Welcome to Retro TV Themes Revisited, an on-going AD feature that aims to mine our long-running collection of past television (aural) glories - they just aren’t making them like they used to. Have at it in the comments.
Alright, you asked for it — Barney Miller. Based on a 1974 pilot entitled The Life and Times of Captain Barney Miller, the show aired from 1975-1982 boasting not only a lasting template for future ensemble detective situation comedies (not to mention other genres), but that unmistakable bass line intro. You know you love it.
Related: See previous Retro TV Themes Revisited posts…
Download:
MP3: Barney Miller - Intro Theme
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Video: Barney Miller - Intro
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My favorite theme song ever. The creators of the show later went on to make Night Court which followed many of the same conventions.
1 | will January 23rd, 2008 at 1:35 amThat one brings back some good memories. Right up there with Sanford and Son for best ever TV theme song.
2 | Paul January 23rd, 2008 at 1:40 amHell yes on both counts Paul.
3 | CTC January 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 amstratosphere bass line? check. world-class horns? check. a drummer on the dig? double check. great show, echoing the sanford neck and neck for best.
4 | swope January 23rd, 2008 at 12:25 pmOne of the greatest themes ever, no doubt.
5 | Michael January 23rd, 2008 at 1:38 pmNot surprising, as I read where the tune was written and produced by none other than the classy Quincy Jones.
I was waiting for this one! You could be halfway across the house and here that bass line and know it was time for your father to watch Barney Miller! Thanks!
6 | Woodstock January 23rd, 2008 at 9:45 pmHa. 80’s TV, priceless.
x.
7 | Bloodshed In The Woodshed January 26th, 2008 at 7:04 pmHaha, yess! That bassline alone was practically the main reason I took up the bass back in ‘87. Sidenote: I still can’t play that bassline half as good as I’d like.
8 | Hugo January 29th, 2008 at 2:34 pmThere’s a music store in Toronto with a list of forbidden bass riffs posted on the wall. The Barney Miller Theme is one of them. It’s irresistible.
9 | Spin February 1st, 2008 at 1:01 amHey AQ,
It’s Hal Linden’s birthday today. I’m dying to play this tonight on my radio show (kalx.berkeley.edu) and it seems the link is broken. Any chance you could fix it? long time lurker, first time (?) commenter…
10 | Lubenow March 20th, 2008 at 3:08 pm