Muppet Retro Reviews: Kermit Unpigged

Kyle Mahoney - The same year as Muppet Classic Theatre was released, Jim Henson Records released its last album entitled Kermit Unpigged, a pun on the commonly used phrase "unplugged," meaning acoustic. This album had the Muppets singing duets with various 90s celebrities.

The album has a storyline to it, similar to Bert and Ernie's Sing Along (1975). Kermit and the rest of the Muppets, except Miss Piggy go to the recording studio to record their latest album and they happen upon Ernestine, the front desk lady played by Lily Tomlin who gives them confusing instructions on how to get to their recording booth. They Muppets all go their separate ways looking for the booth.

Kermit soon gets a call from Miss Piggy who wants to talk about their relationship, which leads to the first song "She Drives Me Crazy." This was the main song used in advertisements and was the only song to receive a music video featuring a slew of celebrity cameos. After an argument about who drives who crazy more, Piggy hangs up.

A distraught Kermit walks into the recording booth of Vince Gil who helps him forget his issues by just laying back and watching the clouds in the sky by singing the song "Daydream." In another studio, Rizzo and several rats are playing around when Clifford informs them that the studio belongs to George Benson. He walks in on them and instead of kicking the rodents out, he allows them to stay and sings a duet of "On Broadway" with Clifford and the rats who so happen to live under Broadway.

Kermit comes across a familiar face from The Muppet Show: Linda Ronstadt, who back in 1980 had quite the crush on Kermit. Her feelings are still intact as she politely forces Kermit to sing "All I Have To Do Is Dream," a sweet, lilting ballad.

Miss Piggy eventually gets to the studio and to no surprise begins looking for Kermit. Instead of finding him, she stumbles into the booth of Ozzy Osbourne. He invites her in and begins to sing "Born to be Wild," and at first she is hesitant but decides to get into it. Afterward, a hungry Rizzo happens upon "Jimmy's Buffet" but Gonzo soon tells him the sad truth. Rizzo goes down the hall to a door labeled "Meatloaf" and Gonzo goes inside. Jimmy tells Gonzo about his extraterrestrial adventures through the song "Mr. Spaceman," perhaps this was part of the inspiration for Muppets from Space.

Next, Kermit finds Don Henley who decides to sing the classic "Bein' Green" with Kermit. After Don leaves, Kermit is left alone and begins to sing an acoustic version of "Wild Thing" on a ukulele. Animal and Floyd walk in and Animal begins to take control of the song. Floyd takes the vocals and it is one of the last full vocal performances of Floyd by Jerry Nelson (and it's great).

Floyd and Animal leave and Robin comes in the studio with his uncle. The two decide to enjoy the alone time and sing "Can't Get Along Without You." This is once again a beautiful performance by Jerry Nelson and perhaps the best track on the album--a really underrated Muppet song. In the final song, all of the Muppets are finally in the right booth and they record the Beatles classic: "All Together Now." After the song the Muppets begin to leave as the secretary ask who is paying and they all scatter out of the studio leaving Kermit to pay the bill.

This album is a great example of the vocal performances of the early 90s Muppet performers. Steve Whitmire had perfectly gotten his Kermit down and, as previously stated, it was one of the last singing performances of Jerry Nelson as Robin and Floyd. This also was one of the rare pre-Muppets Tonight performances of Clifford; especially since 1994 was one the heights of Elmo's popularity.

Kermit Unpigged isn't one of the most remembered Muppet moments, nor is it the best thing to ever happen to the Muppets. But it is fun, catchy, and a treat to listen to in its entirety or just for one song.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

THE MUPPETS Original Soundtrack Review

 THE MUPPETS ORIGINAL MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

Review by Ryan Dosier

This article contains detailed information on the soundtrack for The Muppets. If you wish to remain completely unspoiled on the movie or its songs, you may want to hold off on reading this article until sometime next week.
 
Ryan Dosier - On November 21st, The Muppets Original Movie Soundtrack will be hitting store shelves all across the country and be available for digital download via iTunes and Amazon.com. I was lucky enough to acquire the soundtrack early and I'm thrilled to say that I haven't stopped listening to it for two days. It's such a delight hearing new, quality Muppet music performed by the incredible voices of the Muppeteers along with great vocals from Jason Segel, Amy Adams, and Chris Cooper.

