The Monopods

This is something I came across on YouTube recently. I thought I'd post it because I've done a few Tripods posts recently. Anyway, I thought this was quite amusing - it's rather silly. I'm really impressed with how they've done the title sequence so accurately to the original.

DrGaz's Music: The Tripods v2

This is my second attempt at the theme tune for The Tripods. Although still not perfect I think it is slightly closer to Ken Freeman's original than my first attempt. I have corrected the key and tempo, and I think that I've managed to get the bassline a bit more accurate. I have also synchronised it better to the opening credits (see YouTube video below). The main problem I've been having is with the instrument sounds. I still can't get the main theme instruments to sound right - the original has more attack and also seems to have some horn sounds in there somewhere that I just can't get close to. Instead I'm pretty much having to use the default Garageband strings instrument. I am also unable to find anything similar to the gut-wrenching metallic sounds at the beginning. I quite like my version of these, but they don't have as much oomph as Ken Freemans!

DrGaz's Music: The Tripods

Contrary to the slagging off most Doctor Who fans give The Tripods, I have to say that I bloody loved the series! I recently re-watched some episodes on YouTube and was amazed to find that even after 20 years it is still gripping and the effects hold up surprisingly well.

I recently had a bash at trying to emulate Ken Freeman's magnificent theme tune using Garageband, and you can listen to it here. You can either use the above player or hear it on the video below where I've dubbed it over the title sequence:

Above: my version of the theme opening title sequence.

Aaargh it's all out of sync! The bassline's all wrong! Where did those drums come from at the end? It's ALL wrong! (But I sorta quite like it).

Well I'm not saying it's perfect and I have to admit that I did this when I didn't have an internet connection so it's completely from memory. Listening to it against the actual theme music, I know now that my instruments, tempo, key, phrasing and baseline are all wrong (well everything's wrong then).

I'm been slowly working on a more accurate version, but sadly I'm limited with the voices available on Garageband - I just CAN'T seem get the strings to sound right on my new version - they don't have enough attack and sound too relaxed. Maybe I can find a way around that somehow...