Matt Baker - With 2013 marking the beloved Fraggle Rock's 30th anniversary, the series has so far received a level of awareness unseen in years. The most recent development has been the Jim Henson Company's new anniversary website FraggleRock30.com, which reveals new or upcoming items. While Henson most often markets the Fraggles as contemporary, this year looks to hopefully be different in at least two respects: a previously-announced coffee table book is in the works for publication with partner Insight Editions, and a just-announced "Classic Music Collection" is apparently coming soon!
Regular readers of The Muppet Mindset have likely seen the "
Vote to bring Fraggle Rock music toCD!" link. It sends you to Ryan's article detailing our collaboration in starting a poll aimed at gauging fan interest in a collection of songs. It has revealed that the core fan-base longs for more music than that offered by the three existing albums. For example, among more than 1,000 respondents, the various questions reveal that about 97% would buy unreleased music. Almost 94% welcome CDs (only 6% prefer downloads) while more than 84% would welcome a single set of the complete library; nearly 70% are willing to spend at least $50 for such a set and over 40% would be willing to pay $100 or more.
These numbers are telling. If a Classic Music Collection is released, would it be targeted to this consumer base? Would it be released on CD? If so, would it be complete? What is "complete" anyway? While I don't know the answers, I can provide some suggestions: yes, it should be targeted to the hardcore fans; yes, it should be on CD; and yes, it should be complete! As for what "complete" could mean, here are some thoughts:
THE SONGS
According to Chris Vaughn's Fraggle Rock website (researched from the show's bible, "The Encyclopedia Fragglia," and now sadly defunct) the original series had 232 songs spread over the course of its 96 episode run. A complete collection would be, of course, incomplete without all 232.
THE EXTRAS
- International music/Traveling Matt
- versions of the international theme songs
- a selection of songs sung in various languages
- "All Around the World"
Extras for a collector's set wouldn't be complete without material from the international shows. Album or TV versions (or both) of all the international theme songs would be a great addition, and a selection of re-dubbed songs could serve as a nice complement (the more accessible ones, such as those found on the three albums, might work best).
Essential to the international flavor of Fraggle Rock is, without question, Traveling Matt's "All Around the World." The song holds a special place in the hearts of longtime fans and should be released in all its forms. Though the song was issued as a vocal and instrumental on a 45 RPM single in the UK, the Season 3 and 4 postcard segments of the show itself feature a different instrumental recording. This version should certainly be included along with any other alternate versions that may exist.
Philip Balsam theme demos
Prominent in the Season 4 DVD bonus features, Philip Balsam's numerous--and often very wacky--demos for the Fraggle Rock Theme clearly survive and should be included not only for fun but for historical reasons (especially since they aren't playable as individual tracks on the DVD).
Philip Balsam song demos
The Down at Fraggle Rock documentary revealed the recording process for Fraggle music: after writing the music and applying Dennis Lee's lyrics, Philip Balsam would lay down a full recording of each song to serve as a guide for the performers. If Philip's theme demos survive, it's logical to conclude his other tapes may as well. How fun would it be to hear him sing some of the show's famous songs? I know I'd love to hear his take on "Dixie Wailin'"!
Don Gillis underscore musicIt's hard to imagine a transition to or from Doc's Workshop without Don Gillis. Despite the attention the songs receive, Fraggle Rock's musical landscape would be quite different without him; many of the most powerful episodes shine even brighter with just a bar or two of Gillis music. Though much of his work was a few seconds here and there, a selection of highlights--or even a lengthy suite if possible--would really add flavor just as the composer did to the episodes.
The wrap party/Fraggles Look for Jobs version of "Children of Tomorrow"
What was unfortunately missing from the Season 4 DVD bonus features was the "Fraggles Look for Jobs" video portion of the wrap party. The next best thing would be to include the video's concluding song, a modified version of "Children of Tomorrow," so fans may enjoy an alternate recording of one of
Fraggle Rock's finest.
The Jerry Juhl tribute version of "Follow Me"One of the best of all the DVD bonus features was Season 2's warm and poignant tribute to head writer Jerry Juhl. The segment ends with another modified version of a Fraggle classic, "Follow Me," performed beautifully by Philip Balsam. Its inclusion would be delightful.
Inside Fraggle RockAccording to Muppet Wiki,
this release is "a 1993 book-and-tape set, which includes six songs from the show." Though the songs would already be part of a complete set, it would still be fun to have this program. It primarily features new dialog by several Fraggles (chiefly Gobo and Mokey) which serves as bridging material.
The Animated SeriesThough short-lived and probably not everyone's favorite, there were only 26 songs featured in the series. They, along with the opening and closing themes, would be neat to have.
Outtakes, bloopers or any other extrasAs it says, anything else would be gravy. Muppet Wiki says the UK
Fraggle Rock album features an instrumental version of "Workin'." Cool.
