When someone says Mannheim Steamroller, what comes to your mind? Probably Chirstmas music, right? While MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER has released over two dozen albums, the only time they get radio play seem to be at Christmas with their versions of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Deck the Halls and other Christmas favourites.
Mannheim Steamroller is really one man, Chip Davis, who began experimenting with synthesizers and electric bass to create what he calls 18th Century Classic Rock. He formed his own record label in the 70s (because no other label would touch his music) and continues to release albums to this day.
In 1999, he recorded a whole album of Disney music. MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER MEETS THE MOUSE is an album of experimentation and creativity. The arrangements of the classics songs are often different, weird and sometimes a bit unrecognisable. But Mannheim's unique, signature sound is there and paints a new picture for these songs.
On the album in You've Got a Friend In Me from Toy Story. This version of the song removes Randy Newman's playful pop sound and turns it into a jazzy, laid back piece of muzac. It is a very different take on the song. Do you like it? Let me know what you think!
 | You've Got a Friend In Me Mannheim Steamroller 1999   |
3 comments:
Er...I didn't recognize the song *at all*. I like Manheim Steamroller's Christmas stuff...but this was too bizarre for me. lol
And I totally didn't know that Manheim Steamroller was only one dude. You learn something new every day.
I liked what he did with the main tune, but I think the rest was just a little too funky for me.
about a minute into it I can hear the melody, but it's an excellent cover!
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