The Official Albums for 2008!
- Thread starter Randy Thornton
- Start date
Not to sound picky, but you would do better to scan the inside booklet instead of the outside of the digipack. Yes, I know the booklet is glued to the digipack, but you can still scan it without problem. You will get a traditional CD square image (the digipack is actually rectangular) that doesn't have any rounded or dented corners.
almandot
Member
Yes but it's not the true cover even if it would have been had this been in a plastic case 
And not to let the Magic Kingdom thing rule the entire discussion of the CD..
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage track is wonderful And the Happiest Place on Earth track is almost the exact track played on the parade route so you know what to expect of it.
For a second I thought they skipped the volcano scene but I realized that without the fish doing the war chant and the volcano explosions going off there isn't much to that part of the score.
I do hope that one day more people in charge can get behind these things and realize that people like me are paying $20 for essentially 2 new tracks and that maybe a parade release wouldn't be a horrible thing. (p.s. Randy if you ever wanna butt your nose into whoever's in charge of the new DL parade and see if they were considering a cd release for it feel free. Same for pixar play )
And not to let the Magic Kingdom thing rule the entire discussion of the CD..
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage track is wonderful
And the Happiest Place on Earth track is almost the exact track played on the parade route so you know what to expect of it.For a second I thought they skipped the volcano scene but I realized that without the fish doing the war chant and the volcano explosions going off there isn't much to that part of the score.
I do hope that one day more people in charge can get behind these things and realize that people like me are paying $20 for essentially 2 new tracks and that maybe a parade release wouldn't be a horrible thing. (p.s. Randy if you ever wanna butt your nose into whoever's in charge of the new DL parade and see if they were considering a cd release for it feel free
. Same for pixar play )
Gurgitoy2
Active Member
"I do hope that one day more people can get behind these things and realize that people like me are paying $20 for essentially 2 new tracks and that maybe a parade release wouldn't be a horrible thing."
Tell me about it! Although a part of me thinks they're happy just the way things are...they make more money off of us!
Thanks for posting the cover art too, even if it's a rectangle. I have to say, I think whoever did it wasn't very good. Although it's still not as bad as the last "Remember the Moments" version...UGH. Still, the choice of a nighttime shot of Sleeping Beauty castl...with morning light is odd. Plus, the morning shot of the Matterhorn, and then fireworks, night sky, and a bright-as-day Mickey & Minnie?? It's just so haphazard that it looks like a really bad photoshop project. Anyway, I'll still be happy to own it.
Oh, and Randy, can we PLEASE retire the "Swanee River" track that's been in rotation since the 1980 Official Album? I think it's time for a break!
Tell me about it! Although a part of me thinks they're happy just the way things are...they make more money off of us!
Thanks for posting the cover art too, even if it's a rectangle. I have to say, I think whoever did it wasn't very good. Although it's still not as bad as the last "Remember the Moments" version...UGH. Still, the choice of a nighttime shot of Sleeping Beauty castl...with morning light is odd. Plus, the morning shot of the Matterhorn, and then fireworks, night sky, and a bright-as-day Mickey & Minnie?? It's just so haphazard that it looks like a really bad photoshop project. Anyway, I'll still be happy to own it.
Oh, and Randy, can we PLEASE retire the "Swanee River" track that's been in rotation since the 1980 Official Album? I think it's time for a break!
Yes but it's not the true cover even if it would have been had this been in a plastic case
I hear ya'. But, personally, I'd rather have the square aspect ratio that is going to match 99% of my CDs. I can do without the superimposed "2 Disc Set" and "Authentic ? Official ? Disney Parks" graphics - the only differences - that I am more inclined to compare to stickers on the outside of the plastic wrap than I am to actual elements of the artwork.
JungleBumCT
Member
Oh, and Randy, can we PLEASE retire the "Swanee River" track that's been in rotation since the 1980 Official Album? I think it's time for a break!
I kinda like the fact that "Swanee River" continues to hang around, and I think it's still relevant because of the major influences Dixie and Dixieland Jazz have on DL's theming in the western half of the park. I wouldn't mind seeing it replaced with a familiar Side Street Strutters tune, but I think the South's (and New Orleans in particular) influence on DL should continue to be represented on the OA.
