Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6, Remote Control is a best of collection of TV themes and soundtrack music around the time of the late 1970’s, early 1980’s, supposedly during the period where the remote control using infrared light was invented.

During this time period, there were hundreds of shows on TV; of course, many of those stank, but there are some good ones. This CD compilation is a collection of theme songs and music of some of the better shows that survived. Most numbers are about a minute or so, not too long, although some should be longer. The brevity of TV theme songs in general is disappointing because some songs are interesting enough to warrant a longer version.

I suspect the main reason to listen to most of the music on this CD is to reminiscent about shows we watched and even enjoyed. Personally, what I remember of TV during the late 70’s and 80’s was not good. I guess I was too traumatized by TV from this period. Whenever I hear some of these songs, I either chuckle, or frown at what I remember.

There are a lot of misses here, mostly hokey numbers from soap operas and dubious sitcoms, but among the bad (taste) there are some good ones.

Among the favorites on this CD is the theme from Benny Hill. Yes, that loveably, cheeky old man. The music is instantly recognizable who watched the show, and a signature of Boots Randolph, which I did not know.

The People’s Court; Game show justice featuring a bad azz judge, two trashy plaintiff and defendants, mix in a hint of seriousness, millions of people as audience, a serious bass riff followed by frantic bongo playing; Voila! I’m taking you to the People’s Court.

The liner notes of this CD are informative. With 65 songs, descriptions had to be brief; fortunately, the notes were succinct and informative enough to please. Track listings, a brief history of the show and its demise, plus credits are all listed. The intro had an essay about television during this time period.

The sound quality of this CD was good, but not spectacular. It seems the sound editing was normalized just slightly, or 70’s tape quality was not that great to begin with.

This CD is good to borrow from the library if you are curious about what TV theme music was like during this period, or want to convert to mp3z to fill in a collection. I wouldn’t really recommend outright buying it for general listening.

Track Listing
1 Fish (1977-1978)
2 Night Court (1994-1992)
3 What's Happening (1976-1979)
4 Diff'rent Strokes (1979-1986)
5 Mr. Belvedere (1985-1990)
6 Growing Pains (1985-1992)
7 Charles In Charge (1984-1985)
8 Silver Spoons (1982-1987)
9 Webster (1983-1988)
10 Too Close For Comfort (1980-1986)
11 Who's The Boss (1984-1992)
12 Perfect Strangers (1986-1993)
13 Alice (1976-1985)
14 It's A Living (1980-1982)
15 Angie (1979-1980)
16 227 (1985-1990)
17 The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
18 Alf (1986-1990)
19 Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)
20 Police Squad (1982)
21 Family Ties (1982-1989)
22 Moonlighting (1985-1989)
23 Soap (1977-1981)
24 Benson (1979-1986)
25 The Benny Hill Show (1969-1989)
26 The Young Ones (1982-1984)
27 The People's Court (1981-1993)
28 Family Feud (1976-1985, 1988-date)
29 The Price Is Right (1956-1965, 1972-date)
30 Siskel And Ebert (1977-date)
31 Monday Night Football (1970-date)
32 Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous (1984-date)
33 Fame (1982-1987)
34 Paper Chase (1978-1979)
35 Fantasy Island (1978-1984)
36 Falcon Crest (1981-1990)
37 The Colbys (1985-1987)
38 Highway To Heaven (1984-1989)
39 The Dukes Of Hazzard (1979-1985)
40 B.J. And The Bear (1979-1981)
41 Movin' On (1974-1976)
42 The Fall Guy (1981-1986)
43 James At 15 (1977-1978)
44 Eight Is Enough (1977-1981)
45 Baa Baa Black Sheep (1976-1978)
46 Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986)
47 Chips (1977-1983)
48 Vegas (1978-1981)
49 Matt Houston (1992-1985)
50 Cagney & Lacey (1982-1988)
51 T.J. Hooker (1982-1986)
52 Hardcastle And McCormick (1983-1986)
53 Hunter (1984-1991)
54 Macgyver (1985-1992)
55 Knight Rider (1982-1986)
56 Airwolf (1984-1987)
57 The Incredible Hulk (1978-1982)
58 V-The Series (1984-1985)
59 The New Twilight Zone (1985-1988)
60 Doctor Who (1963-date)
61 Mystery! (1980-date)
62 The Hardy Boys-Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977-1979)
63 Roots (1977)
64 Vietnam-A Television History (1983)
65 Cosmos (1980)


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends