The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: gtbecbp on July 24, 2004, 11:24:18 PM
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What is your favorite version of the Trebek J! theme song?
Ben
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The current one is my favorite. It has the best instrumentation and some nice guitar work too. Unfortunately we will never get a new revision from Composer Steve Kaplan, so hopefully the show will keep the current version for years to come.
John
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I'm really fond the current theme myself. It's really grown on me since Ken Jennings started his run. It's a real shamed that the composer passed away. My other favorite is the 84' original. Gotta love that opening part.
Ben
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I prefer the current theme and the 97 theme over the 84 theme and 91 theme. I think the collegiate style better suits the show than the spacey style.
That being said, I do fully enjoy the beginning to the 84 theme.
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I like the current theme... I just wish they still used the classic think music. The current version is too much of a departure.
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I like the current theme too, but I prefer the '84 theme better especially the openning sequence. The '91 theme(featuring bongo drums) was right up there too.
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Does it bug anyone else how they intentionally end the show at the end of the third verse? I mean, the theme has 4 traditional verses. Why not end the show at the end of the fourth (and strongest) verse instead?
Anyway, the 1984 version.
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My favorite was the 1991 version (I'm a sucker for bongos, I guess), but the 1997 and current ones have grown on me considerably.
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For me, it's the '84 theme, mainly because of the opening sequence in the first :33 seconds, as well as the spacy, ultra synthed up sound of it. Personally, there's just something about the '97 theme I cannot stand, but I just can't point it out.
The '91 theme was OK too, but in my oppinion, it's just not as good as the original '84 theme.
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Honestly, I really have grown fond of the current theme, which I think is kind of in the style of the '97 theme, but with a bit more "oomph," if you know what I mean.
I also think that Jeopardy had done an okay job of updating their theme to match the general feel of the times. 1984, electronic music was "in"; 1991, the bongos were mixed in to give it less of a purely synthesized feel; 1997, the orchestrated theme was brought in, mostly to complement the new set, I think. (Does anyone remember those few weeks [months?] with the sushi-bar set along with the bongo theme? It just didn't fit.)
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[quote name=\'Gus\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 12:49 PM\'] Does anyone remember those few weeks [months?] with the sushi-bar set along with the bongo theme? It just didn't fit. [/quote]
If you ask me, the sushi-bar set didn't fit the show well, period.
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I didn't mind the sushi bar set for the most part. The only thing I really disliked were the big Jeopardy! doors. They were unnecessary and, with the dark pink foreground and light pink background, kind of an eyesore, IMO.
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[quote name=\'Frank15\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 03:06 AM\'] Does it bug anyone else how they intentionally end the show at the end of the third verse? I mean, the theme has 4 traditional verses. [/quote]
No. I don't let things like TV themes bug me.
Why not end the show at the end of the fourth (and strongest) verse instead?
Because then, I am guessing, the track doesn't time out to be an even 1:30, or 2:00, or some other easily-deadrollable time in the event that they wish to hit the end of the song exactly as some episode ends.
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[quote name=\'whampyl03\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 07:23 AM\']Personally, there's just something about the '97 theme I cannot stand, but I just can't point it out.[/quote][quote name=\'Gus\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 10:49 AM\']Honestly, I really have grown fond of the current theme, which I think is kind of in the style of the '97 theme, but with a bit more "oomph," if you know what I mean.[/quote]
Yeah, I feel the same way. The '97 theme just seems so forced and sterile. The phrase I usually use is, "they sucked the life blood out of it." Fortunately, they put some of it back in the current version, which I'm surprised to say I actually like. The 30-second piece still sucks, though.
Is the '84-97 FJ! writing cue present somewhere in internet-land? I've begun to forget just how that sounded.
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[quote name=\'Frank15\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 05:06 AM\']Does it bug anyone else how they intentionally end the show at the end of the third verse? I mean, the theme has 4 traditional verses. Why not end the show at the end of the fourth (and strongest) verse instead?[/quote]
Um . . . what? I believe that the music starts out with four escalating "verses", yes, but it continues on from there. They end the show now at the end of the complete piece of music.
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My favorite is probably the '84 version. I'm not sure why; I just plain think it sounds better than any of the others. My rankings go downhill chronologically. I really don't like the current theme very much; I think it's completely inappropriate for going to commercial.
And Frank, I've heard the full version of the current theme. It's not put together the same way as the other three. What you hear at the end of the show is the end of the song.
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[quote name=\'gameshowsteve\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 11:53 AM\'] Is the '84-97 FJ! writing cue present somewhere in internet-land? I've begun to forget just how that sounded. [/quote]
I've got a DAMN good quality copy of it. E-Mail me.
