Cartoon Battle of the Bands

They are some of the best-remembered bands of the 60s and 70s, even if they never set foot on the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show or American Bandstand. We remember their songs, which stick to the brain like a wad of gum, even though we never got the chance to see them in concert, our lighters held high, our arms swaying back and forth in reverence. They are the cartoon bands of yesteryear, and today, we pit them against one another to find out who is the best, all-time animated band.

We’ll offer some choices for your consideration, but if you feel we have neglected your favorite, chime in below in our comments section, and tell us why your choice should have been included.

First up, and with an amazing talent for turning mattress springs and car radiators into musical instruments, is the North Philadelphia Junkyard Band, laying down a funky groove on Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids:

Next, we present perhaps the first “monsters of rock” in existence, the Groovie Ghoulies. Featuring Frankie on percussion, Tom Drac tickling the ivories, and the Wolfman strumming the stringed instruments, this trio of terror performed a song each week on their popular cartoon series. Here is a music video of “123” for you to sink your teeth into:

And straight from Riverdale High, it’s the only cartoon band we are aware of to have a #1 hit on the Billboard charts, with their classic 1969 song, “Sugar, Sugar.” Let’s stroll down to the intersection of Memory Lane and Bubblegum Boulevard to remember this classic track from The Archies:

Finally, we have to mention this remarkable all-girl group, who created a surprisingly full sound considering that the band’s instrumentation consisted of nothing more than drums, guitar and a mere tambourine. Enjoy the soulful sound of Josie and the Pussycats:

Which band, in your opinion, should be the first to be inducted into the Cartoon Band Hall of Fame? Remember, there are many more to choose from as well. Think it over while you rock out to the cool videos we’ve posted, and share your opinion with us, here at Retroland.