There are 30 tracks on the soundtrack, half of which are short dialogue tracks used to introduce (and in one case close) the musical tracks. The dialogue ranges from about four to twenty seconds long, so they hardly get in the way, but some of them provide some good context for the music that is to come. Though they are fun to have, none of the songs are missing anything when the dialogue isn't present. Just think of the dialogue tracks as a nice little bonus when you listen to the soundtrack the whole way through, in order.

The album hits the ground rolling with a fun, raucous redo of "The Muppet Show Theme" that we all knew was coming. Unfortunately, there is nothing too spectacular present here. Yes, all the voices sound wonderful--Steve Whitmire's Kermit is especially a treat to hear in this classic--but it's a complete copy of "The Muppet Show Theme" we've always heard. This song works a lot better with the added visual of a complete reconstruction of the theme on the movie screen. Getting to see the Muppets put on their show again adds an immeasurable amount to the song we all know and love.

"Life's a Happy Song" is one of my favorite songs on the soundtrack and is quickly becoming one of my favorite Muppet songs of all time. This track introduces us to the characters of Gary (Jason Segel, surprisingly comfortable and adept singing here) and Walter (performed by the soothingly-voiced Peter Linz who brings heart, soul, and humor to the character just through the voice) as well as a brief solo from Mary (Amy Adams, whose attempts at being funny don't fall short here) and extremely quick vocal cameos from Feist and Mickey Rooney. The brilliance of this song is that it's just so wonderfully happy and unbelievably catchy. You'll be humming the chorus ("Everything is great, everything is grand, I've got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand! Everything is perfect, it's falling into place, I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face!") for days and you won't be mad about that at all. This song works on so many wonderful levels. It's exciting, it's fun, and it's happy. Segel and, especially, Walter carry this tune to a new height, making it a true highlight of the soundtrack and the film itself.

The second song in the film and the third on the soundtrack is Kermit the Frog's heart-wrenching ballad, "Pictures in My Head" which also features Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, The Swedish Chef, and The Electric Mayhem. This song is unbelievably touching and hits all the right notes of emotion with a nice influx of humor as well. There are so many beautiful lyrics in this song, but the stand out is easily, "If we could do it all again... just another chance to entertain... would anybody watch or even care? Or did something break we can't repair?" This line is not only poetic and lovely, but it says so, so much about the Muppets and their recent plights to regain fame and fans. Thankfully, Fozzie (who sounds perfect thanks to Eric Jacobson), Gonzo (the irreplaceable Dave Goelz), Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth (both the pitch-perfect Bill Barretta) and harmonies from the rest of The Electric Mayhem (Matt Vogel, David Rudman, et al) make this song soar as they sing along with Kermit. "Pictures in My Head" is beautiful and will give you chills every time you hear it. A truly perfect piece.

Next, we hear Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," which is only used in the movie for its beautiful guitar melodies. No lyrics from the song appear in the film at all. Later in the soundtrack we also here Starship's "We Built This City," which takes place while the Muppets clean up the theater. I don't have much to say about these two songs, since they aren't Muppefied... but they do work well in the film.

Fozzie Bear leads a rendition of "Rainbow Connection" that I never thought I would hear... one that shills for a Reno casino and hotel. The Moopets join Fozzie as back-up in this song while he sings such wonderfully funny lines as, "Why are there such great deals on our hotel rooms?" and "Our wedding chapel is 24 hours, no marriage certificate is needed." It's funny, it's Fozzie, and it works. Such a cute, stupid (in a good way) little novelty song that they didn't have to include on the soundtrack... but one I'm really glad they did. Again, Fozzie sounds perfect with the voice of Eric Jacobson, who never ceases to amaze me.

Up next is "Me Party" with Mary (Amy Adams) and Miss Piggy. I mentioned in my review of the movie that this was the only part that left me feeling "Meh," and I feel the same way about the song itself. Both Amy Adams and Miss Piggy have great voices here (Piggy, especially, sounds excellent) but the song itself is just... odd. It doesn't fit the tone of the rest of the music and the lyrics seem rushed. I think this song would have worked a lot better if it was an actual, planned duet with the two leading ladies. Instead, it's just Amy and Piggy singing separately, harmonizing only on one verse. It's just weird, and the low point of the soundtrack for me.

