It’s the quiet before the storm that happens about this time every year. We’ve had it relatively “easy” schedule-wise since the end of August, spotting and scoring an episode every two weeks. Well, we’re on the verge of November sweeps and are about to do our first run of three in a row for the season, each with a one-week turnaround. I’m sure most of my readers know what “sweeps” means, but here’s a quick rundown: four times a year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) the major broadcast networks closely monitor the ratings and then base the price they charge advertisers for the coming months on those ratings. Higher viewership = Higher $$. This is why you get all-new episodes with sensational story lines or big-name guest stars during these months. Even your local newscasts around the country get into the act with big exposés, undercover reports and celebrity news. 
THE SIMPSONS will air seven new episodes in a row starting with NABF19 “Tree House of Horror XXII” on Sunday, October 30. Two of the seven shows are already “in the can” and we will post-produce the other five as we go along through November and into December. The two episodes we’ve already finished are “Tree House of Horror XXII” and NABF20 “The Food Wife” which will air on Sunday, November 13, 2011.
This past Friday was music spotting day for NABF22 “The Book Job” written by Dan Vebber who has scripts for FUTURAMA and BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER among his credits. This episode is being Executive Produced by Matt Selman, his second time in the captain’s chair this season. The final spotting stats: 31 cues (28 score, 3 source), a little over six minutes of music in this episode. The episode is scheduled to air on Sunday, November 20, 2011. It will be the sixth episode of season 23 to air, episode #493 on the road to 500.
Author Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book, American Gods) has a sizeable guest-starring role as himself. He helps Bart, Homer and an eclectic group of Springfieldians write a novel. Neil tweeted this photo from his day on the Marge Simpson ADR stage. The episode is very funny and is a clever parody of OCEAN’S ELEVEN. We even have Andy Garcia poking fun at his Terry Benedict character. Click here to read the few details Matt Selman leaked to Entertainment Weekly.
Friday was a chaotic day over on the FOX lot as the annual stockholders’ meeting was held there and the Occupy Wall Street movement came over to West L.A. to protest. Luckily for me, it became a non-event by the time I arrived for work at 1:00PM. But I hear the morning was pretty hectic for everyone else.
We score NABF21 “Replaceable You” tomorrow (Monday, October 24). I hope in future blog posts to bring you some interviews with the musicians and crew who make all the great music you hear on the show each week possible. I’m also planning a post featuring some of the cool swag I’ve accumulated over the 23 seasons. My luck doesn’t just cover my job, my pay, and my enjoyment. I also get FREE STUFF! Woo-Hoo! I’ll share some of it with you soon.
Simpsons Music 500 
The song theme of this episode is fantastic, is there a possibility to buy or download the full remix of this awesome masterpiece ?
The only cues from the show that are currently commercially available are the ones that were released on our three CDs “Songs in the Key of Springfield”, “Go Simpsonic with The Simpsons”, and “Testify”. Until FOX/DISNEY can figure out a way to pay all the musicians and composers and publishers involved with the music from our show, don’t hold your breath for individual downloads. Maybe someday, but not just yet.
A interesting blog you have got here Mr. Ledesma. Keep it up.
Also, a question regarding “The Book Job”. A custom version of the “Gritty Shaker” was used several times in the episode and I was just wondering if you remade the entire track, or just the little part used in the episode. Also, if you remade the track, is it available anywhere? I really enjoyed that version of it.
Thank’s
Best Regards
It was just that little part, but we recorded each use separately. Sadly, no Simpsons music is available for purchase or download at this time other than the 3 CDs we’ve released previously.
Okay, thanks for the quick answer. Your blog gave me the urge to have a little Simpsons marathon, so I’ll do that, thanks again.
You’re welcome. Enjoy your marathon.
Hi Chris, been a long time fan of the show. Just wanted to know… When Lisa wanted some music to inspire her to write, there was a classical instrumental playing while she hopped on to another distraction. What is the title of the piece? Who composed it?
It is one of the most famous works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the 2nd movement from his “Eine Kleine Nachtmuzik”. Thanks for asking and for being such a big fan.
Thanks so much. That piece has so much memories for me as my Gran used to play that when she reads bedtime stories as she tucks me in as a child.
What a wonderful memory and what a great choice of music your Gran made for you!
Fantastic work on this episode which actually inspired me to watch the movies lol
It was a wonderful parody and I really enjoyed Andy Garcia’s poke at his own character.
What was the name of the music playing toward the end where all the children were reading the book?
“Claire de Lune” by Claude Debussy. This piece was written by Debussy for solo piano, but many orchestra versions have been made over the years. The same piece is used at the end of “Ocean’s 11” over the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel.
What a perfect choice of music! It made “the feel” of the episode.
I see that Gritty Shaker” by David Holmes was used but there was another clip used many times throughout this episode. It was a real funky bassline with a wonderful 60’s, heist vibe to it. I can’t find it anywhere. Any ideas?
The only cue with a “funky bass line” used “many times” in the episode was “Gritty Shaker”. If you’re thinking of something else, maybe you could describe a scene or two where you heard the cue.
So what was the title of the song interlude used during the heist scenes in “The Book Job”? I could not find it on iTunes under Oceans 11, 12 or 13.
“Gritty Shaker” by David Holmes. We licensed the cue and Alf recorded it for the episode. More info here and here. Thanks for reading and asking!
Excellent ~ Thanks and keep up the great work!
Great show, but what’s the name of the music track playing whenever we see these fancy headlines in between the scenes?
“Gritty Shaker” by David Holmes. We licensed the cue and Alf recorded it for the episode. More info here and here. Thanks for asking!
I have to thank you for the quick reply!
You’re welcome!
Is 6 minutes of music average for an episode?
It’s just a tad on the high side. Most episodes come in at around 4 minutes.