The Raccoons Marks 40 Years with Newly Unearthed Music and Fresh Covers as UK Revival Begins
Skwigly
For the first time ever, the music from the iconic animated series The Raccoons is being released digitally – and UK fans are leading the charge. As part of a global rollout, the newly remastered soundtracks are already seeing their strongest performance in the UK, where downloads and streams have surged as audiences reconnect with a show that defined childhoods across the country. Long unavailable since their original vinyl pressings, these refreshed recordings sit alongside brand-new versions by contemporary and legacy artists, bringing the Evergreen Forest into a new era as the franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The series, adored by UK viewers during its long broadcast run on BBC1, has enjoyed a major resurgence following its 4K restoration. Now streaming on ITVX, BritBox and Pluto TV, The Raccoons has found a new home with both nostalgic fans and fresh audiences, placing the UK firmly at the centre of the show’s global revival.
The newly released music catalogue includes Lisa Lougheed’s beloved theme ‘Run With Us’, alongside remastered archival tracks and fresh interpretations such as the standout version by rising Canadian duo Fionn. More releases will follow throughout 2026, with additional albums from the series curated to showcase rare material, restored archival elements and new recordings. The collection spans three original musical albums and two storybook albums – all previously only available on vinyl – now expanded with exclusive bonus content for fans rediscovering the Evergreen Forest.
The Raccoons creator Kevin Gillis says: “Our fandom in the UK have been patiently requesting the release of the songs from The Raccoons for a very long time. The songs have been a retro touchstone for millions of loyal fans worldwide. However, it is here in the UK that our following has responded most powerfully to the newly released single of ‘Run With Us’ and the ‘Evergreen Nights’ album. They have made the UK the #1 country in the world for streaming and downloads. I like to think of it as British spirit…and taste!
604 Records’ strategy of incorporating brand new recordings of the iconic songs by contemporary artists and bands, in concert with the legacy versions by the original artists, is a unique power play that is sure to inspire fans – both existing and new!”
604 Records President Jonathan Simkin adds: “When Kevin Gillis approached me a couple of years ago to see if 604 was interested in this project, I was certainly familiar with the Raccoons. If you grew up in the 80’s, you’d pretty much have to live under a rock to have missed Cyril Sneer or Bert Raccoon. But diving into this project has really underscored for me just how far ahead of its time Raccoons was. Whether it’s the environmental issues that the show addressed, or the use of iconic singers like Rita Coolidge and Leo Sayer to convey the musical messages, Raccoons did things no other show did, animated or not. The fact that the music is so great is a bonus! We at 604 feel absolutely honored and privileged that Kevin has trusted us to be the first company to digitally release this memorable and iconic music to the public.”
The digital music initiative marks the first step in a wider creative expansion now underway, with new projects connected to the world of The Raccoons already in early development. First airing on BBC1 from 1985–1991, the series remains a fond part of UK television history – celebrated for its mix of sharp humour, heartfelt storytelling, environmental themes and the original music that featured in every episode and special. Performances from artists including Lisa Lougheed, Leo Sayer, Rita Coolidge, Rupert Holmes, Dottie West, Curtis King Jr. and Stephen Lunt helped shape the show’s distinctive sound, creating songs that have stayed with fans for decades and now return as part of the franchise’s renewed moment in the spotlight.