Sesame Street Saturdays: Conversations with Bert

Have you ever dreamed about talk shows hosted by Muppets? Have you ever wondered what Bert's favorite type of sock is? Or what his favorite nutritious beverage is? What about how he would interact with Saturday Night Live mainstay Andy Samberg? Well all of these questions and more are answered in the most recent, possibly most awesome, Sesame Street viral video released on YouTube on Thursday. Conversations With Bert features everyone's favorite paperclip collecting, pigeon loving, unibrowed yellow person as he interviews celebrities. Part 1 (implying more parts!) features Andy Samberg as a guest... but enough from me, just watch it for yourself because it's fantastic!



But that's not all! Our good friend, the extremely talented Stuart Reeves has created something magnificent. With his incredible digital art skills, Stuart has created a desktop wallpaper from the teaser poster for The Muppets that has the perfect dimensions, amazing coloring... and just absolutely everything. Check it out below, click on it to see it in all of its gorgeous glory, set it as your desktop background, and spread around like a video of a cat and a gorilla becoming friends!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: My Friend Grover

Ryan Dosier - So... I was really bored today (as surely I am most days), so I decided to enjoy one of my very favorite DVDs, A Celebration of Me, Grover. If you do not own this compilation of Grover's greatest moments, and what is easily one of the best Sesame Street DVDs on the market, you are really missing out. I highly suggest ordering it on Amazon--either by instant digital download for $9.99 or on DVD for about $7.00.

The made-for-DVD special features all of Grover's friends as they gather at the Flyer's Club to say nice things about him (as Big Bird so eloquently puts it, "This is a roost--not a roast"). This compiles some wonderful clips of Grover doing what he does best: working countless odd-jobs, singing with Lena Horne, going over, under, around, and through, and, my favorite part, hugging, talking, and entertaining with children.

All of this just reinforced what I already knew: Grover is my favorite Sesame Street character for so many reasons (reasons that are all beautifully spelled out in the aforementioned DVD). For me, it's hard to find another character on the Street that is so well defined and so clever, funny, and adorable. Yes, furry, lovable Grover is everything a Muppet should be. I have to attribute most of this to the brilliance of Frank Oz (obviously), whose wit and humor shaped Grover and gave him his wondrous timing and charm. A brilliance that has been picked up and carried on almost flawlessly by Eric Jacobson.

When Grover works with a child, he does not talk down to them (you'll see no, "Hi, baaaaby!" from Grover), he does not answer questions for them, and he patiently, earnestly, honestly listens to them. He becomes not only a peer to these kids, but an obvious friend as well. This can be seen in the video Megan, Grover, and the Moon where Grover and his friend Megan discuss the moon and what it means in Chinese culture. Grover also shares the child's sense of innocence and love. He states openly that hugging is his favorite thing in the world, he shows Kate that hugging and kissing means they like each other, and is thrilled beyond belief that Stephanie will play with him.

Another amazing thing about Grover is that he works exceptionally well with virtually anyone. He has been known to assist the Amazing Mumford, play on Guy Smiley's game shows, make friends with Telly, frustrate Ray Romano or Kermit or Oscar the Grouch or, especially, Mr. Johnson, the ever-suffering customer of Grover's. I really can't think of a character that Grover does not work well with--or even one that he hasn't worked with at all. Everyone loves Grover and everyone has worked with him on more than a few occasions.

Both of these things--Grover's connection with children and his friendships with countless people and characters--are what make him my favorite Sesame character and what make him a good friend I've never met. Grover always reaches out though the television and becomes a friend to the viewers. He engages us, first as children by making sure we understand what he is teaching--even when it hurts him to do so--and later we are engaged by Grover as adults when we recognize his off-hand comments that are obviously directed towards us, which you can see in this clip where he and Elmo are telegram delivery monsters. Grover remarks, "You cannot shove singing and dancing under the door--it is artistic!" Obviously a call out to the parents watching.

Because Grover shows that he loves us, we, in turn, reciprocate his love--both by loving Grover and learning to love ourselves. Grover teaches us to love who we are and love the ones you're with. What better message can a children's television character possibly have?