Almandot, I hear you on the $20 for 2 tracks. I think it's unfortunate that the target market of the OA's isn't the die-hard fan or the completist. I'm not necessarily stingy, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to waste so much money on just a couple tracks. It would make me sick to do the math and figure out just how many times I've bought these songs.
almandot
Member
I know that and have advocated that to other people who criticize the OA, my criticism is usually about not having a problem with what's on the OA so long as it's supplemented with other releases. I.E. I didn't care if only a yo ho mix was available on the OA because it's a souvenir album because there was a full release album for the ride put out as well. I still can't imagine that if parade of dreams had been sitting on the shelves on may 5th, 2005 that it wouldn't have done decently well.
If the target market is truly driving sales of the OA album at DLand and not a large portion of local fans then it'd be nice to have some sort of rebate system where if you buy one years you can get an extra 20% off next years or something though since it'll be mostly the same(I can hear the laughter emanating from burbank right now). I've been skipping a year usually and that's been a pretty good system for me, like I didn't buy the 2005 2-disc for disneyland and didn't buy the 2006 2-disc for wdw, but this year got both cuz I wanted the sub track for DL.
If the target market is truly driving sales of the OA album at DLand and not a large portion of local fans then it'd be nice to have some sort of rebate system where if you buy one years you can get an extra 20% off next years or something though since it'll be mostly the same(I can hear the laughter emanating from burbank right now
). I've been skipping a year usually and that's been a pretty good system for me, like I didn't buy the 2005 2-disc for disneyland and didn't buy the 2006 2-disc for wdw, but this year got both cuz I wanted the sub track for DL.
Gurgitoy2
Active Member
"I kinda like the fact that "Swanee River" continues to hang around, and I think it's still relevant because of the major influences Dixie and Dixieland Jazz have on DL's theming in the western half of the park. I wouldn't mind seeing it replaced with a familiar Side Street Strutters tune, but I think the South's (and New Orleans in particular) influence on DL should continue to be represented on the OA."
Yeah, but there could be an area music track on there to replace it. There isn't a real reason to keep the same old track that was probably recorded sometime in the '70's (and not heard by that group in the park since) on a current DL OA. The 50th boxed set had "Alexanders Ragtime Band" on there as area music for NOSQ, so why not just put more area music on there instead?
Yeah, but there could be an area music track on there to replace it. There isn't a real reason to keep the same old track that was probably recorded sometime in the '70's (and not heard by that group in the park since) on a current DL OA. The 50th boxed set had "Alexanders Ragtime Band" on there as area music for NOSQ, so why not just put more area music on there instead?
JungleBumCT
Member
I actually heard the Batchelors play "Swanee River" the last time I was in DL (in 2006). I hear you, though. I wouldn't mind a fitting replacement. That way I'd be paying $20 for 3 tracks instead of 2!
Randy Thornton
Member
Actually, ?Alexander?s Ragtime Band? was for Main Street U.S.A. and was performed by Rod Miller. I used ?Happy Rag? from the George Bruns and the Wonderland Jazz Band album ?Deep In the Heart of Dixieland? (available on iTunes ? end of shameless plug). Admittedly, that really isn?t from the park (which is why I haven?t used it again), but George Bruns was instrumental in the Dixieland at Disneyland series of events at the park, and I felt that was a good way to represent both the atmosphere and a ?tip of the hat? to Mr. Bruns? contributions over the years on the 50th set.
To date, there hasn?t been any area music from New Orleans Square that I could release. Like Main Street, I cannot use Needle- Drops (recordings from other labels), and very little of the live entertainment has been properly recorded. I?m looking into a new track as I feel that there needs to be an obvious New Orleans jazz element to transition from Adventureland to New Orleans Square. Hopefully, by the time of the next update, Swanee could be sent up the River.
With there not being an updated album next year, it opens up opportunities for ?other? kinds of releases. Don?t take that to be a confirmation of anything other than I see an opportunity and I have a clear idea on how we can use it.
