly) by Marvel Comics in the United Kingdom, and a popular toy line manufactured by Kenner.

[D_Davis]

The Real Ghostbusters - great iconic song, used in one of the all-time great animated series. I recently watched the first 2 seasons, and I still shocked by how great the writing is. I mean, I can't think of another kids cartoon shown here in the states that reference Lovecraft and the Cthulhu mythos. That's just awesome.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Hellsing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMNJwUUHMxc)

Hellsing is a Japanese animated television series based on on Kouta Hirano's manga series of the same name. The series is directed by Umanosuke Iida, from a screenplay by Chiaki Konaka, and produced by the Gonzo animation studio. Hellsing was broadcast on Japan's Fuji Television from October 10, 2001 to January 16, 2002, totaling 13 episodes. Hellsing chronicles the efforts of the mysterious and secret Hellsing Organization, as it combats vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural foes who threaten the United Kingdom.

VS.

The Hilarious House of Frightenstein (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsaFDZfz8Lc) (theme begins about 1:00 in)

The Hilarious House of Frightenstein was a Canadian children's television series which was produced by Hamilton, Ontario's independent station CHCH in 1971. It was syndicated to television stations across Canada and the United States and occasionally still appears today in some TV markets. In Canada, the series is currently airing on Space, TV Land Canada, Drive-In Classics and MTV2. A quirky sketch comedy series, the show's cast included Billy Van, Fishka Rais, Guy Big, Mitch Markowitz, Vincent Price and Julius Sumner Miller. Van, in fact, played the vast majority of the characters. All 130 episodes of the series were made in one single nine-month span of time starting in 1971, and the scenes with Price and Miller were all filmed within one summer.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I'm tempted to vote for the NBA because you picked Game 6. Anything to stick it to Malone a little bit harder. But alas, I actually liked the weird funky song accompanied by the pretty bizarre images in Excel Saga. So that gets my vote.

[Spinal]

Instructions:

Please take the time to listen to both themes and then cast your vote by making a post in this thread. Thread will be open a minimum of 24 hours and then may close any time after that at my discretion.

The primary focus in your decision making should be the music. However, voters are also encouraged to consider the effectiveness of the theme within the context of the show's opening titles (or however else the theme is used). That said, you should not simply vote for the best overall show, even if it is impossible to eliminate that factor entirely. Voters should keep an open mind to new themes they have not previously heard for shows they have never watched. We are looking for the best theme, not the theme from the most popular show.

Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil (http://lucydotd.com/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item 127) (link requires you to download the intro)

Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil is a computer-animated cartoon aired by Cartoon Network as part of its Adult Swim programming block. It is directed by Loren Bouchard, produced by Bouchard, Seth and Josh Piezas, and animated by Fluid Animation. It stars Melissa Bardin Galsky as Lucy, who as the title states, is the daughter of the devil (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin). As of October 2008, the show has not been renewed for a second season, though its creators are in negotiations with Adult Swim for its return as a half hour series.

VS.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTWF1bDPn0)

The Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television sitcom created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns that aired on CBS from September 19, 1970 to March 19, 1977. The program was a television breakthrough, with the first independent career woman as the central character. It has also been cited as "one of the most acclaimed television programs ever produced" in US television history. Over a seven year period, it received high praise from critics and Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series three years in a row (1975, 1976, and 1977). The show continued to be honored long after the final episode aired. In 2003, USA Today called it "one of the best shows ever to air on TV". In 1997, TV Guide selected a Mary Tyler Moore Show episode as the best TV episode ever, and, in 1999, Entertainment Weekly picked Mary's hat toss in the opening credits as television's second greatest moment.

[Spinal]

Excel Saga

[Watashi]

The Big O

[Spinal]

The Big O

[Watashi]

Hellsing is awesome, yo.

[Spinal]

Hellsing

[Spinal]

Mary Tyler Moore

[Watashi]

By the way, did Cowboy Bebop make the cut?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Frightenstein gets a big Meh from me. It didn't live up to that intro. I'll go with Hellsing.

[Watashi]

Excel Saga

[Spinal]

By the way, did Cowboy Bebop make the cut?

Yes.

[Watashi]

Um, what the fuck was that first one?

Mary Tyler Moore by a large margin.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I wouldn't feel right voting for The Real Ghostbusters. It's basically the same theme from the film.

I'll go with The Big O.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Mary Tyler Moore. Bell-Bottom Pantsuit FTW!

[Watashi]

Yes.
Awesome. Probably the best anime opening I've ever seen.

[Spinal]

It's basically the same theme from the film.


One of my least favorite 80s hits.

[Raiders]

The Real Ghostbusters.

[Russ]

The Big O

[Ivan Drago]

NBA on NBC

[Russ]

Excel Saga.

NBA on NBC, wtf? If you wanted a winner in the sports category, shoulda gone with ABC's Wide World of Sports ("the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat...")

[Biff Justice]

Mary Tyler Moore. I liked the first one, too, and I'm afraid this is one case where nostalgia may be beating out unfamiliarity, but still...

[Russ]

MTM. But the Lucy one was kinda cool.

[Biff Justice]

Excel Saga. Wow, I actually liked the tune to an anime show, that may be a first. Now they just have to find a singer somewhere in Japan who doesn't sound like they were sucking down helium just before they went into the studio to record.

[Russ]

Hellsing

[Biff Justice]

Real Ghostbusters.

But, I did just in the other thread ask if any anime tunes have someone singing without an insanely high voice. Today is a day of education for me, apparently.

[Biff Justice]

Hellsing.

[Saya]

The Big O, but I have to say I don't really like either of those songs.

[Acapelli]

nba on nbc

[Saya]

Hellsing.

[Saya]

Excel Saga.

[Saya]

The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

[Thirdmango]

Excel Saga

[Thirdmango]

Lucy

[Thirdmango]

The Big O

[Thirdmango]

Man, I've had Hellsing for a while but haven't picked it up yet, now watching that intro I need to watch this series. Also vote goes to Hellsing.

[D_Davis]

Frankenstein

[D_Davis]

Mary Tyler Moore

[Derek]

Excel Saga

Does anyone remember a few years ago when they added lyrics to NBA on NBC theme during the playoffs? I'm pretty sure they realized their mistake pretty quickly since I don't remember hearing it played that way more than once. Needless to say, it was an abomination.

[number8]

Hellsing

[Derek]

The Real Ghostbusters

[Derek]

Hellsing

[Derek]

Mary Tyler Moore

But the Lucy one brought the [edited for Spinal's sanity].

[Sven]

The Lucy one almost wins due to the simple inclusion of the name "H. Jon Benjamin", but the copious amount of awesome issuing from the MTM opening takes the cake.

Mary Tyler Moore.

[Watashi]

Hey Spinal, if you need help posting battles or counting, I'll gladly volunteer.

[Sven]

Are you guys all mad? The Frightenstein totally wins. My vote counts for ten. Do it.

[Sven]

The Real Ghostbusters. The Big "O" stands for bOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOring.

[Sven]

Excel Saga.

[dreamdead]

Sorry, 'sos. Hellsing. Things happening on the screen matter.

[Kurosawa Fan]

The Real Ghostbusters. The Big "O" stands for bOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOring.

I don't care for it either, but I can't vote for a theme song that isn't original in any way, shape, or form.