Today marks the birthday of arguably one of the most influential men to walk the universe i.e. Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. As such, I can’t let this momentous day go by without sharing this super cool album (which I actually remembered a few days ago thanks to Joseph’s post). It’s a rather clever idea: a collection of popular Muppet songs covered and reinterpreted by contemporary artists.
I initially thought that the album would be an unfortunate compilation of saccharine tween-y pop and banal, maudlin ballads, but when I sampled some of the songs, I was relieved to be proven otherwise. The Green Album features a diverse selection of artists, with styles ranging from alternative metal (Amy Lee) to indie pop (Sondre Lerche). It’s hard, then, not to find at least one song on the album you like. My favorite track? The Fray’s quirky rendition of “Mahna Mahna.” It puts a smile on my face every time I listen to it, which I guess is ultimately what Henson’s ingenious Muppets are all about.
Click here to listen to the album.
I’ve got the album already. It really is brilliant. But your favorite song is Mahna Mahna? Over the clearly better and more clever songs like Rainbow Connection, Moving Right Along, and I Hope That Something Better Comes Along? If you can listen to the Rainbow Connection cover without tearing up, you must not be human.
You’re right on some level, but I think that Mahna Mahna holds its own. I mean, come on – how can you deny the genius artistry behind a song whose only lyric is Mahna? It’s just plain endearing.
I guess I should mention, though, that what clinched the whole album for me was “Our World” by My Morning Jacket. Great song, great band. That’s more than I can say for “Rainbow Connection.” Don’t get me wrong – I like the original song, but I think Weezer and Hayley Williams did it a huge disservice. There are better versions out there that, incidentally, do make me tear up. So what do you say – can I still be classified as a hominid? 🙂
P.S. Thanks for commenting!
My problem with The Fray’s Mahna Mahna was not in it not being a great song. The problem is that The Fray brought nothing new to the table. In no way did they make the song their own, or shift the style at all. They simply sang a great song. Which is OK, but nothing special.
On the other hand, the duet version of Rainbow Connection added a beautifully emotional style to the already classic song, which I feel only enhanced its message.
But if I had to pick one song that truly captured the essence of the original, while still changing it up in a way that made it feel fresh and new, I would have to go with Moving Right Along by Alkaline Trio. Simply excellent.
It is adorable to hear my students debating the artistic merits of cover versions of Mahna Mahna and Rainbow connection:>)