Na na na na na na na na na...Batman!

The Bat Cave (1966)
Joker is Wild (1966)

In 1966, Batman was one of the most popular television shows on the air. Popular culture history explains that almost everyone tried to make some money off of the craze. And, why shouldn't two top-notch musical forces get it on the cash flow? That's why, thanks to a toy company dishing out some dough to Sun Ra and his group, as well as members of the Blues Project, an album called Batman and Robin came out in 1966, credited to "The Sensational Guitars of Dan & Dale."

Apparently, the licensing of the theme song and cover art cost the toy company more than the session itself. All Music has a full review and back history on the record, which is a must read once you hear the tracks. An original copy is almost impossible to find, but Dusty Groove has an Italian reissue of the album (just search for "Batman and Robin").

This album, for me, is a lot more fun than a Sun Ra or Blues Project album. Not quite the same innovative quality, but you can't help but smile and bob your head to great musicians just jamming out. The two tracks above show some of the diversity on the album. "The Bat Cave" is a much groovier tune than "Joker is Wild." It is obvious that the guys from Blues Project are highlighted on "Joker is Wild," while "The Bat Cave" shows off a much more collaborative effort. There are a number of other great tracks on the album as well: "Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" is a really fun track, and probably the most musically sound on the album. "Robin's Theme" is the only track with vocals (Although, it is just a woman howling "Robin, yeah! I said Robin."). You find yourself singing to Beatles songs when "Riddler's Retreat" comes on because the band inserts a number of riffs from the group in the song. Superb stuff. Enjoy.