Original Ian Freebairn-Smith theme

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Jay-Firestorm · #1 Post by **Jay-Firestorm** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:55 pm

Let's hear some love for the original Ian Freebairn-Smith theme to the series!

Although Mike Post & Pete Carpenter's theme is probably the most iconic, I for one actually LOVE the early original theme.

I'm not really a big jazz fan, but the theme sounds so classy, and really suits the early episodes. I often find myself whistling or humming it.

Please tell me I'm not alone on this

#2 Post by **Styles Bitchley** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:22 pm

Yeah, I dig it...but really only for the nostalgic value.

I think it has a real 70s feel to it. A hangover from the previous decade with a bit too much cheese - think Charlie's Angels. The Post/Carpenter theme brought the show into the '80s.

Still, it's a cool tune and a reminder of the show's roots.

Jay-Firestorm · #3 Post by **Jay-Firestorm** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:13 pm

I don't know, I don't think it sounds too corny, just different.
It does have a touch of the 1970s to it, but bearing in mind the '70s had only just finished, and things don't change overnight.

#4 Post by **Doc Ibold** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:20 pm

Eh... it's OK, but I feel like I'm watching Dynasty instead of Magnum PI!

#5 Post by **J.J. Walters** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:51 am

I like it man. It's like, one hot, groovy, swingin' jazz number.... can ya dig. The horns and piano are oh so smmmokin'! Ian is one far out cat!

But seriously, I do like it a lot, especially the extended version heard in the Pilot Movie. Would love to hear somebody perform this piece live.

Miss Q · #6 Post by **Miss Q** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:15 pm

I'm with you Doc... a Dynasty theme it is

#7 Post by **Styles Bitchley** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:53 pm

No, Dynasty's much more whimsical than the original theme. I think it's more serious cool dudeish like the ChiPs theme. Check it out... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSzEmPEnYxo

Steve · #8 Post by **Steve** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:12 pm

I always thought it sounded like Mannix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKOgnAN16IY

#9 Post by **Styles Bitchley** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:29 pm

Ha, I've never even heard of Mannix before - clearly before my time - but I see what you mean. There are some similar licks, but it doesn't have the same tone of excitement.

Sparkle & Fizz · #10 Post by **Sparkle & Fizz** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:22 pm

I think it's a nice score as well.

Quigley Down Under · Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:44 am

I also liked the use of the cross motif in the original start

Jay-Firestorm · #12 Post by **Jay-Firestorm** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:23 pm

Quigley Down Under wrote:I also liked the use of the cross motif in the original start

Me too - I always thought it would have looked good behind the 'Magnum p.i.' caption on the regular episode openings.

Little Garwood · #13 Post by **Little Garwood** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:18 am

The original theme sounded more suited to Banacek than to MPI and I agree with those who say that there's overlap in deacdes. To me, 1980 was still the seventies, just like 1970-71 was still the sixties, culturally speaking. I'll refrain from saying that the early sixties were still the fifties, but it's too late...