Entries for Neighbours Remixed close MIDNIGHT MARCH 8 2013
Don't miss your chance to be the new voice of the Neighbours theme tune - enter now at http://www.neighboursremixed.com.au/!Versions 1 and 2
Sung by Barry Crocker version 1 was released as a single in 1988 and charted at #84 remaining in the charts for 5 weeks. For episode 1001 another version with different lyrics written by Mark Little and Cathy Farr was produced and released as a single. Cast members singing on the record included Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop) and Craig McLachlan (Henry Ramsay).
The second version also sung by Barry was introduced in 1989 and this version had a full length opening song which was essentially a sped up version of the original with a few new chords.
Chris Pettifer says:
Who would have known what an iconic tune this woud be? The original Barry Crocker versions are firmly lodged in the memory of a few generations. Anyone who is asked will sing the tune a-la Crocker, mimicking that smooth swooner voice. Probably the all time best musical branding of an Australian TV drama.
Version 3
Version 3 which debuted in 1992 used a jazzy, funky 23 second opening arranged by Peter Sullivan and sung by Greg Hind. The closing theme differed significantly from the previous two arrangements in that it concentrated solely on repeating the second verse.
Chris Pettifer says:
This was the first real re-arrangement of the theme where Peter was asked to bring the theme into the 90’s. It was a bold remake and stirred up plenty chatter amongst the fans. It’s jazzy undertones, a funky groove, the featured use of saxophone and Greg Hind’s youthful voice was a significant departure from the very 80’s sounding original. Peter’s task was also to shorten the arrangment to accommodate the networks requirement for shorter opening titles, hence the removal of the bridge section.
Version 4
This version was arranged by Chris and debuted in 1999. It featured Wendy Stapleton and Paul Norton and Chris gave it more of a ‘rock & roll’ feel to suit the vocalists introducing over-driven electric guitar for a rockier feel.
Chris Pettifer says:
After seven years, the Sullivan arrangement was feeling a little dated. A lot had changed on the contemporary music landscape, the synth pop of the 80’s and early 90’s was being replaced by the re-emergence of the rock guitar – which had been relegated to the backline in the 80’s. So I changed the key to A, a very ‘rock’ key but kept some of Peter’s arrangement and sounds which had also become iconic, particularly the sax at the head. We recorded three vocal versions; a duet with both Paul and Wendy and two versions with either Paul backing Wendy or vice-versa. As in all versions, some of the most recognisable aspects of the melody were kept but the overall feel was shaped by the vocal style of the artists themselves.
Version 5
Launched in 2002 and arranged by Steve Wade version 5 was sung by Janine Maunder. The opening and closing songs followed the same lyrical and verse arrangement introduced in 1992. This version is also featured on the soundtrack album Neighbours: The Music.
Chris Pettifer says:
Again, the musical landscape had moved on, urban grooves and indie pop were making an impression on the pop culture, in particular female singer songwriters were commanding a lot of attention. A lot of ideas were put forward but this version had a lovely light ambience and Janine’s voice made perfect sense. This cemented the idea that it wasn’t necessarily a male only song. Steve had cleverly taken a lot of weight out of the sound by keeping it simple, which made a very nice bed for the vocal.
Version 6
The current version debuted in 2007 and is sung by Sandra de Jong. The arrangement is by Chris and song writer/producer Adrian Hannan. The opening song is longer than in recent years at 29 seconds and is also notable for re-introducing “Everybody needs good neighbours” to the opening song after an eight year absence.
Chris Pettifer says:
This was around the time of a concerted make over of the show, from the script through cameras, lighting and set design through to the theme tune and opening title sequence.
For this version we thought we needed a bit of punch back in the tune and a female vocal was to be used again. We had a new duration for both the opening and closing, so a few considerations. We settled on the driven feel and guided by that, we auditioned a few vocalists, finally settling on Sandra. As usual we had to edit the lyrics to suit the duration and tempo. The closing title version is the closest the lyrcis have been to the original for years.
Version 7 - Neighbours Remixed
Chris Pettifer says:
Why did you feel it was time for a remix?
The producers had commissioned a new opening title sequence and thought the theme could be updated at the same time.
What does this new version bring to the show?
A bright and lively feelgood opening is always important for this kind of TV drama, so we retained some essential elements but added a fresh new feel through the string orchestra and a new tag for the vocals. In a way, we hope to capture a sense of renewal and a return to the original values of the show.
