The Cartoon Music Book [Paperback]

Charles L. Granata (Author), Daniel Goldmark (Author, Foreword), Yuval Taylor (Editor), Leonard Maltin (Editor), Greg Ehrbar (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2002

The popularity of cartoon music, from Carl Stalling’s work for Warner Bros. to Disney sound tracks and The Simpsons’ song parodies, has never been greater. This lively and fascinating look at cartoon music’s past and present collects contributions from well-known music critics and cartoonists, and interviews with the principal cartoon composers. Here Mark Mothersbaugh talks about his music for Rugrats, Alf Clausen about composing for The Simpsons, Carl Stalling about his work for Walt Disney and Warner Bros., Irwin Chusid about Raymond Scott’s work, Will Friedwald about Casper the Friendly Ghost, Richard Stone about his music for Animaniacs, Joseph Lanza about Ren and Stimpy, and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Just try watching a classic Tom and Jerry or Bugs Bunny cartoon with the sound off, and see how flat the jokes fall," offers pop music critic Neil Strauss in this compilation of essays, interviews, and opinions. That thesis epitomizes the book's overriding purpose. Instead of addressing cartoons' obvious high art-low art baggage, the contributors (who also include critic Leonard Maltin) examine their existential problem: can the obnoxious soundtrack exist as art on its own? Goldmark, a professor and Rhino Records producer/editor, and Taylor, a Chicago-based author and journalist, offer a resounding yes. They explore the tune-toon symbiosis of Disney and Warner Brothers golden age composers (Leopold Stokowski, Carl Stalling), as well as of contemporary toonsmiths (e.g., Mark Mothersbaugh of Rugrats and Alf Clausen of The Simpsons). Insightful and surprisingly engaging, this book at the very least gives readers an excuse to watch the Yosemite Sam reruns Saturday morning. Recommended for all libraries.
Eric Hahn, Fargo, ND
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ever since Walt Disney synchronized Mickey Mouse to "Turkey in the Straw" in 1928, music has been as integral to animated cartoons as talking animals and falling anvils. The vital contributions of cartoon composers over the years have remained largely unsung, but this compilation of some 30 essays and interviews goes a long way toward rectifying that slight. Historically, the collection begins in the golden age of the Hollywood cartoon, with a rare interview with Warner Brothers composer Carl Stalling and two essays by his MGM counterpart, Scott Bradley. The often cheesy but fondly remembered music for '60s and '70s TV toons is well considered in such pieces as a look at such two-dimensional rock bands as Alvin and the Chipmunks and the Archies. The contemporary cartoon resurgence is represented by interviews with former Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh, now reaching a younger audience with Rugrats, and Alf Clausen, who parodies genres from rock to show tunes on The Simpsons. An invaluable resource that provides fascinating insights into a heretofore-neglected aspect of cinema history. Gordon Flagg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556524730
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524738
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,070,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, October 18, 2002

By 

Richard J. Goldschmidt "Rick Goldschmidt" (Oak Lawn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cartoon Music Book (Paperback)

Finally...a book on the GREAT cartoon music composers! AND it includes the way under-rated MAURY LAWS of RANKIN/BASS fame! Greg Ehrbar did a wonderful job on this chapter and his DISCOGRAPHY in the back of the book! They are all here....from CARL STALLING to HOYT CURTIN and even the modern cartoon music writers! This book was a LONG time coming! THANKS!