“Jet Set” by Mike Vickers

Many of you may know this week’s entry as the theme song for This Week in Baseball, while those of you who are slightly older may recall its short-lived presence on NBC’s gameshow, Jackpot. Both remembrances would be correct.

Originally released on his 1972 Brass Plus Moog LP. “Jet Set” is a perfect example of the continuing transition in the soundtrack world from larger traditional orchestral arrangements to smaller bands and the use of more contemporary instruments. After Vickers left Manfred Mann, he became a highly sought-after composer as well as one of the earliest champions of the Moog Synthesizer, which is used egregiously here.
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I adore this song, especially the bassline as it moves alongside the horns and piano. It’s reminiscent of the early 70’s when office executives began loosening their ties, and the almost obsessive creative refinement of the 50’s and early 60’s was undone by often drug infused experimentation. It also showcases Vickers’ uncanny ability to incorporate various musical ideas in under 3 minutes.
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