Cartoon History

I had a recent conversation with someone that sparked some thoughts on one of my favorite pastimes, watching good animated programs. One of the best, in my learned opinion, was that of the original Jonny Quest series from the sixties. Now, I admit that there have been many shows with superior animation, as technology has changed considerably since the airing of this aged series. Still, very, very few have come close to the style, storytelling or sheer voice talent lent to the characters. Why is it, that after all these years, the show continues to air in repeats, continues to spawn updated (and far inferior) versions, continues to resonate in ways unlike other cartoons of that or any era? Essentially, everyone that watches it, especially boys and the men they become, are captivated right from the first beatings of the kettle drum intro. The theme of Jonny Quest will always be one of the best themes in television history, mainly because it's an original score, whereas many shows of today are hoisted from existing tracks of music or even just licensed outright. The bizarre sci-fi meets espionage leanings add to the interest, the manly Race Bannon being our All-American, James Bond mockup, the brainy scientist Benton Quest making no bones about creating projects for the government, all the while shooting a few baddies to help out Race just icing on the cake.

Maybe not every kid watching wanted to be Jonny exactly, his extreme blond hair a bit much for some, I'm sure. I have no doubt many had no problems wanting to be in Jonny's shoes, though. Having a kooky Indian buddy that not only could laugh in the face of danger, he had tricks no one else could do -- that helped a lot. The dog? Maybe annoying, but not everyone could have a dog, so what's not to like about that? Dad took you and your plucky friend all over the bloody world, for crying out loud! Sure, what young boy wouldn't want to be Jonny, even for just one day?

The show had some failings, though they are quaint, in their way. The hokey ways the two intrepid boys got involved in their capers was sometimes a bit... taxing. The animation could be a little stiff in places and sometimes slightly off in others, but damn, did it look good being slightly off! The skewed moral code of some of the characters is certainly amusing (I didn't build the Parapower Ray as a weapon, but I'll use it as one with no issues or repercussions, thank you) and the lack of a completed feel to the show is sad but doesn't detract in any serious fashion.

I wish I could attach a file with the theme song but it seems most have been pulled from the net. You can pay for it, of course... but I'm a cheap bastard. So go watch on YouTube... or watch your neighbor's cable.

Music

I've had a few days to consider certain aspects of what makes the days pass for me (the revelation of the fact SPEED 2 is a crappy movie notwithstanding) and as I sit here punching in YouTube searches and listening to obscurities in my CD (yes, no Ipod here) collection, I realize that music makes the days just that much more sweet. Or, as the case has been for me of late, just that much less of a train wreck.

Listening to music that you find entertaining or enjoyable or even just passable as listenable can make even the most dark day somewhat lighter. Hell, even poking sly fun at another's musical tastes can be fun, mostly because we all know we have that one band or musician that we enjoy that is probably on someone else's list of artists to be mocked.

I've been bouncing around the spectrum tonight alone, though I have a few particular speaker killing bands I like to play to lift my spirits, blow off some steam or even just plain scream at the sky... although I don't think either Van Morrison or Robert Mitchum's Calypso songs are of that ilk.

In my rather unfocused searches, I've logged in to watch and listen to everything from good old Bon Scott AC/DC, Uriah Heep, The Beach Boys, The Sweet, Budgie, Wishbone Ash, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem and some band called Flogging Molly that seems to speak to me like no other. Watching some of the old, scratchy and definitely bootlegged vids of some of these bands amuses me to no end, considering a good measure of some of these guys are dead or retired. Some of the sounds these guys came up with are so awesome and ear shattering it gets your blood boiling, wanting to see more, hear more. A live band can bring so much energy and dare I say happiness to those giving their attention that it in itself can be something special to behold. Just give a listen to some Humble Pie and discover the mastery of Steve Marriott. Check out the dual lead guitars of Wishbone Ash, a band ahead of their time. See how a skinny, Scots bastard can play bagpipes in a Rock band and slay those around him! It's enough to make you weep with joy, if you're a softie. Now, I can't say the glam look and sound of The Sweet is for everyone, hell, they all look like they're in drag, really. They do have a singular sound, though. So what if Dr. Teeth isn't flesh and blood? Three quarters of the singers on stage now can be considered the same. Well, not Avril. She's got "FUCK" tattooed on her belly.

Still, there is some great stuff to really get you cranking, be it blues, rock, metal, folk, punk or country... or even hip hop, gods of mercy help you...

I suggest digging out some great stuff whenever you feel blue, angry, aggrivated and frustrated. Stuff that gets you motivated. Stuff that makes things moving forward when it all seems dead in the water. I like to blast bagpipes, such as those found in the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (bless you, BagRock!) or grungy blues like the houserocking style of Hound Dog Taylor. Things that make the windows rattle and cry out in pain when I play them repeatedly. I think my last set of speakers gave up when I let loose with a day long play of early ZZ Top. The current pair would never survive what I'd do to them with that Clash collection I have!

So this meandering jumble of nothing needs to end. Anyone have any suggestions to destroy my eardrums with? And please, no Mannheim Steamroller jokes.