A Gigawatt Jukebox themed playlist
From Rockabilly to Reggae, Movie Scores to Soul, our Gigawatt Jukebox is out of control. In true geek style, we submit a never-ending playlist that is not concerned with genre, popularity, or album release date.
Since 1966, Star Trek has entertained generations of fans with its space adventures into the future. Pop culture has never been the same. With such influence, it is no surprise that Star Trek’s television and movie presence would make its way into the music industry as well. From its cast members down to its everyday fans, music has been taken where no man has gone before.
1. WHITE AND NERDY
One of the most famous comedic musicians today is Weird Al Yankovic. His song “White and Nerdy” parodies “Ridin” by Camillionaire and Krayzie Bone. Everything from pocket protectors to renaissance fairs are teased, so his line “Only question I ever thought was hard was do I like Kirk or do I like Picard?” is no surprise.
2. STAR TREK MEETS METAL
If you prefer to headbang your enthusiasm as a Trekkie, look no further than Eric Calderone “Erock’s” YouTube wailing guitar medley of various Star Trek theme songs, “Star Trek Meets Metal.”
3. WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND
Pop music group Information Society sampled Mr. Spock’s quote “Pure Energy” in their 1988 hit “What’s on your Mind.”
https://youtu.be/UPuXvpkOLmM
4. WHERE NO MANDOLIN HAS GONE BEFORE
No tune is more iconic than the original TV series theme composed by Alexander Courage. I came across this lighthearted recording of the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble’s arrangement and couldn’t resist making it part of the list.
5. INTERGALACTIC
If you have seen the newest Star Trek movie series, you have been reacquainted with the hard-hitting rap group The Beastie Boys. Their song “Sabotage” was featured in Star Trek XI as young Kirk speeds down the road in a classic Corvette, and plays an integral role in the most recent Star Trek Beyond as well. The Beastie Boys were clearly fans of the franchise long before these movies, referencing Spock’s Vulcan nerve pinch in their 1998 hit “Intergalactic.”
The cast members of Star Trek have taken a stab at the music world themselves. Most of you are probably familiar with William Shatner’s sing-speak covers of popular songs, but Leonard Nimoy recorded music as well. Both are featured on an album titled Spaced Out – The Best of Leonard Nimoy & William Shatner.
6. I WALK THE LINE
Leonard was a country music artist and covered Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.”
7. LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS
William covered The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” (Warning: listening to this song is the equivalent of watching a horrendous car crash in slow motion!!)
8. TALK NERDY TO ME
If you’re a Jason Derulo fan, you’ll get a kick out of YouTube parody crew K-Face Rules doing “Talk Nerdy to Me,” found on the KFaceTV Channel.
9. STAR TREK TNG
For old school video gamers, check out 8-bit Universe’s version of the theme from Star Trek the Next Generation. It will make you want to bust out your Sega Genesis or Game Boy!
10. COLUMBUS VS CAPTAIN KIRK. EPIC RAP BATTLES OF HISTORY #14
And finally, who doesn’t enjoy pitting a famous bad from the future against one from the past? YouTube’s Nice Peter brings it with another “epic rap battle.”