I've interviewed Elmo, hung out with Zoe, and even asked my favorite Muppet, Gonzo, a question... but I am certain that I will never be complete until I have the opportunity to meet Grover. We're old friends... he just doesn't really know it yet!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Trailer for New Sesame Video Game

Remember awhile ago when we posted about Double Fine productions creating a brand new Sesame Street video game for the XBox Kinect called "Once Upon a Monster"? Well, we did! And now there's a wonderful official trailer for the game on Yahoo which we have the pleasure of showing to you now--yes! Right now!

Now... if that doesn't make you want to rush out and buy an XBox 360 and an XBox Kinect (or steal your friend's), I don't know what will! Who ever thought having full control of Elmo would be so much fun?

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Silly Storytime DVD Review

Sesame Street: Silly Storytime

DVD Review

 
Michael Wermuth, Jr. - Silly Storytime is the latest Sesame Street DVD. Themed around fairy tales, it includes three street stories, four Sesame Street News segments, and two additional segments. Like many of the Sesame Street DVD releases comprised primarily of street stories, this one does not have any linking footage, unless you count the animated title sequences and transitions between segments.

The three street stories are "The Tale of Rapunzoe," "Sleeping Grouchy," and "Jack and the Green and Growing Beanstalk." "The Tale of Rapunzoe" involves Zoe wishing for her hair to be longer like Rapunzel’s, and then getting her wish from her Hairy Godperson. "Sleeping Grouchy" involves Oscar reading the story of Sleeping Grouchy (portrayed by Grundgetta). And "Jack and the Green and Growing  Beanstalk" involves Telly and Leela helping Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk” fame figure out how to grow a beanstalk. Of these three stories, my favorite is Sleeping Grouchy. My least favorite of the three is "The Tale of Rapunzoe."

Two other stories represented are a "Musical Fairy Tale" segment on Little Red Riding Hood, and an animated segment with two kids telling the story of the Frog Prince, while various drawings are made in the sand. I don’t know if there were any additional "Musical Fairy Tales" segments, but the title card is omitted from this release.

But if you’re like me and a big fan of classic Sesame Street clips, "Sesame Street News," and/or Kermit the Frog’s Sesame Street appearances, then I’m sure you’re most interested in this release for its inclusion of four Sesame Street News segments. I sure was excited about this, so much that I recently wrote an article on the Top 15 Sesame Street News Sketches. A news segment follows each story except for The Frog Prince. Each segment included has to do with the fairy tale it follows, meaning it includes Kermit’s reports concerning Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood. Two out of four of those have previously been released commercially.

Finally, this DVD includes one bonus feature, "A Wish for Grover." "A Wish for Grover" is a storybook video, much like the Golden Book Video releases from the 1980s. The story is told from Grover’s perspective, with Eric Jacobson providing the voice. The story involves Grover wishing on a star to live in the jungle, and then imagining living a life in the jungle. The story isn’t bad, and the animation is better than it was in those Golden Book Video releases, but I would have preferred they use the extra space to have included some additional Sesame Street News segments.

So whether you’re a fan of classic Sesame Street, Kermit the Frog, fairy tales, or even just Sesame Street in general, I highly recommend this release.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Top 15 Sesame Street News Sketches

Top 15 Sesame Street Newsflash Segments

Michael Wermuth, Jr. - We’re just around the corner from the release of the upcoming Sesame Street DVD “Silly Storytime”, which will include four Sesame Street News segments. In honor of this upcoming release, I present my list of the top 15 Sesame Street News segments (because Sesame Street News is too special to be limited to just a top ten list), in no particular order. Okay, this order is actually as close to chronological as I could make it, because I don’t know the official chronological order of the segments. Enjoy this list!

1. Rapunzel
One of the best Newsflash sketches ever. It’s hilarious how Prince Charming reacts to Rupunzel’s hair falling off, as well as the arguing between them at the very end. One of the few times you’ll hear somebody say “Shut up!” on Sesame Street.

2. Sleeping Beauty
I like this one better than the other Sleeping Beauty sketch from around the same time. Sleeping Beauty sure does look cuter as a frog than a princess!


3. The Three Little Pigs
Having The Count interrupt Sesame Street News to count The Three Little Pigs and The Seven Dwarfs is a great way to represent two classic fairy tales in one sketch. It’s also one of the few news reports on the Three Little Pigs to actually involve counting.


