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Jan Hammer of 'Miami Vice' Fame Records the 'Squidbillies' Theme

By Elias Leight
11/14/2014
By Elias Leight
11/14/2014
Squidbillies, 2014.
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Rusty, Granny and Early on the eighth season of "Squidbillies."

Jan Hammer, best known for his work on the Miami Vice soundtrack, recorded a version of the Squidbillies theme song. Check it out below.

Hear The Milk Carton Kids' Harmonized Take on the 'Squidbillies' Theme Song (Exclusive)

Hammer, from the Czech Republic, played keys in the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the '70s. He later made music for Miami Vice, which helped him win two Grammy's. The Miami Vice Soundtrack eventually sold several million copies. In addition, Hammer has contributed to albums by Santana, Jeff Beck, and Mick Jagger.

Artist Mentioned

Adult Swim's 'Squidbillies' Is Back: Hear Dwight Yoakam Sing the Theme Song

The electronic soundscapes Hammer helped craft for the iconic '80s show, full of powerful synthesizers and wide-open spaces, have proved durable. One high-profile recent example: Taylor Swift's "Style," currently at No. 60 on the Hot 100, has been connected sonically to Miami Vice by both Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

King Khan and the Shrines Sing the 'Squidbillies' Song

Hammer's take on the Squidbillies theme is full of programmed beats and screaming electronics. Make sure to check out other covers of the theme from Let's Active, Centro-Matic, and Todd Rundgren. The show, in its 8th season, airs Sundays at 11:45 pm on Adult Swim.

By Elias Leight
11/14/2014

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