Episode 53 – The Blues Brothers

“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.”

This month, we’re getting the band back together with the Station Manager of KTQA 95.3 FM in Tacoma (and former Illinois resident) Sam Mulvey. We’re on a mission from God to drive our car through John Landis’ anarchic car chase musical guest-starring a Mt. Rushmore of classic R&B/soul artists from Aretha Franklin to James Brown: The Blues Brothers!

Released from a 3-year prison sentence, “Joilet” Jake Blues is reunited with his brother Elwood and learn that the Catholic orphanage they grew up in is about to be shuttered unless it can pay an outstanding $5,000 property tax bill in the next eleven days. Now on a mission from God, the Blue Brothers must reunite their ne’er-do-well rhythm and blues band to put on a big show, no matter how many shopping malls they have to drive through. But first they must outrun a rival country western band, a gang of neo-Nazis, a heavily armed mystery woman, and seemingly every cop in the state of Illinois.

Radio vs. the Mailbag: Duuuuuh! DUHN! Duuuuuhh! DUHN!

Jaws-MovieWhen people talk about the great songs of all time, often neglected are theme songs from television and film. While most popular songs need only be likeable and catchy for their brief radio lifespan, a memorable theme tune is often expected to stay relevant for several years.

Some theme songs have even transcended the popularity of the films or shows they opened for, and have become permanent pieces of the pop culture landscape. Some become internet memes, some are used by sports and news programs as incidental music, and some even escape the boundaries of television and become hit songs in their own right.

That prompts this month’s question:

“What do you feel is the greatest and most iconic television or film theme song?”

Here’s what our hosts had to say…

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