Strange Things 4: More Offbeat (and Epic!) Disney Tunes

Welcome to another crazy off-ramp on the Disney Music Highway! We've got banjos, dragons, Mickey Rooney as Pinocchio and amazing park music...but our first pick actually makes Disney history!

Track:  THAT'S WHAT HEROES DO
Album: Epic Mickey 2

Mickey and Oswald perform in a song together for the first time! Sure, they only get one line each (most of this song is performed by the Mad Doctor), but -- What a cool little moment in animation history! Spoiler alert: the lyrics give away the game's ending.

You don't need to play the games to enjoy the music of the Epic Mickey world; Jim Dooley wrote fun, atmospheric scores for both the games, and part 2 has the additional kick of being a semi-musical. With track titles like "Skeleton Dance" and "Autopia Exploration," this album's going to make a lot of Disney fans smile.

And now, Dragon meets Steel Drums...

Golden Zephyr: A Relaxing Flight Above Paradise Pier

On your next trip to Disney California Adventure, take a few minutes to enjoy one of the park's original -- and often overlooked -- attractions: The Golden Zephyr in Paradise Pier.

The ride garnered a pile of resentment when DCA first opened, as its simplicity seemed to symbolize the insulting, cost-cutting mindset that clouded the park's early years. The situation's changed, now that DCA can finally boast a solid roster of great attractions; suddenly there's a welcome spot for the Zephyr's basic, old-fashioned charms.

Adam and Andrew of the Disney Hipster Blog noted the ride's connection to England's Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The historic, low-tech atmosphere of Golden Zephyr gives the ride an unexpected bit of depth, as you really are experiencing a sensation from the amusement industry's past.

The ride is a charming, easy-going thrill, swinging you out over the walkway and the waters of Paradise Bay. The views are wonderful, the loading and unloading spiels provide some fun period character acting, and -- simple as it is -- this is a unique form of swing ride that most guests have not experienced before.

I have to admit, I was one of the many who resented Golden Zephyr's simplicity when it first opened. Now, I actually hope it never leaves.

Strange Things: Great Offbeat Disney Music

In case yesterday's Big Lucasfilm Purchase News made you wanna dance, we're featuring some of the more oddball, unusual, but ultimately engaging tracks of Disney Music to be found on iTunes and Amazon. 

Seriously, no one needs another straightforward elevator music version of Whole New World...no, we're having more fun than that...

Track:  BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Album: Disney Themes: Flamenco Style

Imagine Beast circling Belle with a rose stem between his teeth. I don't think I need to say another word.

Track:  HUMPHREY HOP (In the Bag)
Album: House of Mouse

Some official Disney releases are off-the-rails enough to make this list, like Ranger Woodlore's litter-picking song that tricks Humphrey Bear & co. into performing unpaid labor. It's impossible not to dance while listening. Actually, every Disney Music fan should have this entire soundtrack in their library, even though it's a wee bit overpriced on iTunes.
 

Track:   DISNEY DELIGHTS
Album: The Box and Banjo Band at the Movies

An accordion/banjo combo swings their way through I Wanna Be Like You, Hi-Ho and  Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. Pure happiness. Careful: this band's addictive. Also check out their amazing Hans Christian Andersen medley.

Track:  WHEN I SEE AN ELEPHANT FLY
Album: Let's Dance the Jive

Graham Dalby is an English Bandleader focusing on keeping Jazz Age Swing Music alive, and for that reason alone, he should be made King of Planet Earth.

That'll do it for this dose of great Disney music...OH, WAIT...in light of the recent news, I can't resist one more track that's not really very obscure....

Track:  STAR WARS/CANTINA BAND (12" DISCO MIX)
Album: The Best of Meco

HAPPY STAR WARS, EVERYONE!!! If you want to party to the full 16 minute long version of this 70's smash, you'll have to buy the whole album, but -- hey -- Disco Close Encounters and Disco Oz are included...