Chris Cooper gets to test his rapping chops (bet the Academy wasn't expecting that when they gave him the Oscar) with the hysterical and catchy "Let's Talk About Me." This song is oozing villainy, greed, and clever lyrics. Bret McKenzie's impressive lyrical skills shine here, as well as Chris Cooper's surprisingly well-suited for hip-hop voice. This is actually an extended version of the song that appears in the film, and provides some background context for why Richman hates the Muppets. In the movie, the song is much shorter (and works much better that way for the movie), but having the full version on the soundtrack is great. The included dialogue clip featuring Richman and Kermit is hysterical and is the perfect pay-off for the song.

Possibly my favorite song in the entire film... "Man or Muppet" sung by Jason Segel and Walter is perfect. Jason's singing is, once again, surprisingly fantastic, but not even he can match Walter. His adorable, spine-tingling voice is just beautiful in this song. Peter Linz shows us exactly why he was the perfect choice for Walter here with his sweet, lifting voice alongside Jason. The lyrics are awesome, and I think, "If I'm a man, that makes me a Muppet of a man" might become my new catchphrase. What I really love about this song, though, is the way it plays out in the film. One revealing shot during the song will have you laughing so hard that you might not hear the rest of the lyrics. I can't say enough how much I love this song. If we're looking for Oscar-worthy songs on this soundtrack, "Life's a Happy Song" is the standout, but "Man or Muppet" is a very close second.

Without a doubt the most exciting and unexpected song on the soundtrack for Muppet fans is "Smells Like Teen Spirit," the Nirvana classic covered by The Muppet Barbershop Quartet consisting of Sam the Eagle, Rowlf the Dog, Link Hogthrob, and Beaker. This unbelievable matching of characters and song is a true callback to The Muppet Show as it pairs the Muppets with a barbershop-rendition of a hard-rock song. I also have to commend Eric Jacobson, Steve Whitmire, and Bill Barretta on their vocals here, because all four of these characters sound incredible. Sam Eagle has a rich timber to his voice that will have you second guessing whether it's really Frank Oz, Rowlf's gruff soulfulness is spot-on, and Link Hogthrob makes his first major vocal appearance in 20 years, and Steve Whitmire has him sounding just as perfect and smooth and idiotic as ever. It's glorious and it's another personal favorite song of mine.

The funniest song on the soundtrack, by far, is Camilla and the Chickens clucking their way through Cee Lo Green's insanely catchy "Forget You" (or, "Cluck You" for you poultry-minded individuals). I'm a sucker for chicken covers of absolutely any song, and this one is 100% perfect. I really don't have any complaints about this. It's hilarious, it's fun, and it's an amazing treat to sing along with in the car. This scene in the movie is another of my personal favorites, and brings one of the biggest laughs of the whole thing, just because it's chickens clucking on screen in glittery outfits for a minute and a half. What's not to love?

There is no more meaningful song in the Muppet world than "Rainbow Connection." The Paul Williams classic carries the message, spirit, and beauty of the Muppets like nothing else. On this soundtrack, it's sung by Kermit, Miss Piggy, and all of the Muppets in an amazing, soaring, guaranteed-to-give-you-shivers manner that will never disappoint. Steve Whitmire and Eric Jacobson are the perfect harmonists as Kermit and Piggy tackle the opening verses of the song, and the drums that come in for the tail-end of the song are phenomenal, adding an extra level to this already-classic entry. This is my favorite song on the soundtrack. Every time I hear it I smile. Yes, we've heard it before, but never like this. It's an amazing tribute to an amazing song. Perfection.

"The Whistling Caruso" is a whistling wonderment penned by popular singer Andrew Bird, but not performed by him in the film. I won't reveal who does perform this in the movie and how it fits into the wonderful story, but it's magic. I adore this part of the movie, and this song is a part of the reason why. The melody is perfect and it's not too long, not too short. Whistling has never sounded better.

The movie closes with a reprise of "Life's a Happy Song (Finale)" that sends the song to an even higher level (if that was possible). Finally, we get a ton of Muppets joining together to sing a huge song for an amazing dance number that literally shut down Hollywood Boulevard. The song features vocal appearances by Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gary, Mary, Walter, Scooter, Fozzie, The Electric Mayhem, Uncle Deadly, Marvin Suggs and the Muppaphones, Tex Richman, Statler and Waldorf, Bobo, Beaker, Lew Zealand, Swedish Chef, Sweetums, Beautiful Day Monster, rats, penguins, chickens, and a whole chorus of others. I will never not be amazed by the fact that Marvin Suggs and Uncle Deadly have solo lines in a song from a Muppet movie in 2011. The lyrics are changed a bit for the finale here, but they are still perfect and I might even like them a little bit better here. It's just a wonderful finale that sends you into a million smiles and is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.

