Expert: Bong Santos - 9/18/2006

Question
I have been looking for an 80's pop song that had a "Peter Gunn" theme (not to be confused with the Art of Noise) - reminiscent of a 1920's crime serial (kinda like Bonnie & Clyde).  It sounded as though it were sung as a duet by the B-52's? recounting the life of someone who had gotten involved in a life of crime ending with a shoot out with a mobster.  The haunting vocals are mostly that of a female punctuated by piano (keybaord).  The ending is merged with a scretching car chase and machine gun fire.

Answer
Dear Dennis,

Honestly, I only know 3 versions of the song. The original by HENRY MANCINI, THE BLUES BROTHERS (from the movie of the same) and the Grtammy-award winner by THE ART OF NOISE. But I do know it has numerous versions, numbering about 30 to 40 versions. Quite a large number to remember. But since you mentioned the B-52's, I remember they have a PETER GUNN-inspired song from their 1979 set THE B-52S caled PLANET CLAIRE. I'm not sure if it is the one but it contains samples of PETER GUNN as well as some STAR TREK ditty.
I hope it is what you're looking for.

Maraming salamat po!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines