80s Film Reviews


HAROLD FALTERMEYER - AXEL F

by Mark Nobes, chief editor

I'm a big fan of synthesizer music, and here we have the original 80s version of Axel F by Harold Faltermeyer. Fortunately, there's no damn Crazy Frog in sight - you may remember Crazy Frog's annoying version topping the UK charts in 2005.
Produced by Keith Forsey, this instrumental theme tune was, of course, from the 1984 movie Beverly Hills Cop, which starred Eddie Murphy as the reckless police detective Axel Foley. Released in January 1985, the synth tune reached #2 in the UK and #3 in the U.S. 

Beverly Hills Cop: Triple Feature [Blu-ray] [Region Free]

 

Axel F not only featured on the soundtrack album for Beverly Hills Cop, but also Harold Faltermeyer's 1988 own album Harold F. However, apparently, he did not want the track included on the album, but MCA insisted that it was included as it was his most recognisable anthem and would help sales.


The German musician also penned the theme music for the movie Top Gun, and has worked with dozens of well-known eighties artists including Blondie, Bonnie Tyler, Donna Summer, Pet Shop Boys and even Billy Idol.

Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F - vinyl sleeve front ft. Eddie Murphy -MCA949
The B-side on the 7 inch vinyl single featured "Shoot Out" (2:44). This was also included on the 12 inch vinyl maxi single, alongside and extended version of "Axel F" (7:09).
Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer - vinyl reverse of sleeve
Crazy Frog - Axel F
Photo: Crazy Frog with M.C. Brown Shoes and M.C. Survey in Sweden. His torturous version of Axel F stayed at No.1 for four very long weeks. The video featured him riding an invisible motorbike. Well, as it was invisible, we all just assumed it was a motorbike - we could only pray that it was heading to the nearest French restaurant!
Harold Faltermeyer in the video for Axel F

 

Jean Michel Jarre



 

Beverly Hills Cop Movie Review

Knight Rider Theme Music

The Terminator Theme Music