Definitely Not Just For Kids
A. B. HOWARD | Lexington, SC United States | 07/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ya gotta admire and respect Michelle Shocked for making her music her way (even when you might not "get" what she's trying to do). She never compromises her art, even if compromising might give her a bit more popularity. So this album is pure joy: you can tell she did exactly what she wanted to do -- and the result is charming and delightful and accessible. Who else would have thought of doing a full country-swing album of classic Disney songs? And who else could have pulled it off? Answer: No one but Michelle Shocked.
For me, the only disappointing track is "Spoonful of Sugar." For some reason, it sounds a bit depressing to me. Was that supposed to be irony?
"To Be A Cat" (from THE ARISTOCATS) is my favorite track, although I must admit the song never struck me as one of the "classic" Disney songs. Shocked makes it so clever and sophisticated and irresistably swingin' that I wonder why I never paid much attention to it before.
Don't think the album is "just for kids." I know this middle-aged grump will be listening to it for a long time."
Adults and children rejoice: Disney takes a Western Swing!
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 09/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shocked's wellspring of creativity is clearly overflowing, as she'w issued three diversely toned albums all at once. This disc reimagineers classic and obscure Disney tunes as jazzy western swing songs. The sprightly treasure "Spoonful of Sugar" is rearranged as a sly story-song, rather than accompaniment for an eye-popping film sequence, and the joyous "Bare Necessities" is given a twangy, toe-tapping arrangement lined by Greg Leisz' lap steel and Gabe Witcher's fiddle. The Aristocrats' "To Be a Cat" and Pinnochio's "Give a Little Whistle" sound like they were plucked from Le Hot Club, and "Dream is a Wish" is turned into a gentle waltz. Parents seeking refuge from overbearing TV dinosaurs and wiggling adults, will find a fine collection of terrific songs rendered fresh and airy for children who will be enchanted by the Disney magic. The musicianship is top-notch, which means that you won't tire of hearing these gems on their hundredth play... in a row. [©2005 hyperbolium dot com]
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Track Listings (10) - Disc #1