After five long, lonely years Fall Out Boy finally released a new single last week, “My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light ‘em Up).”  This long-awaited tune came with an announcement that a new album, “Save Rock and Roll,” will be dropping in May and the bonus news that the boys will be hitting the road for a tour.

Hardcore FOB fans everywhere jumped for joy at the reunion, but the release also stirred up the usual FOB haters. Not one to let detractors taint my exuberance for the new song and upcoming album, I wanted to counter their venom with the top five reasons why I will never be ashamed of loving Fall Out Boy.

1. They are fun. FOB’s music makes you want to get up and either shake your booty or stomp around in a mosh pit, the lyrics are gleefully clever and their live shows are a total blast. Whether you’re wailing along to FOB while cruising down the freeway or watching their witty and often hilarious videos, one thing is always true: FOB makes for good times. These boys like to have fun and they are more than willing to invite us to the party.
2. They have kick-ass lyrics and song titles. Even if you don’t appreciate the music, it’s hard to deny the brilliant use of irony in FOB lyrics. One of my favorites, “The best part of believe is the lie,” is a perfect example of their 21st century cynicism. And their song titles are often just as entertaining as the songs they herald, even if they usually seem to have absolutely nothing at all to do with what the song is about.
3. They rock. FOB may be called “pop-punk” or “emo” but FOB still rocks – blazing guitar riffs and Patrick’s ground-shaking voice leave no room to mistake these boys as anything other than rock and roll, baby!
4. They are consistent. Very few bands out there are as reliable as FOB when it comes to delivering exactly what their fans want – even when they’re changing it up a bit. Their last studio release, “Folie à Deux,” was something of a departure from earlier albums featuring collaborations with the likes of Panic! At the Disco, Elvis Costello and Lil Wayne, but it still delivered the familiar guitar hooks and anthem-like choruses that fans had come to expect.
5. They have Peterick. Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz (Peterick… get it?) are one of the best collaborative teams in music. With Pete’s razor-sharp lyrics and Patrick’s killer compositions, FOB is able to make album after album that delivers from first track to last. And their on-stage bantering and tongue-in-cheek ribbing of one another (and the audience) only adds to the delightfully entertaining bromance that makes FOB so darn appealing.

What is your favorite Fall Out Boy song?

Another Sundance Film Festival has come to a close. The rich and famous have left Utah and returned to Tinsel Town. But when this landmark film fest is over, the buzz is just getting started. Here’s a breakdown of the high points of this film fest, including the movies you’ll have to see, what the celebs wore outside their natural habitat and a few surprises that made Sundance 2013 an event to remember.

Big Winners

This year’s biggest winner was “Fruitvale,” a tragic, contemporary story that walked away with both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic category. The film portrays the true story of a police shooting in Oakland, California that resulted in the death of a young black man and the outpouring of rage and protest that followed. It’s no surprise this gritty, gut-wrenching material won over the judges in Park City, Utah. It wowed the execs at The Weinstein Company as well, who snatched up the festival darling for just over $2 mil.

Another buzz-worthy film you’ll want to watch for is “The Way, Way Back,” a comedy that was picked up by FOX Searchlight for nearly $10 million. While the coming-of-age tale that stars Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Toni Collete and Maya Rudolph didn’t take away any prizes, they’re definitely not crying into their beer thanks to the huge wad of cash FOX put up to capture the distribution rights.

Festival Fashion

As always, the fashionistas were out in full force on the snowy streets of Park City. There was a combination of cozy couture and the usual winter wear regalia. It’s always great to see the stars rubbing elbows in jeans, chunky sweaters and flannels, but some celebs just can’t resist the chance to dress it up. Despite the frigid temps and falling snow, Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning and Kate Bosworth braved the elements in short hemlines and sky-high heels.

Fellas used the mountain setting as an excuse to scruff it up – Shia Labeouf, Daniel Radcliffe and even funnyman Steve Carrell were among the guys who made scruff look sexy at this year’s Sundance festival.

