Shrek is a masterpiece (fact) and it is made complete by a perfect soundtrack (fact #2). While there are many great artists that appear on the revered Shrek soundtrack, Smash Mouth undoubtably claim the throne with their opening scene track ‘Allstar’ and closing scene cover of The Monkees’ ‘I’m a Believer’.
I’m not saying necessarily this is the greatest final scene musical performance in cinematic history, but I’m definitely not saying it isn’t.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vn5TKRwYfY
So, one does not simply claim that they were the first choice band for the iconic closing credits scene of Shrek and expect Smash Mouth to let it slide.
And yet, Billy Corgan of fellow smashy 90s band, Smashing Pumpkins, has really tried it. In a Q&A session on Instagram Corgan claimed, “We were offered the end credit song for Shrek 1 but the offer was withdrawn and given to Smashmouth [sic] (who had hit with Monkees song).”
Yea OK Billy. Smash Mouth wasn’t having a bar of it.
Actually we said no and Michael Austin from Dreamworks kept calling. That went on for over a month. We assume multiple bands we're asked. If it feeds Billy's ego to think they we're first let him think that. Def would have been a darker approach. @THE_EELS are on it & others.
— Smash Mouth (@smashmouth) August 16, 2018
“Actually we said no and Michael Austin from Dreamworks kept calling.” Reads Smash Mouth’s tweet.
“That went on for over a month. We assume multiple bands we’re asked. If it feeds Billy’s ego to think they we’re first let him think that. Def would have been a darker approach.
@THE_EELS are on it & others.”
Apparently the song Smashing Pumpkins would have used for the final celebratory scene of Shrek was ‘Untitled’. ‘Untitled‘. That is what it is called.
What a pity that Shrek did not end with this utterly joyless track that reeks of a forced attempt to be 2 cool 4 school. Just title your damn song pumpkin patch kids.
Anyway, the moral of the story is that Smash Mouth do in fact love being known as the official reigning Shrek band and they will defend their throne with passion.
The moral is also that Shrek is great, always.