¡Hay Un Amigo En Mi!

The other day we re-watched Toy Story 3 (2010) because it’s excellent. This was after re-watching Toy Story 2 (1999), my favorite, and then we watched the original (1995). As an audio engineering student that spent time a lot of time learning & recording foley, studying sound mixing (and mixing), and sound design, I have been drawn to cartoons. But really, I’ve been drawn to cartoons since my Bugs Bunny-filled childhood. I love voice acting as much as I love to guess and spot who’s who in any animated cast. It’s one of the small pleasures in my life.

I don’t need to spend a post telling you why the Toy Story movies are so fabulous; they’re groundbreaking in computer animation, sound design, and children’s storytelling that also hits home for adults. Beloved by all. I’m here to tell you I’ve had “Hay Un Amigo En Mi (You’ve Got A Friend In Me)” by Gypsy Kings in my head for a week. It’s the cover of Randy Newman’s original song that is recognized so far and wide that you don’t even need subtitles for the fantastic, much-needed Spanish-language version. Randy Newman did all the original songs for all the films, and any time I hear an acoustic guitar and violin paired ever so perfectly, I transport into the nearest Pixar film. So here it is in all it’s glory.

And because we’re right here, let’s celebrate Gypsy Kings’ cover of “Hotel California,” the only acceptable version of The Eagles’ track from 1976, made famous (for me) by The Coen Brothers’ use of it in The Big Lebowski (1998). This track is probably one of my most played, featured on my running playlist, covers playlist, and many playlists throughout my universe. Recorded in 1990 for Elektra Records’ compilation record, Rubáiyát, the album features Elektra artists of “present day” (1990) covering songs from the Elektra catalog and its sister label, Asylum Records.

Like The Dude says, “I hate the fuckin’ Eagles, man.” Fuckin-A to that. Happy new year everyone!! What adventures will 2023 bring?!