Music and The Justice League
Article by Rick Pipito:
I’m getting my name out there as a writer, but long before I began scribbling stories onto pages, I was into music. Now, I play multiple instruments and love a good band jam every once in a while. That is why I decided to share this topic. I will continue to do so for other comic book organizations and characters, but this one hits close to home for me and it is because I’m one of the artists involved.
DC Comics’ The Justice League has been around since the early 1960s, and their ever changing roster has done a great job of protecting the citizens of Earth, other planets, and even other dimensions. Rightfully so, they have been an inspiration to musicians from around the world. Here are some of the tributes paid by bands, artists and musicians. If you have any others to add, please comment, because I may be leaving some out.
Theme from the Superfriends: This was my first cartoon growing up. From the late 70s until the mid 80s, the theme song was catchy. years later I realize how campy the show was, but it is a guilty pleasure. The theme song still echoes in my mind as if it were yesterday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jHj6Y-r57Q
Justice League of America Theme song from 1960s: before the superfriends, there was an action hour. This was the theme song from that cartoon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWKxunwvU0Q
Justice League Unlimited: After the Batman and Superman animated series in the late nineties, the new milennium brought us a new incarnation of the League in animation. Justice League lasted for 2 seasons, but continued on in this series. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvjMnVi3XZI
Way Out Junk: Stories About The Justice League: I did a search and found this vinyl. I’ve heard a few samples, and it is typical cheesy era music, but it’s amusing nonetheless. Here is a link to info on it, and there are download links attached to the article http://wayoutjunk.blogspot.com/2007/01/songs-and-stories-about-justice-league.html
J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League (Just Undeniably Some of The Illest Composers Ever): This Grammy winning group of producers and composers has gone on to produce many popular artists. Although none of the music seems to be inspired by the Justice League, their name was done in tribute. This is just the wiki page on their history, but you can do a search if interested in hearing some of their tracks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.U.S.T.I.C.E._League
Just Us (Justice): This is why it hits so close to home. This song is one that I wrote along with John Caputo a few years ago. I also did alternate lyrics that we never recorded and titled it “Not Us (Injustice)” about the Injustice League. Listen to the link and if you like what you hear, there is much more of my non comic book related music at the album links on the right side of the page. (I’m pictured in the upper left hand corner and am performing vocals, saxophone and harmonica on the tracks) http://coolanimaled.com/track/just-us
Arthur Curry: This song by Ookla The Mok, mentions more than just one hero. It calls on the whole league. It’s definitely a strange listen, but had to be mentioned in the list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLeLbPezMfc
Melt The Guns: The group XTC is speaking to all the members of the Justice League Of America. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGc5h1yWHQ
Like I said, please add to this list with anything you can think of (even if you are an artist like myself who has similar songs).
sCrypt Publishing 
It’s been some time now that I let Rick do all of the work for this blog so as the other side of sCrypt I’d like to chime in, and it’s something I don’t do enough. So here are two mainstream songs that I know we’ve all heard, taking on inspiration from the DC universe…How Did You Leave These Out Rick? First Three Doors Down, think what you will of the band and there music but they indeed wrote Kryptonite that catchy little tune that was reamed into our ears a few years back. Second a little more rare but Jimmy Olson’s Blues by the Spin Doctors. These two popped into my head immediately for the reason of I still can’t erase the 3DD song and I actually enjoyed the Spin Doctors. Cheers
March 16, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I didn’t forget those, Dan. This is strictly a Justice League pick. I should have been more specific. I will do other articles, and the two songs you mentioned would be under the Superman category. I’m aware he is a major Justice Leaguer, but I’ll reserve his songs just for him 🙂 Thanks for the input though, those songs are classics!
March 17, 2012 at 10:36 am