This week, the Mouse Lounge celebrates a birthday and takes a trip around World Showcase!

 First up, a Mouse Lounge Special Feature:  The BBCs Russell Davis looks at how the archives have treated to the two faces of Walt Disney.  Uncle Walt, who brought laughter and pleasure to millions, and… the rather tough businessman and social engineer.  Enjoy the first of a five part series, Double Disney.

 Next, from the Disney Archives, we dust off an old Capital Records album , DBX-3365 from 1954, as Disney Characters from countless films and shorts come to celebrate at Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Party.

 Then, from Vault Disney:  We travel to Epcot Center, circa 1982, as Danny Kaye introduces us to the wonders of World Showcase.

 Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.    Enjoy a musical trip around World Showcase featuring the talented artists and music groups who perform each day, ending a Mouse Lounge mix of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

 We close the show with a pair of musical soundtracks inspired by World Showcase.  First, is the Laserphonic Fantasy.  This show made its debut on the World Showcase Lagoon in June 1984 and as the name implies featured lasers including the first use of non-continuous lines in a laser animation and the first use of laser graphics on a water-droplet screen.  Most of the soundtrack can be found on Don Dorsey's album "Busted".

 Lastly, culling from le crème de la crème of French Romantic and Contemporary classical music, Impressions de France ranks as among the best soundtracks to be found anywhere in Epcot.

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This episode, the Mouse Lounge departs from our typical format as I was invited to KVEC Radio in San Luis Obispo on the Dave Congalton Program.  Dave has invited me on to talk about Disneyland during the holidays.  The program aired live on December 21st.

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This episode, the Mouse Lounge gets in the Christmas spirit, Disney style

First, in From the Vault, we dust off an old radio recording of Walt and his gang of cartoon characters circa 1934.  You’ve never heard Donald Duck more irascible or the Three Little Pigs repressible, despite the Big Bad Wolf’s insistence that they, come over for dinner.  My wife was shocked to hear this sequence, commenting, “I’m so used to hearing Walt when he was older and had smoked for so many years.  I can believe this voice could be Mickey Mouse.  He was a tenor when he was a young man!”  Indeed he was.

Next, we journey to the Disney properties and take in live performances.  You’ll go into the now long gone Adventurers Club, visit Yehaa Bob, hear the Daper Dans, DCA’s Miner 49’ers, The Jambalaya Jazz Band, and Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.

Then, we take a spot in the shadow between the Matterhorn and Sleeping Beauty Castle to watch, A Christmas Fantasy Parade.  This is a special Mouse Lounge Mix.

Finally, as has become a Christmas tradition on the Mouse Lounge, I’ll play for you some of my personal Christmas favorites.  They may not be Disney, but they’re sure to get you into the spirit of the season!

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the tree is trimmed, the egg nog is out, and there’s a warm fire in the fireplace.  Sit back and enjoy Mouse Lounge Christmas tidings…

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This episode, the Mouse Lounge gets electrified!

I recently announced that I will be blogging for The Disney Driven Life.  The focus of my articles will be on Disney music, from the films, parks, Walt Disney Records, and even those great 78s that preceded the formation of Disneyland records in 1955.

Of course I began planning my articles right away, and in doing so remembered I had produced a gem of a mini documentary nearly five years ago when I was living in Colorado.  I looked up the show it came from and dragged it out of digital mothballs.  Back then I believe the Mouse Lounge had two listeners, and I was one of them.

So, it pleases me greatly, now that the show has grown and matured to at least a half dozen DFs with positively nothing else better to do, to bring you, The Musical History of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  You’ll learn the evolution of electronic music and along the way meet such luminaries as Bob Moog, Don Dorsey, Rick Wakeman, and Jean-Jacque Perrey (composer of the familiar Baroque Hoedown) and hear the brilliant music of Raymond Scott, Wendy Carlos, Yes, The Beau Hunks, Carl Stalling.

I’ll close the show with what is arguably the best iteration, and certainly most difficult to find of the parade, Tokyo Disneyland’s, “Dreamlights.”  This track does not contain character voices, to better be able to take in the marvelous music!

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

This week, the Mouse Lounge goes from Jungle to Jungle!

 First, Liana and I go Behind the Mickey Bar to discuss Jungle Book, the film then we chat about the Jungle Cruise, the attraction.

 Then, from BBC Radio, Phil Jupitus gets down to the Bare Necessities with the last of his five part series on the work of Walt Disney, in Disnified.

 Next, in From the Vault: Most fans of Disney animated features have seen the Jungle Book and remember how it ends, with Baghera and Baloo the Bear dancing into the sunset.  But!  On Disneyland’s Little Long Playing record, “More Jungle Book” your story reader, Robie Lester tells you the epilogue of the story. 

