George Clinton, Atomic Dog | Throwback Vibez

In the 58th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Atomic Dog” by iconic funk musician George Clinton.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 58^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Atomic Dog” performed by George Clinton.

If you were unsure, funk legend George Clinton (1941 – ) clarifies that he “Ain’t your average Huckleberry Hound.” Huckleberry Hound is a famous fictional cartoon dog who is blue and speaks with a North Carolina southern drawl.  Clinton mentions him on “Atomic Dog”, the fifth track from his 1982 solo album, Computer Games. “Dog” was written by Clinton, Garry Shider, and David Spradley. Clinton and Ted Currier produced it. The song reached number one on the R&B charts but failed to chart on the pop charts.

While Huckleberry Hound’s mention is notable, the dog references are abundant.  There are barking sounds and panting sounds, which are part of the charm.  The lyrics are simultaneously fun, infectious,  and ridiculous. Highlights include “Yeah, life on all fours / When they’re out there walkin’ the streets / May compete, oh, the dog in ya,” “Bow-wow-wow, yippie-yo, yippie-yay,” and, “Do the dogcatcher, dogcatcher.”  Clinton sings one of his best vocal moments in the first verse: “Why must I feel like that / Ah, why must I chase the cat?”  When the lyric reappears, he responds, “[It’s] Just the dog in me / Nothin’ but the dog in me.” Beyond a high-flying, oddly satisfying vocal performance by George Clinton, the music is electrifying.  The synth riffs are sickening – funky to the nth degree.  The groove is epic.  The ad-libbed, 80s futuristic “Atomic Dog” deserved more love at the time. Since, it has been hailed a classic with many musicians sampling it.

George Clinton // Computer Games // Capitol // 1982

George Clinton, Atomic Dog: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 58 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]