Recordings

Seasons Four, Five and Six Theme Music (Laurie Johnson) (Cover versions)

7" Vinyl

Joe Loss and his Orchestra - Thunderbirds / The Avengers (HMV POP 1500, January 1966).
The cheek of the man, putting The Avengers theme on the b-side!!

The Marketts - The Avengers Theme (details to follow). Boy, was this a disappointment. Fan as I am of Surf/Spystro music, it was a crushing blow to hear just how weak and weary this version of the Johnson theme is. This single was released in a number of countries, including Germany (see scan to right).

Jerry Murad's Harmonicats - Theme From The Avengers (Columbia ?, US, 1969).
Hilarity personified. Despite it's year, it's difficult to work out whether this is a cover of the Rigg period Johnson theme, or the Thorson period Johnson theme.

The Rapiers - Theme From The Avengers on 'The Rapiers Volume IV' (Twang RA004, 1986).
Hopefully better than The Marketts version. Anybody got/heard this? Also, are there any bands around at the moment in the Man Or Astroman? / Phantom Surfers / Clee-Shays vein who cover The Avengers theme? Let me know.

12" Vinyl

Laurie Johnson and the London Studio Orchestra - Music From The Avengers, The New Avengers, The Professionals (Gatefold Sleeve with details of the episodes covered, Unicorn-Kachana KPM 7009, November 1980).
This features the following tracks, which were re-recorded in February 1980; The Avengers' Main Titles, Theme from The New Avengers episode 'Obsession', Theme from The New Avengers episode 'Cat Amongst The Pigeons', Theme from The Avengers episode 'The Joker', Theme from The New Avengers episode 'Tale Of The Big Why', and Theme from The Avengers episode 'Pandora'. The undoubted star is the atmospheric score from 'The Joker'. Sadly The Avengers content is limited to only one side, and the other side is taken up with top tunes from the horribly dated Professionals.

Laurie Johnson and the London Studio Orchestra - Music From The Avengers, The New Avengers, The Professionals (Regular Sleeve, Starlog / Varese Sarabande ASV 9500382, 1980s, USA).
US reissue with different, less garish, sleeve. Scan required.

Brian Fahey Orchestra - Time For T.V. (Columbia Studio Two, Two 175, September 1967).
A cover of the Johnson theme and a great colour picture on the front from the first day of shooting of the colour episodes at Palace House, Beaulieu.

Jerry Murad's Harmonicats - Theme From The Avengers and other TV Series (Columbia ?, US, 1969).
Hilarity personified. Despite it's year, it's difficult to work out whether this is a cover of the Rigg period Johnson theme, or the Thorson period Johnson theme.

Compact Disc

Laurie Johnson Orchestra - The Professional: The Very Best of Laurie Johnson (Redial 5572102). April 1998. I believe this is the version featured on the above vinyl releases, but have not been able to confirm this yet.

HMV POP 1500 (UK 7")

German 7" sleeve

Unicorn-Kachana KPM 7009 (German LP)

on to Season Seven Original Themes