Customer Reviews

Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs: 16 Original Songs From The Hit TV Series

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, so I'm a HUGE Animaniacs fan. I love their cartoons -- funny and childish yet containing so many intelligent references that you are constantly kept on your toes. And I especially love their insane songs that always do a phenomenal (and sometimes bewildering) job of putting such diverse topics together and making sense of it all. So when I found this release in Australia back in 1994, I had to buy it, and it immediately found its way to my frequent play list. For fans of the Animaniacs or simply fans of fun and amusing songs and lyrics that can appeal to both children and adults, this is a must have selection of songs to add to your collection. Just sit back, sing along, and have a good laugh!

"Animaniacs" is the fun opening theme song to the cartoon. A quaint show tune, "Yakko's Universe" is a great factoid song and presents a good perspective -- "It's a big universe and we're not." You already are laughing at the title, "Schnitzelbank" is the "international friendship song" (though what "piece of bread, Wakko's head" has to do with friendship, I don't know) and is funny as all get out (especially if you've seen the cartoon or can visualize what's going on in the scene)! "What Are We" faces the standard question -- what ARE the Animaniacs anyway? Another cute show tune, it concludes that the Warner Bros and Sis are simply "cute." Rendering a classic as only they can, "Yes, Brothers Warner We" is a remake of a Sir Arthur Sullivan classic that tells the tale of the Warners at sea. An absolute classic, "Yakko's World" has to be heard to believe how well they've merged all the countries of the world into this one song. I challenge anyone to sing this one without the lyrics in front of you... I still can't do it! A bit easier, "Wakko's America" is great for kids to learn all the states and their capitals. "Video Revue" is hilarious for the movie nuts out there (the juxtapositioning is brilliant). Another Sullivan parody, "I Am the Very Model of a Cartoon Individual" is a hilarious rendition of this classic poem. "I'm Mad" is sung by the psychiatrist character and the Warners. Imagine the kids in the back of the car during a road trip and this one will be hilarious and far too realistic at the same time. A quick and to the point listing, "The Planets" has the obligatory "Uranus" joke. Both sweet and manic, "The Etiquette Song" might mention all the silverware, but it certainly has bad (and funny) ideas for proper behavior. "I'm Cute" is Dot's theme song sung in classic 60s tv theme song mode that has a cute ending (thanks to her frustrating brothers). "The Senses" goes far beyond merely the 5 senses, such as "sense of honor, "cents," "census taker," and (of course) "nonsense." Another song I challenge you to sing without the lyrics, "Be Careful What You Eat" rattles off ingredients from your favorite junk food for its lyrics. The tune is a very recognizable Offenbach composition. "Let the Anvils Ring" is an anthem to the classic Warner gag -- the falling anvil. The release ends where it began, with the "Animaniacs" theme song, however this is an extended version with a bridge sans lyrics featuring added sound effects as well a brief change in tempo and style.

This release definitely gets a strong 5-star rating for its solid content -- and being a huge fan doesn't hurt either. [Having seen the cartoons for these songs does help enhance the experience of listening, but it is by no means required.] From the silly and inane to the downright deep, this Animaniacs release is just what I need when I feel like I've been locked up in the tower and need to break free from the monotony. It's especially great for a creative boost when I'm blocked.

There's something here for everyone. For learning, there are great factoid songs like "Yakko's World" and "Wakko's America." If you like parodies, you'll be laughing and thinking while listening to "Yes, Brothers Warner We" and "I Am the Very Model..." And if you want originals, look no further than "I'm Mad" and "Schnitzelbank" for sheer brilliance and joy. So maybe you've got to be "zany to the max" to enjoy this one. If you are, then I'd like to shake your hand; it's a pleasure to meet you! Is there baloney in your slacks, too?

I have an old cassette of this soundtrack when it first came out. My four children and I had more fun listening to the songs and learning from them than I would have ever imagined!!! We all learned things like the state capitals and planets without even realizing we were "studying". I even sing the state capital song when I can't remember one. This music is super cool and hysterically funny!! I highly recommend it. I'm actually purchasing the CD because we wore the cassette out!

This soundtrack is a wonderful collection of songs from the hit animated TV series from Warner Bros. and Steven Spielberg. Funny, entertaintaining, and educational, these catchy and often exceedingly clever numbers are sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're 8 or 88.

"Yakko's World" and "Wakko's America" alone are worth the price of the disc and are sure to become favorites among both the big and little ones in your family. Adults will be amused by the pop culture references and whimsical, yet intelligent lyrics of each song, while kids will get off on the catchy tunes, and playful attitudes of the voice actors from the series.

Whether you're a fan of the show or a casual listener, "Animaniacs" is a great CD collection for all ages!

Highly Recommended.

Why aren't these cartoons on DVD yet? If you too love the Animaniacs, go here to help us get them put out on DVD... www.petitiononline.com/toon0001/petition.html

I was never a great fan of the Animaniacs on TV. A friend of mine and I were walking past a Warner Brothers Store in London in 1994 and they played Wacko's Fifty States and their Capitals and I just cracked up laughing. I have been trying to get it ever since. It is worth buying this CD for that one song alone, other notables being All the countries of the world and the Universe. In closing I would like to request and suggest one thing .... RELEASE THIS ON DVD!

I had this as a tape when it was first released...My daughter was about 9 at the time and now she listens to the CD when she has a bad day at work. It will cheer you up if you need to be cheered and it will sustain a good mood if you already have one. I also like the educational value of this CD. It is helping my 8, 10, and 11 year olds with their States and Capitols. Nmenonic devices to help pass those tests, along with a catchy tune...ENJOY!!!!!

A swell (if quite short) collection of musical zaniness and fun from the Warner Brothers (never forgetting the Warner Sister). The absolute highlight remains "Yakko's World", as Yakko spits out the name of every country in the world in roughly two minutes...and makes it rhyme. Other highlights are "I'm Cute", "The Senses" (which you'll have to listen to a few times to get it all), and the fun singalong "Schnitzelbank". A few duds mar the collection - "Yes Brothers Warner We" is pretty dull, and "You Are What You Eat" isn't much better. The presence of an extended (no, not remix) of the theme at the end points up the brevity of the program. Still, a worthwhile addition to anyone's music catalog - ideal when you desperately need a smile.

This CD is horrible. Now all the songs are stuck in my head! I listened to it 2 days ago, and while washing my car, I sang "I'm mad" then "Yakko's World" and the "Etiquette Song." During this time I am laughing to myself visualizing the cartoon that the songs were in. If they could just start making cartoons like that again instead of making cartoons based on card games. (Yu-Gi-Oh, Duel Masters, Pokemon) that the whole family can enjoy.

This product was just as described and in great condition. I absolutely love the songs and excitement that comes along with knowing the tunes. Thank you so very much.

For the newcomer to their casual fan to the hardcore "maniac" for Animaniacs, this is a great soundtrack to have. Its songs span the seasons, choosing fan favorites that are funny and "in" enough to please animation nuts, yet varied and fun and silly enough to please the most clueless of kids. After all, it's not on television anymore; though I'm sure on its own, or accompanied by the new dvd sets that are out, this is a gift any kid can adore. Don't pay the amazon marketplace prices unless it's below 30 dollars. Every few weeks a few of the cds make their way to ebay, usually selling for 25 dollars. I got mine by completely lucking out, finding a "buy it now" just as it showed up (costing me 10 dollars). If you find it, buy it. It's fun, zany, and educational, just like the show.