FILTER Magazine continues its 10th Anniversary celebration with the launch of Issue 47, which hit newsstands a couple days ago. For its latest issue, the ‘Good Music’ publication takes readers inside the music surrounding the longest-running scripted show in television history, The Simpsons, as it reached its 500th episode milestone- which aired Feb. 19, on FOX.
FILTER speaks to Simpsons creator Matt Groening, among others involved in the animated series, on everything from the show’s musical guests, original compositions and his own personal music tastes. The article goes on to touch onto the rare 35-piece orchestra that scores the show to the instantly recognizable theme song. Even at episode 500, 23 seasons on the air and 18 years in syndication, The Simpsons continues to bring laughter, drama and culturally relevant content to viewers around the world.
On The Simpsons
“Every so often a show comes along where all of the pieces fit in a really magical way, and The Simpsons is one of those…and when it happens, everybody tries to recreate it, but you can’t” – Yeardley Smith, who voices Lisa Simpson
On The Simpsons musical guests
“I’m amazed by what good sports the guests are. It’s fun to see Mick Jagger burst out laughing when Dan Castellaneta as Homer doesn’t want to test the microphones and asks Mick Jagger to do it. You just feel like nobody has said that to Mick Jagger in decades.” – Matt Groening
On The Simpsons Theme composed by Danny Elfman
“I love it,” says Groening. “I love how it is a really complicated theme and there’s a lot to it. “
Over the course of the series the theme song has been recorded by Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, Los Lobos, Green Day, Tito Puente, NRBQ, Fall Out Boy and some of Groening’s more eccentric picks, such as the cult English trio The Tiger Lillies and Texas’ Brave Combo polka band.
The Simpsons has featured more than 85 guest musicians since the show’s debut in 1987 including:
50 Cent, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Bette Midler, U2, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, Elton John, three Beatles, Aerosmith, Johnny Cash, The White Stripes, even Lady Gaga.
The cover
The cover art features both vertical and horizontal unique images of Homer created especially for FILTER by Simpsons lead artist, Julius Preite.
“Issue 47 of FILTER Magazine is incredibly special for us as it marks the first issue of our 10th anniversary year,” said Alan Miller, Co-publisher of FILTER Magazine. “We are excited to provide our readers with an exclusive inside look into the music of The Simpsons as they celebrate a milestone of their own. This is a truly unique story that we know good music fans will appreciate as much as we do.”
More Highlights from Issue 47
The Shins: One Man Band (page 62)
In a conversation with James Mercer, the Portland native maintains that “the Shins is a band,” but makes it clear that it is and has always been his band, assembled to present his songs and ideas and “involves people from all parts of my friendships.”
Mercer also dives into the themes that run through his new album, Port of Morrow:
“I’m fascinated by people who don’t care about the truth, which is something I’ve realized – I care about the truth. I want to know the truth. I feel like it’s one of the things humans can do that’s special and different from the rest of the animal kingdom. It amazes me it’s not something a lot of people are really interested in.”
A Broken Hallelujah: The Incomparable Musical Journey of John Cale (page 86)
FILTER speaks with the musical legend John Cale on his road from his early days with The Velvet Underground to his legendary production work as well as his upcoming album for Domino Records.
“The only reason we wore sunglasses onstage was because we couldn’t stand the spotlight of the audience” – John Cale, on the Velvet Underground
The article also features Steven Severin of Siouxsie and the Banshees, artist and Andy Warhol muse Ultra Violet, and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy on their experiences with Cale.
CIUDAD DE MORRISSEY: A Homecoming in Mexico City (page 40)
Morrissey declares his homecoming in Mexico City, halfway through his greatest hits set:
“I’m home, I’m home, I’m home.”
FILTER takes you inside the experience of Morrissey’s “homecoming” performance in Mexico City along with local culinary delight highlights and more.
Why So Serious? Some Joking Aside with Jason Sudeikis
FILTER Magazine chats with the “SNL” star on everything from his upcoming role on “Eastbound and Down” to how his hectic schedule and incredible work ethic have caused his “What’s up With That” skit to become his main workout routine.
“I think work ethic comes from having enthusiasm for what I get to do and the joy of getting to work with amazing people…You learn by being around these smart, funny people…you can’t help but accidentally get better when you’re sitting at a rewrite table with Tina Fey week after week.” – Jason Sudeikis
To read more on the Simpsons cover feature and the latest good music news from FILTER Magazine, pick up FILTER 47 issue, on newsstands now.
Musically Amusing 