4. What Makes People Angry?
One of the best Newsflash segments to not be based around a fairy tale or nursery rhyme, it’s particularly funny how nobody has time to answer Kermit’s question. The night setting is particularly wonderful. It’s also one of the few times Grover appeared in a news segment.


5. Cinderella
My favorite of the three Cinderella sketches (though I don’t remember actually seeing either of the other two). The ballroom dancing seems like a precursor to “At the Dance”. I really like how shallow Prince Charming seems to be whenever he appears on Sesame Street News.

6. Pinocchio
Okay, first time I saw this one I thought it was a bit freaky, but later on I saw it as funny and as the classic that it is. Though I must wonder what Kermit fell into at the end of the sketch.

7. George Washington’s Father
I wonder how Kermit manages to go back in time to cover past events.


8. How to Get to Yellowstone Park
My favorite of the Don Music segments. Rather than parody a nursery rhyme Don Music parodies the Sesame Street theme song. Interestingly, in this one Kermit never talks to the audience or refers to Sesame Street News (to do so would make Kermit’s ending line seem a bit weird), but still appears in his trench coat holding his microphone.


9. Alice in Wonderland
One of my favorites as a child, and I felt like it was an event whenever it was shown. One question about it: How come when Alice grows her clothes grows with her, yet when Kermit shrinks his clothes stays the same size?


10. Foot Snuggies
The only Dr. Nobel Price segment I’ve seen in English (seriously, sesamestreet.org should add some Dr. Nobel Price segments to its site). I especially like Nobel Price’s final line (“What’s television”?).

11. First Day of School
Kermit interviews Cookie Monster on the first day of school. I wonder if the teacher noticed the Sesame Street News camera crew in the classroom when he mistook Kermit for a student (also, I wonder if he noticed that Kermit was the only non-monster in the classroom).

12. Old MacDonald – and the spaceship
Old MacDonald mistakes a red Frisbee for a flying saucer, but then a real flying saucer shows up.


13. Elmo’s Reporter Game
One in a number of segments pairing Kermit and Elmo. The pairing is good, even if I prefer Kermit and Grover as a duo.

14. J Mine
Kermit reports from inside a mine of letter J’s. I really like the voices of the minors in this segment. Though I can’t help but wonder if maybe Biff and Sully should have worked in the J mine instead.

15. The New Three Little Pigs Story
The Big Bad Wolf writes a new version of The Three Little Pigs, in which Kermit and the pigs take part in the “Three of These Things” game. Though I think the Big Bad Wolf should have been the one that doesn’t belong.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Season 41 Episode Recap, Week 7

Sesame Street Season 41

Episode Review

Week 7

Shane Keating – Welp, it’s the last week of new episodes! And let me tell you, they’re some of the best this season. Let’s take a look.

EPISODE 4234 – ROCK ROCK BAND

Virgil Von Vivaldi (played by Michael McKean, in a reference to Spinal Tap) visits Sesame Street in search of rocks to make a rock rock band with. Abby and Elmo bring him some rocks, as well as Zoe, who offers him Rocco. However, none of the rocks they find are fit to be the lead singer. Abby tries some magic, but turns Chris into a large gem. He is changed back, but Virgil likes the idea so much, he asks to be turned into a gem to be the perfect “rock” singer.

McKean’s performance in this episode was so great. All of his remarks as he assigned each rock to a part were hilariously clever (like “Use the force, lute”). The running gag with the two Anything Muppets appearing whenever he said “rock” was nice too. There’s also a great gag with some penguins I won’t spoil.

New Segments:

• Elmo and Anna Faris try to explain what a “gem” is, but a prince keeps interrupting, giving Anna some rings. This is one of the few where the Muppet assistant is more so the one explaining the word.
• In the park, Grover bothers Mr. Johnson once more trying to sell him some V related items.
• Film: A NASA astronaut counts down from 10 to a rocket launch. Some really nice footage in this one.
• Film: A group of kids visit Sterling Hill Mines and collect rocks. I’ve been there a few times on Boy Scout trips and seeing them with their rock-collecting boxes brought back some memories.

EPISODE 4235 – ZOE LOVES ROCCO

Zoe is enjoying a day with Rocco and sings his favorite song (“Rocco and Roll”) with Alan and Chris. She goes to fetch his sun hat and leaves Elmo in charge of watching him. Elmo instead pays with Baby David and finds him missing when Zoe returns. Chris helps him find Rocco using clues. Elmo finally finds Rocco and apologizes to Zoe for his treatment toward Rocco.

