Pop Legend Brian Wilson Puts His Stamp on In the Key of Disney

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wouldn't it be nice if Brian Wilson put his inimitable stamp on the Disney songbook? That's exactly what the Beach Boys co-founder and musical living legend has done on In the Key of Disney, Wilson's new Disney Pearl collection of songs from seven decades of Disney films. Featuring hits from early-animated classics such as "Snow White" and "Pinocchio," up through last year's "Toy Story 3," the new album boasts Wilson's trademark harmonies, lead vocals and brilliant pop arrangements. Brian Wilson's In the Key of Disney arrives in stores and at online retailers Oct. 25.

In addition to producing the album, Wilson wrote all vocal arrangements and co-wrote arrangements for his band with Paul Von Mertens. Song selection was a careful process for Wilson, who chose from among every era of Disney films, to appeal to kids and adults of all ages. Said Wilson, "Like every kid in America, I grew up loving Disney, especially the animated classics. The songs from those masterpieces were as much a part of my musical education as anything else. So it only made sense that I would want to put my spin on some of those truly great songs." 

Drawing on Wilson's genius for layered vocal harmonies and crisp pop arrangements, In the Key of Disney is a must for fans of the Beach Boys and Disney music. Songs included on the album are:

1. "You've Got a Friend In Me," the Oscar®-nominated hit from "Toy Story," given a funky New Orleans twist with classic Brian Wilson harmonies.
2. "Bare Necessities," a rousing rendition of the 1967 classic from "The Jungle Book," re-envisioned in the Tin Pan Alley style that so impacted Wilson as a songwriter.
3. "Baby Mine," the gentle ballad from "Dumbo," done as a doo-wop lullaby in the fashion of the Beach Boys' "In My Room."  
4. "Kiss the Girl," one of the unforgettable songs from "The Little Mermaid" punctuated by stunning Brian Wilson harmonies. 
5. "Colors of the Wind" the signature song from "Pocahontas" and winner of the 1995 Academy Award for Best Original Song, reinterpreted as only Brian Wilson can. 
6. "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," the Oscar®-winning ballad (composed by Wilson's friend Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice) from "The Lion King" adorned with Wilson's flawless choral harmonies. 
7. "We Belong Together," Wilson's sizzling rock 'n' roll take on the Oscar®-winning Randy Newman classic from "Toy Story 3." 
8. "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," one of the cheeriest tunes from "The Lion King," made even more fun by Brian Wilson.  
9. "Stay Awake," the lullaby from "Mary Poppins," a surprising choice but revived beautifully with Wilson's intimate arrangement. 
10. "Heigh Ho/Whistle While You Work," the album's sole instrumental, is a masterful, whimsical medley drawn from "Snow White."  
11. "When You Wish Upon a Star" from "Pinocchio," the album's closer and arguably the signature song from the Disney pantheon, given new life with Wilson's lush harmonies.

"These days, I enjoy watching the classic Disney films with my own children and grandchildren," says Wilson. "It's fun to watch them discover the magic, both in the stories and characters, as well as in the music. I made this album for them, just as much as for me and for my fans, and I hope everyone enjoys it."

Brian Wilson is one of the great American composers of the last 100 years. The Southern California native, along with his brothers, a cousin and a friend, formed the Beach Boys while still in their teens. With Wilson as chief songwriter and arranger, the band not only turned out dozens of hits, but changed music forever thanks to Wilson's innovative melodies and harmonies. Songs like "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda," "California Girls," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," and the #1 smash "Good Vibrations" remain indispensable staples in the rock 'n' roll canon. The band's "Pet Sounds" (1966) is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Wilson continued to make great music after the Beach Boys, with 10 solo albums including his breathtaking "Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE," which he began recording in the 1960s and finally completed in 2004 to thunderous critical acclaim and Top 20 chart success (as well as earning a Grammy). A member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center honoree and recipient of multiple Gold and Platinum records, Wilson has earned his well-deserved pop music immortality. Last year, Wilson made his Disney Pearl debut with Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, which included his versions of great Gershwin tunes as well as two new songs fashioned from fragments given to Wilson by the Gershwin estate.

Brian Wilson: In the Key of Disney will be available wherever music is sold on Oct. 25. For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic. For more information on Brian Wilson, please visit www.brianwilson.com.

SOURCE Walt Disney Records

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