So said Rowlf the Dog in the liner notes accompanying his 1993 debut, Ol’ Brown Ears is Back. Unfortunately, our favourite piano-pounding hound will probably never get a take two. Jim Henson, the man who brought Rowlf to life, has been dead for over a decade. Although Henson’s other characters have lived on through different voice actors, Rowlf, who many feel was the most accurate reflection of his creator’s true personality, has remained generally dormant out of respect. While most would probably blanch at the sight of Rowlf carrying on without Jim, it’s quite sad to think this great pooch has sung his last song. Rowlf’s ramblings pepper Ol’ Brown Ears is Back, giving the entire affair a wonderful off-the-cuff feeling. He especially loves pointing out when a song is about to modulate, and missed notes don’t really bother him. Such is the nature of the Muppet’s most accomplished canine; he’s just happy to be here, entertaining us (if not himself). This attitude is emphasized in classic jokey cuts such as “I Never Harmed an Onion,” “You and I and George,” and the grand finale, “Old Dog Trey,” which ends Rowlf’s debut album with a cathartic junkyard howl. Sinatra wished he could be that primal. Clocking in at just under thirty minutes, Ol’ Brown Ears is the perfect amount of Rowlf for even the most rabid Muppet fanatic. It’s a real shame this record has been out of print for sixteen years. I had to watch eBay like a vulture to get my copy (I also paid a pretty penny for it). If Disney has any sense, they’ll re-release Ol’ Brown Ears is Back in their next wave of Muppet memorabilia. Part of me wants to be a nice guy and post the whole thing here for you, but more of me wants to keep this gem to myself for just a little while longer. Sorry, kids, you’re just going to have to track down your own copy for now.
