IT Anthems: KMPG - the early years

Christmas is a time for classic re-issues of old tunes, and gimmicks like children's choirs. You didn't think IT Anthems would be any different did you? This week, we are very proud to present a classic from one of the giants of IT Anthems. For us, this is an event equal to the uncovering of a lost Elvis classic of the 1950s. Because, this week, we bring you a lost song from the masters of corporate pop, international consultants KPMG. Anthems fans love them for their number one hit, Our Vision of Global Strategy, which set new standards and launched global appreciation of crap corporate songs. That song still inspires new versions and mixes -- this week we have added the frankly hilarious teutonic master mix. But KPMG's "overnight success" masked years of struggle. Here is an early effort which did not get the recognition it deserved. In 1997, KPMG celebrated its centenary, with a burst of energy and fun, in which all employees were required to attend "spontaneous" meetings. As they filed into the meeting rooms, they were confronted with posters, banners and, of course, a theme song playing over the PA system. This song was of such abysmal awfulness, it has resounded ever since, in the memory of those forced to endure it. The pompous Phil Collins-esque version was matched by a version performed by a choir of children. Which, of course, makes a specially festive track for IT Anthems. The song is in the "Disney movie" style of corporate music. If, God forbid, Hollywood ever made a heartwarming family movie about international IT consultants, this would be the theme tune. We detect a strong resemblance to the soundtrack of the Lion King, which came out only a couple of years earlier. As you might expect from early work by a great artist, the recording is more raw than today's polished productions -- with a lower sample rate than would be usual today. They were recorded from cassette tape to .wav file back in '97, then converted to .mp3 this year. A video was also produced. If anyone has that, we would obviously love to see it -- contact us at corpanthems@zdnet.co.uk. Also, any more KPMG remixes (sleighbells, anyone?) would be welcome. Finally, this song was particularly requested to honour KPMG employees who are leaving the company, for whatever reason. Their greatest moments are still to come. KPMG Power of One Children's choir version (warning, may cause nausea) Lyrics The strength of us all is the power of one!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Time is just a measure
Of moments come and gone
Some are lost forever
And some reach far beyond
And the wheels, they keep on turning
As we share a moment's glory
And the flame keeps on burning
Through our neverending story!
So as the river runs,
Let your spirit flow
Let it take you where you wanna go
In this world, there's a place you belong
Let the world hear your sooo-ooo-ong
And the strength of us all is the power of one!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Up ahead, a new horizon
Is calling out to you-ooo-ooooh
And the dream you fix your eyes on
Is the one you make come true
Some say that it takes wisdom
While others chase a dream
And we celebrate the moment
Of our second century
So as the river runs,
Let your spirit flow
Let it take you where you wanna go
In this world, there's a place you belong
Let the world hear your sooo-ooo-ong
And the strength of us all is the power of one!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
So as the river runs,
Let your spirit flow
Let it take you where you wanna go
In this world, there's a place you belong.
Let the world hear your sooo-ooo-ong
And the strength of us all is the power of one!
Our greatest moments are still to come!
Our greatest moments are still to COOOOOOOOMMMMME!!

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