For some reason, I felt a little uneasy about Elmo’s treatment of Rocco here. It’s always funny when he gets frustrated with him, but his carelessness was kinda thoughtless of him. Despite that, it was a good episode. “Rocco and Roll” was a catchy song that was kinda on the short side.

New Segments:

• LaDainian Tomlinson and Elmo show what a “celebration” is.
• Film: 19 is hidden in a pile of pebbles. Another “yawn” bit, but its really short so it doesn’t have much of an impact.
• Film: An announcer asks kids how they feel in different situation. It kind of went on for too long.
• Also, I know it’s not new, but a surprise in this episode was the inclusion of Bert’s song “I Gotta Be Clean.” It’s not “classic”, but it’s the oldest Muppet material we’ve seen all season.

EPISODE 4236 – DIRTBALLS

Oscar has had it with the cleanliness on Sesame Street and forms a new company, “Dirtballs.” His workers, Hiram and Burt, follow him to spread dirt around the street. They try to foist some on Luis in the garden, but the dirt actually helps him and the kids plant some vegetables. Oscar brings some to Alan and Chris at Hooper’s, but it helps Chris out with his problem: he can’t keep his cousin’s hamster in the apartment, but the dirt is a perfect place for him to live. Finally, Oscar tries to spread some around the Laundromat, but Leela makes a game out of finding the “treasures” inside. Hiram and Burt are amazed at the many things dirt can do and sing about them. Oscar closes shop, fed up with the usefulness.

I love Oscar and this was a great street plot. He had so many great lines, I couldn’t list them all! The ending was a bit abrupt, but it does come completely from left field and it’s really funny.

New Segments:

• Usher and Elmo seen various animals “volunteering” to help adults. Susan makes a cameo, which is great because she doesn’t appear much these days.
• Animation: D stands for “dolphin” and “dive”. It has some really nice animation.
• Cartoon: 17 trucks are counted.

EPISODE 4237 – GROUCHY MOTHER’S DAY

It’s Grouch Mother’s Day and Oscar has some plans to make it the worst for his mother. When she lands, they also get a visit from Oscar’s sister, Bunny. She constantly one-ups him on gifts, giving their mom more stinky fish and better skunk perfume. Oscar tries to drive them to the dump, but when he actually gets the car to start, his mother and sister are upset it works and think the street is making him too nice. Oscar arranges a gift Bunny would never think of – a Grouch trio (Bob, Gordon and Chris) singing a rotten song for her. Oscar’s mom has had the worst Grouch Mother’s Day ever and is grateful for two rotten kids.

Another winning Oscar episode! That’s why he’s my favorite!

New Segments:

• Rachel Griffiths shows some examples of a dozen – a carton of eggs, some bagels, and 12 singing penguins.
• Animation: A claymation remake of the classic “Ladybugs’ Picnic” cartoon. It’s alright, but not as memorable as the original.
• Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures: The two drift out to sea while relaxing on a floaty and end up on an island.
• Grover listens to his heartbeat and learns from a chicken how to make it faster. Another great Grover sketch!

EPISODE 4238 – ABBY TRIES AND TRIES AGAIN

Leela and Chris have plans to attend a party in the neighborhood. Abby offers to help Leela get dressed using magic. She does a magic spell that gives her a pirate outfit (complete with parrot). She tries the trick again and turns her into a football player. Leela tells her to be specific with her spell and she finally gets a fancy ball gown. Abby thinks her hair could use some improvement too and does another spell, which turns her hair all frizzy red and then into a puffy, Bride-of-Frankenstein look. After specifying her spell, Leela gets a ncie hairdo. Chris arrives to walk her to the party, but Leela can’t walk in her glass slippers. Abby offers more help and turns Chris into a horse. She changes him back and conjures a model airplane. She finally gets them a coach to ride. Abby does the dress spell on Chris, turning him into a pirate too. Chris likes the outfit and the two head for the party.

A nice little Abby episode. I enjoyed the various references to “Cinderella” (including Abby’s “Bipity-boppity-boo” inspired spells).

