FMM: Two-gether

Lest you think that Odie being dragged out of the pound to be put down was the end of "Here Comes Garfield," it's not.

The ending is actually a happy one. 

After they grabbed Odie, Garfield rallied the other dogs in the pound to go against the oppressive leader. Then, they all overpowered him and were able to gain their freedom. And with that, Garfield and Odie came back home together to the chagrin - and delight - of Jon.

That happy scene was punctuated by this song, again from Desiree Goyette and Lou Rawls. Entitled "Together Again," it's today's happy Friday Magic Madness song.

Because best friends - whether they're cats and dogs - deserve to be together.

FMM: Frenemies to Friends

Both in the comic strip and the animated series, Garfield and Odie are the quintessential frenemies. They're cats and dogs, for Pete's sake.

Often, you'll see Garfield beating up Odie, and Odie doesn't retaliate. Instead, he'll just gingerly lick Garfield's face to show that he doesn't take offense.

But there's a pivotal scene in the TV film "Here Comes Garfield" in 1982. 

Garfield and Odie were captured in a pound and were locked up together in a cold jail cell. It was raining outside, and Odie was shivering while lying on the cold, concrete floor. That's when Garfield hugged him and realized that he can't live without his frenemy.

That scene was made even more emotional by the song that was playing in the background. The same song which is today's Friday Magic Madness song.

"So long, old friend" by Desiree Goyette upped the EQ of this song by 1000000x! As a very young kid, watching this scene made me bawl non-stop. Then, when we were in High School, we watched this film again, and I bawled like a young kid again.

Even now, 40 years since this film aired, I'd watch it and still get teary eyed whenever this scene comes up.

It's such a powerful song - and scene - on friendship.

And of course it's Garfield! That makes all the difference.

FMM: Rock & Rawls

Who doesn't know the iconic voice of Lou Rawls?

His voice is so distinct. So, buttery-soft and smooth. He sings in a way that's commanding yet calming. People will also say that his voice is very sensual. Which is true.

While he's best known for songs like "You'll never find another love like mine," that's not the song that made me familiar with his work.

And you'll be surprised at what song first made me familiar with Lou Rawls. It's the song for today's Friday Magic Madness:

Yes, it's a song from the cartoon show "Garfield."

As a kid, I'd watch the old Garfield animated series, and one episode featured this song. Once it played, I couldn't help but ask: "Who is this singer?" After finding out who, everything was history.

Thanks to Garfield, here comes Lou Rawls again.