Mousterpiece Melodies

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 13: Mary Poppins

Hey, folks! As we fully move into the fall, the winds are blowing a certain mysterious way, at least in the neck of the woods of the fair podcast Mousterpiece Melodies. Could it be that the practically perfect nanny Mary Poppins is here? Indeed -- on this week's epic-length episode, Josh and Scott talk about the 16 songs of the 1964 classic film about the enigmatic and charming nanny and the Banks family, whose lives are forever changed by her magic. Are there any songs here that could be removed? Should the song that won the Best Original Song Oscar have even been nominated? And how does a certain animated family from Springfield factor in? Well, you'll have to listen to the show to find out!

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 12: Cinderella

Hey, friends! We're b-b-b-b-b-back! Scott and Josh are back in action, podcasting once more as a new season of Mousterpiece Melodies begins. This time around, they're moving up in the history of princess films from the original Snow White and this time covering the songs of the 1950 classic Cinderella instead. After briefly explaining why their hiatus took a little longer than usual, Scott and Josh dive into the film's original songs, its lovely lead singer, some dubious sidekick voices, and even more dubious covers. Check out the new show now!

Mousterpiece Melodies - Episode 11: Tangled

Hey, friends! Do you have a dream of listening to a new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies? Well, you can see the light (on your smartphone or wherever you're listening to this) of that dream come true...because it is indeed time for a new episode, and the first-season finale, of Mousterpiece Melodies! This time, Scott and Josh are joined by freelance critic Matt Goldberg to talk about the songs of the 2010 film Tangled, as they all let down their hair to get into a bit of a spirited debate about this whole film as well as its songs. Is this the best Disney musical of the 21st century? Does it have too few characters? Are you going to be able to wait for new episodes of the show until later this fall? Listen to find out and prepare for that brief hiatus!

Mousterpiece Melodies -- Episode 10: Robin Hood

Hello, friends! It's time for another new episode of Mousterpiece Melodies, and this week, Scott and Josh are headed to Nottingham to talk about the songs of the 1973 animated film Robin Hood with guest Alan Zilberman. This film has a passionate cult fanbase, and it's time to decide if that should extend to the film's songs, including its sole Oscar nominee. Does this movie not get enough credit for tuneful music? Does its visual design cause the music to stumble somewhat? Is Josh going to mansplain animation technique to you? The answer to the last question is an unfortunate yes, but you can still get excited to listen to the new show!

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.