A few weeks ago, I came across a bunch of songs on iTunes by a group that I didn't even know existed before then: The Mellomen with Thurl Ravenscroft. Are you kidding me? How did I allow myself to waste so many years of my life not listening to or even knowing about these guys? If you think you don't like barbershop music, you're crazy and wrong. It's the coolest! Especially if it's 1942.For those of you who aren't familiar with Thurl Ravenscroft, which is most likely all of you, he was the voice of Tony the Tiger who also sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" in the Chuck Jones holiday classic. And if you've been on the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland or Disney World, you may recognize him as the face and voice of the broken bust that sings "Grim Grinning Ghosts."
I wanted to post a drawing on here of a whole quartet of barbershop-singing animals (which, from what I understand, would have to include exactly four different singers), but weeks have passed, and I still haven't drawn them. I'm posting this abandoned sketch in the hope that it will breathe a bit of life back into my dead blog, and hopefully I'll draw and post more stuff soon. For now I just thought you should know that there's one more person on the planet who listens to The Mellomen during his daily commute... bringing the total of that group to "one."
Abandoned or not, he's a handsome devil. He also sings in a Barbershop Quartet which qualifies him as a winner in my book. Amazing work Shane!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out Thurl and his Melonheads (or whatever) see if we can bring their fans up to 2. Like the number of people who visit my blog, plus 1.
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ReplyDeleteI had to delete my last comment for all the fowl language. Just kidding, I spelled a word wrong.
ReplyDeleteI think Thurl is incredible- now that I know his name. Im definitely lookin' him up on itunes.
We all should be so lucky to hat a fine hat to hold when we sing- the bear dude rocks.
Don't be so hard on yourself Shane. I'm sure that there are people out there who are almost as nerdy as you who listen to barbershop on their daily commute. I mean, had I known that bears sang barbershop I would have picked it up long ago!
ReplyDeleteThe Dapper Dans of Disneyland are one of my favorite barbershop quartets, I'm glad that I can now add another group to that list of favs!
ReplyDeleteHave you heard Thurl Ravenscroft sing the Headless Horseman song? It's the best, Heather and I bought it off iTunes last Halloween. Halloween's been over for a while now but I can't stop listening to that song. I'll have to check this group out too. Though familiar with Thurl, I was also unaware of these Mellomen. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteDude - a barbershop bear! Love it. Please do a series of animal musicians. A Polka Penguin, Rockstar Rabbit and Folk Fox. Please get started on those right away. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Shane. I was almost ready to give up on you!
ReplyDeleteNow I'll have to visit your blog artwork AND music reviews!!!
ReplyDeleteI read this and was all excited to share that I knew who Thurl Ravenscroft was. Kevin stole my comment.
ReplyDeleteHOLY CRAP....are you KIDDING ME? LOVE the Mellomen. How did I not know that you liked Barbershop!!! I LA LA LA LOVE IT! We actually had a barbershop quartet that sang at our reception. If you really do love it, will have to tell you about the Saltaires sometime..you would LOVE their concerts!!!
ReplyDeleteI love you character designs. I was wondering if you check my blog out and drop a comment if you can. I'm working on becoming a better artist.
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