Guardian intern Sam Devine shares his latest obsession:
So I’ve been listening to the newly reissued A-Team soundtrack while at work. Which, yes, is probably dangerous. I feel more afraid of flying and I could go for a cheap cigar if pair of leather driving gloves were provided.
But mostly, as I hear the A-Team‘s theme repeated over and over, set against various cliché ’70s arrangements, I can’t help but think: This is the best possible combined rip-off of the Temptations and Aaron Copland that could ever be imagined!
The A-Team‘s main theme is a driving snare drum and bombastic, uplifting, horns followed by ornamental swells from the strings. Likewise, in “Rodeo” by Aaron Copland, the main theme is driving percussion and bombastic, uplifting, horns followed by ornamental swells from the strings.
In a similar sense, the A-Team‘s countertheme is such a direct lift from “Get Ready (‘Cause Here I Come),” by the Temptations, that you can almost hear Paul Williams singing, “I never met a girl who makes me feel / The way that you do (you’re alright!)”
Just think – A-Team composers Mike Post & Pete Carpenter were able to squeeze out five seasons worth of soundtrack material just by pairing a piece of 20th century composition with a bit of classic Motown. Makes me want to try writing a symphony based around selections of Bela Bartok and Diana Ross.
I hope it works out. I love when a plan comes together.