As I mentioned in the ?History of the Official Album? thread, these albums are unique to the industry. I know of no other album series that gets updated where most content stays the same with a few tracks of previously overlooked and new attractions are added. I know it?s frustrating to the enthusiasts, but the album has to represent the parks at the moment. Hard to believe I know, but most folks don?t buy every addition when it comes out. Years or even decades pass before they pick one up. Some don?t know these albums existed before they saw one on their last trip. --- Case in point, reading the comments on a petition forum ?that shall not be named?, most comments are ?Disney should release it's music from the parks so people can take it home with them.? My reaction was "What? You haven?t heard of the Official Albums. The albums that have been offering exactly what you?re requesting here for the past 36 years ? flog that person!!! TWICE!!"
Personally, Almandot?s method is one that I would recommend ? pass on several updates so when you finally get the album there are enough tracks to warrant the cost. But, keep in mind that many of the major enhancements I?ve done over the last 8 years is pretty much over, and there will only be minor changes (as the parks change) in the years to come. Which is why we should look at what I said, 2 blathering paragraphs back, as an opportunity to feed that music monkey on all our backs.
Randy
To date, there hasn?t been any area music from New Orleans Square that I could release. Like Main Street, I cannot use Needle- Drops (recordings from other labels), and very little of the live entertainment has been properly recorded. I?m looking into a new track as I feel that there needs to be an obvious New Orleans jazz element to transition from Adventureland to New Orleans Square. Hopefully, by the time of the next update, Swanee could be sent up the River.
With there not being an updated album next year, it opens up opportunities for ?other? kinds of releases. Don?t take that to be a confirmation of anything other than I see an opportunity and I have a clear idea on how we can use it.
As I mentioned in the ?History of the Official Album? thread, these albums are unique to the industry. I know of no other album series that gets updated where most content stays the same with a few tracks of previously overlooked and new attractions are added. I know it?s frustrating to the enthusiasts, but the album has to represent the parks at the moment. Hard to believe I know, but most folks don?t buy every addition when it comes out. Years or even decades pass before they pick one up. Some don?t know these albums existed before they saw one on their last trip. --- Case in point, reading the comments on a petition forum ?that shall not be named?, most comments are ?Disney should release it's music from the parks so people can take it home with them.? My reaction was "What? You haven?t heard of the Official Albums. The albums that have been offering exactly what you?re requesting here for the past 36 years ? flog that person!!! TWICE!!"
Personally, Almandot?s method is one that I would recommend ? pass on several updates so when you finally get the album there are enough tracks to warrant the cost. But, keep in mind that many of the major enhancements I?ve done over the last 8 years is pretty much over, and there will only be minor changes (as the parks change) in the years to come. Which is why we should look at what I said, 2 blathering paragraphs back, as an opportunity to feed that music monkey on all our backs.
Randy
Dr. Know
Member
I have been meaning to thank and congratulate Randy for the new 2008 official album for WDW. I am thrilled with the Spaceship Earth track, as well as the decision to include the load music for O' Canada. Those tracks, combined with the gorgeous China medley, Soarin', Ellen's Energy Adventure overture, and the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience theme make this compilation a real winner! I think it will have great crossover appeal among film music fans (like myself). Anyway, thanks again Randy for coming through for us. Your efforts are GREATLY appreciated!!
Gurgitoy2
Active Member
"Actually, ?Alexander?s Ragtime Band? was for Main Street U.S.A. and was performed by Rod Miller. I used ?Happy Rag? from the George Bruns and the Wonderland Jazz Band"
Oops! That's what I meant to say though...I just got mixed up for a bit. What about the "Firehouse Five Plus Two" stuff? Isn't that still used as area music in New Orleans Square? I could swear it was at one point. I'm not sure how hard that would be to get though...
Thanks for answering the question though. On one hand I'm kind of depressed that this is kind of the end of the long run of great OA's you've produced over the years. Hopefully once things get swinging over at DCA, there will be a new album for the new stuff over there. Still, you did put in some hopeful thoughts in that post with a look to a new kind of release from the parks. I'd love more entertainment stuff, as well as maybe attraction specific CD's. I really have no clue what your goal is, but I'm sure it's something we'll all appreciate.
Oops! That's what I meant to say though...I just got mixed up for a bit. What about the "Firehouse Five Plus Two" stuff? Isn't that still used as area music in New Orleans Square? I could swear it was at one point. I'm not sure how hard that would be to get though...
