I hear those things are awfully loud: Dan Cribb on his pop-punk covers of Simpsons songs

The songsof The Simpsons and pop-punk: it’s a winning combination! Perth muso Dan Cribb has spent the last year putting togetherWorst Tribute Ever – an album of covers of classic Simpsons musical numbers, with an all-star cast of guest vocalists from the Australian music scene. From Jeremy Neale helping out on ’I’m Checkin’ In’ to Ecca Vandal on ’Happy Birthday Lisa’ and Alex Lahey taking on the Flaming Moe’s jingle, there’s no shortage of Aussie talent managing to find a few minutes amonth to get punky.

News broke this morning that Alf Clausen, the show’s longtime composer, had been let go in May after 27 years. Astributes flow for the man responsible for almost every iconic Simpsons song, Cribb is gearing up for a special Worst Tribute Ever liveshowat the Brisbane venue The Brightside next Tuesday night, whichwill also function as anunofficial afterparty for the first night of BIGSOUND.

TMN caught up with Cribb to hear about what’s in store on the night, how the project came together, and the underrated genius ofClausen’s compositions.

How did the WTEproject get started?

I had the idea of recording a Simpsons tribute album for a couple of years – just recording a handful of songs and releasing them all at once. But that seemed like a lot of work for what would have probably been little return. It wasn’t until I thought about getting guests involved and releasing one a month that I got serious about it.

Do guests ask to work on particular songs or do you ask them? Do you work with them on the arrangements as well?

Normally I’ll reach out to someone I think has a killer voice and if they’re up for it I suggest a few tunes and then record the one they pick in a style/key that will suit their voice.

Sometimes the guests request a song –Ecca Vandal and Benny from Axis Of Awesome did that and those songs turned out great.

As far as arrangements go, I do a lot of that myself and have also been doing some songs with my pal Troy Nababan, who is an awesome engineer and producer. Troy’s also been mixing and mastering the songs, and is doing a fine job. Check him out.

What have you discovered about these songs as you rework them?

There are so many layers to each song. Not only are the arrangements next-level, but the lyrics and melodies are epic. Why isn’t there a Simpsons Broadway show yet?

Are there any numbers that just haven’t worked as pop-punk songs, despite your best efforts?

There’s been a few, but I just ended up doing them in different styles (still to be released).

How badly have the Simpsons team fucked up by firing Alf Clausen?

It was seriously depressing to hear that Alf Clausen had been fired, but that might be largely due to nostalgic reasons for me. Like a lot of other Simpsons fans, I’m stuck on the first 13 or so seasons, so I’m not sure his departure will have any real impact on me other than knowing one of the greatest composers of our time got fired.

With that said, they might have seriously underestimated his ability to add feeling and meaning to the show, and it wouldn’t be surprising if there was a drop in the quality in terms of how the stories are conveyed now that he’s gone. I’d be interested to hear what Matt Groening thinks about it, considering he was the one who insisted each episode was scored with an orchestra from the start.

What’s your personal favourite Simpsons episode? (You can do a top 3 if you’re struggling.)

Two Bad Neighbours[AKA George H. W. Bush moves to Evergreen Terrace]

You Only Move Twice[AKA Hank Scorpio]

Last Exit to Springfield[AKA Nuclear plant strike AKA “Dental plan!”]

And which is the best Simpsons band cameo?

Blink-182 for sure!

What can we expect from thelive show?

A bunch of unreleased covers, some sweet guest vocalists, themed cocktails,Worst Tribute Evershirts and one hell of a party.

Which other acts are you excited to catch at the showcases?

Stella Donnelly, West Thebarton, Clowns, Taj Ralph, Jess Locke and so many more.

What drink should someone buy you if they’re trying to snag a spot on Second Worst Tribute Ever?

Whisky, please and thank you.