Anyway, I like the '84 theme the best; the '91 remix is a close second. If the '91 remix hadn't cut off half of the intro, then I'd like that one better.
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[quote name=\'Steve Gavazzi\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 03:21 PM\'] And Frank, I've heard the full version of the current theme. It's not put together the same way as the other three. What you hear at the end of the show is the end of the song. [/quote]
Um... didn't they play the fourth verse for the $1 million Tournement of Champoins, though? And occasionally, you can still hear the fourth verse when they go to commercial, if it takes them long enough to fade out. Which happens every now and then.
...I'm pretty positive, at least.
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[quote name=\'Frank15\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 04:52 PM\'] [quote name=\'Steve Gavazzi\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 03:21 PM\'] And Frank, I've heard the full version of the current theme. It's not put together the same way as the other three. What you hear at the end of the show is the end of the song. [/quote]
Um... didn't they play the fourth verse for the $1 million Tournement of Champoins, though? And occasionally, you can still hear the fourth verse when they go to commercial, if it takes them long enough to fade out. Which happens every now and then.
...I'm pretty positive, at least. [/quote]
The first four verses are still there, but then the song sort of wanders off on its own.
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I think the 1997 version of the main theme sounds the best. The current theme sounds kind of awkward and choppy - they put a little too much "oomph" into it if you ask me. The 1984 and 1991 versions sound really dated to me, and are also very repetitive, although I do like the intro. If they could incorporate that intro into an orchestrated version of the theme similar to the last two versions, that would be awesome.
I do wish they'd bring back the old think music - I never liked the remake.
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Can we count the Rock & Roll Jeopardy! theme in this vote? I LOVE that theme.
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Just to let everyone know, if they havent heard the Jeopardy (84) theme, from the GSN CD, that it has bongos in it, but more were added for 1991. Also, the theme starts further in than the 84 did, about halfway through the "opening" riff thing. I never understood why they 'updated' it. To the average viewer, they would never notice it was tweaked. I did like the 90s set though, before the sushi. I never did like fish ;|
Btw, i think a R&R Jeopardy and the 84 theme could do well as a mix. Have the R&R as the bed, but have someone playing, or have the synth part of the 84 theme, go on top of it. I have created one myself. i think it sounds really cool.
Also, the theme to the 2nd Pilot from 83-84, sounded awesome. Far more synthy than the one they finally decided on, but would love to get it.
The only one i really dont like is the recent think music, and the one before that. I dont mind it being updated, but they didnt stay true to the notes, which pisses me.
Argo.
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[quote name=\'Argo\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 06:26 PM\']I never understood why they 'updated' it [in '91]. To the average viewer, they would never notice it was tweaked.[/quote]
I noticed it once, apparently during the summer reruns in '91 or '92. The regular shows had changed, but the ToC used the '84 theme. I thought the more intense opening suited the ToC quite well, and wish they'd kept it around for that purpose, at least.
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[quote name=\'Argo\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 08:26 PM\'] I did like the 90s set though, before the sushi. I never did like fish ;| [/quote]
Oh, but of course you liked that set! The early 90s set was just meant to be a set. And though it was started sometime before that set, I always loved how they'd turn the whole stage red for Double Jeopardy!. I wish they'd still do that, really.
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What's the difference between the '84 and '91 themes?
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The first half of the spacey intro is cut out, and the bongo track is cranked up hella.
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Didn't they ever use the spacey intro in the '91 theme a few times?
I saw a few tournament episodes, and I heard at the top of the theme, the spacey intro.
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The first half of the spacey intro is cut out, and the bongo track is cranked up hella.
Sorry, but I'm gonna be picky. The bongos used in the '91 remix is completely different than the track used in the '84 theme and the '84 "bongos" sound synthisyzed to me.
Didn't they ever use the spacey intro in the '91 theme a few times?
I saw a few tournament episodes, and I heard at the top of the theme, the spacey intro.
Yes, for the second half of tourney finals only. I assume it was because they needed more time because they recited the players' scores from day 1.
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It should be noted that around 1989, the spacey intro of the 84 theme was also sliced in half.
I though the whole spacey intro was cool, because every second the music gets louder, tougher and meaner, it gets you psyched-up for the show. Trebek "J!" was ment to be this cold battlefield of trivia grilling. As the years went on, I think they decided to soften the image and make the theme more funky, The bongos gave the theme more of an upbeat feeling. "Grid" set was awesome, but I can see why they changed it after a couple years, it was rather barren.
