Jim Hill
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Anyway ... back to our DCA CD review, already in progress ...
Of course, another fine selection on this soundtrack is the theme song for the Bay Area's "Golden Dreams" show, "Just One Dream." But -- then again -- Disney really took no chances when it came to this song. That's why they hired the very best in the business: Walter Afanasieff. (Disneyana fans may remember Walter from the work he did with Alan Menken & Howard Ashman's "Beauty and the Beast." He's the guy who took that pretty little show tune and turned into the monstrous, chart topping mega-hit that was sung by Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson.)
Anywho, Disney wanted Afanasieff to work his magic again with this DCA theme song. That's why Walter decided to recruit Heather Headley -- the Tony Award winning star of Disney's Broadway smash, "Aida" -- to handle the lead vocal on the tune. The end result is a great piece of material hammered home by a pro with a tremendous set of pipes. Listening to this track on the recording, you may not tear up (As audiences often do while watching the tail end of "Golden Dreams" and its emotionally manipulative film montage as it's accompanied by Heather's soaring vocals). But -- then again -- maybe you will.
The "Music of Disney's California" CD also manages to go out on a high note -- as Thornton's team assembles a 9 minute long audio recreation of "Eureka! - A California Parade." The recording for this elaborate street pageant (featuring yet another memorable tune by Bruce Healey) is just as upbeat and exciting as the parade itself is.
Again -- as you listen to this recording -- you can't help but think that Disney's California Adventure must be this absolutely incredible theme park. Well, DCA *IS* fun. But not as nearly as much fun as Randy Thornton and his musical magicians at Walt Disney Records make the place out to be.
That said, is this DCA soundtrack recording perfect? Well ... It would have been nice to have a little something on here from "Muppetvision 3D" or that incredible "Disney Animation" exhibit. But -- these minor quibbles aside -- there's a reason that this "Music from Disney's California Adventure" soundtrack keeps selling at DCA's stores: It's actually better than the theme park itself.
You wanna a copy of your very own? You can stop by Disney's California Adventure today and hope that they haven't sold out again. Or you can give DelivEars a call at 1 (800-362-4533) today. But pick it up soon. You won't be disappointed.
By the recording, I mean. As for DCA itself ... Let's not get into that now, shall we?
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-- Jim Hill
Jim Hill can be reached using the Talkback form below or by emailing him at [email protected].
Jim Hill is this guy who lives 'way out in the woods of New Hampshire. (Hey, it's not like he wants to live there. But the Witness Protection Program has got rules, you know.) He has one beautiful daughter and three obnoxious cats. When he's not looking for real work, Jim writes about the Walt Disney Company and related matters for LaughingPlace.com, AmusementPark.com, "Orlando Weekly" and Digital Media FX.
The opinions expressed by Jim Hill, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the past decisions and future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted May 10, 2001