To anyone over the age of 25, Saturday mornings used to be the time to stumble out of bed and, in a slightly comatose state, watch the lunacy of Josie and the Pussycats, the Banana Splits, and that trans-galactic family, the Jetsons. The compact disc series of Television's Greatest Hits brought the these theme songs to our stereo players - and now, the Saturday Morning compilation has introduced the best of these songs to a whole new audience through some of today's top modern rockers.
The collection leads off with the Chicago pairing of Liz Phair and Material Issue covering the Banana Splits theme, "The Tra La La Song". Because it hit the charts in its original form (back in 1969), and became one of the Dickies biggest hits in 1979, it remains one of the most popular and well-known morning theme songs. Material Issue's music has always offered a tip of the hat to the music of the 60's, and they perform this track as if they were a garage band auditioning while playing at a fraternity party. They pass the audition, by the way.
Matthew Sweet doesn't bring anything new to his rendition of the Scooby Doo theme, but his sugar coating of the song does stick in the mind. Sponge gives an almost grunge feel to "Go Speed Racer", leaving the 1994's techno dancers, who forgot / never knew the theme song, left in the dust.
Juliana Hatfield and Belly's Tanya Donnelly, and this is said in only the most positive of comparisons, sound exactly like studio singers on "Josie and the Pussycats" - it can only be assumed this is deliberate, but in contrast to their normal styles, both singers alternate *their* musical voices to fit this song. Meanwhile, the Violent Femmes' Gordon Gano does alternarock justice to the Judy Jetson intergalactic alien love song "Eep Op Ork A A (Means I Love You)".
As with most compilations, a few of the tracks miss their mark. Most of these songs are from shows which were on television in the 60's and 70's; why ruin it with bringing in Wax's version of "Happy Happy Joy Joy", from The Ren and Stimpy Show? It's one of the songs that really can't be done differently, and Wax should stick to their originals. Likewise, "Sugar Sugar", first recorded by studio musicians calling themselves the Archies, has been covered to death, and Mary Lou Lord doesn't do anything to distinguish this version from the others which are out there.
All in all, however, it's fun to have these artists romp through the morning theme songs from our childhood. This makes Saturday Morning entertaining listening, no matter what day or time it is. TRACK LISTING: Liz Phair with Material Issue - The Tra La La Song, Sponge - Go Speed Racer Go, Mary Lou Lord with Semisonic - Sugar Sugar, Juliana Hatfield and Tanya Donnelly - Josie and the Pussycats, Matthew Sweet - Scooby Doo, Where Are You?, Collective Soul - The Bugaloos, Butthole Surfers - Underdog, Helmet - Gigantor, Ramones - Spiderman, Reverend Horton Heat - Jonny Quest / Stop That Pigeon, Frente! - Open Up Your Heart and Let The Sun Shine In (From the Flintstones), Violent Femmes - Eep Op Ork A A (Means I Love You); Dig - Fat Albert Theme; Face to Face - I'm Popeye The Sailor Man; Tripping Daisy - Friends/ Sigmund and the Sea Monsters; Toadies - Goolie Get Together; Sublime - Hong Kong Phooey; Murmurs - H.R. Pufnstuf; Wax - Happy Happy Joy Joy