The album closes with the original version of "Mahna Mahna" performed by Jim Henson. It's lovely to have Jim's voice included on this soundtrack, and "Mahna Mahna" is always fun to have.

I really can't talk about how glorious this soundtrack is enough. The songs will lift your spirits, make you smile, and have you singing along with them for days and days to come. Whether you buy this soundtrack when it is released on Monday, November 21st or wait to buy it until after you've seen the movie, you are guaranteed a musical treat. So, what I'm saying is... buy this soundtrack. The Muppets and your ears will thank you.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Another Look at "The Green Album"

Muppets: The Green Album - Riding Up the Down Elevator

 Green Album Fan-Drawn Cover by Danny Beckwith

Catherine Edwards - Some of you younger fans will never know the stunned surprise of listening to elevator music that has been made out of—gasp!—all the cool songs that you sang along with/danced to when you were young, because some of you are too... um... some of you apparently haven't ever ridden in elevators. But take it from me, a veteran of elevators (and their predecessors, stairs), that there is nothing that will jolt you back in time more than the joyful recognition of an old favorite sung in a completely different way. This album was a lot like that for me—each successive track taking me back and back and way, waaaay off the beaten track as I reminisced through years of Muppet listening.

A word of warning—this isn’t really going to be a review. This is really just going to be a series of musings on the music on Muppets: The Green Album that may or may not be interesting to you. I'm not trying to sell you on the album, or the artists, or the songs or even the Muppets. But for some of you old-school felt fans who have, um, ridden in elevators for years now, I share my thoughts for what they are worth.

I bought the album with an iTunes gift card that I got for Christmas, and—until now—my fear of annoying technology (i.e., iTunes) had prevented me from using the card. But when I discovered that the album was going to be available as a download within 24 hours of an 8-hour-long car trip I was making, well, I galvanized into action and made myself figure out how to use the card AND download the songs for the road. (That’s two—two—scary technology things in one day! Ah ha ha!) And only three calls to customer service! (I was on a roll.)

The first song, and therefore the whole album, starts off with a sort of mad-scientist's lair technical sound, which buzzed through my ear candy to set my ears aglow. When I heard that sound I kind of figured that all bets were off, and this album was going to be unique—both vocally and musically—and that sounded Muppety to me.

Perhaps I’d better say right now—just for the record—that I didn’t recognize any of the bands or singers on the album—at all. I really can’t imagine that it matters whether I did. I didn't buy the album because of the bands or singers that were on it—I sincerely doubt that any of the bands or singers on the album will have fans who buy the album just because they have one song on it, so I don’t really understand why that should matter. To be frank (as opposed to Jim, or Jerry, I suppose), the Muppets were equal-opportunity maimers of all types of music and I never didn't like a sketch because the music wasn't what I bought when I bought music. Anywho...

The Muppet Show Theme Song - OK Go
The initial sound is edgy and wired, and the other-worldly synthed-out vocals went with that whole vibe. Remember when The Muppet Show was taken over by pigs? This is "The Muppet Show Theme" taken over by mad scientists who have a rock band on the side. It’s full of energy and the bass just thumps you right along. The "Flight of the Bumblebee" bridge in the middle is both a nod to the classics (which most of us heard on cartoons growing up—if you are of an age to ride elevators, that is) and a nod to The Great Gonzo, who attempted to eat a tire to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" on The Muppet Show. I though OK Go brought it—and left most of it with me when the song was over. (And that’s before I saw the music video!)

Rainbow Connection - Weezer and Hayley Williams
I finally had to go and look to see who was Weezer and who was Hayley because I couldn't figure out from listening who was supposed to be who. Apparently, Weezer is a group, and Rivers Cuomo is their lead singer, so I am assuming that Rivers is the singer I’m hearing first. In my opinion, the first singer (from Weezer) sounded earnest and wistful, the exact sound I would think is appropriate for this song. Hayley, on the other hand, sounded sort of deadly calm and unmoved, which didn't really work for me. She has a nice voice, and it's a beautiful song, but as far as I’m concerned, it would have been better with just Weezer. Maybe it’s because the name Weezer sounds sort of like a long-lost Muppet friend  ("...and now, it is my pleasure to introduce Weezer, the banjo-playing Muppet..."), or maybe it's because their lead singer didn’t seem to be sounding "too cool to sing this song." The "la da dee do" parts (and you have no idea how much my spell checker hates that phrase) sung by Hayley don't sound spontaneous at all—which is how Kermit sang them and—indeed—how they are meant to be sung. When Kermit sings this song, I get an actual lump in my throat (no—a lump­—not a frog), but I didn't get that from hearing this version of this song. What I did get was a huge jolt of nostalgia hearing a song I love sung well but with a little less heart than the original. I'll take that. Sure. I am definitely not too cool to listen to that.

