Please, No More Randy Newman!!

[Wilt Dasney]

"Down in New Orleans" had potential song, but it tries wayyyyyyyy too har and is way too busy. That being said, it is the best song by far. "Friends on the Other Side" was worthy of being in the movie as well.

By far, weak soundtrack when compared to Toy Story, Up, the Incredibles, Lion King, Aladdin, Mermaid, and Beauty.

Just got back from the movie, and I agree with pretty much all of this. "DiNO" was definitely the film's strongest number, and I agree that the villain song was the second best. None of the rest did much for me.

But honestly, nothing I've heard from Disney since the Menken/Ashman/Rice work between Mermaid and Lion King is on that level. Mulan and Tarzan had good (not great) music, and Lilo & Stitch put the Elvis tunes to good work. "You've Got a Friend In Me" is a personal favorite, but it has a very earthy feel, not on par with the stirring numbers from those earlier films.

IMO, the biggest weakness in the Disney films since the mid-'90s has been the music. They need a strong songwriting/composing team to come along like they had 20 years ago if they want to reach those heights again. You just can't bottle what those movies had.

 

[CaptainMichael]

The type of music was called for in the New Orleans area. So it fit very well.

No it didn't. The only song that remotely resembled something you would hear around New Orleans was "Down in New Orleans" and that's because Dr. John sang it. They should have gotten someone who understands Jazz, Zydeco, and Cajun Music to either consult on or compose the soundtrack.

 

[unkadug]

No it didn't. The only song that remotely resembled something you would hear around New Orleans was "Down in New Orleans" and that's because Dr. John sang it. They should have gotten someone who understands Jazz, Zydeco, and Cajun Music to either consult on or compose the soundtrack.

While I see your point...but, on the other side of the argument:

• It's New Orleans through the eyes of Disney.
• If it was too realistic you would lose your "suspension of disbelief".
• It's a cartoon of a "fairy tale" not a documentary.
• Soundtracks set a tone for the action and help move the story along, establishing shots set the location.

 

[CaptainMichael]

While I see your point...but, on the other side of the argument:

• It's New Orleans through the eyes of Disney.
• If it was too realistic you would lose your "suspension of disbelief".
• It's a cartoon of a "fairy tale" not a documentary.
• Soundtracks set a tone for the action and help move the story along, establishing shots set the location.

I'm thinking more of the rhythm and music and not necessarily the lyrics. "Down in New Orleans" gave a taste of what you may hear while walking through the French Quarter. True New Orleans music would have been more fantastical than what Newman produced.

 

[unkadug]

I'm thinking more of the rhythm and music and not necessarily the lyrics. "Down in New Orleans" gave a taste of what you may hear while walking through the French Quarter. True New Orleans music would have been more fantastical than what Newman produced.

Oh, no doubt. But does Disney really want to portray the real New Orleans French Quarter? :lol: The movie isn't meant to be a travelogue.

Like I said, establishing shots set the location in film. Soundtracks set the tone.

 

[imagineer boy]

Just got back from the movie, and I agree with pretty much all of this. "DiNO" was definitely the film's strongest number, and I agree that the villain song was the second best. None of the rest did much for me.

But honestly, nothing I've heard from Disney since the Menken/Ashman/Rice work between Mermaid and Lion King is on that level. Mulan and Tarzan had good (not great) music, and Lilo & Stitch put the Elvis tunes to good work. "You've Got a Friend In Me" is a personal favorite, but it has a very earthy feel, not on par with the stirring numbers from those earlier films.

IMO, the biggest weakness in the Disney films since the mid-'90s has been the music. They need a strong songwriting/composing team to come along like they had 20 years ago if they want to reach those heights again. You just can't bottle what those movies had.

Agreed completely. Even Alan Menken isn't really as good as he used to be which was evident in the songs for Enchanted. Like PatF, they were good but not terribly memorable.

The simple fact is, I think they need to find some new talent.

 

[CaptainMichael]

Oh, no doubt. But does Disney really want to portray the real New Orleans French Quarter? :lol: The movie isn't meant to be a travelogue.

Like I said, establishing shots set the location in film. Soundtracks set the tone.

Nothing wrong with real music from the French Quarter. It's some of the catchiest, ear-pleasing music, and dare I say "magical" you'll ever come across. It is part of our location and reflects our people, food, and culture.

I just take offense to people saying that the music was good because it was perfect for the NOLA setting. I understand your point.

 

[SirGoofy]

You should see the music paired with animation. It will give you a whole new perspective. You should see the movie!

Unfortunately I probably won't be seeing the movie until it comes out on DVD, or until it comes to the $5 Theater near school.

Disney made the mistake of releasing it right before Avatar and Sherlock Holmes.

 

[CaptainMichael]

Unfortunately I probably won't be seeing the movie until it comes out on DVD, or until it comes to the $5 Theater near school.

Disney made the mistake of releasing it right before Avatar and Sherlock Holmes.

Matinees are $5 here. I'm glad that's all I paid to see it.

 

[Studios Fan]

Agreed completely. Even Alan Menken isn't really as good as he used to be which was evident in the songs for Enchanted. Like PatF, they were good but not terribly memorable.

The simple fact is, I think they need to find some new talent.

I agree on Menken as well. He hasn't been nearly as good without Ashman.

 

[Bairstow]

Finally got out to see Princess and the Frog tonight.
I'm not a fan of Newman's, but the music here worked really well. His jazz style was perfect for this story and setting.
And yes, "I've Got Friends on the Other Side" is the real show stopper, partly because it was the only song that was long enough to let you really get into it.

I'd kind of like to see Marc Shaiman do some work with Disney. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut shows that he could do the style if he wanted to.

 

[comics101]

I find the score to be typical Randy Newman. It sounds just like Toy Story. The Songs however are wonderful. Dig A Little Deeper has been stuck on my mind now for about 2 weeks!