Reversing the Numbness

Monday, May 14, 2007

Three is a Magic Number



This is probably the most famous of the Schoolhouse Rock toons from the '70s (also the first), but I hadn't seen the original in a long time. I can't believe how good this is, on so many levels. It's a great song with catchy and cool lyrics, a classic melody, and I think it's actually beautiful in places. I really like the art and the minimal animation, too. I can't wait to show this to my kids tomorrow.

10 comments:

Rob Zero said...

My niece and wife have the DVD set. These songs worm into your brain like those things in Star Trek 2.

SleekPelt said...

rob: There's actually some cool kids' TV these days, i.e. The Backyardagins, but it's hard to beat this Schoolhouse Rock stuff.

Fleming said...

ahhhhh, the Backyardigans. I can't wait to see that again tonight at my house.

Clash said...

I still remember "I'm Just a Bill", and "Three Ring Government."

I just showed my 12 year old daughter and she looked at me like I was crazy. Good times.

Zee said...

Recentrly, someone recommended to me an Animaniacs CD with songs that teach States, Capitals, planets, and things like that. Reminded me of Schoolhouse Rock.

Anonymous said...

Great to see this, Sleekpelt. Cheers.

Took me back to my teenage years, and the "De La Soul" song which sampled it...

SleekPelt said...

fleming: I think the Backyardigans are sorta hit-or-miss, but the "Mystery Lifeguard" episode freaking rules.

clash: I remember "I'm Just a Bill" very well, but "Three Ring Government" escapes me. I'll have to YouTube it.

zee: Sounds like something my kids would like.

winters: I remember there was a full-on Schoolhouse Rock tribute CD made at one point, where contemporary artists covered the classic songs.

josh williams said...

I remember the song and the cartoon, but now I think I finally understand the lesson. What a differance a few decades make.

Anonymous said...

ANIMANIACS RULE. They conveniently came on between 4-4:30 ;) during my college years.

that is a very clever cartoon.

SleekPelt said...

josh: What I like best about it is that the lyrics aren't dumbed down at all. It's a super basic song, but I really think the lyrics are exceptional for a kids' song.

raoul: That's an excellent time slot, as far as college campuses go.