Under the influence of the success of The Monkees TV series and records, the powers that be discovered that cartoon musicians couldn't mutiny and demand creative control, as the talented simian foursome had done shortly after their breakthrough success.
Most famous, of course, are The Archies, as they had the biggest hit ("Sugar Sugar"), but here are a few neglected relics of a higher quality.
Josie & The Pussycats was a groundbreaking cartoon, in that not only were Josie and her band all females, but even more so that character Valerie Brown was black. The voice heard on the records was none other than Patrice Holloway (sister of Brenda), and the excellent "With Every Beat Of My Heart' is a tasty concoction of bubblegum soul with a slight country flavor.
The Hardy Boys, teenage sleuths who first became heroes in print in the 1920's, have had several revivals through the years. These Hardy Boys became cartoon characters in 1969, combining their inquisitive nature musical talent into a series that updated the themes with lessons of drug abuse, cigarettes, and the importance of seat belts. Just like Josie & The Pussycats, they were an integrated group as well.
An actual group was put together to tour and record tracks for the soundtrack, and among the lighter weight numbers we find this excellent bubblegum freakbeat track that takes the 'Foxy Lady' into entirely different territory.Check out the still (below) of The Hardy Boys doin' their thang in a real groovy scene.
Until next time! Derek See
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