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[Play-in] Josie and The Pussycats vs. Jem and The Holograms

danielleh
Less than one minute read time

Josie and The Pussycats

From: Josie and the Pussycats (cartoon)
Genre: Pop
Members: Josie (songwriter and guitarist), Valerie (bassist), and Melody (drummer)
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEdWvYA0icg
“Hurry, hurry... everywhere the action’s at...” it’s Josie and the Pussycats! This trio of teenage girl pop stars and their entourage can best be described as the Monkees meets Scooby Doo. Known for their long tails and ears for hats, this band never could seem to get to a gig without finding themselves involved in some 70s-style hijinks.

Jem and The Holograms

From: Jem (1980s cartoon)
Members: Jem (real name: Jerrica Benton)
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtNPFSz9-5c 
She's truly outrageous—truly, truly, truly outrageous. Was there ever a more tech-forward band in the history of cartoons? I say no. Using her supercomputer 51N3RG.Y (“Synergy”), Jessica Benton becomes Jem, the lead singer of Jem and the Holograms. You’ll remember such great hits as the show’s theme song, “Jam All Night Long,” and more.

Parents

  • Jem and her band are musically more advanced and proficient than Josie & the P-cats. 

    Did you notice Casey Kasem voices one of the boys in J & the P-cats?  It sounds just like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo is speaking. 

    And speaking of Scooby-Doo, one of Josie's boy-cartoon characters is obviously a weakly-drawn Fred. 

    Other characters look like they are moonlighting from the Archie comics, like mean-spirited and selfish Veronica masquerading as Alexandra Cabbot--who didn't even sing.  She was merely a recurring character to add conflict.  She was voice by former Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer Shery Alberoni.

    Worse, the animation & musical writing are limp compared to Jem's band.

    A few facts about Josey's band:

    * The character named Melody is sung by Cheryl Ladd.  A talented actress!  She used the stage name Sherrie Moore at the time.

    * Melody's speaking voice comes from a different actress more better known for her roles in The Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry RFD, and Gomer Pyle:  Jackie Joseph.  The speaking actress is different than the singing actress?  I'm sorry, but that's right out of the unfair practices that Singing In The Rain revealed to the public.

    * The Pussycats' Valerie brought the first black cartoon character to Saturday Morning TV--who was ALSO voiced by a black person (not to be confused with other black cartoon characters who were voiced by white men).  Barbra Parlott and Patrice Holloway (both black women) sung as Valerie.  Patrice is credited for co-writing the  hit "You've Made Me So Very Happy", which was covered by Blood, Sweat, & Tears.  She had her own solo recording career.  

    Strictly based on musical performances and abilities, Jem and The Holograms are clearly superior, simply from a quick look & listen to their opening theme.

  • in reply to rschroeder

    You sure know a lot about them my friend, to dis them so much.   I think you are a closet Josie lover...   Come on admit it.   

    And they had a live action movie.   (Which was terrible) however still...

  • in reply to jeremymayfield

    I confess, I knew little about them, so I did a little time today researching them on Google, Youtube, & Wikipedia.  I learned some fun stuff.  When I played their cartoon intro & theme song, and then compared it to the intro & theme song from Jem and The Holograms, Jem's cartoon struck me as musically and graphically more sophisticated.  Perhaps that's not what sells to little kids, but it sold me as a professional musician & photographic engineer.  So I voted for Jem.  I don't think she'll win; Josie had a lot more P.R. & exposure.  But look closely and compare the two series.  I think you may recognize a different level of animation & creativity with Jem, while Josie seems (to me) like a quick knock-off of The Archies.

Comment
  • in reply to jeremymayfield

    I confess, I knew little about them, so I did a little time today researching them on Google, Youtube, & Wikipedia.  I learned some fun stuff.  When I played their cartoon intro & theme song, and then compared it to the intro & theme song from Jem and The Holograms, Jem's cartoon struck me as musically and graphically more sophisticated.  Perhaps that's not what sells to little kids, but it sold me as a professional musician & photographic engineer.  So I voted for Jem.  I don't think she'll win; Josie had a lot more P.R. & exposure.  But look closely and compare the two series.  I think you may recognize a different level of animation & creativity with Jem, while Josie seems (to me) like a quick knock-off of The Archies.

Children

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