This collection of original-cast Disney songs dating from 1938 to 1997 will evoke memories from at least three generations of moviegoers. It's not just a best-of compilation -- while there are some all-time favorites like "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Beauty and the Beast," there are some here that may be unfamiliar to many listeners: "The Ugly Bug Ball," from Summer Magic, and "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat," from The Aristocats. There are some (from Lady and the Tramp, Song of the South, and Dumbo) that must have seemed innocuous at the time of their original release, but whose disturbing racial or ethnic stereotypes may require some explanation to young listeners. What unites these songs is the quality of the performances by some of the finest artists of the times (Peggy Lee,
Burl Ives,
Angela Lansbury), as well as by many singers primarily known for their work for Disney. The collection should have strong appeal for anyone with fond memories of these films or who wants to sample the diversity of music written for Disney.