TV Choice (TV Themes) - New World Orchestra

For years I would buy TV Choice magazine weekly; a magazine that would keep you up to date with all the television and soap gossip. When I heard the CD was coming out I pre-ordered it on the HMV website and waited anxiously for it to be released in September 2008. A few days after it was released, it plopped through my letterbox. When I saw the usual cardboard packaging the shop sends their goods in, I knew exactly what it was, and tore into the ...
...music. Underneath it says 'favourite TV Themes'. I wondered if my specific favourites would be found on the disk!

Opening up the case carefully, there is a little leaflet with track listings, which can also be found on the back of the case. I glanced to see how many songs there were, only to find it contained a whopping forty tracks! I decided not to read them, but to play them one by one and see if I can guess the track!

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For years I would buy TV Choice magazine weekly; a magazine that would keep you up to date with all the television and soap gossip. When I heard the CD was coming out I pre-ordered it on the HMV website and waited anxiously for it to be released in September 2008. A few days after it was released, it plopped through my letterbox. When I saw the usual cardboard packaging the shop sends their goods in, I knew exactly what it was, and tore into the parcel.

Before me I held the CD case in my hand and examined its appearance. On the front there is a TV, which has been mounted onto a bright blue background. On the screen was the traditional 'TV Choice' logo, helping us to recognise the makers of the music. Underneath it says 'favourite TV Themes'. I wondered if my specific favourites would be found on the disk!

Opening up the case carefully, there is a little leaflet with track listings, which can also be found on the back of the case. I glanced to see how many songs there were, only to find it contained a whopping forty tracks! I decided not to read them, but to play them one by one and see if I can guess the track!

I let the first track begin. Straight away I knew what this was! The chimes of the music rang around me, the catchy salsa-like rhythm filling the air. This track was in fact the Sex and The City theme tune! Sex and the City is an American show, which ran for six years, about women in their thirties and early fortys. A Sex and the City was also released in May of 2008, making the status of the film more well-known. Not a fan of the show, but I love the theme tune!

Track two became known to me the second it started to play! It is a tune that stops people all over the country, forcing them to sit down on a Saturday evening, glued to the TV screens. Yes, I'm talking about the X Factor. This reality show provides people with a chance to sing in front of a panel of judges, winning their way through various heats and stages, to see if they can make it through to the live final. The winners are awarded a record deal. Some of these have included Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson. However others, such as Same Difference and Chico, have also become quite famous from it. Fan of the show, and love this track!

It was time to escape to track three, which was indeed another that was very familiar to me! I'm a huge fan of TV Presenter Fern Briton, so I recognised the theme tune to This Morning in an instant! It's quite high pitched, definitely one to inform you that this amazing morning-time show is about to begin, ready to bring you the latest news and gossip, tips and advice whilst you relax in the comfort of your own home!

Track four was new to me, with it's traditional tempo, not too quick but not dragging. The notes juttered up and down, whilst informing us that Desperate Housewives is about to start. Like myself, if you do not watch Desperate Housewives, it is an American comedy-drama, following the lives of women. Maybe something I would want to watch, but never have got round to it! Not too impressed by the theme either!

Would I know track five? So far it had been fifty-fifty; I watched two, I didn't watch two! Unfortunately I didn't know the abrupt theme tune that I was hit with next - I don't watch Friday Night With Jonathan Ross! I think I have seen the evening chat show once, and I think the whole Jonathan Ross side of it didn't appeal to me, so I decided not to tune in again!

I was familiar with track six, though I couldn't put my finger on it, I discovered it was from Parkinson, a chat show with famous Michael Parkinson, or 'Parky'. I quite liked this theme tune though it's one that doesn't stick with me for long. It's one I find myself often clicking along to, which is always nice!