Sundance Surprises

The ladies were definitely representing this year, especially in the directing arena. Some of the strongest voices of the festival were female; in fact this is the first year that the number of entries by female directors equaled those of men in the U.S. Dramatic category. The women who blew us away with their artistic vision include Jerusha Hess (of the “Napoleon Dynamite” fame) who made her directorial debut with “Austenland” and Naomi Foner, who brought us “Very Good Girls,” a touching story centered on two young girls played by Dakota Fanning and Elizabeth Olsen.

Disney became part of a dystopian horror show in “Escape From Tomorrow,” a scream-fest that was filmed in secret at the Happiest Place on Earth. A typical family vacation goes awry when the main character loses his mind in Disneyland, turning every princess he sees into a ghoul and favorite rides into acid-trip nightmares. There are some potential legalities holding up the release of this film, so you might have to wait a while to destroy all your happy childhood memories at a screening of this terror ride.

All in all, it was another successful outing for indie films. What Sundance 2013 films are you most excited to see hit theaters?

As the winter chill settles firmly into the marrow of our bones, having something cozy and inviting to look forward to keeps us going. Thankfully the gods of TV feel our pain and are delivering a remedy with the return of some of our favorite shows. There could be no better escape from the doldrums of winter than new episodes of these five sizzling shows.

“Mad Men”

Everybody’s favorite dysfunctional ad execs return in April with a two-hour premiere that is rumored to leave fans breathless for the rest of season six, thanks to a twisty cliffhanger ending.  For those of you who just can’t wait to revisit the swanky world of Sterling Cooper and want to make sure your appetite for a brand new installment is good and ready, you can catch encore episodes currently airing on AMC on Sundays.

“Doctor Who”

What better way to escape the dark, cold days of winter than to go gallivanting about the universe with the indomitable Doctor? Part two of season seven is set to begin on March 30. As the series enters its 50th anniversary year, fans can expect nonstop thrills and action. In honor of the momentous occasion, die-hards will be treated to some classic “Doctor Who” villains and there are even rumors swirling that the shape-shifting Zygons may return.

“Game of Thrones”

If you’ve been pining for some good, old-fashioned medieval ass-kicking, then HBO will make all your dreams come true, starting March 31, when “Game of Thrones” returns for its third season. The fantasy series based on the “Song of Ice and Fire” novels, by George R. R. Martin, is gearing up to give fans more than ever, with each episode of the upcoming season being three to four minutes longer than in the past. That means more evil from Joffrey, the boy-king and more action on the fields of battle in war-torn Westeros.

“Arrested Development”

If the frost and bite of the season have hardened your funny bone you can rest easy knowing that “Arrested Development” is making a triumphant 14-episode return this spring. Thanks to Netflix, fans who’ve been dying to catch up with the delightfully dysfunctional Bluth family will finally get to tune in to brand-new hilarious horrors this May. No sense of humor will be able to remain in hibernation once this streaming dream-come-true hits the airwaves.

“Dancing with the Stars”

Could there be any better way to heat things up than with the shirtless, shimmying shenanigans of America’s favorite dance competition? If the dull, gray tones of winter have left you feeling a little comatose then the resurgence of sequins and feathers when DWTS returns on March 18 is sure to jolt you right back to life. And if you need a little pick-me-up before March 18, then go to the official website and tell ABC which celebs you want to see shaking their money-makers on season 16.

What show will turn up the heat for you?

It looks like 2013 is starting out by granting all our fondest wishes –including a new single by Mr. Sexyback himself, Justin Timberlake. The wait is finally over; JT dropped a new tune on Sunday and those of us who have been mourning the loss of his sexy single status can now throw ourselves into his dulcet vocals.

The single, “Suit and Tie,” is true to Timberlake’s R&B roots and, even though it isn’t quite the game-changer that “SexyBack” was, it still makes me want to get up and dance. It’s taken us six years to get a new song from our favorite boy and listening to his assured, suave falsetto gets me going as strong as ever.