Mahna Mahna - The Fray
I could not imagine how this song was going to work when I heard it was going to be on the album. Sometimes Muppet humor is... just that, and while I know that Mahna Mahna was not actually written for the Muppets (although many think it was), it has become one of the quintessential Muppet songs. Personally, I thought the song rocked, with just the right touch of bewildered, rocked out (dare I say stoned out) minimalism to last until the song was over. Just a hint, a taste, a soupcon, appetizer... eh, you get what I’m going for here. The song itself is funny, with or without visuals, and I did not mind to wade into this Fray with the band just long enough to get lost in this song.

Movin’ Right Along - Alkaline Trio
This is a written-for the Muppets song, but I think that any band that spends more than six weeks on the road ought to be allowed—by statute—to sing this song at the top of their lungs in any car with the top down. The lyrics are hilarious and just right for a frog and a bear—or a band—on the road. Different voices singing the familiar lyrics was sort of like discussing something that I love with someone who loved it, too—a kindred spirit kind of thing, which is exactly what this song is all about. I've read some reviews and some comments about the The Green Album so far, and I don't think it's useful to listen to an homage album like this if all you are going to say is, "I liked the original version better." Of course you did—it's why you bought this album in the first place. Got it. No, really. We got it—now move on. And while you’re at it, you can sing this song...

Our World - My Morning Jacket
This is a lovely song, full of lovely sentiment, and what I liked a great deal about it was how clearly and crisply I could understand both of the intertwined songs. That is a little harder to do in the original Emmet Otter version. The way this song was presented—the style of the vocals and the old-fashioned instrument sound—brought back fond memories of folk music when folk music was still about making the beautiful world more beautiful through love and peace. When I listened to this song, I thought about Jim Henson’s hope of making the world a better place than he found it. I'm pretty sure he succeeded here as well as he did in other ways.

Halfway Down the Stairs - Amy Lee
This is a different sound for this song, but I found it vocally and musically interesting.  (It actually reminded me a lot of the scene in Labyrinth when Sarah is trying to break out of the spell she is under, but that's another Henson story for another day.) Although the emotive impact of this song is presented differently, there is still a deep sense of longing that comes shining through. When Robin sang this song, it was a song about the in-between-ness of childhood and the ambivalence and hope and wonder that accompany that time of life. (Unless, of course, it was just a cute song sung by an even cuter little frog.) Amy Lee's version also speaks to in-between-ness and ambivalence, but the shift that I felt had to do with the choices that we face as adults—the decision to let that wonder and hope slip away or to go looking for it.  (Knew that secondary degree in Psychology would come in useful someday...)


Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
If this song doesn't light a spark in you, your wood’s wet. It's got pep, verve and amazingly fun lyrics. While the Muppets did a great, Muppety version of this song, this one is just tons of fun, too. If you can listen to this song and not want to tap your toe, you have my sympathy.

Wishing Song - The Airborne Toxic Event
And here I thought Gonzo had a corner on soulfully singing soulful songs.  I think it takes a certain amount of vision to reshape a song sung by a whatever and a chicken into something that I can easily see being played in school gymnasiums while students thrash about in clumps, and I'm thinking that's a good thing (in case you weren't sure). Muppet fans, for years, have bemoaned the fact that our much beloved characters are not being properly introduced to the younger generation, and a great deal of the moaning is being done by people who have never ridden in an elevator, but if we want younger fans to see our guys as relevant, we can't go around preaching disdain for what drives them. This song would do it, so I'm going to say, "It's got a great beat. You could totally dance to it."

Night Life - Brandon Saller and Billy Martin
This is a song that didn't actually feel Muppety to me when the Muppets did it, so I don't know quite what to say. This version—like the Muppet version—has a driving pulse and tons of energy. That it's not my cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't a perfectly good cup of joe.