Track seven was one that I, and quite a lot of others I'm sure, found easy to recognise. Every day at six o' clock this theme is being heard on Channel 4, quite a high pitched tune and fast-paced, with the brass instruments ringing out. Yes, I'm on about American cartoon The Simpsons, a show about a yellow family. Who doesn't love the Simpsons, and their equally catchy theme tune!

Following this was yet another attention-attracted. On the first droned note, the nation stops washing the dishes, stops hanging up clothes, stops feeding the baby, to sit down with a bar of Cadburys chocolate to watch one of Britain;s longest running shows. Yes I am on about Coronation Street, and this theme always has me sitting down, ready to see what antics Ken Barlow is up to now!

I listened to the start of the next track and actually thought it was one from a Disney movie...though of course it wasn't! It turned out to actually be the old Hollyoaks theme tune which I had not heard in quite a long time! Hollyoaks is another soap, though one which appears to the younger audience. I don;t like it at all, and the theme tune is just as unappealing!

Track ten made me smile a lot more, as when I heard the first spiralling bar of notes, I knew instantly that this slurred music belonged to Emmerdale! Emmerdale is a five-day weekly soap aired in ITV, which I must say does not get enough credit for the amazing storylines they have! TV without Emmerdale, without their tune, would be horrid!

What was this next tune? I had no idea! It was quite quick with a rocky tempo. I will admit it was catchy, filling my head with delight. It turned out to be from Dallas. I had never seen this before and had no idea what it was about. Though with research I discovered it is a soap-like TV series about the city in Texas...not exactly my cup of tea but a nice tune!

The next track was new to me too, with its tin-like echo and increasing rhythm. Turns out it belonged to BBC Cricket (Soul Limbo). Do I look like the type of person to sit and watch cricket?! Not a chance! The track itself was quite nice, one good for a mambo! Also one of the longest on the CD too!

Following this was another new track to me - BBC Snooker (drag racer). I hoped there wasn't a pattern developing here! Again, I do not watch snooker! Though what did I make of the theme itself? It was very much a 'boy racers' tune, masculine and powerful. I don't think I'll attempt to ballet dance to this one any time soon!

Track fifteen, I hoped, would be better! Phew, it was much better! The fanfare like music cheered me up with its great tempo and powerful rhythm. However it was another sport one, this time BBC Wimbledon. I am not a fan of tennis, however I do have a passion for this theme tune! Unfortunately for the BBC, it doesn't encourage me to tune in doing the season of flying balls!

I find it amusing that I recognised the next one in an instant. The two striking beats at the start, followed by the high pitched, quick paced beat, it was all known to me. Yet I have never watched an episode of the sport commentating show in my life, how could I possibly recognise the theme from Grandstand?!

I was clueless with the next track. The main tune kicked in instantly, its repetitive rhythm and quick tempo definitely a feet-tapper, though nothing that sticks in the back of your head. I had a look at it turns out it was from Ski Sunday. Again, why on Earth would I want to watch that?! Unless I was getting paid for it through a TV Presenting job or such like, I wouldn't bother!

Right, so far its about even with what I know on this CD - do I not watch enough TV or something? I sort of recognised the Victorian-style violin piece that echoed around me next, the screeching tune surprisingly a delight. What was this? I couldn't quite place my finger on it. It turned out it was from Horse of the Year Show. You what?! I'd not even heard of that horse show! Well I suppose wonders can happen! A great theme none the less!

Track nineteen started to play and I'll admit it took me a few bars into it before I realised what exactly it was! The salsa-type music is well recognised from Saturday-nice dancing hot show, Strictly Come Dancing! Celebrities are paired up with a professional dancer and must dance their way to the finals, in aim to win the show!

Next was an amazing tune, prominent in my head right from the beginning! The rhythmic piece always seems to buzz around me, its catchy tempo a delight. Yes, this is the fantastic theme from I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, an ITV show presented by the gorgeous Ant and Dec, where a pack of celebrities need to survive out in the wild in Australia! An amazing show with an equally satisfying theme!