The tune itself is an ode to putting on your swag and hitting the dance floor. As always, his lyrics make you ready to get down with your dance partner. Jay-Z makes a cameo, calling everyone to don some Tom Ford (among others) and strut it in a tux for no reason.

Ever the coy boy, JT started dropping hints last week via Twitter about the possibility of an upcoming song release. It all started the evening of January 9, when Timberlake threw out an elusive tweet that said, “Thursday, January 10th, 9:01 am, PST…”

The tweet set the world abuzz with speculation about JT finally leaving the silver screen and getting back into the studio with a new album. As promised, the former boy bander rewarded the masses with another teasing tweet on Thursday morning that directed fans to a clip of the artist walking into a recording studio, where he does his own voice over explaining his process with producing new music that he (and hopefully the fans) will love. And that is something that, according to Mr. Timberlake, you just have to wait for.

On Sunday, the sadistic JT tease was over and we all got our first listen of “Suit and Tie.” And it sounds like it was certainly worth waiting for – the single is already a hit on iTunes, climbing to the top of the iTunes chart within its first 24-hours. Only time will tell if this ditty will reach far beyond the sound waves and lead to a worldwide resurgence of men dressed to the nines, and “suiting up.”

In fact, this song may become the new theme song for “How I Met Your Mother’s” Barney Stinson, given the devotion to fine dressing and the ever-present JT sexy overtones. And, if this first peek is any indication of the full album to follow, I think it will definitely be legendary.

As a new year dawns it falls upon us to pause for a moment and take a look back at those enduring legends and timeless icons that we lost over the past twelve months. With a tender sigh and a lone, silent tear, here’s a look at some of the things we’ll miss most as we wave a fond farewell to 2012.

• JT’s bachelorhood – seriously, once the “I dos” were said all of our sexyback hopes and dreams were destroyed. Forever. [insert "Gone" melody here]
• The promise and hope of a world where Kanye and Kim K don’t create a blinged-out, sunglass wearing, Kardashian-spawned Antichrist.
• The days when Miley Cyrus tested out her nubile sexuality by posing for weirdly incestuous pics with her daddy and wearing clothes that left something (anything!) to the imagination.
• Any semblance of intelligence and/or self-esteem that RhiRhi had – apparently whips and chains do excite her, especially in the hands of former ex Chris Brown.
• The sparkly purity of a love that defied species, the biggest age difference in Hollywood and even death – all blown up by one dirty, old director and an impressionable, robotic twenty-something ingénue (Kristen Stewart and her “Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders).
• Any lingering memory we may have harbored of liking a glimpse of the Material Girl’s naughty bits.
• Not knowing that Tickle Me Elmo was in the playbook – even Barney Stinson wouldn’t stoop that low (or would he?).
• Nickelodeon’s relatively un-besmirched record for not turning tween darlings into diva nightmares – you cut us deep, Amanda Bynes.
• The shine of Scientology’s biggest stars – with TomKat calling it quits and John Travolta’s slew of sexual allegations it seems that L. Ron Hubbard needs some new mascots.
• The last glimmer of hope for a LiLo comeback.

There’s plenty of hype surrounding the holiday season and we all know that New Year’s Eve is fast approaching. Have you decided who you want to ring in the New Year with? While you may have a special someone to kiss as the clock strikes midnight, there may also be a celeb or two you’d like to ring in 2013 with. Here are our top five, in no particular order.

Kim Kardashian

If your favorite aspect of watching the ball drop is getting a new outfit, there’s no one better than Kim Kardashian to help you pick out your New Year’s Eve outfit. Shopping with Kim would be a lot of fun and she would have you looking great from head to toe before you head to a cocktail party with all her famous friends. If you’re really lucky, Kim may even dress you in one of her own signature designs. With strappy high heels and a sparkly mini skirt for the ladies and a tailored suit and cufflinks for the men, Kim is sure to be a favorite celebrity shopping partner.

