I was going to qualify that statement with an "In my opinion..." or an "arguably", but it's my blog, so why can't I state opinions as fact? Everybody else is doing it!
The heart of Cheers was Norm Peterson. In a bar where "everybody knows your name", he was the exemplar. Everyone knew Norm...
And Norm had an answer for every question...
As one of only three characters to appear in all 275 episodes of Cheers, actor George Wendt is a legend. Appropriately, he and his character get name-dropped in a few songs, mostly by rappers, but there was only one tune I wanted to play in tribute today. Here's the original recording, by Gary Portnoy...
Rest in peace, Norm... and George. I hope there's a good bar to prop up in TV heaven.
But just to broaden John's horizons a little, I thought I'd offer this one instead...
Squeeze appear to have stumbled into a Robert Palmer video there. Isn't it glorious? I'm also impressed that the subtitles tell me that "jazzy music plays" before the singing starts. I'm sure that'll make Messrs Tifford and Dilbrook's day.
And if that wasn't enough for you, here's a couple of alternative takes on that song...
One of the reasons I can't watch shows like Strictly or the X-Factor or any kind of talent-based performance TV is that I can't bear all the cheering. It sets my nerves on edge even when I hear it from the other room (which is where I'm usually consigned to when Louise and/or Sam is watching such fluffle). Particularly when I hear a cheering audience on a TV show, it all sounds so false. I picture some guy stood at the side of the stage holding up a "Cheer Now!" sign because the cheering never sounds sincere or spontaneous... it sounds like a performance in its own right.
It's the same thing at gigs. I've got no problem with applause - I'll stand up and clap with the best of them. But I never feel the urge to cheer... and I'd certainly never entertain the bastard son of the cheer: the whoop. But this does make me wonder... am I not enjoying the gig as much as the people who have to vocalise it in such fashion? Are their uncontrollable outbursts a sign that they're engaging with this experience on a much deeper level than I am? Is there something wrong with me?
...although that is up there as one of my all-time favourite theme tunes, from one of my all-time favourite TV shows. It makes me feel warm inside whenever I hear it. But this, while also being very good, has nothing to do with that...
One of those songs that could be applied to many, many situations over the years. Let's apply it to Brexit today, shall we?
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking Everybody knows that the captain lied Everybody got this broken feeling Like their father or their dog just died Everybody talking to their pockets Everybody wants a box of chocolates And a long-stem rose Everybody knows
Neil Hannon is so smitten that he's boring everybody to death with his lustful obsession. Brilliant.
I told all of my friends Again and again and again I drove them round the bend So now you’re my only friend I told the passers by I made a small boy cry And I’ll get through to you If it’s the last thing that I do
1. Gary Portnoy - Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Cheers was my favourite sitcom growing up. Its theme song, written by Gary Portnoy & Judy Hart Angelo still brings back warm memories from its first piano notes. Certain sitcoms succeed by fostering a mythical community everyone wants to be a part of: reminiscent yet far superior to our real life friendships. Cheers, for me, is the ultimate example of that and even its theme song contributes to the myth.
Everybody knows I missed some out. Which would you have included?