After this we have quite an overpowering and daunting tune. The notes were very sharp and precise, sending chills down your spine. I did recognise it but couldn't quite work out where from. It turns out it was the theme from The Apprentice...something I have never had the chance to watch but would love to! The Apprentice is a tv series where young businessmen and women compete for the chance to win a well-paid job as an apprentice!

Ah the delights. I knew straight away what the next song was, the second whirring, echoing long note picked up its speed. The continuous drum beat in the background that has the nation tapping along to. It sends you flying! Yes, this is the theme tune from Doctor Who by the BBC Orchestra. Doctor Who is a sci-fi show about a Time Lord named the Doctor, who travels around in his blue box known as the Tardis. This particular track reminds me of the time when I went down to the Doctor Who Exhibition in Blackpool, so it's quite emotional in more ways than one. It really is a track from out of this world!

Track twenty three is an extremely quick one, giving us a sense of adventure and challenge. We must get there, we must save the day! But where was this high-pitched tune from? I felt quite ashamed when I didn't recognise it, as it comes from BBC show Torchwood! Torchwood is a spin-off show from Doctor Who, geared towards the slightly older audience, starring the gorgeous John Barrowman who plays Captain Jack in both shows. <3

The next track on the CD is quite eerie. It's echoey sound fills the room with a chill. Though the contrasting tingle emerging from the back of the music adds that sense of comfort. What was this from? It was quite a bizarre theme tune! Turns out it comes from The X Files, something I've never had an interest in watching. The X Files is one of those sci-fi shows I will simply never get into.

Following this we had a very catchy tune indeed. Wave your flags and let the fanfare sound out! If you do not want to get up and march to this tune then its not done its job! Though you'll need to be quick as this is very short indeed! This amazing theme tune comes from Groundforce, a show all about gardening. Though it's not boring in the slightest, and has just a delightful atmosphere as its theme!

Track twenty six is one that makes you want to put your hands over your ears! It has such a screechy high pitches noises. I can't really call it a song at all! And what was this noise from? A programme called House. I'd not even heard of that! Turns out it is about a Doctor (Dr Gregory House) and how he heads diagnosticians at a teaching hospital. From that alone, I cannot see how it would make good TV!

After this we have an exceptionally catchy tune, unbelievably thrilling! It's not too long but has such a promising rhythm that sounds so rewarding! And for some reason it reminds me of my childhood! I knew exactly what this was from - Top Gear, a hilarious programme about cars but not just aimed at the boy racers! This song is called Jessica (ask me no questions and I'll tell ye no lies as I have no idea why it isn't called Amanda or Penelope or Harriet or...). An amazing track for an amazing show!

Next is quite a slow and gentle theme. Instantly it paints romantic pictures of walks in an old-fashioned, peaceful country park. Its quite a long track and is so mellow and calming, releasing the anger out of you. I didn't know what it was from, though found out it came from Fawlty Towers, a British sitcom from 1975 (year my mam was born!), with only twelve episodes ever to be produced! Such a gentle song...

Track twenty nine is quite slow at the beginning, but the rhythm, the beat, the tempo, they start to get a little more powerful and demanding. Though nothing there can torture you, you don't need to reach for the volume. But what was this from? A show called Hill Street Blues which is a police series which had nearly 150 episodes. It can be seen on More4 now, and I may have a watch one day if I get the chance!

Following this track was a much more fast-paced and quickly-progressing piece, not too long but straight to the point. I didn't recognise this exact one, but it sounds like a lot of sci-fi themes I've heard. Apparently its from Spooks, a BBC drama series about spies. Not my cup of tea, and neither is the theme, but suits some!

Afterwards we come to track thirty one, over three quarters of the way through! There had been quite a mix of songs up until now so I didn't know what to expect. This next one reminded me of a jungle in a scrap yard. Probably one of the most peculiar images in my mind I have ever experienced but quite an interesting one. I didn't recognise this airy, tinny rhythm, so had a look at the back of the cover. It was from Miami Vice, an American show about detectives in Miami. It seems this one doesn't appeal to me either, and the theme tune is nothing special, but does create an unique image!