Wasn't the 84-96 "Think Theme" also used in the orignial Fleming version ? They do sound rather alike.
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[quote name=\'JRaygor\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 11:50 PM\']Wasn't the 84-96 "Think Theme" also used in the orignial Fleming version ? They do sound rather alike.[/quote]
Yes.
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The only problem, which I think they recognized, with the long "spacey" intro is that you didn't hear enough of the actual Jeopardy! melody. The intro lasted just as long as the player introductions, and didn't burst into the familiar song until Alex was already making his way onto the stage.
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I like the current theme as well. The 1984 theme ranks second.
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The current version will do for me.
I may be in the minority, but I've never really cared for the theme from Trebek's version of the show. I think it's probably grown on me though.
My favorite all-time "Jeopardy" theme is actually the one they used on the brief NBC 1978 revival with Art Fleming. Too bad that doesn't exist clean and complete in the trade curcuit.
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[quote name=\'Ian Wallis\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 10:22 AM\']My favorite all-time "Jeopardy" theme is actually the one they used on the brief NBC 1978 revival with Art Fleming. Too bad that doesn't exist clean and complete in the trade curcuit.[/quote]
And recycled as a "Wheel" prize cue.
For anyone who has Merv's "Themes I've Dreamed" album: Is the '78 "J!" theme on there?
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[quote name=\'Ian Wallis\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 10:22 AM\'] My favorite all-time "Jeopardy" theme is actually the one they used on the brief NBC 1978 revival with Art Fleming. Too bad that doesn't exist clean and complete in the trade curcuit. [/quote]
What he said. Since the OP referred to the Trebek version only, I didn't bother putting in my two Lincolns--but I'll take the 1978-79 version any day (even the contestant arrival music was enjoyable).
Doug
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The 78 music was neat, it was used in the first Trebek pilot, IIRC. Does anyne know if the intro video to that pilot is still up? I remember seeing it somewhere recently.
Ben
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[quote name=\'drmusic_99\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 10:08 PM\'] The intro lasted just as long as the player introductions, and didn't burst into the familiar song until Alex was already making his way onto the stage. [/quote]
Which I thought was not a problem at all. In fact, I liked it that way. If they though it was such an issue, they could have given Johnny Gilbert some hokey pokey to say like: "They're here to do something with a fast paced game of answers and questions: Jeopardy! And here's your host: Alex Trebeck!" or something like that so you could hear more of the theme.
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[quote name=\'HairMetalLives\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 12:19 PM\'] they could have given Johnny Gilbert some hokey pokey to say like: "They're here to do something with a fast paced game of answers and questions: Jeopardy! And here's your host: Alex Trebeck!" [/quote]
WOW would that have sucked. :)
One of THE GREAT things about Jeopardy is that it requires no hokum. "This...is...Jeopardy!" Boom. Everyone knows what's gonna happen for the next half hour. Get Trebek out here and let's get the party started. :)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 12:52 PM\'] [quote name=\'HairMetalLives\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 12:19 PM\'] they could have given Johnny Gilbert some hokey pokey to say like: "They're here to do something with a fast paced game of answers and questions: Jeopardy! And here's your host: Alex Trebeck!" [/quote]
WOW would that have sucked. :)
One of THE GREAT things about Jeopardy is that it requires no hokum. "This...is...Jeopardy!" Boom. Everyone knows what's gonna happen for the next half hour. Get Trebek out here and let's get the party started. :) [/quote]
My thoughts exactly! I don't think they should have cut the opening, and I don't think they should have given Gilbert any B.S. to say. I think they should have left well enough alone.
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[quote name=\'Frank15\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 03:52 PM\'][quote name=\'Steve Gavazzi\' date=\'Jul 25 2004, 03:21 PM\'] And Frank, I've heard the full version of the current theme. It's not put together the same way as the other three. What you hear at the end of the show is the end of the song. [/quote]
Um... didn't they play the fourth verse for the $1 million Tournement of Champoins, though? And occasionally, you can still hear the fourth verse when they go to commercial, if it takes them long enough to fade out. Which happens every now and then.
...I'm pretty positive, at least.[/quote]
I think I see what's confusing you. Currently, at the end of each show, after the pre-recorded sponsor plugs, the theme is not starting from the beginning. Rather, it is back-timed (and I have no idea if that is the proper term)--added in post-production so that the music will end right when "Created by Merv Griffin" pops onto the screen. The music's starting point is based entirely on how many seconds are left in the show.
In fact, if you stick around for the credits often enough, you'll be able to tell when they're going to fill time with the full credits, because you'll hear the end of the "fourth verse" at the beginning of that segment.