Bein' Green - Andrew Bird
I guess the violin should have been the first big clue that this song was going to be interpreted more as a dirge than a song of affirmation and hope. Kermit uses this song to examine the things about himself that seem mundane in comparison to qualities that others have, and to finally conclude that what he has is not only okay, but good. There is a sort of cheerful defiance to this song that I found missing—not because Kermit wasn’t singing it, but because that’s what the song seemed to call for. The instrumental section is very... spritely and peppy and completely at odds with the first part of the song, more so because it starts out with the whistling. I really like this song, but I didn't really care for this version of it. I think it's because the emotional intent kept switching and I felt a little whip-lashed at the end.

I Hope That Something Better Comes Along - Matt Nathanson
The organ music totally worked for me—this was the song sung as it could be sung in a bar that used to be a church. And since Mr. Nathanson is going to preach to us about the joys and travails of being in love, well, this is a great back-drop for it. What the song shares with the original is the breezy, tinkling-the-ivories feel—that this is a song you sing when you’re a little tipsy, and a little depressed about love, but ultimately optimistic that you’ll get it figured out in the end. This will certainly do until something better comes along—if it ever does.

I’m Going to Go Back There Someday - Rachael Yamagata
When Gonzo sang this song in The Muppet Movie, it made my heart swell in my chest and tears start into my eyes because it made me feel... full, and hopeful and wistful and homesick for something I might never have, or might never have again. Paul Williams was at his most brilliant (which is saying something) when he penned this song. I didn't think it was possible for this song to fail to move me, no matter who was singing it. Apparently, I was wrong. This one—perhaps the one I most looked forward to—was just too... elevator-y, even for me. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it playing in the background, but it was just that—background music.

Well, that;s my take on the album—to take or to leave. Jim said, "Write your own ending." I'll conclude by saying, "Write your own review." It won't be the same as mine, but I'd probably like to read it anyway.





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Why The Muppets Make Everything Better

Following a week of soul searching, beginning with an ebbing Moopet fandom, taken over by obsessive Muppet fans and count-downs, exploring the world if Muppet-tributes and then fastening on the works of the band OK Go...I have now returned full circle to a love of everything Muppety -- the humour, the randomness, the heart, the wacky mayhem, the explosions and the penguin throwing. If The Green Album perhaps focused too heavily on the deep soul of the Muppets (as Kermit explained to Robin once, “Sometimes the Muppets do things that arn’t funny,” to which Robin responded, “Yeah, but I figure that’s the writer’s fault...”) then this newly released Music Video more than makes up for it with full-blown explosive crazy which includes the triumphant return of the Muppet Sheep.

However, rather than focus purely on the fun, I intend to explore the Fun-demental (if you pardon the pun). I feel the need to delve into the deeper, artistic expressions of the images presented within this music video, to see what it is that they add to the overall message of The Muppets: The Green Album, OK Go’s The Muppet Show Theme. (To see my review of the music, see here.)

See the video here.

The first image presented is of a machine, described as a ‘music machine’ by Darren from the group. Reviewing previous OK Go videos in order to present a collected opinion on this latest offering from the group, it is clear to see that the performers of the OK Go band rely upon accuracy and choreography in order to present their view of the world, a world that functions with all the mechanics of a machine. If any timings were out in their previous videos, then the entire shoot would need to be reset and taken again from the beginning. Order and timing are paramount.

This reliance on order (and technology) has become ever more prevalent as the economies of the world have been rocked time after time. Individuals rely on limiting their lives to match their budgets, much as a machine cannot extend beyond its original purpose. Moths have been often used to represent a lack of money (even within Its a Very Merry Muppet Christmas, where a moth flutters from Kermit’s wallet). However, the Muppets have always found a way to overcome their limitations...without needing money or the machinery of world governments to help them.

In fact, it is the Muppets intervention in the OK Go order and function that causes an explosion of chaos to backfire into their past and (no doubt) their future.

The Muppet Show transcends the borders of the world that it was created as and becomes real in a way that can be felt (and foam!) because it exists inside of our world, under our skin, closer than we think. Within the Music Video this kind of meta-adjustment is represented through multiple awakenings (Are they in OK Go’s dream, are OK Go in their dream, or do they both live together in the world of ‘entertainment’.)

