Posted on: November 16, 2007 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

The Simpsons: Testify / 2007 Shout Factory / 41 Tracks / http://www.thesimpsons.com / http://www.shoutfactory.com /

Throughout the years, The Simpsons have had a number of different CDs capturing the countless songs that have been present during the show’s run. This disc collects the songs that made it into episodes during the 10th through the 18th seasons. Of particular note right off the bat are “Homer & Marge”, a parody of “Jack & Diane” done by Weird Al Yankovic, “Glove Slap”, a play on “Love Shack”, and “Lady” by Ricky Gervais (The Office). These tracks are merely the highlights on an album that exhaustively collects all the times that The Simpsons (or individuals that deal with the family) have broke into song; “Stretch Dude and Clobber Girl”, “We Are The Jockeys” and “A Star Is Torn (Medley)” may not feature guest stars but are of the same high quality that Simpsons-themed music has always been known for.

“Testify” confused me at first, as I was expecting all of the parodies that The Simpsons have done over the years of different religious songs and songs turned into somewhat-religious songs (such as the organ version of “In A Gadda Da Vita” ). Regardless, the production of these tracks surpasses the original aired versions; these are not the episode rips that individuals that have wanted Simpsons songs have had to deal with in the past. There are some weaker tracks during the CD (such as “Taste Like Liberty”, which was an advertisement for Krusty burgers that plays on American seventies rock music), but the inclusion of previously unaired tracks such as Kelsey Grammar’s “Hullaba Lula” makes up for any weakness. Despite the claim that episodes from the last few seasons have been weak for whatever reason, the skill and ability shown during the tracks on “Testify” is simply stunning.

Sure, there will be a few weak tracks, but one has to keep in mind that there are over 40 songs on this disc. I challenge you to find an album that long without anything in the way of weak tracks on it.  If an individual is a Simpsons completist, the purchase of “Testify” is essential. If they are not, the songs done by the Simpsons cast will combine with the songs crafted by the guest stars to make this a solid album, even if individuals have to skip through a few songs to get to the gold.  Check the stores for another “Testify-like” disc in about five years.

Top Tracks: Lady, Homer & Marge

Rating: 6.8/10

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