Some years ago, not long after we met, @kajigger and I started collecting these limited picture-disc pressings of soundtracks from classic Disney animated films alongside Pixar treasures and a few recordings related to Disneyland attractions (see my third post in this series, from Nov 26, for evidence of that). Our tally of titles is pushing two dozen; they’d make an eye-grabbing display if we ever framed ‘em.
Expect to see plenty more, including another next Sunday, unless I’ve alphabetized mistakenly. This one, however, ranks among the very best because it limits dross: only snippets of Alan Menken’s score made the cut. Most of the running time is filled with the movie’s memorable songs, from ‘Arabian Nights,’ ‘Prince Ali’ and ‘Friend Like Me’ — the last lyrics completed by Howard Ashman before he died of AIDS during production — to ‘A Whole New World,’ the ballad that won the Oscar for Menken and Ashman’s already accomplished stand-in, Tim Rice. If I cared more about that piece, well-sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, I’d have spotlighted the A-side of this collector’s item (I’ll show it on my story). I’m presenting the flip instead because I still miss Robin Williams. He’ll have been gone a decade come August. As with revisiting his other roles and comedy specials, solace can be found by spinning this wax encapsulation. Forever one of his most indelible performances.
#SoundtrackSunday 006:
‘Aladdin’
Walt Disney, 1992 / picture disc pressing, 2014
d: John Musker & Ron Clements
s: Alan Menken & Howard Ashman & Tim Rice