tuning in

Today on the way to work I got to thinking about TV show theme songs. Two I've recently discovered (both for shows I've only seen regularly during this TV season, though they've been on longer than that) are "California" by Phantom Planet ("The O.C.") and "We Used to be Friends" by The Dandy Warhols ("Veronica Mars"). These are two songs I can imagine liking far after the shows disappear, which will actually be the end of the month for "The O.C." "California" in particular is pretty fun to sing along to in the car.

Back in college, two TV theme songs that rode a high, fast wave of popularity were "I'll be There for You" by The Rembrandts, from "Friends," and the Bodeans' "Closer to Free" from "Party of Five." These two were marred a bit by the popularity of the shows — especially "I'll be There for You." It's hard to think of the song apart from the opening credits. Clap-clap-clap-clap.

Not every memorable theme song is a pop song, of course. The Joss Whedon trio of shows — "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," and "Firefly" — have songs that really fit the mood of their shows well, and I like hearing "Buffy's" and "Firefly's" when I get a chance. Other songs aren't necessarily ones I'd listen to apart from the show, but they serve their mood-setting purpose well: "X-Files," "Medium," "The Office." Still other shows benefit from the lack of a theme song: "Lost," "Heroes."

Among all the likable and well-chosen songs, of course, some mediocre ones slip through. I'm not so fond of those from "Gilmore Girls" and, topping the list, "7th Heaven."

What do you think? What are your favorites, or least favorites? Have you ever bought a soundtrack to get a show's theme song, or downloaded one from iTunes?