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AKA:
CHiPs Patrol (1977, United States, syndication title)
Limited edition of 3000 copies.
FSM is proud to present one of the most important soundtracks ever composed -- a landmark in style and form never before available. Many labels have released historically significant scores in recent years, but it is safe to say not one of them matches this one for its artistic achievement and cultural impact. Yes, it's CHiPs, the popular 1977-1983 NBC TV series about Southern California motorcycle cops "Ponch and Jon."
Alan Silvestri is best known today as the composer of stirring symphonic scores such as Back to the Future, Predator, Forrest Gump, and more, but in 1978 he was a struggling musician looking for any reliable employment. CHiPs was a police adventure/drama about to be retooled for its second season, and producer Cy Chermak hired Silvestri to be the show's weekly composer -- for which the assignment was to write everything in an upbeat disco style.
Consequently, Silvestri's music for CHiPs bears little resemblance to his latter-day symphonic works (save for a stylistic consistency to his melodies), but for fans of the show, Silvestri's music was an integral part of the show's presentation. Silvestri updated John Parker's theme for the main and end titles, and wrote his own theme (or two) for each weekly episode -- all in the catchy disco style of the Saturday Night Fever-era, utilizing a 19-piece orchestra. For fans of the show and the period in general, the energy, fun and "cheese" factor of the music is irresistible.
This premiere release of the soundtrack to CHiPs features music from the show's second season (1978-1979) which was Silvestri's first. In addition to the season's main and end titles, the CD is jam-packed with suites from 16 of Silvestri's episode scores, plus a guest appearance by Bruce Broughton, who scored the year's Halloween episode ("Trick or Trick") in a similar disco vein.
The stereo sound is remixed from the original 1/2" master tapes for terrific quality. Liner notes are by Lukas Kendall featuring new interview material (by FSM's Jeff Bond) with Silvestri and producer Chermak, telling the full story of the music behind CHiPs.
- FSM
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