Next is a theme that reminds me of the Pink Panther crossed with Top Cat - I think there must be something in the air just now! It's quick paced and gives me an image of adventure and challenge. It's quite high pitched too but no so. This is the theme from Professionals. And what is that? I had no idea! It was a 1970s British series about crime, with 51 episodes...now if Eastenders had only 51 episodes I would be blown away, but this sounds a little...dire.

Track thirty three...we're getting there! It's quite mellow though fast at the same time. It reminds me of the opening to the GCSE revise-wise videos we watched in Primary School (remember that little orange owl? He was cute!). Though I didn't know what this was from, surely it wasn't from a revision programme! Indeed it wasn't, as it was from ER, an American medical drama which has been going since 1994 - quite a successful show it seems. I've watched it once or twice but I didn't think it was anything special.

Following this is quite an unusual theme. It's quite echoey and high pitched, it does hurt your ears a little - it's like dog radar! It's quite long too and eerie, not one you'd want on your mp3 whilst walking home at night in the dark! This track comes from Inspector Morse, a show adapted from a series of novels about, well, an inspector! It is quite a popular show and I must admit even I have enjoyed it from time to time!

And there's more...this theme almost starts off as if it were a cheesy rock song. And it actually maintains this unusual music throughout the reasonably long track! So what is this bizarre theme from? Law and Order - something I've never watched. It's another American police drama - they're never ending! Again I've not seen this but may venture to watch it one day!

Track thirty six is one of my favourites. It's so happy and light, but not floaty. It's more bouncy and cheesy 80s pop. Think Cbeebies meets Family Fortunes. And what 'happy' show matches this? QI! Now I always thought it was IQ...but I was wrong! QI (Quite Interesting) is a comedy panel quiz show which for some reason I have never heard of?! It sounds amazing, I will need to look out for it!

Moving on to the next track. This one reminded me of the little Christmas carols we sang at school at the beginning, but when the harmonica kicked in I knew exactly what this loving, gentle, mellow piece was. The images of roses and fields floated round in my mind. Yes this came from Last of the Summer Wine. Last of the Summer Wine is a British sitcom filmed in Yorkshire and premièred way back in 1973, showing just how old, I mean antique, it is now!

After this we have a light fanfare piece, very joyful and cheerful. I'd not heard it before though so didn't know if it's show would match with its cheery mood. It comes from Monty Python. This is a comedy sketch show that first aired in 1969, and had a total of four series. I've never seen this and to be honest I don't think it would be a scratch on The Catherine Tate Show!

Nearly there...track thirty nine! This next track was a love of mine straight away. It has such a powerful and catchy beat, but nothing too heavy. The original theme on the TV has lyrics to it, though this doesn't so I can sing along as if it were a karaoke backing track! Of course this is the theme to the Royal - yet another medical drama, though this one British! I don't watch it much but enough to know the theme tune!

And finally we have reached the end! The final track does contain lyrics, and is most addictive! It's a well-known tune with its perfect tempo and instrumentals between the verses. It's quite upbeat and touching. Yes this is thee tune to Heartbeat- a British police drama, first aired in 1992 and still going strong. I love it and I love the theme - a great way to end the CD!

This is certainly one of the longest single-CD albums I have ever bought! But is it worth the money? Of course! I paid just £5 for this when I preordered it, and to this day it is still just £5! You can buy it from HMV website or Amazon.co.uk, and get yourself an amazing deal!

Okay so it isn't one to play at parties or to sing along to, but it is great for releasing emotions. There are many tracks in this 'one hour and ten minutes' CD, some songs suitable for meditation, others more perfect for when dotting about the house.

Whatever your mood, this is a great CD, aimed at TV lovers. Naturally created for me!

© Amy 2009 

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