Ah, Disneyland. The happiest place on Earth. The place where kids flock to see their favorites: Belle, Sleeping Beauty, and most of all, Mickey Mouse.
"A Musical History of Disneyland" is a lovable tromp through memory lane for each and every child who has visited Disneyland. Close to every song played at the park is on this collection of discs; from the happy ragtime melodies of Main Street, to the soundtrack to The Haunted Mansion ride. Yes, everything is here, and it is all sparkling beauty. Now, word to the wise: this album is LONG. REAL LONG. And as per my usual policy of reviews (the 2 that got deleted :-/) I generally go by a track by track. Not this time. This time, we're hitting the biggies and then going out for some overpriced root beer and hot dogs at the Happiest Place On Earth.
As a Californian, I grew up at the magical castle of Disneyland. I do confess that I have a seasonal pass and I go almost every month or so with my friends. (Sometimes for free, but that's another story.) This album is actually, quite recent, with the addition of the Fantasmic! track. Right, on with the show.
The first track of interest is
Enchated Tiki Room Medley. Yes, those annoying birds and singing animals are on this collection. It'll have you tiki-tiki-tiki-ing along with the catchy melodies in that loveable tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye is the next stand out track. As an avid fan of this ride, you'll find that everything is perfectly reproduced: from the blaring horns section when you first make that turn into hell, to the frantic fast paced theme everyone knows, to that heartstopping chorus when you cross the fiery bridge. Mmmmm, Indiana Jones.
For those of you who aren't that young to remember the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, you'll find that the track has been reproduced here also. Memories of the bouncy fun of exploring that loveable house will rush back to your head.
Pirates of the Carribean is a ride that has also been soundtracked on here. The soundtrack here is shorter than the actual ride, though. From the slow crickets and the man playing his banjo on his cabin, to the ever so notable theme song, to the eerie "Dead men tell no tales" of the driver of the ghost ship, memories will flood back like no other. This has been produced marvelously. If you have ever been on the Pirates ride, you will know that once you get on the boat, on the left is the man playing the banjo. Well, the banjo comes out of the left track, just like you're riding the ride! Very cool, indeed.
The Haunted Mansion is reproduced here, but is shorter, like Pirates.. The haunting organ intro, and the "ghost host's" intro is completely in this song complete with his narration of the "elevator". The jolly song will play, and as always, at the end you will be reminded that you should...
BEWARE OF HITCH HIKING GHOSTS!! *crash*
All I Want is the next track of interest. Amazingly I haven't heard it around the park (I may have, but just have forgotten), but it's a nice instrumental tune and is a pretty good composition.
The annoying songs from the Carousel and the Castle are on this too, but let's just skip over that.
Tick.. tock... Tick... tock.. Tick... tock..
Do you hear that? That's the sound of excessively annoying songs! Yes,
It's A Small World has found it's way onto this, and God himself forbid that you do not listen to this track at least ONCE. Every nationality under the sun unites to sing this jolly anthem of this world is not as big as we thought it was. This goes through the whole ride too, so prepare yourself for 13 minutes of mind numbing insanity. After all,
It's a small world after all... But, really, it's an essential for those who go to Disneyland.
Both
Space Mountain songs are on here: The old and new. Both are amazing tracks. They're very fast paced, exciting and a fun listen.
Remember, Dreams Come True is a medley of music and assorted phrases from the park that you have heard. (The timeless line 'Of Course, there's always my way...' of the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion) This song is set to fireworks and is a dazzling display to see in life.
And for those who remember it, YES!
The Main Street Electrical Parade soundtrack is here too. The entire thing. So now all you Disney freaks can turn off the lights and dance in your underpants to the Main Street Electrical Parade. This song is amazing. I absolutely mean it, it's very catchy and has a bouncy feel to it.
The final track of notable importance is
Fantasmic! which is a show set to fireworks and a live action stage show, along with clips of Disney movies projected onto a waterfall. Again, this is way way better when seen live, but the song will bring back memories, especially that trumpet riff.
Overall, this album is excellent although a little pricey at 90 bones a throw. Those who have never been to Disneyland may not express much interest in it, although the Southern Californian's on the board may want to look into it as a novelty item, or an excellent tool for triggering memories. I gave it a three because although it features excellent music and memories, it's price and value to others who have not been to Disneyland may seem like a bit much.