Justin Bieber

If you need a song or two to help you celebrate the New Year, then Justin Bieber is the next pick. Justin is young enough to know where all of the good parties are and he’s well connected so you could meet some big names. A night of dancing and partying at the club has to be your style to hang with Justin on New Year’s Eve. Mingle with Selena Gomez, Carly Rae Jepson and maybe even Usher for the evening because these are some of people the Biebs hangs out with on a regular basis.  And when it’s time for the Baby New Year to enter, Justin can serenade with one of his hit songs. Plus, you know you’ll be safe no matter what crowd you’re in because Bieber always has plenty of bodyguards protecting him.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp certainly tops the list for many women and not just for New Year’s. Not only has he played many versatile roles on the big screen, but he’s certainly easy on the eyes. Depp seems to be a low-key celeb, so he’d be right at home with a fancy, candle-lit dinner you make together. And who could resist his smoldering good looks when it’s time to kiss at midnight? A romantic and relaxing evening is certainly in store with Johnny Depp.

Paula Deen

What’s a party without some great food? Paula Deen needs to be invited to any New Year’s party to cook up one of her delicious, buttery dishes. No matter what’s on the menu, Paula will certainly add some Southern charm. And Paula is certainly a gracious hostess, so everyone will feel welcome at a party with her. She’ll talk with your chatty aunt all night long or keep your dad company, passing out all types of tasty treats to the guests in the meantime.

Ellen DeGeneres

If it’s laughs you’re after this New Year’s Eve, Ellen DeGeneres is your lady. She’s got a great sense of humor (obviously) so she’ll be sure to keep you entertained and you’ll ring in the New Year with a smile. And when it’s time to hit the dance floor, Ellen will even show you a move or two. She’s known for her dancing skills on her afternoon talk show so she’ll surely bust out some of those dance moves. Plus, who wouldn’t want to party with Ellen, Portia, and all of their friends? Talk about a fun event!

Who tops your list of celebrities to spend New Year’s Eve with?

If you’re scratching your head trying to decide which of the multitude of holiday films will leave you feeling like a kid again and giddy with excitement for Santa’s arrival, then have no fear. Because we love you (and in the spirit of the season) we’ve put together a must-see list that will make all your Christmas wishes come true.

Holiday Inn

Featuring the debut of that perennial favorite tune, “White Christmas,” sung in the dulcet tones of Bing Crosby, “Holiday Inn” may be the most classic of all holiday classics. Crosby is joined by Fred Astaire in this jaunty film that showcases the rivalry between the two multi-talented fellas over one girl or another. Crosby gets fed up with the entertainment rat race and buys an inn in Vermont. Ultimately, he can’t shake the performance bug and decides to start his own show at the inn – with performances only scheduled on holidays. This movie is feast of traditional Christmas imagery complete with fluffy white snow, glamorous winter wear, sparkling decorations and a crackling fire in the fireplace. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip to Christmas past, look no further than “Holiday Inn.”

Love Actually

Perhaps not intended to become a Christmas classic, this serendipitous rom-com that follows the intertwining romantic journeys of eight couples during the month leading up to Christmas, is a must-see for anyone who believes in love and the magic of the holiday season. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy. This movie blows other holiday-themed ensemble rom-coms like “Valentines’ Day” and “New Year’s Eve” away. If you like the idea of a witty and winsome sentimental movie that doesn’t leave you with at toothache due to syrupy sweetness, this is one flick you need to check out by the fire, under the mistletoe and with a yummy cup of Christmas punch.

The Ref

This cynical Holiday romp with Dennis Leary is one of the best holiday films ever. What could be more Christmassy than a delightfully dysfunctional family gathering featuring the foul-mouthed rantings of Leary and the narcissistic, simpering whining of Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis as a couple on the brink of marital disaster? Never has such a powerful collection of A-list actors brought the jolly quite so honestly and with such hysterical hijinks. Leary plays a down-on-his-luck cat burglar who picks the worst possible couple to hold hostage on Christmas Eve. The incomparable Christine Baranski adds the caustically sarcastic something extra that pushes this hilarious, irreverent ensemble over the edge to awesome. Ho, ho, ho indeed!

