Backwards Gisney

‘Tomorrow is Another Day’- The Rescuers (1977)

The Rescuers was one of my absolute favorite Disney movies growing up, and it is not only criminally underrated, but beautifully animated- and every single song in this film is great. Shelby Flint’s heavenly voice perfectly fits the somber but hopeful vibe of the movie, and this song in particular outlines an absolutely gorgeous flying scene that portrays Bianca and Bernard snuggling as they travel to find Penny.

This song is a reminder that there is always a second chance to start again tomorrow, and to look for happiness even in the darkest of times. The use of brass in this song with a softly swelling orchestra creates serene sort of catharsis, complimented by Shelby Flint’s sweet singing that makes you feel like you’re listening to an energized lullaby.

I definitely want to revisit The Rescuers another time because the whole soundtrack is just stunning.

‘The Ugly Bug Ball’- Summer Magic (1963)

This cute little number is sung by Burl Ives, who you most likely remember for his ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ album and role as Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. But Burl Ives also starred in the Disney movies So Dear to my Heart and Summer Magic

Burl Ives has a plethora of songs that are memorable from these films, including ‘Lavenders Blue (Dilly Dilly)’ and ‘On the Front Porch’, but I chose this one because I think it’s particularly fun and far less recognized. Burl Ives definitely has a one of a kind sweet voice that seems to blow all cares away, and his Disney Songs are particularly charming and nostalgic.

Stay tuned in for more song appreciation posts.

Today at Disneyland I drew the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse in Adventureland. Next time I will begin color.

‘Down To Earth’- WALL-E (2008)

This one is a particular favorite of mine, and should be well noted for being the only song in WALL-E with lyrics not borrowed from another film, made original for the credits. Sung by renowned rock singer Peter Gabriel, along with the Soweto Gospel Choir, this song encapsulates the theme of life and renewal highlighted by the film. The song goes through a series of crescendos, easing in with soft and bright notes and lulled by the warmth of Gabriel’s baritone voice before exploding into a forceful all encompassing sound you can feel vibrating in your bones- this accompanied by the choir creates an almost religious and cathartic feeling. Every time I hear this song I get goosebumps.

Peter Gabriel is also well known for the ever famous song ‘Solsbury Hill’ (1977), and ‘Sledgehammer’ (1986)- which won nine MTV awards, and is well known for its unique and bizarrely animated music video, which I’ve linked below.

‘Goodbye So Soon’- The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Sung by the iconic voice of horror legend Vincent Price, who plays the villain Professor Ratigan, this song plays softly in the background of the amazing trap scene of the Great Mouse Detective- so softly that if you don’t listen carefully you might not hear it as it doesn’t play at full volume nor is the whole song really comprehensible; Nonetheless, this song brings whimsy to an otherwise intense scene, and is on its own very amusing if you give it a listen. This film also has some other great songs and an amazing score that screams adventure.

I absolutely love this era of Disney Films, and in my opinion it is wild that out of all the Disney films that have sequels, The Great Mouse Detective isn’t one of them. Its pretty much the only Disney film that all but begs for a sequel- It’s mouse Sherlock Holmes! You’d think you could milk that into a franchise as easy as breathing, but I guess it wasn’t in the cards. Perhaps one day if we are lucky we will get to see another, (and not a Toy Story 6.)

‘Best of Friends’- The Fox and the Hound (1981)

This bittersweet song sung by Pearl Bailey outlines the pure friendship between Copper and Tod. The background carries an air of childish whimsy and peace, while the lyrics also give a morose sense of foreboding for the fact that their friendship defies the nature of their positions in life- the song leaves us hopeful things will be okay but with an ambiguous ending. The song, accompanied by visuals of Tod and Copper tumbling around before Amos Slade (the Hunter) and Chief reprimand Copper for running off to play in the forest, is a beautiful but tragic moment in the film.

Howdy, this is the start of my new blog where I do my best to acknowledge and remember Disney Songs that fly a little under the radar and deserve a little love. This will vary from songs that are old as dirt, to ones that might just be a little under appreciated. Let’s try to explore B tracks, scores, vintage pieces, music that got scrapped from the film, and all manner of noise around Disney. And we will toss in a few memorable ones now and then as well, because we love them for a reason.

To start us off with an oldie but a goldie:

‘Are We Dancing?’ - The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

There is a treasure trove of music from back when Disney still gave a damn to make original live action musicals, and this little waltz here, sung by John Davidson and Leslie Ann Warren is one I’ve always found particularly romantic and sweet.

John Davidson is also known for hosting the $100,000 Pyramid and a handful of other game shows, And you may recognize Leslie Warren as her role of Ms.Scarlet in the movie Clue.

Both also played in The One and only, Genuine, Original Family Band. - Another Disney film that will likely come up in another post later.