New Segments:

• Zoe Salanda and Elmo pretend to be various types of “transportation.”
• Cartoon: Elmo sings the Z sound in the word “zebra”. Yeesh, another one…
• Cartoon: 15 trucks make a 15
• The “Hot and Cold” song with Katy Perry was supposed to be in this episode, but was replaced with a Cookie Monster song, “The First Time Me Eat Cookie.” A good choice; I was hoping it would air again.

Well, that’s it for Season 41! Come back when Season 42 airs!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Season 41 Episode Recap, Part 6

Sesame Street Season 41

Episode Recap, Part 6

Shane Keating – Only one more week left of Season 41. Let’s take a look at the latest two episodes.


EPISODE 4232 – VEGGIES REVOLT

Telly and Chris see that a group of veggies are protesting that they are treated poorly on the street and plan on leaving. Anderson Cucumber reports on all the proceedings for VNN. (Care to guess what it stands for?) The first offender is Zoe, who is about to leave her lunch without eating her broccoli. Chris shows her a veggie-dance that gets her to eat them. Next, Cookie Monster wolfs down several dozen cookies, when a plate of veggies is right near him. Chris has him imagine the plate is full of cookies and he eats the whole serving (including the plate). Finally, Gina is trying to get Baby Natasha to eat her peas, but would rather knock the bowl on the ground. The veggies have had enough and are about to leave, when the residents sing “We Love You Vegetables” and Natasha now eats her food. The veggies decide to stay.

Another good storyline. Full of great characters and some good songs. I love how Cookie tried to remind the viewer he’s not the “Veggie Monster”; I really wish people would get that into their heads. Also, the story is riddled with food puns, including one based on a certain frog’s famous song.

New Segments:

• Ellen Pompeo and Elmo show how to be healthy. I honestly have no idea who half of these celebrities are.
• Film: The number 16 is found in a pile of pebbles.
• Super Grover 2.0 – A cow can’t get down the stairs of her beauty parlor and Grover must find a way to get her down. This is the last new “Super Grover 2.0” sketch of the season, which is a shame because it’s so good.
• Abby Cadabby sings a song about trying broccoli for the first time. It’s all right, though I wouldn’t consider it “classic.”

EPISODE 4233 – FAIRY TALE SCIENCE FAIR

Telly and Baby Bear are reporting on Sesame Street’s “Fairy Tale Science Fair.” They visit Little Red Riding Hood’s booth, where she shows how observing and comparing will help her learn which Granny is the real one and which is the Big Bad Wolf. With help from the reporters, she finds out and the Wolf leaves in a huff. Next, they visit Cinderella, who loves science. She tests whether a pumpkin floats or sinks in water; and it floats! The prince comes along with a glass slipper, which Cinderella tests in her water tank too. Finally, they find the Three Little Pigs, freaking out because the Big Bad Wolf is coming. After answering some questions and doing some experiments with building material, they figure out they need to make a house from bricks to stay safe. The Wolf is thwarted again and takes his frustration out on Telly and Baby Bear, blowing them away.

I kinda liked this one. There were a number of funny gags and the many uses of science come across well. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a Telly and Baby Bear episode.

New Segments:

• Elmo plays reporter while Samantha Harris gives him something to report on.
• Ernie sings about things he wonders about. This is the first new actual Ernie segment since 2006 and it’s a really great song, his best in years.

Welp, only one more week to go! See you then!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Season 41 Episode Recap, Part 5

Sesame Street Season 41

Episode Recap, part 5

Shane Keating – Here’s the rundowns for the last few weeks of episodes!

EPISODE 4227 – FETCH THE LETTER “I”

Telly and Elmo build the letter I using their Letter of the Day Kit. Meanwhile, Rosita plays with Iggy the dog and throws a stick for him to fetch. Iggy mistakes the I for the stick and grabs it. Elmo and Telly then make many attempts to get their letter back.

A pretty “meh” storyline, if only good for Telly. I was half expecting them to reference the classic cartoon in some way.

New Segments:

• Terrence Howard explains to Elmo what “incognito” means. Some passing animals in disguise help, as well as a second Elmo.
• Animation: Traction Jackson and his friend see a sign with only a neon I and sing about the many words it could start. It’s not often we see him anymore and I’d really hate to loose this character, so it’s good they still make new bits with him.

