It’s A Family Affair: Top Ten Musical Siblings from Garbo’s Daughter

10. Jonas Brothers
Disney darlings The Jonas Brothers are at the forefront of the new teen wave. This New Jersey trio have recorded two albums (It’s About Time, 2006 and Jonas Brothers, 2007) and are set to release a third, A Little Bit Longer, later this year. Their first single, the kicky power-pop anthem “Mandy” debuted in 2005 and is included on their first full-length. The stars of the hit Disney Channel movie Camp Rock (with a sequel in the works) have guested on Hannah Montana and are currently featured in their own short-format reality series, Living The Dream. They will appear in J.O.N.A.S! (Junior Operatives Networking As Spies) this fall.

9. The Osmonds
Also getting their big break from the Mouse via performances at Disneyland, these legendary singing-and-dancing Mormons cut their teeth on The Andy Williams Show, carried their own Rankin-Bass cartoon series, and produced a string of sugary smash singles in the early 70s. Shortly after ditching session musicians in favor of their own considerable talent, they released the Crazy Horses album in 1972. In a decided departure from their earlier work, the Osmonds adopted an unexpected metallic chug on songs such as “Hold Her Tight” and the mold-breaking title track, a thinly-veiled look at air pollution. The “Crazy Horses” in question? Automobiles.

8. Paul and Barry Ryan
Identical twin brothers Paul and Barry Ryan enjoyed several splashes on the UK pop charts in the mid-60s and toured with legendary acts such as The Hollies. In 1968, Barry embarked on a solo career (with brother Paul handling all songwriting duties) and recorded the smash hit “Eloise.” The brothers continued working together in this capacity through the early 70s, releasing a handful of singles and LPs. Their cover of Cat Stevens’ “Keep it Out of Sight” was released on Decca in April 1967.

7. Spazzys
Fueled by alcohol, attitude, and an unabashed love for The Ramones, The Spazzys—twin sisters Kat and Lucy, with friend Ally on drums—prove that three is the magic number. Three girls, three chords, and three-part harmonies are all these Aussies need to provide the perfect soundtrack for a summer drive, slumber party, or backseat snog-fest. “Hey Hey Baby”, from their 2004 debut, Aloha! Go Bananas, combines punk-rock panache with classic girl-group vocal arrangements, and is appropriately showcased in a video starring the ubiquitous Marky Ramone. Their long-anticipated sophomore effort is in the can and awaiting release.

6. Sparks
Genre-defying oddballs Ron and Russell Mael have been confounding, confusing, and delighting music fans for nearly 40 years. From 1970’s Halfnelson to 2008’s Exotic Creatures Of The Deep, these bizarre brothers have released twenty-one albums, backed by an extensive revolving door lineup that has included such luminaries as producer extraordinaire Earle Mankey and Redd Kross bass babe Steve McDonald. Fresh off of the Sparks Spectacular, a career-spanning set of full-album shows at the Carling Islington academy in London, the Maels continue to amaze and amuse. “Amateur Hour” is taken from their 1974 opus Kimono My House.

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