We’ve approached the end of an era and The Simpsons may never sound the same ever again. Alright, that’s probably a bit overly dramatic but we’re still floored by the news this week from Variety that legendary composer Alf Clausen has been let go from The Simpsons after 27 years. The two-time Emmy winner used a 35-piece orchestra for over 560 episodes to compose countless pieces for the show from the very beginning. So, in honor of such an illustrious musical career, here are some of our favorite Simpsons songs that Clausen composed.
“Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart?”
“Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart?” was an impromptu musical number in the season five episode “Homer and Apu.” The upbeat song (and Apu’s somber reprise) would be at home in any big Broadway production. Thankfully, we have it in syndication forever.
“We Put the Spring in Springfield”
As far as we know, this song from the 1996 episode “Bart After Dark” is the finest musical number not so subtly about erections ever performed by Homer and the staff of a burlesque house. Not much has been seen of La Maison Derrière since that episode but props to The Simpsons creators for being bold enough to have a business in Springfield basically called “The Ass House.”
“Kamp Krusty Theme Song”
May we never forget the musical oath every camper learns when they stay at Kamp Krusty. The theme song is surprisingly sweet: the campers lovingly accepting the many flaws the Kamp (for whatever reason) proudly has. It’s always been our dream to retire and build a house on the shores of Big Snake Lake and in the shadow of Mt. Avalanche.
The Planet Of The Apes Musical
Fans of The Simpsons can’t hear Falco’s “Rock Me Amadeus” without turning it into “Dr. Zaius” and following it up by belting out an emphatic “I hate every ape I see. From Chimpan A to Chimpan Z.” Should our dreams come true and this musical ever happen IRL–Clausen and his orchestra definitely need to score it.
“Can I Borrow A Feeling?”
The soft rock saxophone Clausen used in “Can I Borrow A Feeling?” perfectly complemented Kirk Van Houten’s sad-sack personality and his desperate attempt win back his wife’s affection with an awkward love song.
“We Do (The Stonecutters’ Song)”
This tune sung by the shadowy Illuminati-esque secret society explains every bit of their dark dealings in a snappy 45 seconds. Of the many, many songs composed for the show, this is certainly one of Clausen’s finest.
“See My Vest”
The episode “Two Dozen and One Greyhounds” was a Disney one-two punch, simultaneously a retelling of 101 Dalmatians and a music parody of Beauty and the Beast. Clausen and his orchestra’s ability to properly match the scope of Disney music in this episode is part of the reason the song is so memorable. That and the fact the lyrics by Michael Scully give us a glimpse into Mr. Burns’ completely messed up fashion sense.
“The Land of Chocolate”
Homer’s dream of a literal land of chocolate is a visually stunning parody of the 1936 short cartoon “Somewhere in Dreamland” but the innocent pixie-like music is what really pulls us into Homer’s insane love of an impossible idea.
“The Garbage Man”
Proper parody is tricky business. Doing things right means being respectful to the source material while still making it your own. With music composed by Clausen and lyrics by Ian Maxtone-Graham, the “The Garbage Man” song is a lesson in great parody taking on the classic “The Candy Man” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Additionally, it gives us something to sing every time we take out the trash.
“Monorail”
Claiming that there’s just a single best song in the long history of music of The Simpsons is a stunningly foolish claim to make. Well, it would be if Lyle Lanley’s Monorail song didn’t exist. We’re confident that this is the song that most people remember and love from The Simpsons. The song is a semi0parody of selections from the The Music Man and is burned into our memories for all time. Clausen composed the music and Conan O’Brien provided the lyrics for his episode, “Marge vs. the Monorail.”
What’s your favorite Alf Clausen song? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
Image: Fox
