Perry Mason: the music then and later

[Prunepicker]

I've been watching the Perry Mason episodes from the 80's. I like them
but the theme leaves me sick. Although it's the same theme the energy
and excitement from the original series is lost. First of all there aren't
any strings. The saxes and brass are trying to hard to make it swing
which isn't what "The Theme" does. I don't like it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Am I being too picky? Does music
matter any more?

[RadicalModerate]

Nope.

(just kidding. i meant not to "the masses" =)

[ljbab728]

I've been watching the Perry Mason episodes from the 80's. I like them
but the theme leaves me sick. Although it's the same theme the energy
and excitement from the original series is lost. First of all there aren't
any strings. The saxes and brass are trying to hard to make it swing
which isn't what "The Theme" does. I don't like it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Am I being too picky? Does music
matter any more?

If you're concerned about music from he 80's I'm not sure it's a legitimate question. I do agree that TV theme music used to be much more inventive and interesting in the earlier years though.

[Prunepicker]

Nope.

(just kidding. i meant not to "the masses" =)

LOL! The music of the 80's series is sad and doesn't promote the
program.

It's pathetic. Very sad that the so-called modern generations don't
care for art.

[ljbab728]

LOL! The music of the 80's series is sad and doesn't promote the
program.

It's pathetic. Very sad that the so-called modern generations don't
care for art.

And what does the music of the 80's have to do with the so called modern generation?

[RadicalModerate]

And what does the music of the 80's have to do with the so called modern generation?

Everything and Nothing at the same time?

(would it be possible to rephrase the question? Perhaps in terms of an answer? =)

[rezman]

That song is called Park Avenue Beat, and there are numerous versions of it. There's a long version that wasn't played on the TV show that I heard a long time ago and I found it on youtube.

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra / Park Avenue Beat (Perry Mason Theme) - YouTube

One of the best TV theme songs IMO.

[RadicalModerate]

I always liked the theme from Peter Gunn, but this one, from Mike Hammer is, perhaps, my favorite.

[Tritone]

This is one of my hobbies so you are in for a little trivia.

Perry Mason theme was written by De Benedictus (Dirk, I believe) who also brought us the Matlock theme. The Perry Mason theme is a fine example of "ground bass." So, it (ground bass) is not just confined to Dido's Lament (Dido and Anneas) and Sweet Home Alabama.

Peter Gunn is by Henry Mancini who came up with such memorable hits as Baby Elephant Walk (from Hatari) Cueball March, and the Pink Panther.

Harlem Nocturne (Mike Hammer theme) is by Earl Hagen, responsible for The Old Fishin' Hole (that's the Andy Griffith theme), Mod Squad, and That Girl.

You just had to get me started, didn't you?

[rezman]

It was composed by Fred Steiner.

[Prunepicker]

It was composed by Fred Steiner.

He also wrote the theme to Rocky and Bullwinkle.

[Prunepicker]

... Perry Mason theme was written by De Benedictus (Dirk, I believe)

No, he was the person responsible for the horrible recording of the
Perry Mason Theme in the 80's. The series is on TV for now.

[Tritone]

Guess it's time to start researching instead of counting on my memory. It's the end of an era. I'm crushed.

[rezman]

The theme went through a variety of changes during the original show's nine year run. Changes in tempo,accompaniments and such. There's an interview with Fred Steiner online where he talks about how he came up with he theme song and how it worked into the show.

[Prunepicker]

The theme went through a variety of changes during the original show's
nine year run. Changes in tempo,accompaniments and such. There's an
interview with Fred Steiner online where he talks about how he came up
with he theme song and how it worked into the show.

Yes, it did. However, throughout the changes the intensity of the music
remained and the performance was far better than the latest rendition.
I'm wondering if the mix is coming through only the right or left channel.
So much of the music is missing and especially the strings. Also the
hemiola is gone, that's the part that has two beats playing against
three.