These videos are part of the Icons Remixed series PBS have launched on their YouTube channel in conjunction with Melodysheep (a.k.a. John D. Boswell) of the Symphony of Science remixes.
Bob Ross may be better known to you as that painter dude with the wicked afro. His show Joy of Painting ran for eleven years on PBS, and remains one of the most positive viewing experiences you will ever have. Ross was known for his soporific-level relaxing voice and uber positive outlook, but prior to his success as a painter he held down numerous positions in the military which required him to be an absolute bastard. He vowed that once he escaped those jobs he would never shout again- presumably unless he became particularly excited by a particularly happy little cloud.
The remix is saccharine as hell, but it makes me stupid happy. Sometimes we need to live in a world of no mistakes, only happy accidents.
Mr. Rogers was a children's entertainer, educator and minister whose show Mr. Rogers' Neighbourhood ran from 1963 to 2001 on American Television. Every week children were invited to explore the land of make believe. The adult world was glimpsed through the window. And many (MANY) sweaters were worn.
In this video Mr. Rogers is a cross between your favourite teacher, your parents when they could do no wrong in your eyes, and Timothy Leary.
Autotune remixes are a staple of YouTube. These videos are not explosively new ideas. But, unlike most autotune remixes, they don't feel like they were tossed out in five minutes. There's a genuine mood and exploration of character within the songs which I find fascinating. I love the idea of taking soundbites from a media personality and crafting a distillation of their outlook into music. More please.