Thanks for answering the question though. On one hand I'm kind of depressed that this is kind of the end of the long run of great OA's you've produced over the years. Hopefully once things get swinging over at DCA, there will be a new album for the new stuff over there. Still, you did put in some hopeful thoughts in that post with a look to a new kind of release from the parks. I'd love more entertainment stuff, as well as maybe attraction specific CD's. I really have no clue what your goal is, but I'm sure it's something we'll all appreciate.
Club 33
Playlist Author
Well, if I can chime in on the "why spend $20 for two tracks?" argument, my feeling is this. First of all, with my purchase I'm supporting the institution of the official album itself, and in particular the frequent releases and upgrade to 2 discs of recent years. It's simple economics, Disney will continue to produce and sell updated official albums so long as there is a market for it (eg. people buy them). Lest we forget, as Randy's "History of the Official Album" thread indicates, there were stretches were official albums went decades without receiving anything more than new cover art, and at times were consolidated down to one disc for both resorts. We've all been spoiled with receiving new two disc sets practically every year, not to mention a national one disc release and the Musical History set. While it may be a few years before the next update this time, those releases and "other" releases Randy may have up his sleeve will be fueled by people going out and shelling out for them.
Secondly, you're supporting the artist. Part of that money is going into the pockets (perhaps indirectly, but I digress) of the composers and performers of this great music. They deserve our support, and especially if you get some of your music from, shall we say "ulterior" sources, it feels great to go out and buy this music legally and knowing that you are supporting the work of the artists.
So there's my two sense. Now if my backorderd copy of those 3000 in the warehouse could just mosey on out here to CA, that'd be great...
Secondly, you're supporting the artist. Part of that money is going into the pockets (perhaps indirectly, but I digress) of the composers and performers of this great music. They deserve our support, and especially if you get some of your music from, shall we say "ulterior" sources, it feels great to go out and buy this music legally and knowing that you are supporting the work of the artists.
So there's my two sense. Now if my backorderd copy of those 3000 in the warehouse could just mosey on out here to CA, that'd be great...
The previously mentioned World of Disney end cap display was fully stocked with the CD on Saturday morning ... but it was completely sold out again by early Saturday evening.
There are pallets lining the street outside of the World of Disney right this minute ... maybe one of them has another box of CDs.
"Why spend $20 for two tracks?"... Another way to think about it is that hey, one track is 15 minutes long, so you're paying $20 for about 17 minutes of new park music. I'm sure plenty of us would easily spend $20 for our "holy grail" tracks that we've been searching for. And we can always wait for the next album update in a few years as suggested, but I don't think many of us are that patient.
And a big thanks to Randy for working to get new audio released! I wish they'd invite you to the parade production meetings whenever they make a new parade to encourage them to get the music rights in advance.
And a big thanks to Randy for working to get new audio released! I wish they'd invite you to the parade production meetings whenever they make a new parade to encourage them to get the music rights in advance.
JungleBumCT
Member
Right, and so apparently are enough non-Disney music fanatic park visitors that the company has chosen them as their target market. Believe me, the institution of the OA wouldn't suffer if everybody on this forum decided not to buy it. We're not who they're gunning for.
Right, and I've been supporting and putting money into those pockets for the same songs over and over for three decades. So forgive me if I'm not enthusiastic about the fact that the only way I can get the new songs is by buying the old ones for the 18th time.
I don't mean to argue or be bitter here, but the "supporting the artists" arguments don't wash with me when it comes to OA's.
Indeed I probably would, but in this case my "holy grail" track would be an updated Pirates medley, which didn't happen on this OA for some reason. So not only do we get a track that is no longer fully representative of the attraction, but I'd be schilling out $20 bucks to buy the same recycled Pirates loops yet again.
You have a point with the new subs music, and being a completist, I'll fork over the dough. But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it.
Club 33
Playlist Author
Well let's not make assumptions. I'm sure there is a perfectly good reason why the track hasn't been updated; most likely because of licensing issues. I'm sure if Randy was able to put an updated medley on there he would. One thing we sure of however is that they aren't keeping it off for purposes of ripping you off. Let's be happy with what we've got.
And don't forget, no one is forcing you to buy the album. No one. You don't "have" to spend your 25 bucks if you don't want to. Simple as that.