A Christmas Carol

There are multiple film versions of Dickens’ haunting holiday tome, but the best by far is the TNT version starring Captain Picard (or Patrick Stewart, if you prefer Captain Kirk). Watching Stewart huff and puff and “Bah! Humbug” all over snowy London is a holiday treat if there ever was one. And his portrayal of Scrooge’s ultimate transformation is unrivaled in terms of sheer joviality – Stewart delivers one of the most frighteningly amusing renditions of Scrooge’s hearty, born-again laugh in the annals of film. His overblown bellowing threat to raise Cratchit’s salary is another favorite moment that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Elf

Who can resist this charming tale of an overgrown man-boy who traveled through the sea of twirly swirly gumdrops to eventually walk through the Lincoln Tunnel and straight into our hearts? Will Farrell gives one of his best performances in this whimsical tale of family and Christmas spirit. The laughs only get bigger upon multiple viewings – there’s just something ridiculously funny about seeing a yellow tight-clad Will Farrell get mowed down by a NYC taxi. No Christmas movie marathon would be complete without Buddy the Elf. A few bonuses this film offers – a blonde Zoey Deschanel first showed us her uncanny vocal skills in the “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” shower duet and James Caan even showed his softer side by belting out “Santa’s Coming to Town” to help make Santa’s sleigh fly. Settle in with plenty of “syrup” for your coffee and enjoy this silly Holiday adventure.

What’s your favorite holiday movie?

When Superstorm Sandy made its way to the Jersey Shore, it was unclear how vast the devastation would be. Sandy made its way slowly across the East Coast, hitting Jersey and New York City the hardest, causing around $62 billion in damage. New York and New Jersey natives banded together with other big name celebrities and current residents to put together a benefit concert to help those affected by Sandy. Check out some of the highlights from the 12-12-12 concert that raised at least $30 million in ticket sales alone.

Bruce Springsteen — It’s not a Jersey concert if Springsteen isn’t there, especially with him kicking off the show with “Land of Hope and Dreams,” which was appropriate for the cause. He also sang “City of Ruins.” When he finished his set, he was joined with Bon Jovi, both of whom are practically Jersey royalty. They belted out a few songs together, but the real showstopper was the “Born to Run” duet.

Roger Waters — The Pink Floyd front man proved that he still has it when he showed up to perform parts of “Dark Side of the Moon,” “Money” and “The Wall.” He finished out his last set when he was joined onstage with Eddie Vedder for “Comfortably Numb” and the two legends brought down the house.

Adam Sandler — Comedian Adam Sandler sang “Hallelujah.” OK, so it wasn’t the best vocal performance I’ve ever heard, but it was sweet in its own way. Not the actual song, but the idea that Adam Sandler is willing to sacrifice himself on the altar of dignity to help the city he loves. Also funny was the fact that the censors were about a beat slower than Sandler, which meant all language was gleefully projected to homes across America.

The Rolling Stones — Come on, they’re the Rolling Stones. No one has moves like Jagger and the band is approaching their 50th anniversary. That means 50 years of music being influenced by the Stones, which may be one of the only bands that kids and their parents can listen to without arguing.

Alicia Keys — The women were severely under-represented when it came to the 12/12/12 concert, so Alicia had a lot of weight on her shoulders. Luckily, she’s a force to be reckoned with and she killed it by relying on her piano to tell the story, rather than crazy spectacles and a bevy of instruments. I just wish more female singers followed suit and can’t help but wonder where they all were.

Chris Martin and Michael Stipe — Some of the best performances of the night were definitely the collaborations between powerhouses. While Jovi and Springsteen were amazing, one of the most exciting duos was Chris Martin of Coldplay, teamed up with Michael Stipe of R.E.M. After all, Stipe has been in retirement for a few years now, so for him to come out and sing “Losing My Religion” with Martin was a huge deal. It was a complete surprise and one that had me wishing for an R.E.M. reunion tour.