Ryan Dosier said to me the other day that he must be living in an elaborate dream, because he cannot imagine a reality in which Nigel and Uncle Deadly appear in Music Videos in 2011 and that a huge Cinema Movie is being released on the Muppets. Well, according to this video, it could be less that he is dreaming of The Muppets and more that The Muppets are dreaming of us.

Regarding the strong imagery of The Muppets as Puppeteers of The Performers, it is interesting to see how OK Go really let go and rock out during this scene here, finally releasing the ‘machine’ of their previous videos (and pervious lives) and letting the crazy fun take hold, regardless of what other problems they may have (such as exploding machines or being run off their treadmills!)

                                

Really, there could not be a better time for a Muppet comeback. It is time we let them take the strings (or armrods?) of our worlds too.

Finally, if you would rather go and watch cat videos...feel free...I am sticking with The Muppets (sorry Moopets...yooou have have been forgooten).

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

A Musical Rotating Rain Barrow?

Morning all. It is I, the British Correspondent. As you are no doubt aware, my loyalties are flexible. I have been prepared in the past (semi-recent past) to abandon my Muppet Passion for a Moopet Fandom. But now I have realised the error of my ways...


...and become a fan of OK GO.

BREAKING NEWS EDIT: The video is now here! Watch it, then see how it matches with the way I predicted it might play out (it doesn't).

--

While you are all eagerly clicking 'refresh' over at OKgo's Vevo page waiting for the Muppets video to drop, I felt that it might be a good idea to distract you with some early speculation and preliminary thoughts on the release of the The Muppets: The Green Album's OK Go Muppet Show Theme music video featuring The Muppets (try saying that three times, when I did that I tangled my tongue with my tonsils.)

Covers of Covers
It will be interesting to see The Muppets collaborating with artists who are covering a song originally originated by themselves. This idea of The Muppets (theoretically) helping them by appearing in the music video when they are (theoretically) helping The Muppets by releasing the music video seems to be a theme that is explored within the video, as early shots show OK Go as themselves in recreations of their own videos with added Muppets, and them as The Muppets recreating classic Muppet scenes such as the Muppaphones with added OK Go.

 Music Can Cause Pain

(we've all heard Piggy sing)

Full Steam Ahead

Full (of) Steam Ahead

Under the Covers

Unlike many fictional (?) properties, The Muppets have always existed in 'our' world as opposed to a world of their own (such as that inhabited by cartoons). By often appearing with real celebrities and by appearing in interviews as themselves they burst the bubble of their 'fictionalised' universe and become real within our reality.

The Muppets Do Not Exist Purely as a Dream
(Except Muppet Babies)
(Blame Miss Piggy for that)

Covering a Wide Range
The Muppet world is not small. It encompasses many races, species, items and things. Compare this line up to the backing-dancer line up of so many music videos. You will likely not see such diversity any place else (except for Born This Way, perhaps...).

They Were Born This Way

(And Born a Second Time)

Not Covering All Bases

The Swedish Chef has yet to create a successful meal, but he has created (time and time again) successful entertainment. Is it important if the art you originally set out to create is not the art you result in presenting to the audience? Will the audience judge you on this basis alone? Would the audience exist/understand if the original concept were not presented as intention prior to artistic swerve? All questions raised by the strong imagery used herein.

He is Swedish.

He is a Chef.

Is this enough?

Covered in Grease
Our lives are now encased in machinery. Here, even music is machine. Consider.

M.A.M.M.A had come a long way from her origin/al purpose

Covering Up Mistakes
To make them laugh by not making them laugh, by existing as a failed performance. He is prepared to walk this line to keep the world in a state of smiling. Are you?

The Banana Sketch
(Is)/(Is Not) Funny.
Pick One.

Cavorting with History

The Muppets have come a long way since The Muppet Show, but therein lies the strength of everything which followed. Leif Erikson as represented by Miss Piggy? Where does your strength come from?

Viking? Vi-QUEEN.

Not Covered in the Manual
Playing parts-of-a-whole, or Playing-Parts of a whole?

The Melody was THIS big, literally THIS big.

A Cover Up
Does any of it exist when the camera stops rolling? If 'no' then where were the Muppets for 20 years? If 'yes' then where were the Muppets for 20 years? (Note: We fans are well aware that they have not dissapeared for 20 years, even if the 80's Robot disagrees.)

Ahhhhh, funnnieeeeee.... (But is it?)