CD review: “The Muppets Original Soundtrack”
A version of this review appears in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Soundtrack
Various artists “The Muppets Original Soundtrack” (Walt Disney Records)
The Muppets have returned to put on another show, so “it’s time to play the music” again.
As hoped, the soundtrack to the movie “The Muppets” offers a “sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational” mix of spirited new material and respectfully refurbished classics that will delight both longtime devotees and new fans of the late Jim Henson’s lovable felt creations. The soundtrack alternates snippets of movie dialogue with songs from the film.
Bret McKenzie, half of the musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, served as music supervisor on the film and wrote or co-wrote several new songs, including the jolly theme “Life’s a Happy Song” and its reprise. With the two tracks, the movie’s stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper, along with indie rock star Feist, actor/vaudevillian Mickey Rooney and a horde of Muppets belt through a cheeky first-rate revival of an old-school MGM musical.
McKenzie’s off-kilter sense of humor proves an ideal fit for the Muppets, whether he allows Adams and Miss Piggy to jointly declare their independence with the disco-esque duet “Me Party” or elevates piano balladry to new heights of silliness with the existential ode “Man or Muppet,” featuring Segel and new Muppet character Walter. For Cooper’s evil oil baron, McKenzie and Ali Dee Theodore penned “Let’s Talk about Me,” an over-the-top rap with operatic flourishes.
Singer/songwriter/whistler Andrew Bird, formerly of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, wrote and performed the bouncy instrumental “The Whistling Caruso” for Walter. Disney songwriters Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, Chen Neeman bring earnest emotion to the bittersweet ballad “Pictures in My Head.”
Kermit the Frog’s simple Oscar-nominated ballad-and-voice anthem “Rainbow Connection” becomes a joyous group number, while the first new recording of “The Muppet Show Theme” features an appearance by freak-folk favorite Joanna Newsom.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Muppet show without a few ridiculous renditions of popular songs. Camillia and The Chickens’ contribute a clucking good version of Cee Lo Green’s familiar smash “Forget You,” while Rowlf, Beaker, Link Hogthrob and Sam the Eagle hilariously harmonize on a barbershop quartet rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Even the inclusion of Starship’s vastly overused ‘80s hit “We Built This City” is more than offset by another romp through the infectious Muppet classic “Mah Na Mah Na.”
— BAM
CD review: “The Muppets Original Soundtrack”
Soundtrack
Various artists “The Muppets Original Soundtrack” (Walt Disney Records)
The Muppets have returned to put on another show, so “it’s time to play the music” again.
As hoped, the soundtrack to the movie “The Muppets” offers a “sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational” mix of spirited new material and respectfully refurbished classics. that will delight both longtime devotees and new fans of the late Jim Henson’s lovable felt creations. The soundtrack alternates snippets of movie dialogue with songs from the film.
Bret McKenzie, half of the musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, served as music supervisor on the film and wrote or co-wrote several new songs, including the jolly theme “Life’s a Happy Song” and its reprise. With the two tracks, the movie’s stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper, along with indie rock star Feist, actor/vaudevillian Mickey Rooney and a horde of Muppets belt through a cheeky first-rate revival of an old-school MGM musical.
McKenzie’s off-kilter sense of humor proves an ideal fit for the Muppets, whether he allows Amy Adams and Miss Piggy to jointly declare their independence with the disco-esque duet “Me Party” or elevates piano balladry to new heights of silliness with the existential ode “Man or Muppet.” featuring Segel and new Muppet character Walter. For Chris Cooper’s evil oil baron, McKenzie and Ali Dee Theodore penned “Let’s Talk about Me,” an over-the-top rap with operatic flourishes.
Singer/songwriter/whistler Andrew Bird, formerly of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, wrote and performed the bouncy instrumental “The Whistling Caruso.” for Walter. Disney songwriters Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, Chen Neeman bring earnest emotion to the bittersweet ballad “Pictures in My Head.”
Kermit the Frog’s simple Oscar-nominated ballad-and-voice anthem “Rainbow Connection” becomes a joyous group number, while the first new recording of “The Muppet Show Theme” features an appearance by freak-folk favorite Joanna Newsom.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Muppet show without a few ridiculous renditions of popular songs. Camillia and The Chickens’ contribute a clucking good version of Cee Lo Green’s familiar smash “Forget You,” while Rowlf, Beaker, Link Hogthrob and Sam the Eagle hilariously harmonize on a barbershop quartet rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Even the inclusion of Starship’s vastly overused ‘80s hit “We Built This City” is more than offset by another romp through the infectious Muppet classic “Mah Na Mah Na.”
— Brandy McDonnell
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