While browsing around my local store the other day, I ran across a CD I had heard mentioned around the Internet a few times, "Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory Favorites." I didn't think that much of it, but what next caught my eye was "Featuring Riders in the Sky." Being a big Riders fan, I rushed right up to the checkout counter with my new find.

"Scream Factory Favorites" features songs inspired by the Disney/Pixar release Monsters, Inc.. It could also be considered a follow-up to the award-winning "Woody's Roundup" CD, featuring songs inspired by the Toy Story movies, also by Riders in the Sky.

The CD opens with the Riders' version of "If I Didn't Have You," the Academy Award-winning song from Monsters, Inc. Next is a monsterized version of the classic "Doo-Wah Diddy Diddy." The rest of the songs are originals, all written by Riders in the Sky. While most of the songs of "Woody's Roundup" had a Western feel to them, many of these have more of a '50s feel to them, keeping with the style of the movie. But the Riders don't sound too much out of their element here. There's the "Monsters, Inc. March," a song about monsters "Under The Bed," and even a "Monster's Jubilee." "Lullaby For Boo" is sung by Sonya Isaacs, the only song not sung by Riders in the Sky. Clever lyrics abound, such as in "I Only Have Eye For You" (sample lyric - Are you whispering "I love you" or is it only your hairdo hissing?). Roz even gets a song, titled "Paperwork." There are also two of the Riders' trademark instrumentals. "Big High Wire Hop" was the song the Riders wrote and performed for the Academy Award-winning Pixar short For the Birds. Also included is an instrumental version of "If I Didn't Have You."

Riders in the Sky have been together for more than 20 years, preserving the heritage of classic Western music. Ranger Doug is known for his smooth vocals and wonderful yodel. Woody Paul, the King of the Cowboy Fiddlers, twirls a mean lasso. Too Slim plays the Bunkhouse Bass, as well as his face, and he gives us a small sample of the latter talent in the instrumental version of "If I Didn't Have You." And Joey the Cow Polka King adds his wonderful accordion sounds to the mix.

This new CD was released just in time for the home video release of Monsters, Inc. The 13 songs should provide hours of enjoyment for both kids, with its fun-sounding songs, as well as for adults, with some clever lyrics always found in songs by Riders in the Sky. Although you will probably find it in the Kids Music section, this CD is great for the whole family.

- Story by Steve Burns; Artwork ©Disney
Posted

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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