Paul McCartney and Nirvana — Obviously their lead singer was missing, but Nirvana made it work by having Paul McCartney appear as their front man for the concert. The reunion of the surviving band members was one thing, but hearing McCartney grunge rock it out like it’s 1995 was even better.

Let’s not forget the other celebs and performers who made it out to the show. Kanye West showed up for a ho-hum performance and Billy Joel rocked a “New York State of Mind.” Celebs manning the phones and giving mid-show speeches included Jake Gyllenhal, Susan Sarandon, Ben Stiller, Jimmy Fallon, Kristen Stewart, Billy Crystal and Jon Stewart.

What did you think of the 12-12-12 concert? Were you impressed by the lineup?

With Halloween just around the corner, everyone’s trying to figure out what they want to be for the festivities. But in the midst of the black-and-orange frenzy, my deviant mind has wandered to which movie monsters I’d most like to date. Fortunately for you, I’ve put together a definitive list of killer Hollywood fiends that make you go weak in the knees and leave us all screaming for more. Here’s the big screen baddies I’d love to hook up with this Halloween.

The Beast

First of all, he’s loaded – and he’s one of those guys that you know for sure isn’t just another pretty face. The Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” is handsome as hell underneath and the bonus is that you know he’s not gonna be a dog, because otherwise he’ll be stuck looking like one.

Godzilla

Let’s face it ladies – he’s the most avant-garde, revolutionary urban planner we’ve ever seen. That kind of genius is oh-so-sexy.

Dracula

I’ll tell you who I want to drink my blood – Dracula as played by Gary Oldman in the 1992 Coppola take on the vampire legend. Yes, he has his less attractive moments, but when he’s in London in that gorgeous waistcoat, hat and unforgettable purple specs – you know you’d be no more powerful to resist his un-dead charms than Winona Ryder was as poor, lust-filled Mina Murray.

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man

Talk about a man who can fulfill many desires. Not only is the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from “Ghostbusters” a sailor, but he’s the perfect fella to snuggle up to – especially if you’re in the mood for some sweet nothings. This cuddly giant of a man tends to have a temper but I’m sure that as long as there’s no Armageddon-like vibe in the air, he’ll remain as sugary and gooey and deliciously satisfying as a perfectly roasted marshmallow at a romantic campfire.

King Kong

Don’t judge him because he’s different. This furry fella is a hopeless romantic and his loyalty goes to extremes. If you’re looking for devotion and a whole lot of appreciation for just not screaming and running away (not to mention attacking him with aerial assaults) then this might be the perfect match for you this Halloween. He’s the kind of guy who will hold on to you and never let go.

Maurice

He wears a motorcycle jacket and lives under your bed – nothing like a little monster with agoraphobia to bring on the lovin’. Howie Mandel in “Little Monsters” is the fantasy guy that every teenage girl with a vendetta against her parents wants to bring home for dinner. I wonder if he’s available this Thanksgiving?

Edward Scissorhands

Despite the whole Goth thing, this fella is quirky, charming, sweet – and he can do a hell of a job with your hair. Even if he wasn’t embodied by the delectable Johnny Depp, I’d definitely let this edgy cutie buy me a soda.

The Predator

Because a monster’s supposed to be scary and he’s really good at his job. We’re talkin’ uber-successful, ladies!

Which Hollywood monster would you like to cuddle up with?

Just as the eyes are the windows to the soul, so is the theme song the magical portal by which we enter into the silly, dramatic or fantastical worlds of our favorite TV shows. And sometimes a great theme song is even more awesome than the show to which it belongs. Here is a list of our favorite TV theme songs that, no matter where you are when you hear them, instantly transport you into the antics of your favorite characters and compulsively urge you to sing along. Just try not to get these lyrical gems stuck in your head!

