Michael Wermuth – We’re back with part two of our look at various Muppet bands…
Little Jerry and the Monotones –
Debuting in the second season (though some precursors were seen in the first), Little Jerry and the Monotones is a group consisting of hippies who sing doo-wop songs, including such hits as “Mad”, “Sad”, “Danger”, and of course “Telephone Rock.” Band members include Little Jerry, Big Jeffy, Rockin’ Richard, and Chrissy. Their biggest fan is Gina, whom they visited in an episode from the 1980s. Elmo once filled in for Little Jerry in the early 1990s.
Chrissy and the Alphabeats –
Also known as “Chris and the Alphabeats” and “Little Chrissy and the Alphabeats,” but this Chrissy shouldn’t be confused with the member of the same name from Little Jerry and the Monotones. The lead singer is, obviously, Chrissy, who plays the piano and sometimes keyboards, but the names of the Alphabeats is anyones guess. This band is perhaps the most prominent on Sesame Street. Their biggest hit is probably “Count It Higher,” but they have also done such great songs as “You’re Alive” and “Rock and Roll Reader.” They have also occasionally popped up to sing Don Music’s songs as soon as they are completed.
The Beetles –
A Muppet parody of The Beatles (whoever they are), this fabulous insect four was responsible for such hits as “Letter B” and “Thinking of U,” and once joined Cookie Monster for a rendition of “Hey Food.” And no, the drummer is not dead (I don’t think).
Bruce Stringbean and the S Street Band –
A parody of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, this group has performed the hits “Born to Add” and “Barn in the USA.” Although the “Born to Add” album refers to the “S Street Band,” we don’t really see much of the band in either number (unless you count Clarice’s sax solo).
How Now Brown and the Moo Wave –
A new age punk rock band, this group includes How Now Brown on lead vocals, two cow back-up singers, and Anything Muppets providing the music. They are known for the hits “Danger’s No Stranger” and “Wet Paint.” Their music is really mooooving.
The Oinker Sisters –
The Oinker Sisters are a group of pig sisters (who knew?) whose biggest hit is “A New Way to Walk,” which they have sung at least twice. Originally a punk group, the Oinker Sisters would later change their look from punk to classic and sing such songs as “Where Can You Be, B?” They even showed up for an episode of Elmo’s World.
Well, those are the bands from The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Now go out and buy their albums! Wait, what’s that? None of them have albums? Not even the Electric Mayhem? What a shame.
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com
