If you take a gander at the Contenders section you’ll note that, by far, the film with the most stabs at this year’s Best Original Song category is Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” But interestingly enough (and perhaps a smart move), it seems only four of the tracks are receiving a substantial campaign. We’re happy to feature one of them today.
“Down in New Orleans” was written by Randy Newman (along with the rest of the songs and score from the film). It was performed by blues legend Dr. John and serves as something of a theme track for the film. It kicks off the festivities early on and has a reprise later int eh film, just before Ne-Yo’s “Never Knew I Needed” wraps things up.
In my opinion, this and “Almost There” (which we will feature Friday) are the film’s best shots at nominations, based on how they are used in the film. But at the end of the day, I think we can probably count on seeing a pair of tracks from this traditional animation entry make their way into the line-up.
Have a listen below and tell us what you think.
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Comments
21 responses to “Listen to Dr. John’s ‘Down in New Orleans’ from ‘The Princess and the Frog’”
Good stuff and certainly very (Randy) Newmanesque.
“But at the end of the day, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the category filled with tunes from this classic traditional animation entry.”
Due to the rule change they still can’t nominate more than two track from the movie, right?
Oh, doh! Yeah, you’re right. Let me amend. Totally forgot. (Who can keep up with this bunch?)
Reminds me of The Sting in a way, and something else that I can’t quite place. Definitely very Randy Newman too, but I think it’s nice to have someone else do the singing since Newman is so distinct.
I can’t imagine this not being nominated.. Would be interesting if two Frog tracks are nominated, two from Nine and “The Weary Kind” from Crazy Heart.. that could only help the latter to a win!
Pretty refreshing to hear the distinct voice of Dr. John in a song getting pushed for Oscar glory. Sure beats a lot of the tame vocalists we’re subjected to year after year.
Be nice to see him do this onstage at the ceremony.
“Sometimes there’s an alligator driving a car, and other times you’re wearing a hat made out of meat.”
That’s my personal favorite Dr. John quote.
Also, when did the justification of the page change from Left to Center? Or is this not happening on everyone’s computer?
And I’m sure the irony of the first film with an African-American princess and largely African-American cast of characters being scored by a white boy (even if it is Randy Newman) is lost on no one. I’m still excited to see this–hope it turns out well.
Sounds like every other Newman song… especially the one from Major League. Enough.
Yeah… it was called Burn On from Major League… tell me those two aren’t songs from the same womb.
“And I’m sure the irony of the first film with an African-American princess and largely African-American cast of characters being scored by a white boy (even if it is Randy Newman) is lost on no one. I’m still excited to see this–hope it turns out well.”
I sort of understand your point but if you are going to follow that logic why not ask why the film is being written (co-written?) and directed by white men?
At least Randy’s got his New Orlean’s credentials proper.
I suppose someone like Quincy Jones would have been an interesting choice but Randy was a good pick too.
“Yeah… it was called Burn On from Major League… tell me those two aren’t songs from the same womb.”
Just heard it on Youtube and honestly, I don’t think the two songs are very similar at all. Both are piano based but their rhythms and melody are sufficiently different. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not exactly blown away by “Down in New Orleans” but it’s pleasant and it’s southern quality is pleasant if a little obvious so I think should work well enough in the movie.
@Maxim: Yeah, I could have. It just seemed more relevant to single out Newman here since the article’s about him. That’s all.
I mean, I’d love to be wrong, but I remember seeing the teaser with that fucking firefly and my thought process went something like this:
Black Princess – 1 step forward for Disney
Racist-ass Firefly – 5 steps back for Disney
Can’t please everyone I guess Adam. No matter what they did, they were damned if they did, damned if they didn’t it seems. At least it’s a step in the right direction, right?
Maxim I understand if you don’t think it sounds the same. But the instant I heard it here, I had to see if Burn On was by Newman. I am in Cleveland, which Major League centers around the Indians, so maybe I have seen the film a few more times… and therefore might be a little more familiar with Burn On. But I digress… I’m hoping nothing stands in the way of The Weary Kind!
Adam: What’s the deal with the page?
its happening to me kris, everything on the page is centered opposed to the left, the predictions, articles, and comments
Same here. It’s making me read things funky.
My computer is fine on Firefox.
No worries, Mark. I certainly understand that some of the Newman songs have a similar sound if not vibe so I get where you are coming from.
Also, incidentally, I live in Columbus.
@Kris: I don’t know if it’s just because I was on a shitty, older PC earlier with IE and now I’m on Safari, or if it’s because whatever the problem was got fixed, but everything is properly justified now from where I’m sitting.
@ Maxim… then GO BUCKEYES!
It just happens that I just took my final exam at OSU so your timing couldn’t be better. O-H!
Still centered where i’m at =(