Mousterpiece Melodies

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 9: Make Mine Music

Hey, friends! It's time to beat the heat with a new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies, as Scott and Josh dive into the world of Disney package features once more. This time, they're talking about the 1946 film Make Mine Music, which has (as a Weekend Update guest would say) everything: Dinah Shore, opera-singing whales, and look over there, is that Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter? No, it's a pair of silhouetted ballet dancers. Scott and Josh are joined by film critic Keith Phipps to talk about this film's music, why it's not available on Disney+, and whether this truly is the natural heir to Fantasia. Listen now!

Mousterpiece Melodies: Episode 8 - Mufasa: The Lion King

Hello, friends! Have you always wanted a brother? Well, we hope so, because in this brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies, Scott and Josh are talking about the songs of Mufasa: The Lion King, the 2024 prequel to the absolutely atrocious Jon Favreau remake of the beloved animated film. This week, Scott and Josh are joined by the chief film critic of The Boston Globe, Odie Henderson, to talk about the work of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the placement of songs in this new film, and yes, the songs of Diane Warren. Start listening now! Bye bye!

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 7: Tarzan

Hey, friends! Who's ready for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies? It's the middle of the summer (even if the equinox hasn't arrived yet), and we're just about to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Disney's last big-deal summer animated film of the 20th century. So what better way to honor the ape man himself than by talking about the songs of Tarzan? Scott and Josh are joined in this episode by Myles McNutt of Episodic Medium to talk about the musicianship of Phil Collins, the quality of his lyrics and his percussion, and how the songs of this film may not go quite as hard as some younger Millennials think they do. And, of course, Josh finds more ways than one to reference U Talkin' U2 To Me? in this one, so get ready to dive into the trees and listen to the new show! 

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 6: Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros

Hello, friends! We hope you're ready to jump on the nearest sarape and travel to the countries of Latin America, because that's exactly where we're headed on this new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies! Scott and Josh are joined by special guest Monica Castillo to talk about the songs of Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, and how those songs evoke a distinct time and place within the middle of the Second World War. Do we talk about how horny Donald Duck was in these films? And how horrendous some of the covers of the big songs of this film are? Oh, you bet, but you need to listen to hear all the details!

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 5: The Toy Story Films

Hello, friends! We hope you've stepped away from your room so you can peek in at all your favorite toys to see what they're up to while you're not looking. That's because, in this new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies, Scott and Josh are talking about the songs of all four Toy Story films, covering everything from "You've Got a Friend in Me" to "The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy." They're joined this week by film critic Tim Grierson to discuss the many songs of the franchise, the legendary songwriter behind them, and to drag Michael Buble and Diane Warren. (It'll all make sense in the end.) Check out the new show now!

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 4: Wish

Don't you wish for something more than...this? Are you aware that you, like everyone else, is a shareholder in the universe? Have I blown your mind? Or just confused you, perhaps? If those lyrics aren't enough of a hint, let's break it down and tell you that the latest episode of Mousterpiece Melodies is all about the songs of the 2023 Disney animated film Wish. Wish served as the 100th-anniversary title from Disney, and while it should have been a victory lap, the songs are a hint as to why the film stumbled. Scott and Josh are joined by freelance writer Louis Peitzman to talk about what it is about the songs of this film that just do not work. So, if you're here for a more critical episode, strap in, because this one will make your wish come true.

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 3: Aladdin

Hello, friends! Are you ready for a mysterious and thrilling new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies? In this installment, Josh and Scott are joined by Aisha Harris of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour to talk about the songs of Disney's Aladdin. And yes, that does mean the songs of the 1992 animated classic as well as the songs as they appear in the 2019 live-action/CG...non-classic remake. Josh, Scott, and Aisha discuss the balance of songwriting between the late Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, whether or not the remake is another case of Scott loving Pasek and Paul, and answering the age-old question of what DJ Khaled's deal is. Don't let this podcast turn into a diamond in the rough -- listen now!

Mousterpiece Melodies - Episode 2: Pete's Dragon

Isn't it a brazzle dazzle day, everyone? It must be, because it's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies, the podcast all about the songs of Disney movies. This time around, Josh and Scott are headed to the small town of Passamaquoddy to learn all about the story of Pete's Dragon, the 1977 film about a boy, his animated dragon, and the con artist who wants to steal that dragon away. 
 
Josh and Scott are joined by their first guest this week, Bilge Ebiri of New York Magazine and Vulture, to discuss the Oscar-nominated song "Candle on the Water," as well as the other nine original songs in the film. Do all of the other songs hold up to scrutiny? Should this film be turned into a Broadway musical? And which song is Bilge going to perform off the cuff? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!

Mousterpiece Melodies - Episode 1: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Are you ready for a whole new world of Disney podcasting? It's time for Mousterpiece Melodies, a new bi-weekly show all about the songs of Disney movies, from film critics Josh Spiegel and Scott renshaw. We begin this comprehensive and encyclopedic compendium of all things Disney music with a lengthy discussion of the songs of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the songs of the 2025 remake Snow White. Sit back, listen, and enjoy!