OVERALL GRADE: A-
OVERALL TAKE:
As this release and ELMOPALOOZA! prove, the Muppets have gotten funky in their old age. Here, interspersed with original hits by godfather of soul James Brown and father of funk George Clinton, they offer remakes and a couple of original songs. SESAME STREET has long been hip to hot music, but this revival is inspired, adding another dimension to the film in which Gonzo discovers his extraterrestrial origins.
Grownups, don't let the Muppets on the cover scare you off: this is one cool CD for adults as well as kids. Its only flaw is that not all the songs are the original versions, though Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" works just as well for the baritone-voiced Alien Gonzos as it did for the band that wrote it. The remake of Earth, Wind & Fire's "Getaway" is more synthesized than its prototype, but that's appropriate for the theme of MUPPETS FROM SPACE, anyway.
It's impossible to be a passive listener to this sort of music: in some cases it might give tired kids a headache, but most will find their feet tapping along. This would make a great morning wake-up soundtrack on the drive to school. Just don't play it near nap-time: even the instrumental "Outa-Space" is likely to inspire dancing.
AGE APPROPRIATENESS:
Kids: Though very young children tend to be the audience for Muppet movies, this soundtrack may be too loud for some of them. Older kids and pre-teens may appreciate it more.
Adults: Ten Muppetless funk tracks make MUPPETS FROM SPACE a delightful surprise.
EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
This CD pays tribute to the sci-fi funk craze from the '70s, complete with appropriate neon-colored packaging. It's perfect for teaching kids about the roots of disco.
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
Except for the final song sung by Gonzo, all tracks are peppy and percussive. Prepare to dance.
1. Shining Star - Play
2. Flashlight (Spaceflight) - Play
3. Brick House - Car
4. Getaway - Play
5. Dazz - Car
6. It's Your Thing - Party
7. Survival - Party
8. Get Up Offa That Thing - Play
9. Celebration - Party
10. Outa-Space - Play
11. I'm Going To Go Back There Someday - Quiet