While the three original albums are fantastic in their own right (as is their 2007 re-issue ), their output represents not only just a fraction of the show's catalog but little beyond the most accessible of songs as well. One of the many magical elements of the show is the uniqueness of the music to the stories being told. What makes tunes such as "Free and High," "Just a Dream Away" and "Children of Tomorrow" so powerful in context is, unfortunately, exactly what makes them less marketable as a 15-track single CD. The Fraggle Rock library really needs to be fully assembled as a complete collection for the dedicated fan who not only loves the music but is able to appreciate its wonder as a whole body of work.
If a CD can hold 80 minutes, I'd estimate all 232 songs plus the aforementioned extras could fit on six discs. The songs by themselves, with no extras, would need about five (
Fraggle Rockin’ was spread over three). Either way, it is certainly feasible as many similar sets have been produced by record companies over the years. With luck, The Jim Henson Company will see it fit to do the Fraggles justice with a complete collection of songs.
If you can think of any extras not on this list that you'd like to see included, please comment below. If you haven't
voted in our poll yet, please do! And if you'd like to "come and follow me" on Twitter for all things Fraggle, please do
@FraggleMusic. Thanks for reading!
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com
1. Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
2. Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
5. What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
7. If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
11. If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
14. If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
Matt Baker - With 2013 marking the beloved Fraggle Rock's 30th anniversary, the series has so far received a level of awareness unseen in years. The most recent development has been the Jim Henson Company's new anniversary website FraggleRock30.com, which reveals new or upcoming items. While Henson most often markets the Fraggles as contemporary, this year looks to hopefully be different in at least two respects: a previously-announced coffee table book is in the works for publication with partner Insight Editions, and a just-announced "Classic Music Collection" is apparently coming soon!
Regular readers of The Muppet Mindset have likely seen the "Vote to bring Fraggle Rock music toCD!" link. It sends you to Ryan's article detailing our collaboration in starting a poll aimed at gauging fan interest in a collection of songs. It has revealed that the core fan-base longs for more music than that offered by the three existing albums. For example, among more than 1,000 respondents, the various questions reveal that about 97% would buy unreleased music. Almost 94% welcome CDs (only 6% prefer downloads) while more than 84% would welcome a single set of the complete library; nearly 70% are willing to spend at least $50 for such a set and over 40% would be willing to pay $100 or more.
According to Chris Vaughn's Fraggle Rock website (researched from the show's bible, "The Encyclopedia Fragglia," and now sadly defunct) the original series had 232 songs spread over the course of its 96 episode run. A complete collection would be, of course, incomplete without all 232.
Essential to the international flavor of Fraggle Rock is, without question, Traveling Matt's "All Around the World." The song holds a special place in the hearts of longtime fans and should be released in all its forms. Though the song was issued as a vocal and instrumental on a 45 RPM single in the UK, the Season 3 and 4 postcard segments of the show itself feature a different instrumental recording. This version should certainly be included along with any other alternate versions that may exist.
The Down at Fraggle Rock documentary revealed the recording process for Fraggle music: after writing the music and applying Dennis Lee's lyrics, Philip Balsam would lay down a full recording of each song to serve as a guide for the performers. If Philip's theme demos survive, it's logical to conclude his other tapes may as well. How fun would it be to hear him sing some of the show's famous songs? I know I'd love to hear his take on "Dixie Wailin'"!
What was unfortunately missing from the Season 4 DVD bonus features was the "Fraggles Look for Jobs" video portion of the wrap party. The next best thing would be to include the video's concluding song, a modified version of "Children of Tomorrow," so fans may enjoy an alternate recording of one of Fraggle Rock's finest.
While the three original albums are fantastic in their own right (as is their 2007 re-issue ), their output represents not only just a fraction of the show's catalog but little beyond the most accessible of songs as well. One of the many magical elements of the show is the uniqueness of the music to the stories being told. What makes tunes such as "Free and High," "Just a Dream Away" and "Children of Tomorrow" so powerful in context is, unfortunately, exactly what makes them less marketable as a 15-track single CD. The Fraggle Rock library really needs to be fully assembled as a complete collection for the dedicated fan who not only loves the music but is able to appreciate its wonder as a whole body of work.
The 30th Anniversary website for Fraggle Rock has officially launched with a wealth of new information about what to expect from the show's upcoming anniversary promotions. This includes wall graphics in June, an all-encompassing collector's book in July, and (most exciting) a so-called "Classic Music Collection" in November, plus much more! This is only the beginning of the excitement, so be on the lookout for more!
But wait, there's more right here! A friend of the site alerted us the fact that select clips and episodes of Fraggle Rock would be playing on the TVs at the kids entertainment chain Chuck E. Cheese's. Our friend let us know that a partnership with The Jim Henson Company allowed for episodes of Fraggle Rock (and Pajanimals) to be shown in the restaurants. There's also talk of some Fraggle prizes being available for kids as well. So if you've got kids and they've been clamoring to go to Chuck E. Cheese's... now you've got a Fraggle-ish reason to go!
The Jim Henson Company is developing a brand new reality competition series for the Syfy Network. The Jim Henson Creature Shop will feature Brian Henson as a judge. Check out the press release from Syfy for more info: "For generations the craftsmen at The Jim
Henson Creature Shop have brought to life imaginative, lovable and
memorable characters that have enthralled audiences around the world.
