The Banana Splits

The Banana Splits
The contining search of the best and worst cartoon and virtual bands in history

In the sixties anybody on TV could be in a rock band , well that’s what it appeared to be in televisionland.

The Banana Splits created by the same people who gave us H.R Pufnstuf: Sid & Marty Kroft.

The show was developed as light children’s entertainment but one thing in particular seemed to set the Banana Splits apart from most children’s TV shows – the sheer anarchy of the show. Of course, this mayhem was intrinsic to the show’s success with viewers lapping it up.

The main characters were Fleegle, a beagle; Bingo, a gorilla; Drooper, a lion, and Snorky (called "Snork" in the theme song lyrics), an elephant. Fleegle would assume the role as leader of the Banana Splits and preside at club meetings.

One of the central premises of the show was that the Banana Splits were all part of a band, with each character playing their own instrument. So you had Fleegle and Drooper playing guitar and Bingo on the drums, while Snorky played the keyboards.

Why most of the songs were fairly 60s unforgettable pap pop, I challenge anyone to not go a day without repeating the “Tra-la-la, la-la-la-la, Tra-la-la, la-la-la-la” of the Banana split theme after having it played to them.

On trivia based note though created by Kroft Brothers the show was produced by 60s cartoon champions Hanna Barbara.

This is eveident by the voice talent used in the show.

Bingo was voiced by Daws Butler who also the tonsils behind Huckleberry Hound, Quick-Draw McGraw and Yogi Bear. Alongside him was Don Messick the honk behind Snorky, this doesn’t diminish his talent because he also did classic cartoon characters such as Scooby-Doo (and Scrappy –Doo), Boo-Boo and Papa Smurf.

The man behind the voice of Fleegle was also responsible for Dick Dastardly. Paul Winchell.

The show theme song titled Tra-La-La (One banana, two banan) reached number 97 on the Billboard charts in February 1969 and was covered by the Punk band the Dickies in the 70s.

The show saw a reprise in 2008 via the Cartoon Network.

Daft Punk Interstella 5555

I suppose this week’s blog fits neatly into the cartoon band category.

I’m not a fan of Daft Punk’s music or anime as a rule but that doesn’t mean both don’t have merit or massive fan bases.

Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Released on in late 2003 is the visual realization of Discovery, an album by Daft Punk.

This little piece of music and anime goes for about 65 minutes so it's up to you or your down load limits whether you wish to watch it all.

Hard Rock Jukebox - 10-Year Anniversary Special PART 2

One gig just wasn't enough for this 90's supercoverband - they wanted TWO. And the music organisers at NMIT (Bundoora East campus) made this dream a reality - a reality powerful enough to awaken the sleeping Gods of Thunder , and reanimate the Demons of Rock, and make them LIVE - through the unrelenting wonder of solid machismo that is Hard Rock Jukebox. Nearly six years after their first (and only) gig, this legendary second gig had ramifications for this epic band - not to mention for the very fabric of rock and roll itself.

This '10-Year Anniversary Special' feature-length documentary was edited and compiled by A D MacHine, and stars none other than Hard Rock Jukebox, members of which have now gone on to perform in bands such as 'Dead Ants Rainbow', 'New Horizons in Violence', 'The Day Everything Became Nothing', 'Pig Slash Rhino', and 'Flesh Versus Venom'. Not to be missed











Thanks for the guys at IWML for permission to run this hilarious historical saga.

Hard Rock Jukebox - 10-Year Anniversary Special Part One

The IWML (The InterWebMegaLink )
have created one of the best satirical rockumentaries since The Comedy Stores's Bad News Tour.
I'm not really sure who this collective is or if they are a collectitve. I first discovered them here on redbubble.com which led me to this wonderful work.
I got in contact with their "spokesman" and he gave me permission to help flog this under rated fun fest.
This is so revealing and a lot closer to the truth if you have ever been in a garage band and dreamed of glory but didn't have the commitment, drive or ability to carry it off.
I know I can relate to it hahahaha.

It will run for two weeks each week consisting of 3 seperate parts.
ENJOY and check out the other crazy stuff and interesting artwork via the links.

Hard Rock Jukebox - 10-Year Anniversary Special

Perhaps the greatest cover band in the world, Hard Rock Jukebox changed the face of music itself, blurring the line between "cover version" and "incredible new original work of art". Some call them the most amazing band the world has ever seen - others just bow their heads in wonder.

This rockumentary documents the band's feelings about their incredible debut gig, and the excitement with which they looked forward to their second follow-up gig (nearly 6 years later). Laugh, cry - feel the drama, the tension, the camraderie, the pure raw manliness - and prepare to rock out like you've never rocked out before.

Directed by the Interwebmegalink's very own A D MacHine









More next week