 The Jungle Book just wouldn’t be the favorite it has become without the songs that run throughout the film.  The Sherman Brothers talk about how Walt got them involved in the show and the songs they wrote… and the ones they didn’t!

 Most fans can’t imagine Jungle Book, or for that matter The Aristocats or Robin Hood without the remarkable, indelible voice of Phil Harris.  Learn about this bandleader, comedian, radio and film star in this Mouse Lounge Mini Documentary.

 Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.    Enjoy this experience down the rivers of the world in the Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise.

 We close the show, first with a rare duet.  From Disney’s Wonderful World of Color 25^th Anniversary special, Phil Harris is joined by Scatman Caruthers for a medley only this duo could sing.  We wrap things up with Harry Connick Jr.’s  swingin’ arrangement of the Bare Necessities.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This week, the Mouse Lounge plunges into the briar patch!

First, Liana and I go Behind the Mickey Bar and discuss the film and the controversy that surrounds it.  Be sure to login to the Mouse Lounge Blog at mouselounge.com and read my piece about the issue.

Next, we go in to the Disney Vault.  Song of the South hasn’t been on the big screen in over 25 years, and has never been released on home video in the U.S.  As a result, an entire generation has never seen Disney’s take on the Joel Chandler Harris stories and the exquisite performance of James Baskett, who utterly inhabited the role of Uncle Remus.   We first dust off a delightful 1946 five-minute promo of the film featuring composer Johnny Mercer, Walt Disney, and the… uh… unflappable… Donald Duck.

Then I’ll tell you the tale of Song of the South with clips from the original film.  It certainly doesn’t replace watching it, but if you’ve loved Splash Mountain for more than two decades but still don’t necessarily understand the narrative, this should help a lot!

Then, go behind the curtain and learn what it took to bring Song of the South to the Silver

Screen.  Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.  Enjoy a ride through down Chickapin Hill into the Briar Patch on Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom.

We close the show with popular music covers from the picture.  First, Satchmo himself brings his unique style to Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.  Not to be out done, listen to Rosemary Clooney with her rendition of Everybody Has a Laughing Place!  Next, Walt Disney and Johnny Mercer introducing June Hutton of the Pied Pipers who performs, Sooner or Later.  We’ll wrap up the show with Uncle Remus himself performing, Uncle Remus Says.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This episode, the Mouse Lounge pillages and plunders with Pirates, parties with curious  in a private club, and other alliterative nonsense!

From the World of Color:  Walt gives Disneyland Ambassador Julie Ream a tour of the future New Orleans Square and we’re there on a drizzly morning on opening day of Pirates of the Caribbean! 

In from the Vault we sample a clip from a classic Disney film, short, television or radio program, Disneyland Record.   This episode we pull out a 1966 vinyl classic, as Thurl Ravenscroft narrates the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.  With all due respect to Pirates-lite in the Magic Kingdom, this show we features the original and arguably the best.  

Next, we move from Pirates to Epicureans as I share with you the origins of the mysterious Club 33, which opened to members only at the same time as Pirates.  Then join Liana and I as we discuss our experiences dining, in the exclusive club.  Also, be sure to login to the Mouse Lounge Galleries page for a photographic tour of the Club!

We close the show with a pair of piratical tracks.  First, live from the Magic Kingdom’s Pirate and Princes Party; enjoy the sea chanty, Blow, Ye Winds by the Rusty Cutlass Band.  Finally have a listen to what has become the defacto Pirate theme, Klaus Badelt’s, He’s a Pirate as performed by David Garrett live at the Tempodrom in Berlin with the finale mixed with the dynamic original score we all adore!

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

Episode theme: Journey Into Imagination

Before we delve into this episode’s theme, we take in part three of three of a very special feature.  Back in 2006, yours truly sat in on a Walt Disney World Audition Workshop.  It was an intense couple of hours of enthusiastic performers needing a reality check and casting directors there to provide it, all in the spirit of better preparing those auditioning so they could earn one of the coveted performing spots.  Whether you’re a performer a not, enjoy an inside glimpse at what it takes to audition for Walt Disney World.

Next I’ll introduce you to Shawn and Katie, hosts of the popular, Waltcast. 

Next, learn about the history and rumored future of one of Epcot’s most beloved and missed attractions, Journey Into Imagination.

Next, from D23s Destination D in May 2011, composer Richard Sherman is joined by none other than the Dreamfinder from the original Journey Into Imagination for a delightful sing-along.

Then, from the Attraction Audio Archive we enjoy the full ride-through of the original Journey Into Imagination!

