The Simpsons, Alf Clausen, Julie Kavner, Dan Castellaneta, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, The Simpsons (Related Recordings), Danny Elfman
Audio CD (March 18, 1997)
Original Release Date: March 18, 1997
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Rhino Records
ASIN: B0000033Z8
Editorial Reviews
Who said musical comedy was dead? Was it you? Fools! There are more shining moments in each of these 39 zippy little numbers than in the complete score of any bloated Broadway dud today. Peppered with original dialogue, and seven renditions of "The Simpsons Main Title Theme" (including Australian, Big Band, and Afro-Cuban), this disc includes beloved originals like "Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart?" Even better are the scathing parodies: "Oh, Streetcar!" (Tennessee Williams à la community musical theater); "Dr. Zaius" (Falco-meets-Planet of the Apes); and "See My Vest" (Monty Burns's jaunty dissection of Disney's "Be Our Guest"). With celebrity cameos from Tony Bennett, Robert Goulet, and Beverly D'Angelo, Songs is a sparkling tonic to sustain you through the seven dreary days between Sunday evenings. - Kurt B. Reighley
Customer Reviews
That's Good Squishy, October 15, 2002
Reviewer: Hungarian Bookstore from Wheaton, IL United States
This is what the Veggie Tales (and any other humor-driven cartoon) esteem to be. Hilarious, with intelligent lyrics and high quality music.
Don't get me wrong, Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato are top-notch, but the Simpsons are a notch higher. With "See My Vest," "It Was a Very Good Beer," and "Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart?" you'll laugh with that silly, gut-busting laugh you enjoyed as a little kid.
Cameos by Tony Bennet are surprising. He's a bit classier than Homer, but they pull it off.
My favorite Homer line, "But I wanted a peanut." My favorite Bart line, "Oohm, that's good squishy." Hear both in context.
Themes/credits galore are here, with homages to every known pop TV show in the last 15 years. Their musicians did an amazing job melding "Hill Street Blues" with the closing Simpsons credits. It sounds as if it were meant to be.
If you are considering buying this as a novelty, go for it. After a few infectious listen-tos, you'll have given a novelty that will be funny even after the gag.
I fully recommend "Songs In The Key Of Springfield." While you are at it, check out "Silly Songs With Larry."
Anthony Trendl
For Simpsons fans!, August 22, 2001
Reviewer: irmita from usa
This is another great cd with hit tunes and hilarious dialogue taken directly from a variety of episodes. The cd is contains an illustration of a donut, Homer's favorite food. AFter an extended version of the theme song, there are many familiar tunes. Here are some examples of the songs included: The Itchy and Scratchy, the Stonecutters' amusing song and Senor Burns, played by Tito Puente and his jazz ensemble (which appeared on the episode entitled "Who Shot Mr. Burns?"). THere are also several versions of the closing credits song, played by a variety of bands. If you own the other two cds, purchase this one. It contains thirty-nine tunes.
If you're a fan, you probably know all the words..., September 9, 2003
Reviewer: bill_the_great from Interlochen, MI
While "The Simpsons Sing The Blues" seemed to be a quicky cash-in job to make somemore money off of Simpsons-maina, "Songs in the Key of Springfield" delivers the goods. The snappy writing and lovable characters can be enjoyed over and over again in you CD player. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the show.
So you like music and you like Simpsons..., August 26, 2003
Reviewer: G. Rodriguez from Syracuse
What's really amazing about this CD is the complete variety in music. Compare "Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart" to "Bagged Me a Homer" or "Happy Birthday, Lisa" to "Baby On Board." All of them catchy, yet so different! I especially like "Flaming Moe's" and "The Itchy Scratchy Closing Theme," which is the opening theme sung in sad past tense. Personal favorite is "The Amendment Song."
In addition to some great instrumental stuff, there are three spoken skits taken from the show. The first one "Honey Roasted Peanuts" is the funniest and it leads into the next track. Another one, "In Search of an Out of Body Vibe," is funny too and although it doesn't lead into the next track, it is still from the same episode. However, the other skit, "TV [...]" is a complete mystery to me as it has nothing to do with any songs and ends with Bart saying "TV [...]." I don't understand why they cut out what Homer replies in the actual episode, "Since I know you're upset, I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Okay, it's not that funny but it still would have been better to end the skit with a punchline. Also, the track "Boy Scouts-N-The Hood" has a song in it ("Springfield Springfield") but has so much dialouge both before and after the song is sung that it feels more like a skit too.
Good CD.
The Simpson Family Smile Time Variety Hour, June 4, 2003
Reviewer: Johnny Heering from Bethel, CT United States
Whoa, momma! For a Simpsons fan, it doesn't get any better than this. A bunch of great, hilarious music from the funniest TV show ever. I especially love the songs from the "Streetcar Named Desire" and "Planet of the Apes" musicals. Alf Clausen should be commended for the great job he did in putting this CD together. The sound is really good, considering these songs were not intended for commercial release when they were recorded. It's even in stereo. Any Simpsons fan who doesn't already own this CD should click on "Buy now" right this very minute.
Fun., May 15, 2003
Reviewer: Dean Thomas from Downey, CA United States
While a lot of the tunes make me chuckle (as well as joining in singing), the only thing that disappointed me were the relatively learge number of different versions of the theme song. It would have been much better without them.
Hilarious album, March 24, 2003
Reviewer: Andrea from Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales
This is a must own for fans of "The Simpsons" series! Every track made me laugh, especially "We Do", "It Was a Very Good Beer" and "Stop the Planet of the Apes." In these dreary times, this album is a welcome diversion.
You will be sorry! Belive me...If you don't get this CD!, March 19, 2003
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
THIS has to bee one of the best CD's ever! I love classical music very much, so I'm not saying I like this better than that. But this CD is so funny that I could give it 6 or 7 stars. When ever my mom gets upset, I will play the Amendment song for her or the Monorail song and she will be in a great mood!
The "Itchy & Scratchy" is an old favorite. It just cracks us up to listen to it. With the drum, xylophone and car horn. Then near the end it has the chimpmunks yelling "Itchy & Scratchy SHOW!!!"
Also, the Stone Cutters "We do" is very, very good.
With 39 tracks, this has various episodes from seasons 2 through 8.
Well, you will be very glad to get this CD! Believe me... This cannot be better! (:
You will laugh until you cry, November 11, 2002
Reviewer: Kim Birchim from Rocklin, CA United States
This is as funny as the funniest Simpsons episode times 10. Great moments from the show, put into context and set expertly to music. Hear great spoofs of the Cheers theme (Flaming Moe's), the Hill Street Blues theme, and others.
If you like the Simpsons, You will not be disappointed!
The Ultimate Cruising CD!, September 16, 2002
Reviewer: dshawk from Denver, CO United States
Like "Entertainment Weekly" said, "The Simpsons" is the greatest show in the history of television! That said, it's one of those institutions that virtually EVERYONE likes, which is why this CD is the ultimate cruising disc. Don't you hate it when you're out in your sweet ride and some fool is blasting music that you can't stand? Everyone and their brother will be able to relate to this beauty, from "Who Needs the Quickie Mart?" to "It Was a Very Good Beer." Plus, heads will turn when others hear your great choice in cruising music. Hip-hop and hard rock are getting stale for playing in the car, so this is the solution. Also, Homer's dialogue will have everyone in stitches!