The golden age of rock and roll was the ’60s and ’70s, with some spillage into the ’50s and ’80s. I declare it, so it must be true! Some of the greatest music of the century sprang into existence during those times.
It just so happens that the longest running television and movie franchise also began during that classic age in 1966. Among the top charting songs for the year were:
- Righteous Brothers
You’re My Soul and Inspiration - The Mamas and the Papas
California Dreamin’
Monday Monday - The Beatles
We Can Work It Out
Paperback Writer
Nowhere Man - Beach Boys
Good Vibrations - The Hollies
Bus Stop - Simon & Garfunkel
I Am a Rock
Homeward Bound
The Sound of Silence
Ah, those were the days, my friend! [1968, Mary Hopkins]
Another song from 1966 that’s remained a perennial hit for over half a century is the theme song to the original TV series of that franchise. The whole world recognizes it with the first four ringing notes followed by the rousing single-horn fanfare.
Absent from that 1966 chart are metal bands that didn’t start showing up until a couple years later. The TV theme song wasn’t remotely metal either.
Until the 21st century.
Just for fun, here are a couple of metal guitarists that have metalicized Star Trek themes. One can only describe these renditions as astronomically fun.
The first one is by a YouTuber called 331Erock. His performance covers the Star Trek original series theme song composed by Alexander Courage, followed by the Star Trek: Next Generation theme song written by Jerry Goldsmith, then bringing it back home to the original. He wraps it up with a message from a certain popular alien.
The following performances are from the colorfully-named Captain Meatshield. He plays with a band consisting of himself and multiple clones of himself. Can’t complain about clones when science fiction theme songs are the subject.
This first one begins with the theme song to Star Trek the Motion Picture, again written by Jerry Goldsmith since it was refitted as the theme song to The Next Generation. He then goes on to perform the “Klingon Battle Theme” from the same movie. The finale is a rendition of the theme to Star Trek First Contact, also by Jerry Goldsmith. That theme almost has the feel of a hymn, which seems befitting a movie about the history-shattering event of first contact with an alien species.
In his next video, the Captain covers the theme song to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Among Star Trek television series, that one is the darkest, grittiest, most sophisticated one with a theme that reflects its atmosphere, penned by Dennis McCarthy. I consider this one the best Star Trek series of them all. The Captain begins gently and hauntingly before breaking into a lively metal performance.
Finally we return to Jerry Goldsmith with his composition for Star Trek Voyager. While I have issues with the quality of the show itself and can’t abide Neelix, its theme song ranks right up there with the rest of them with that stylistic three-note echoing motif.
Nothing can replace the on-screen orchestral versions of the theme songs for the shows and movies. But the metal covers of them bring their own exhilarating pleasure when you’re looking for something to satisfy your science fiction sweet tooth and your urge to get up and dance.