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[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 04:32 PM\'] Rather, it is back-timed (and I have no idea if that is the proper term)--added in post-production so that the music will end right when "Created by Merv Griffin" pops onto the screen. [/quote]
That is exactly the proper term for it.
The other way to do it, if you were mixing it in live instead of adding it in post, would be to do a "deadroll": say your music runs 1:30 and you want it to hit the ending at 28:30, you would "deadroll" your music - that is, start the music with the source turned down on the board - at the 27:00 mark, and then fade it in when needed, secure in the knowledge that the track will end right at 28:00, because you made sure your cartridges were cued before you started taping. (You DID check all your carts before the show, right? ;))
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But, Chris, what happened to the other 30 seconds? :) :)
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[quote name=\'sshuffield70\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 08:05 PM\'] But, Chris, what happened to the other 30 seconds? :) :) [/quote]
They're IN MY PANTS. Perhaps you'd like to reach in and find them. :)
(Dammit, I double-checked that, too. A lesser man would edit the post. I will not.)
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 10:37 PM\'] [quote name=\'sshuffield70\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 08:05 PM\'] But, Chris, what happened to the other 30 seconds? :) :) [/quote]
They're IN MY PANTS. Perhaps you'd like to reach in and find them. :)
(Dammit, I double-checked that, too. A lesser man would edit the post. I will not.) [/quote]
I tried and all I found were stolen government documents ! : )
OBGameshows: "Bullseye" taped at Television City
-Joe R.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 11:37 PM\'] [quote name=\'sshuffield70\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 08:05 PM\'] But, Chris, what happened to the other 30 seconds? :) :) [/quote]
They're IN MY PANTS. Perhaps you'd like to reach in and find them. :) [/quote]
I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo not going there.
ObGS: If Lemon appears on this What the Blank thing, no matter in what on-camera capacity, the censors would be asking for a pay raise.
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[quote name=\'clemon79\' date=\'Jul 26 2004, 10:49 PM\'] (You DID check all your carts before the show, right? ;)) [/quote]
Carts?! Tha's ol' skool, yo! They must use a server to store the music cuts by now. Or since it's a Sony show, maybe sut'm proprietary like MiniDisc.
I doubt you've heard of a band called Brave Combo (http://\"http://www.brave.com/bo\"), but they did a real neat schottische version of Jeopardy! on their Group Dance Epidemic disc.
I ain't gonna touch the "reach" line with a medical probe.
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[quote name=\'mystery7\' date=\'Jul 27 2004, 04:30 PM\'] I doubt you've heard of a band called Brave Combo (http://\"http://www.brave.com/bo\"), but they did a real neat schottische version of Jeopardy! on their Group Dance Epidemic disc.
I ain't gonna touch the "reach" line with a medical probe. [/quote]
Brave Combo?
Of course I've heard of Brave Combo! Been hearing about them for YEARS! 'Cause see, I went to the same ol' college they did.........:) :) :)
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Just because I was utterly and completely bored (dangerous thing), and didn't see it anywhere else, I've uploaded a complete copy of the current theme to the web. Apologies for sound quality, it's the best I could get (pulled from an old SWF that used to be on the J! site)
http://home.mchsi.com/~sjthrasher/Jeopardy...rumentation.mp3 (http://\"http://home.mchsi.com/~sjthrasher/Jeopardy_-_Current_Theme_-_Original_Instrumentation.mp3\")
(They've redone the instrumentation a couple times since debuting the theme...This is the first instrumentation)
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Does anyone know where/if the current instrumentation of the theme is available?
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[quote name=\'Seth Thrasher\' date=\'Jul 28 2004, 10:53 AM\'] Just because I was utterly and completely bored (dangerous thing), and didn't see it anywhere else, I've uploaded a complete copy of the current theme to the web. Apologies for sound quality, it's the best I could get (pulled from an old SWF that used to be on the J! site)
http://home.mchsi.com/~sjthrasher/Jeopardy...rumentation.mp3 (http://\"http://home.mchsi.com/~sjthrasher/Jeopardy_-_Current_Theme_-_Original_Instrumentation.mp3\")
(They've redone the instrumentation a couple times since debuting the theme...This is the first instrumentation) [/quote]
I currently have no way to get the theme from my other computer to this one. You are awesome. :-)
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Does anyone know of a site where one can download the 2003-04 Jeopardy theme?
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I'm not aware of one for the most current season. Just the one that was posted on Thursday. I now have that at the Ultraplex as "Jeopardy02"