On Wednesday, the news came out that Alf Clausen was fired from The Simpsons after 27 years as the show’s longtime composer. The loss is tremendous. Clausen might not be the man behind the show’s legendary theme song (that is, of course, Danny Elfman), but his impact on the show’s music is second to none. Not only has he scored every scene since 1990, he has also provided the music for the show’s beloved songs since season five. Clausen, who worked for many years as a composer before The Simpsons, had a real gift for big, old-school show tunes and parodying music while still making it different enough that it would be fair use. It’s why Matt Groening has long called him the show’s “secret weapon.†In light of today’s news, let’s look back at some of Clausen’s greatest Simpsons hits.
“Kamp Krusty Theme Song†(Season 4, Episode 1)
“Springfield, Springfield†(Season 5, Episode 8)
“Who Needs the Kwik-E-Mart?†(Season 5, Episode 13)
“We Do (The Stonecutters’ Song)†(Season 6, Episode 12)
“See My Vest†(Season 6, Episode 20)
“Señor Burns†(Season 7, Episode 1)
“Dr. Zaiusâ€/“Chimpan A to Chimpan Z†(Season 7, Episode 19)
“Mother Simpson†(Season 7, Episode 8)
“Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel†(Season 7, Episode 21)
“We Put the Spring in Springfield†(Season 8, Episode 5)
“You’re Checkin’ In†(Season 9, Episode 1)
“Canyonero†(Season 9, Episode 15)
“Ode to Branson†(Season 13, Episode 13)
“They’ll Never Stop the Simpsons†(Season 13, Episode 17)
“Vote for a Winner†(Season 15, Episode 3)
“Always My Dad†(Season 16, Episode 18)