January 24: Frozen (Idina Menzel) ~ Let It Go (Three versions)

If you’re paying attention to the news, you know the northeast is in a cold snap the likes of which we haven’t seen in 20 years. Don’t go all “Global Warming, huh?” on me, because I’ll quote you all sorts of reasons why climate change is real. And that’s not the point of this post. 

No, you’re getting Let It Go for Feel Good Friday this week, because it’s stuck firmly in my head, thanks to the supreme talents of Idina Menzel and song writing team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Tony Award®-winner Robert Lopez. 

Seriously. 52 million views since Disney published the clip on December 6, 2013! 

But why three? Well, I could have chosen more – folks are posting their own renditions of the song, mash-ups with Wicked (Defying Gravity chief among them), and more. It appears this one struck a chord in ways I haven’t seen since Beauty and the Beast hit the screens in 1991.

So, here’s the original: 

And then the same clip, in 25 languages (perfectly timed):

And finally, in the best Disney parody I’ve heard in a while, [NOT safe for work or younger kids but oh, so funny], a tip of the hat to all of us who wish with all our hearts we *could* hit those high notes the way Ms. Menzel does:

Stay warm out there!

January 3: You Shall Not Pass, Dog

It’s the triumph of Canine over Feline (most of the time). And if you don’t swallow the drink, don’t blame me later. Feel Good Friday starts here.

“Uh oh, uh oh. Fluffy…”

Says it all, really. Seriously. Almost 11 million hits since December 5th (less than a month ago). Yep! Them things is pointy!

October 4: Tribbles Kirk Bonked by Tribbles HD

One more side-by-side comparison, because I can. Behold the power of YouTube. Thanks, Gary, for the work – these videos are amazing and show a dedication to continuity you don’t often see today.

Tomorrow we wrap up with a featurette on the making of this landmark Star Trek episode.

October 1: Tribbles Bridge Scene Comparison HD

Considering how closely I’m following David Gerrold on Facebook right now (he’s writing what I’m thinking about politics), this seems totally appropriate.

We’re at the start of the new month. We’re also at a crossroads with our society. What worked about Star Trek, and what kept the fans coming back long after the original series was canceled, was the absolute optimism expressed in Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking series.

I’d love to think we can’t get any lower down in our current political situation. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that someday we might again reach for the stars? Imagine how much we could accomplish with people who are clothed, fed, educated and encouraged to explore, rather than being beaten down over time, struggling to cover expenses or even stay in their homes because a greedy few can’t be bothered to care.

The US Government has shut down for the first time since 1996. Perhaps this time we’ll learn something.

September 30: “One Woman A Cappella Disney Medley pt. 2” by @heathertraska

And here we end September – and the current playlist – with Heather Traska’s tribute to the villains of Disney. This one’s not quite as viral as yesterday’s clip, but then, yesterday’s clip is also two years older.

October and November are up next, followed by the Musical Advent Calendar I published in Facebook last year. Check the main page of my blog for the complete playlists so far. (August/September will be up shortly.)

September 29: “One Woman A Cappella Disney Medley” by @heathertraska

The last two videos of September are Disney compilations by Heather Traska. In the grand scheme of self-promotion, you can put this stuff out there, but unless you’re good or you do something special, the chances are, you’re not going to get noticed. This first video has over 2 million hits. Hope that it leads this 19-year-old college student to some sort of fame or fortune, or at least to something she’ll find rewarding in her life.

Seems like a great way to start.

September 16:

The Thief and the Cobbler (renamed Arabian Knight by a certain movie production and distribution company with a rodent as a mascot) was visually stunning but had a troubled history. I was surprised to discover the original cut (cobbled together from cutting room footage and raw sketches where the actual footage is missing).

It’s an ugly story, but a real one, of studio greed and production values. Much as I love Jonathan Winters, he wasn’t necessary to the tale. But these are some of the hazards to be expected when a work of art is presented for commercial gain. Someone’s bound to lose in the end.

Whether you’ve seen the original movie release or not, take the time to watch this version. You won’t regret it.

June 14 (Flag Day): Thomas Dolby ~ Hyperactive!

Not everything on The Flat Earth is mellow. This, for example. I love the images of psyche in this extended version of the song.

March 1: The Avengers/Breakfast Club Trailer Mashup

This is genius. Absolutely. Enjoy, as Mash Up Week comes to a close.

Tomorrow is Read Across America day, in honor of Dr. Seuss. I’ve got something special, as likely to go away due to humorless copyright violation as anything else (not mine, of course). Sunday begins Literal Video Week. Because I can.

February 26: Mister Rogers Remixed | Garden of Your Mind | PBS Digital Studios

Mash-ups continue (though this is less mash-up than remix).

February 25: Why is the Rum Gone? – Remix

From Kermit to Pirates. Your Mash-up Earworm for the day. You’re welcome.