Did anyone else catch this snarky headline from the Atlantic Wire, ? It’s an article in which the Atlantic Wire rather jadedly compares its own “Arrested Development” info graphic . Come on!? The fandom surrounding the return of the well-loved and short-lived Fox comedy has finally culminated into boy fights between bitter members of the media.
It’s been seven years since “Arrested Development” was canceled after three short, brilliant seasons, and during that time we’ve had nothing better to do than sit and obsess over those 53 episodes. But what’s missing in the many lists of favorite running gags and favorite moments is an appreciation for the show’s original music.
That’s why Reverb is writing about a show that has little, if anything, to do with music. We still sometimes find ourselves humming the Mock Trial with J. Reinhold theme song or trying to remember all the Teamocil side effects with Dr. Funke’s 100% Natural Good Time Family Band Solution. So here they are, the six best original “Arrested Development” songs, including “Teamocil,” “Big Yellow Joint” and more. We’ve also included an artist bio with each. This list is not to be confused with the late ‘80s and early ‘90s nice-guy rap group thatap also called Arrested Development.
6) “Teamocil” — Dr. Funke’s 100% Natural Good Time Family Band Solution
Artist bio: While the ’90s were saturated with Nirvana-wannabe grunge bands, one band decided to go against the trend and become one of music’s first indie-folk bands. Dr. Funke’s 100% Natural Good Time Family Band Solution partnered with Natural Life Food Company, to use folk music to keep people alive. How will you remember each side effect to your daily dose of Teamocil without the two part harmonies, all-natural instrumentation and sing-along vocals of lengthy medical terms? DF100NGTFBS paved the way for Mumford & Sons, the Lumineers and many other indie-folk bands.
5) “You’re a Crook Captain Hook” — Michael Bluth from “The Trial of Captain Hook”
Artist bio: At first it was just to satisfy an English requirement, but it turns out a young Michael Bluth was doing something far more unforgettable when he scored the lead in “The Trial of Captain Hook.” This brief foray to the stage sparked his love for Maritime Law and etched the chorus of “you’re a crook captain hook” into the Bluth family’s collective memory.
4) “Mock Trial with J. Reinhold” — William Hung & His Hung Jury
Artist bio: Everyone thought William Hung’s 15 minutes of fame had come with his failed tryout for American Idol — that is, until he formed the band William Hung & His Hung Jury. Scoring its first big break as the house band on “Mock Trial with J. Reinhold,” WHHHJ finally started to get the critical praise and commercial success it deserved.
3) “Franklin Comes Alive” — Franklin
Artist bio: As a struggling part time pimp and part time trial witness and part time musician, Franklin spent most of his time battling the media. On “Franklin Comes Alive,” his debut solo album, Franklin set out to make music and to break down racial barriers. While some fans still didn’t understand, and many people wrote him off as just a puppet, he gained a passionate following from the Alliance of Magicians who also just demand to be taken seriously.
2) “The Big Yellow Joint”
Artist Bio: The OC has always had a large underground drug sub-culture. In the ’70s this sub-culture found its rallying spot at Bluths Frozen Bananas. An anthem of the era and a snapshot of the scene, “Big Yellow Joint” remains a way for many to relive their days of smoking marijuana cigarettes.
1) “Arrested Development Theme song” — David Shwartz
Artist bio: David Shwartz, the actual composer of the “Arrested Development” theme and much of the other music on the show, plays a big role in creating the series’ persona. The quirky ukulele riffs and the ’60s James Bond catchphrase-songs help shape what we know and love as the “Arrested Development” sound. Would it have been the same show without all these running jokes and little tunes that we’ve grown to love? Thanks to David Shwartz we don’t have to think about that. And the good news is he’s back as the show’s composer for the new season.
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