The Walt Disney Players Christmas Carol LP

By: Nick and Barbie

Who has seen the animated short film, "Mickey's Christmas Carol," based on the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," released in 1983? Who knows that this Disney classic is largely derived from an LP record released in 1974 by Disneyland Records?

There are several similarities in the scripts, with many of the jokes being the same. The characters are mostly the same, with a few notable exceptions.

In both versions, Scrooge is Scrooge McDuck, Cratchit is, of course, Mickey Mouse. Goofy is Jacob Marley. The ghosts, in the animated short are played by Jiminy Cricket as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Willie the Giant, from "Mickey and the Beanstalk" is Christmas Present, and Pete is Christmas Yet to Come. On the LP, the ghosts are Merlin the Magician from "The Sword in the Stone" as Christmas Past, and the Witch from Snow White as Yet to Come. It is an enjoyable listen, and fun to hear the sometimes verbatim dialogue in the animated version.

"The Muppet Movie" and "The Muppets" Soundtracks

By: Nick

This past weekend, ABC Family played a Muppet movies marathon. I was fortunate enough to catch  The Muppet Movie and The Muppets back to back (but, I was not happy that they edited out a couple of songs from The Muppets, but I digress.) Seeing these 2 films back to back was terrific as there are several references to the original in The Muppets.

I grew up with the Muppet Show, and my parents took me to see The Muppet Movie in the theater in 1979.

A few months ago I found the The Muppet Movie Original Soundtrack Recording album at the flea market, for just $2!

The album art and photos are wonderful.

To say I get emotional from these songs would be an understatement. These songs are intrinsically linked to my childhood.
 

Side One:
Rainbow Connection
Movin' Right Along
Never Before, Never Again
Never Before, Never Again (Instrumental)
I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along

Side Two:
Can You Picture That
I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along (Instrumental)
I'm Going Back There Someday
America
Animal...Come Back Animal
Finale: The Magic Store

Movin' Right Along...

We don't really buy many CDs anymore, but I felt compelled to buy The Muppets soundtrack when it came out in conjunction with the excellent 2011 movie, which I had the pleasure of taking my parents to!


It comes with a booklet with lyrics to the original and classic Muppet songs.


This soundtrack, like the original, elicits a wide range of emotions.
Take the "Rainbow Connection" (Moopets Version).
I laugh!
I hear Kermit sing "Rainbow Connection", and I cry.


I listen to "Pictures in My Head", a wave of nostalgia rushes over me, and I laugh AND cry!


And the new songs are perfect Muppet songs.
I hear "Man or Muppet" and I'm singing that at the top of my lungs for the rest of the day.
Does my wife mind?
No, because she's singing along with me!


Beautiful packaging.


Have you ever wanted to hear Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" sung by a Muppet Quartet? Have you wondered what Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" would sound like clucked by chickens? Well here's your chance!



So, are you a man (or woman) or a Muppet?