Published on Jan 9, 2001
In the liner notes to
Woody’s Roundup, a collection of music used in or related to
Toy Story 2, director John Lasseter admits that they wanted
to go for a retro-feel to the show that created Woody in the ’50s
(according to the script of
Toy Story 2). Indeed, if you’re a member of the Baby Boomer
generation (which I am not), hearing the real-life Western group
Riders In The Sky voicing these songs should bring back memories of
the early days of television.
Let’s state for the record what Lasseter basically admits in the
liner notes:
Woody’s Roundup is not meant to be a soundtrack to
Toy Story 2. Instead, what this album does is twofold for
someone like Lasseter. First, it ties together the theme of the
’50s TV show with music from an authentic Western group. Second, it
gave Lasseter the chance to work with people who he now calls
friends.
Okay, you’re thinking, but what does this mean for
me, the listener? I’m glad you asked, ’cause this is the
kind of album that has enough charm for the kids and the parents
alike.
Woody’s Roundup is just a lot of fun.
The kids will eat this disc up thanks to all the references to
their favorite characters from
Toy Story 2, including Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, “Stinky”
Pete the Prospector… and even references to some of the original
Toy Story characters (most notably on “My Favorite
Toys”.
For the adults, not only is
Woody’s Roundup a disc which will evoke memories of your
childhood, but it will also give you an enjoyable half-hour with
some true Western music – the way Roy Rogers would have done it if
he were still alive. I refer to Rogers mainly because of the track
“How Does She Yodel?”; I don’t remember what tape of an old-time
radio show it was, but I remember hearing Rogers singing during it
and breaking into a yodel. (Or maybe it was “The Muppet Show”; the
memories get fuzzy.)
And, c’mon, for someone who smacks down more discs for hidden
tracks than a professional wrestler abusing his opponent, how can
you not like a hidden track labeled, “Shhh! A Secret Bonus Track!”?
Someone at Disney has obviously been paying attention to my
rants.
The only track I couldn’t get into was “Act Naturally” – not
that Riders In The Sky did a poor job, but only because I’m so used
to different versions that it’s hard for me to adapt to new takes
on old favorites.
There’s a reason why
Woody’s Roundup was nominated for a Grammy this year – and a
good deal of the credit should to to Riders In The Sky for making
this music come alive. Lasseter knew what he was doing when he
selected them to sing “Woody’s Roundup” in
Toy Story 2, and having them make a companion album is an
appropriate touch.