EPISODE 4228 – RAHKI ROAD

Today is Rhaki, an holiday celebrated in India where brothers and sisters show their love for each other by making bracelets for them. Leela is expecting one from her brother in the mail. Telly and Zoe are intrigued and make bracelets too. Telly goes haywire, finding more and more people he considers a brother or sister and makes dozens of bracelets. Meanwhile, Chris tries to cheer Leela up by making a Rahki party with Elmo. They are all lured into Hooper’s and find a Rahki party waiting for them. And finally, Leela’s bracelet comes for her.

This story had such a classic vibe to it. I could totally see it airing with segments in between it like the old days. And Telly’s neurotic worrying is back and on full blast!

New Segments:

• Alton Brown and Abby cook up a “recipe” for fun!
• Film: The letter U stands for “umpire”, “umbrella,” and “underwear”. A really funny short film.
• Cartoon: Indian images count to 19. The new letter/number segments this year have been really good, I must say!
• Super Grover 2.0 – Grover helps a chicken get to the other side of the “Pretty Good Wall of China.” I think this segment set the record for the most chicken jokes in a 5 and a half-minute period.
• Cartoon: A creature hugs a sad, smaller creature, making him happy. One of the finalists in the aniBOOM contest.

EPISODE 4229 – PUDDLE JUMPING

Elmo can’t wait to jump in a puddle once it starts raining, but no puddles are around. While he waits, he runs into Baby Bear, who sings about showering in the rain (a verse from the classic Sesame song). He then meets Stinky the Stinkweed, who uses the rain to grow a flower. Cookie Monster comes by, pretending the rain is cookies and sings “It’s Raining Cookies” to help Elmo imagine it too. He then comes across Oscar, who’s collecting rain in his bucket to save for sunny days. Finally, he helps Rosita and Big Bird share an umbrella to get to Hooper’s. At last, there are some puddles for Elmo and friends to jump in.

An alright story. It’s great to see Oscar and Big Bird in the same episode, plus Stinky (who’s not used as much these days). Plus, how can you NOT love Cookie’s “It’s Raining Men” parody?!

New Segments:

• Jennifer Garner and Abby show what goulashes are.
• Super Grover 2.0 – An elephant and sheep need help balancing the weight in their boat.

EPISODE 4230 – SAVED BY SUPERFOODS

Elmo doesn’t know what is on his plate. Super Grover fails at helping, when the Super Foods arrive and point out it’s a kiwi and convince him to try it, Elmo does and he likes it! Super Grover goes off to find someone else in trouble. He finds Rosita unable to open her snack bag. Grover rips it open, spilling the contents on the ground. The Super Foods arrive again and show her the “rainbow” of snacks she could have instead. Fed up, Grover comes across a chicken trying to lift his heavy suitcase. Grover insists he help, but can’t lift the suitcase at all. The Super Foods appear once more to show him that because he skipped breakfast, he has no more energy. After trying some, he gains his strength back and everyone sings in praise of the Super Foods.

This story was originally made for an educational resource video, “Food for Thought.” I’m not sure why they put it into an episode; but it’s full of some great Super Grover moments! And the songs are pretty good too, my favorite being “Try, Try Again.”

New Segments:

• Grover suckers Mr. Johnson into playing the Letter G Game and gets many G-word prizes (unneeded, mind you).
• Cartoon: 5 trucks build a 5 in the sandbox. Animated by the same guy who does the Elmo’s World cartoons.
• Cartoon: A roll call (Imagine the pun). Another aniBOOM Contest entry.

EPISODE 4231 – TWINS DAY

Today, Hooper’s in celebrating Twins Day. The Count spends the whole day counting to 2. Chris has even brought his fraternal twin sister, Christy. Zoe and Abby want to be twins too, so they try to find ways they can be twins. They can’t do the same things as each other, which they think means they can’t be twins. Chris and Christy tell them that some twins look alike. With some magic, Abby makes Zoe look like her, and then changes herself into Zoe, but neither image works for them. They both find they like jumping, which means they can be “The Jumping Twins” and join the party.

This was a pretty good episode. Abby and Zoe were great and Christy was an interesting treat. Plus, it’s got the Count! There’s also a great running gag with Telly seeing double.

