The second of
Soupy Sales' two albums for ABC-Paramount,
Soupy Sales Sez 'Do the Mouse' and Other Teen Hits, was his most successful foray into the recording medium in every sense. The album charted in the Top 100, as did its single "Do the Mouse," and the project was aimed at an older audience than his previous album, Spy With a Pie.
Sales' singing ability (or lack thereof) is the subject of much joking, but here he hits every note, and gives admirably dynamic and engaging performances. In fact, there is something endearing about hearing the 40-year-old
Sales earnestly tackle these energetic, R&B-influenced dance cuts and novelty songs, even if he sometimes sounds like a drowsy Dustin Hoffman. The songs contain numerous references to one another, along with a recurring mouse motif ("Mouse Trap," in particular, is practically a sequel to "Do the Mouse.") The album's adult orientation shows through on "Sad Sack," which addresses unemployment, and the former
Pat Boone hit "Speedy Gonzales," which incorporates additional hardship themes and unfortunate Frito Bandito-style humor. Except for the "Wolverton Mountain" country-pop of "Mighty Clem," and the half-serious ballad "Pachalafaka," both of which are tucked away near the end,
Soupy Sales Sez 'Do the Mouse' and Other Teen Hits is a completely respectable party platter that proves
Sales had an odd but worthwhile musical vision. ~ Greg Adams