In from the Vault we sample a clip from a classic Disney film, short, television or radio program, Disneyland Record.   On Epcot Center’s opening day, October 1^st1982, NBC Today Show hosted a live special covering opening day.  Bryant Gumble was on hand to interview the one and only Dreamfinder, portrayed by Ron Schneider, and Imagineer Barry Braverman!

Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.   This week take in a live version of the current version, Journey Into Imagination with Figment.  I think you’ll find the comparison rather striking… and maybe just a little disappointing.  But don’t take my word for it! Listen for yourself then join me on Facebook and post your comments!

We close the show with song played in the other Imagination Pavilion attraction on opening day, the 3D film, Magic Journeys.  Like One Little Spark, Makin’ Memories and Magic Journeys were written by the Sherman Brothers.  Makin’ Memories was part of the pre-show to the film, and Magic Journeys served as the films theme music.

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This week, the Mouse Lounge celebrates Labor Day with a special labor of love, a glide-thru Disneyland.

Now allow me to take just a moment to explain the Glide-thru.  Most of us have heard many different live recordings of attractions and shows from the parks.  Often, these include dialogue with the host and his guests.  

The Glide-thru allows you to take in the soundscape with only the sounds of the park, as you would hear it if you were somehow floating through the park by yourself, allowing you to take in details of the ambience.  So far that may sound somewhat familiar, but the Glide-thru is crafted such so you will also enjoy a show, attraction, or live music performance during the journey, always something special.  

You never know where you’ll start, or where you’ll end up, but the Glide-thru will always be entertaining as you float through the parks on the breeze of the stereoscape.

What you are about to hear was recorded Saturday, September 3rd, Labor Day weekend 2011.  Imagine it’s the last hurrah of summer in the mid afternoon.  The park is full of happy guests on a beautiful summer day.  There’s an electric energy in the air you can actually hear.

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.

(((HEADPHONES STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)))

This week, the Mouse Lounge explores what its like to have very little brain, which honestly isn’t all that different from most days.

Before we delve into this episode’s theme of stuff n fluff, we take in part two of three of a very special feature.  Back in 2006, yours truly sat in on a Walt Disney World Audition Workshop.  It was an intense couple of hours of enthusiastic performers needing a reality check and casting directors there to provide it, all in the spirit of better preparing those auditioning so they could earn one of the coveted performing spots.  Whether you’re a performer a not, enjoy an inside glimpse at what it takes to audition for Walt Disney World.

In From the Vault we sample a clip from a classic Disney film, short, television or radio program, or Disneyland Record.  Before Disney made their now classic films, several audio interpretations of the Pooh stories were made.  Some thirty years after the book’s initial publication, RCA’s Little Nipper series released an Upside Down record, which had a story on each side.  We feature here, Winnie the Pooh and the Heffalump, narrated by Jimmy Stewart.  Be sure to go to the Mouse Lounge multimedia page to listen to the flip side of the record, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

Next, from the Disney DVD, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, have a listen to a brief history of Winnie the Pooh.

Next, sidle up to the Mickey Bar, as Liana and I fling a little Pooh of our own.  I even sing a few bars.  Don’t be scared.

Meet Paul Winchell.   Listen to the voice of Tigger tell his story in this wonderful interview with BBC Scotland in 2004, just a year before Paul passed away.  

From the Disneyland Attraction Archives:  In 2005, Disney released the comprehensive, Musical History of Disneyland.  Among the tracks are two absolute gems I’ll play for you here:  The queue music, When the Rain Rain Rain came Down Down Down, and the attraction music itself, without most of the character vocal tracks and sound effects.  

Each show we present a high definition ride-through from a Disney Park East or a Disney Park West.   This week we serve up both versions of Pooh, from Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, where many of you think the attraction truly belongs, and back to the West coast in Critter Country.  Listen to the subtle differences between the two.  Which do you prefer, and why?  Be sure to comment on the podcast page on the Mouse Lounge website.

We close the show with a duo of Pooh Tracks!  First, from the Walt Disney Records archive collection, the Chieftains perform the title track, Winnie the Pooh.  Then, while not really a Disney tune per se, its hard to separate Winnie the Pooh from one of Kenny Loggins most memorable performances, The Return to Pooh Corner.

Gary Chambers

(805) 270-5785

The Mouse Lounge

http://www.mouselounge.com

Subscribe to our write a review about the Mouse Lounge Podcast:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=180696323  

The Mouse Lounge is a fan-based podcast and is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its subsidiaries.  Non factual statements made by the Mouse Lounge hosts, Gary Chambers and his guests are their current opinions only and are subject to change without notice.  All copyrighted material used with permission or under the Fair Use Doctrine in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act.  Although the information in this program is believed to be reliable, Mr. Chambers, and Mouselounge.com do not make any representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness, nor do they assess, verify or guarantee the suitability of information.