Now, aspiring creature makers will have an opportunity to win the job of
a lifetime – an apprenticeship with the Creature Shop. Teams of amateur
creators will face off to build elaborate and awe-inspiring creatures,
ranging from animatronic monsters and fantastical puppets, to life-like
beasts and beyond! Creations are judged by Brian Henson – son of Jim
Henson and Chairman to the Henson empire – along with top industry
experts. Executive producers: Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company) and
Joseph Freed."
Michael Wermuth, Jr. - Elmopalooza is a special celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sesame Street. Unlike other anniversary specials, this one does not include clips from the show. Instead, it features new musical performances of songs from the show, as performed by many pop stars along with familiar Muppet characters, and most of the numbers are done in the style of music videos. 
The main plot of the special revolves around Jon Stewart, who is set to host a Sesame Street music special. But right before showtime, Elmo accidentally locks Jon, producer Prairie Dawn, the door repair man, and the entire crew except for a stagehand (played by David Alan Grier) inside Jon's dressing room, so the Sesame Street Muppets decide to put on the show themselves. The Count provides the countdown, Bert directs, and Elmo decides to host, in an attempt to make up for his mistake.
For a special celebrating the music of Sesame Street, particularly an anniversary special, most of the songs included are NOT ones casual fans might expect. We don't get celebrities singing new versions of "Rubber Duckie", "C is for Cookie", "Bein' Green", or other songs like that. Instead, most of the songs are what I'd consider secondary or lower ("I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" is what I'd call the only A-list song to be included). In fact, some of these songs I hadn't heard (or even heard of) until I saw this special (and a few of them I still haven't seen or heard the original performances of). But pretty much all of the performances are great regardless.
Among the songs given music videos are "Caribbean Amphibian" with Jimmy Buffet and Kermit, "I Want a Monster to Be My Friend" (a song not seen or heard on the show since 1984) with En Vogue and the monsters, "Mambo I,I, I" with Gloria Estefan and Rosita, and "One Small Voice" with Kenny Loggins, among other numbers. At one point, Elmo and Rosie O'Donnell take the stage to perform "Nearly Missed", and when Elmo accidentally causes the set to fall apart, he starts feeling bad about himself as host, but he gets better. In addition to all the singers, there are cameos by non-singers like Richard Beltzer (who has a stunt double try to break down the door), Chris Rock (who considers hosting the show, until Prairie Dawn tells him "No dirty jokes!"), and Conan O'Brien (who interviews the Martians). 
Eventually, Jon Stewart breaks free of his dressing room, Elmo's spirits are lifted, and they are able to sing a great closing number, "Songs", joined by the cast (and the stagehand). This sequence includes a medley of some of the more famous songs one would expect to see in a special like this, like "Rubber Duckie" and "C is for Cookie". It's a grand finale, followed by a closing credits montage of all the celebrities in the special singing a verse of the theme song.
So that's Elmopalooza. I would have preferred the special to have clips from the show, as that's what I normally expect from anniversary specials, but despite the lack of show clips, this is a great special. I enjoy the various celebrity performances, and it's cool that the special focuses on lesser-known songs, and the special features most of the 1997-1998 cast (plus Forgetful Jones in the background of some scenes). Elmo may have his name in the title, but it's a lot more than just Elmo. It's an anniversary special worth watching.
Performed by...
Mad Monty is one of the hapless members of the pirate crew aboard the S.S. Hispaniola in Muppet Treasure Island. Mad Monty is a close conspirator of Long John Silver and part of a nefarious trio with Polly Lobster and Clueless Morgan. With Polly and Clueless, Mad Monty sang about his plans to "Hang 'em high and watch their little feet try to walk in the air, while their faces turn blue" and got thrown in the ship's brig where he lamented the sorry state of the food, asserting that he ordered the shrimp scampi.
Unfortunately, after Muppet Treasure Island, Mad Monty was only seen on screen on one more occasion when he appeared in the Muppet Sing Alongs tape featuring songs from the film. Again, Mad Monty appears with Clueless Morgan and Polly Lobster, joining Kermit on the ship for a rollicking romp of pirate songs.
Although he never appeared on screen again, Mad Monty did appear as a PVC toy with Polly Lobster for promotion of the film. Mad Monty's final appearance in any medium to date was an illustrated cameo in 2010's comic book Muppet Snow White where he again, you guessed it, appeared alongside Polly Lobster and Clueless Morgan. 
1. Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
2. Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
3. Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
5.What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
9.If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
14.If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
10. Monsterpiece Theater: Conservation with my Father, from Sesame Street 
9. Waste Deep, Better World Society PSA 
8. Let's Make It Earth Day Every Day, National Wildlife Federation PSA 
7. "Don't Throw That Trash on the Ground", from Sesame Street 
6. "Put It in the Trash Can", from Sesame Street
5. "River of Life," from Fraggle Rock 
4. "Take 'Em Away," from Rocky Mountain Holiday 
3. "The Future is Counting on You," from Muppet Babies 
2. "Just Throw It My Way," from Sesame Street 
1. "On My Pond," from Sesame Street 