Malcolm in the Middle – “Boss of Me” by They Might Be Giants

From the musical jesters who brought us the likes of “Particle Man” and “Birdhouse in Your Soul” comes the infectious and ever so appropriate theme to “Malcolm in the Middle.” This show about a rag-tag family just trying to keep it together and the brothers from hell who incessantly torment not only one another but pretty much everyone else they encounter, is perfectly summed up with these joyfully sung words, “You’re not the boss of me now/And you’re not so big/Life is unfair.”

Big Bang Theory – “History of Everything” by Barenaked Ladies

For such a tiny, little ditty (only nine lines long) this catchy tune by the Barenaked Ladies certainly starts each episode off with a bang. Literally. And if you don’t find yourself belting out that final, triumphant BANG! at the end of the song, then you’re denying yourself one of the most pleasurable parts of watching this campy homage to geek culture.

Facts of Life – by Al Burton, Gloria Loring and Alan Thicke

This song may be more addictive to those who grew up in the ’80s, but its infectious double entendre enthusiasm cannot be denied.

Bosom Buddies – “My Life” by Billy Joel

How great to have a song by the Piano Man herald the onset of a wacky show about cross-dressing roommates – one of whom happens to be Oscar winner Tom Hanks. Even though this plucky show was short-lived, its impact on popular culture has been pervasive (kind of like that weird rash that just keeps coming back) and it has to be in no little part thanks to the memorable and absolutely perfect theme song.

Brady Bunch – by Sherwood Schwarz

Never has such a ridiculous song about nothing (it describes the smooshing together of two non-nuclear families into a perky, blended, Frankenstein’s Monster family) made such a lasting impression. This song about a lovely lady and a man named Brady has a death grip on our memories and it’s never letting go. And, when I think about it, I don’t really want it to.

The Greatest American Hero – “Believe it or Not” by Mike Post and Stephen Geyer

I’m not sure what it is about these songs that make them become a permanent part of our DNA, but this is another great example of soaring lyrics that just pick you up and take you to glorious heights of cheesy ’80s TV glory. I’ll hitch a ride on that wing and a prayer any day!

Cheers – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy

Just catching a smidgeon of the opening to this tune gets my mouth watering for a refreshing spirituous libation and my heart hankering for a chat with my lovable boozehound buddies down at the local watering hole where everybody knows my name.

The Dukes of Hazzard – “Good Old Boys” by Waylon Jennings

If there ever was a perfect theme song for a redneck revolution, this is it. You can’t hear Waylon sing about those good, ol’ Duke boys without images of the General Lee and Daisy’s barely-covered derriere racing through your mind. With this exuberant tune backing you up, you’re more than a match for the worst that any Boss Hogg in your life has to dish up.

Laverne and Shirley – “Making Our Dreams Come True” by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox

In the most beautiful combination of Yiddish and German ever to grace our ears, the skippy, sidewalk prelude to this song is probably the best part. Who can listen to this ditty without getting carried away by doing it your way and wanting to join these goofy girls as part of Hasenpfeffer, Incorporated?

The Addams Family – by Vic Mizzy

They may be all together ooky, but their catchy snapirific theme song has endured throughout the decades and never fails to get stuck in my head for days.

All in the Family – “Those Were The Days” by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse

Wonderfully sung by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, this ode to simpler times is an iconic entry in the TV theme Hall of Fame (that we just made up). Even Seth McFarlane pays homage to this classic in the opener to “The Family Guy.”

The Jeffersons – “Movin’ on Up” by Ja’net Du Boise

Never has the prospect of a dee-luxe apartment or a piece of the proverbial pie been more funky or infectious.

True Blood – “Bad Things” by Jace Everett

Sexy, sexy, sexy. That’s just about all there is to say about this sultry opening song for the fangtastic HBO vampire phenom. Perfect.

Friends – “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts

Not only can you probably sing every line of this song – you can probably either act out or narrate what each of the friends is doing during the song – especially their definitive frolic in the fountain.

What’s your favorite TV theme song?