New Segments:

• Sherri Shepherd and Abby show things that are “identical.”
• Animation: Counting to 10 by 2s
• Cartoon: Question of the Day – Diversity. One of the aniBOOM finalists.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: Top Ten Sesame Songs Not on Any Album, Part 2

The Top Ten Sesame Street Songs Not on Any Album: Part II

 

Michael Wermuth, Jr. - My first published contribution to The Muppet Mindset was a list of the top ten Sesame Street songs that have never been released on any albums. It’s been a year and we still haven’t gotten any new Sesame Street albums (compiling three classic albums on multi-disc sets don’t count as “new”), and therefore my list didn’t have any impact in decision-making from Sesame Workshop or Koch Records. But that won’t stop me from making a list of the SECOND top ten Sesame Street songs not officially available in audio format. Last time I avoided songs recorded after 1997, but I am going to list some post-1997 songs this time around.

10. There’s a Hole in the Bucket

A cover of a traditional public domain song, “There’s a Hole in the Bucket” concerns a hillbilly couple, Henry (performed by Jim Henson) and Liza (voiced by Rita Moreno), in which Henry is about to get some water, but finds that there’s a hole in his bucket. Liza tells him to fix the hole, which leads Henry to point out a variety of other issues, asking Liza what he should do next. But as the title says, “There’s a Hole in the Bucket.” “There’s a Hole in the Bucket” was a “holy grail” among fans of Sesame Street. For years it hadn’t been broadcast, and none of the fans had a copy of the segment. In 2008 the sketch was added at sesamestreet.org.

9. It’s Alive

Kermit sings a song about things that are alive while sitting on a hill. He sings about how if "it eats, or breathes, or grows" it's alive. He is soon joined by a variety of different types of Muppets, including a dog, an Anything Muppet boy, Elmo, and others--all of whom are alive.

8. Sharing

In this song, Grover encounters Prairie Dawn, who is sad because some kids wouldn’t let her play with them. Grover offers to share some raisins with her, leading him to sing this quiet song about sharing. While not one of Grover’s best, it is still a great song. It was included in the video “Learn to Share.”

7. Don’t Know Y

A parody of “Don’t Know Why” performed by Nora Jones herself. She sings to Elmo about how she and the letter of the day, Y, were supposed to play together, but the Y didn’t show up. While singing, she is oblivious to the fact that the Y is there in the background, until the end, when it apologizes for being late.

6. Things That I Remember

Ernie and Bert sing about the things that they remember. Last year I included this in a list of the top ten Sesame Street inserts not on video, but this would make a good audio release as well.  The song is great to listen to. If I didn’t put a pre-1997 limit on my first “Top Ten Sesame Street Songs Not on Albums” list I, would have included this song.

5. Rappin’ Alphabet

A rap song featuring the rarely-seen Ferlinghetti Donizetti. It’s very catchy. An audio release of it would obviously lose the visuals of Grover breakdancing, but I don’t think that is necessary to enjoy the song. While not on any album releases, the audio does appear in the “Letters” computer game.

4. ABCs of the Swamp (also known as “Bayou Alphabet”)

This song features Kermit in the swamp, listing swamp-related words that begin with each letter of the alphabet (not too different from Kermit’s other alphabet song, “African Alphabet”). Kermit first sits on a log, then falls backwards into swamp water and repeats his song. While not on any album, it was included in the long-out-of-print VHS “The Alphabet Song.”

3. What I Am

One of the highlights of season 41, will.i.am sings this song of pride, joined by many of the current main Sesame Street Muppets (I think Murray is the only notable character absent). It is a fantastic song that really deserves to be available in high-quality audio form.

2. Because We’re Friends

A song featuring Abby Cadabby, Zoe, and Rosita. They sing about being friends. It’s one of Abby’s best songs, and one of the few that has seen the three main female characters on the show join together to sing.

1. Wheels on my Feet

Okay, I think the visuals of this song are probably more famous to casual fans than the song itself. This is the song where Big Bird appears on roller skates. Big Bird sings about his skating, backed-up in voice-over by some of the adults. I feel like this is just as much a signature Big Bird song as “ABC-DEF-GHI” and “I Just Adore Four”. While never released in audio form, it was included in the video “Big Bird Sings.”

Well, that's my list. I do not plan on posting a "Part III" next year, but then again, I didn't plan on posting a part II when I did the first one. But if the people at Sesame Workshop and Koch Records see this and the original list, these two lists would help with content if we ever get a truly new Sesame Street album from Koch Records.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier