This is a fun list for me. I have always loved television theme songs. From the earliest days of annoying my parents with the Batman theme to laughing at the Blues Brothers band performing the theme to Rawhide. Theme songs seem to have dropped out of the public eye. Shows now opt instead for that extra minute of story. Most shows today do not even have a theme. The have opening credits over and introduction of story then the show title and right back to the story. Here are my five grooviest themes of all time. These are the songs you turn up the television for and sit quietly awaiting the show

5 Chips: this is iconic of the 1970’s disco era. It sets up the entire show. Two of CHP’s finest cursing the highway and keeping it safe for you and I. they are the law but somehow they are cool. The ending credits were also fun with the intermittent freeze frames.

4 Barreta: Soulful and from the heart; great advice too.  We all have said it at some point “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time”. Using excerpts from the show to gear you up for this action drama is a great way to go. Love it!

3 Night Court:  seems to mix 70’s soul with 80’s pop. This song hits every note just right. It tells me its late night with the jazz overtones. I also get funny from the pop vibe on this one too. Another favorite.

2 Barney Miller: just love the groove on this one. It is classic 70’s soul and those horns, wow. This just still blows me away today.  I swear if I have another band this is a must play.

1 Taxi: This is the reason for the list. I have always loved this one. I can remember as a child my dad forcing everyone in the room to shut up as he turned the volume up on the Television. But that tiny little speaker just could not handle the full range of tones from this one. I still to this day love this song. When I get lucky enough to find it on television I, like my father, quickly quiet the room and crank it up. Feeling the low bass fill the room just lets me know what is coming. It’s like a dinner for comedy with me. Now I am ready to laugh.

What’s your favorite? let me know in the comments.