The earworm, it burns! It burns like ponies!
August 1, 2011 12:03 PM   Subscribe

I cannot believe I am spending an Ask on this question. What is the original song that is being pastiched / referenced / ripped off by the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic song Cutie Mark Crusaders?

I swear you guys I have a 4 year old, it's not my fault. This song reminds me of SOMETHING but I cannot figure out what it is.
posted by KathrynT to Media & Arts (16 answers total) 3 users marked this as a favorite
 
LOL it reminds me of both the original Sailor Moon theme song and the theme to Pokemon.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:06 PM on August 1, 2011


The intro reminds me of "Barbie Girl" by Aqua.

Otherwise it just reminds me of recent Disney cartoon music; maybe something from Mulan?

Your question made me laugh :)
posted by millions of peaches at 12:25 PM on August 1, 2011


Best answer: God, that's awful. It sounds like Fame to me.
posted by moxiedoll at 12:39 PM on August 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Best answer: It sounds like a generic 80s middle of the road rock anthem. Like Journey or Pat Benatar or something. Only with really bad singing by ponies.
posted by interplanetjanet at 12:54 PM on August 1, 2011


I think it sounds like a lot of 80's power ballads, though not any one in particular.

You don't have to have an excuse for liking My Little Pony, don't worry about it.
posted by Gordafarin at 12:55 PM on August 1, 2011


I think 'Fame' is pretty close actually.
posted by TheRedArmy at 1:07 PM on August 1, 2011


Would make sense with it being a theater production and all.
posted by TheRedArmy at 1:07 PM on August 1, 2011


Hmm, doesn't sound like "Fame" to me at all. I know that this might seem like a reach, but, in a weird way, it reminds me of the Scorpions:

Still Loving You
Rock Me like A Hurricane
No One Like You

posted by lakersfan1222 at 1:54 PM on August 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


I can't believe I'm answering this question, but I kept trying to sing (a shifted-key) version of Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight" over the pretty ponies.
posted by MonkeyToes at 3:33 PM on August 1, 2011


And I'm not the only one who hears this insane connection!

"So, did anyone notice the similarity between the Cutie Mark Crusaders' theme and Cutting Crew's "I Just Died in Your Arms"?"

Seriously, listen to the karaoke version and tell me you don't notice it. Holy crap, and I was JUST emerging from Bob/Thomas/Elmo/Sid theme song HELL.
posted by MonkeyToes at 4:32 PM on August 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Agree with others, it's not one particular song, it's the 1980's power ballad style. See also "Final Countdown" by Europe, stuff on the Karate Kid soundtrack, etc.
posted by cosmicbandito at 6:14 PM on August 1, 2011


Best answer: I don't know the answer, but if there is an definite answer to be had, I do know who would know to ask: the bronies.
posted by copystar at 6:50 PM on August 1, 2011


Best answer: Reminds me a bit of "I Need A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler (80's power ballad, natch).
posted by dephlogisticated at 10:36 PM on August 1, 2011


Let us all hope that when our own pop culture end is near, we don't go out like Cutting Crew apparently have - poor bastards, what an awful fate to endure....

Seriously, it's them (or their tune), sadly.

Worst of all, in the process of "researching" my answer, I think I've now been infected with the Ponie virus - Dear God!
posted by 5Q7 at 11:12 PM on August 1, 2011


Reminds me a bit of "I Need A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler (80's power ballad, natch)

I love the word bubbles being used for the lyrics. Anyway, I hear a bit of this, "Fame," and I'm surprised no one mentioned "Maniac." The build-up from the verse to the chorus (er, I guess) makes it reminiscent of those songs.

The pony song is maybe slower and a little more drawn out, though. And less uplifting and danceable. And rougher on the ears. Ugh.

And regarding the "Bronies" (as mentioned on "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me"), I can see guys being into Powerpuff Girls, but a My Little Pony reboot?
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 1:24 AM on August 2, 2011


Response by poster: Consensus from the Bronysphere appears to be that it's a pastiche of power ballads in general, with particular nods to "I Need a Hero" and "Fame."

Also, I weirdly feel compelled to point out that the three ponies performing the piece are, through childish stubbornness, semi-unconsciously working against their strengths. So the gifted singer is manning the sets and effects, the gifted dancer is singing, the gifted artist is choreographing, &c. IOW, it's bad for a reason. don't judge me
posted by KathrynT at 9:05 AM on August 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


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