You do know what tomorrow is, don’t you?
That’s right, young Padawans…
It’s May the Fourth. International Star Wars Day.
So on today’s edition of K-Chuck Radio, dust off your lightsabers and turn on your inner Jedi (or Sith, if you’re one of those), and enjoy some sounds and songs associated with the day on which we celebrate the greatest space fantasy series in cinema history.
Now the way to approach the music for the series depends on one of two variables. Do you approach the Star Wars movies with this theme…
JOHN WILLIAMS conducting the LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Star Wars (Main Theme)
Or do you approach the Star Wars movies with this theme?
MECO
Star Wars Theme / Cantina Band
By the way, did you know that the main theme had lyrics? Of course you did. They’re sung in this clip right here by popular singer Nick Winters, who looks surprisingly like a former Saturday Night Live cast member…
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/media/embed/81459498
Me, I’m one of those people who approach it with the tongue-in-cheek ardor of break-in artist Dickie Goodman. Thusly…
DICKIE GOODMAN
Star Warts / Star Warz
THE STAR WARS ORCHESTRA
R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Now this is a very interesting track. This was part of the first in a a proposed series of Star Wars Christmas albums, branded as “Christmas in the Stars.” The lead singer for this little project? Some guy named Jon Bongiovi. Yes. This is the first song to have lead vocals by Jon Bon Jovi. Park that in your trivia cap the next time you need it for a finals question.
THE STAR WARS ORCHESTRA
What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb)
Oh yeah, this was the B-side of that little classic. No, Jon Bon Jovi’s not singing lead vocals on this. I’m sure he’s grateful for that.
“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC
Yoda
This is one of “Weird Al” Yankovic’s classics, it’s been one of the ten most-played songs on the Dr. Demento show, but it wasn’t officially released for years… I’m not sure who was holding it up, whether George Lucas didn’t think it was funny or if Ray Davies of the Kinks didn’t think it was funny.
“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC
The Saga Begins
Things moved smoother on this track, as “Weird Al” Yankovic actually got permission from Don McLean to rewrite the lyrics to McLean’s classic “American Pie.”
mc chris
Fett’s Vette
This was a major “nerdcore” hit, and was the bigest hit for mc chris – who also appears from time to time on Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Warning – there is some cursing in this track, so you might not want to play it at work.
COLLEGEHUMOR.COM
Star Wars Cantina Auditions
By the way, “Weird Al” Yankovic and mc chris both appear in this parody from CollegeHumor.com, as do a myriad of performers – including Liz Phair, Rick Springfield, and Lisa Loeb.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to start with Episode 4: A New Hope (the original print, Han shot first – well, Han shot only because Greedo never got a chance to shoot), then I’ll follow that with The Empire Strikes Back, and then Return of the Jedi. And no, my copy doesn’t have Darth Vader shouting “Nooooo!!” in it.
And if I have time, and if there’s a choice between Episode 1: The Phantom Menace OR the Star Wars Holiday Special…
Hmm…
That’s a tough choice. At that point in time, I’ll just pop in a copy of Logan’s Run and call it a day. 🙂
Chuck The Writer 