Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 30, 2011

Jamberry - Ethan Rossiter & the Hartwells
Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton
For Those About To Walk (We Salute You) - Daddy A Go Go
Nogturne in C Minor - The Jimmies
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
I Think I'm A Bunny - Todd McHatton
Open My Eyes - Bangles
Keep On Dancing, Pt. 1 - Alvin Cash
Someone Like You - Adele

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 29, 2011

Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
The Kid With the Butterfly Net - Graham Parker
Set Fire To The Rain - Adele
We R Who We R - Ke$ha
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Don't Worry About the Government - Talking Heads
Shoo Fly - Don't Bother Me - Sweet Honey In the Rock
We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monae) - fun.
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
Big Blue Whale - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Daybreak - Redbird
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople
Rocket Ship - Laura Doherty
In My Blue Jeans - Rabbit!
Octopus - Artichoke
The Fox - Waco Brothers
Jump - Scott Fischer
You Might Think - Weezer
Grandma's Hands - Bill Withers

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Angry White Boy Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Don't Drink Sea Water - Captain Bogg & Salty
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
The Golem - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Conservation - Rocknoceros
A Little Green - Baze And His Silly Friends
Spoon - Cibo Matto

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 26, 2011

Baby In My Pocket - Dean Jones
The Happy Whistler - Don Robertson
Phony Calls - Weird Al Yankovic
Jen - Stacey Peasley
They Lady And The Tiger - They Might Be Giants
In Wonder With the World - The Boogers
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
We Found Love (Feat. Calvin Harris) - Rihanna
Bravest Kid In The World - Recess Monkey
Tomorrow - Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
Honest Face - Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
River of Blood - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 23, 2011

El Jefe - Mexican Institute of Sound
Something's Coming - Glee
Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
Someone Like You - Adele
You Might Think - Weezer
A Good Good Time - Nikolai Moderbacher
One Less Lonely Girl - Justin Bieber
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles
Under a Cloud - Bangles

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 22, 2011

When We First Met - Hellogoodbye
When the Bells Start Ringing (feat. The Head & the Heart) - My Morning Jacket
Mama Dont 'Low - Ben Rudnick
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Horse and Buggy - Kindercastle
How Come You Never Go There - Feist
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
Baby Brother - Detective Kalita

My Radio Days, A Perspective

You've got a face for radio.

That popular snarky line is usually attributed to critics of Howard Stern.

But it's also a reason that I considered a career in radio when I was in college.

I was reminded of that philosophical internal debate this week, while listening to an episode of the Adam Carolla podcast. Adam was interviewing the talentless and unfunny "Real Housewife of New York" Jill Zarin. Carolla and Zarin had met at a party, he had a few drinks, and she realized, "This guy is hilarious - he could be a gold mine.... FOR ME!"



Zarin "pitched" her vision of their TV show: A funny guy and a strong woman answer viewer questions, give advice, and discuss the issues of the day. Sounds a lot like Regis & Kelly or any other local, regional morning program, doesn't it? What would it really mean for Carolla? Heavy lifting. Carry the unfunny "strong" woman who comes in every day, shoots her mouth off, and never has a clever, original thought of her own.

Which brings me back to my days at WQMC Radio at CUNY Queens College. Back in my day, WQMC broadcast its signal on "carrier current," which meant that you had a hard time listening on an AM transistor radio standing outside the student union building, which housed the studios deep within its bowels. You could hear WQMC on speakers throughout the student union, in the lobby and student government offices, as well as across the campus in the cafeteria (until some jackass cut the cable, but that's another story).

WQMC no longer exists in its original space and mostly live streams its programming, according to the Web site description. And when I remember the signal strength or lack thereof from "carrier current," that live streaming might be a blessing in disguise. Successful alumni include Dennis Elsas, the late Mark "the Shark" Drucker, and SiriusXM Vice President of Promotions Ross Zapin (who was a year behind me in school).

WQMC had antiquated equipment, such as Ampex mono reel-to-reel tape decks. Once some of the engineering staff made a pilgrimage to legendary Long Island station WLIR-FM. They came back shell-shocked, and announced, "Their crap is older than our crap!"



I was made for college radio. I mastered reel-to-reel editing and wrote bits myself and with my erstwhile partner, Jon Aubrey, that received massive airplay from the station jocks. Why? Because these guys were mostly talentless drones who were there to hear their own voices and create demo reels to send to stations across the country. Generate their own original material? That task was beyond them. But they would play MY bits and pretend they had a hand in them.

Here is one jock's idea of a "collaboration" with me. "THE COSBY SHOW is number one. You need to do stuff about that show." I explained that I didn't watch the show. "Well, you should watch the show and do a funny bit about it." Aaaah, thanks for the lecture, Professor Einstein!

Every few months, one of the jocks would approach me with a hard sell about how "WE HAVE TO DO A SHOW TOGETHER." They would explain how they were selfless and willing to sacrifice their own sense of humor to let me do "my thing" that they would just comment on. What were they bringing to the party? "I tape the show and pass it around to my friends, so you'd build a whole new audience!" Just what I always wanted to be - the funny guy on somebody else's demo reel.

Their agenda was blindingly clear and transparent - you are gonna be the performing donkey that gets ridden into show business (radio) and thrown aside once they got the leverage to sign a solo contact. I always passed.



I learned not to put my best bits on carts (rewindable tape cartridges left in a rack in the on-air studio), where they could be fodder for other people's shows and demos. Instead, I kept my new bits on reel-to-reel tapes. When I hosted my own shows, I'd play the bits off the original tapes. A friend of mine told me that stood in the radio station hallway once, listening to a bit with one of the station's jocks. Upon hearing the bit, the jock slammed down a soda and yelled, "Why wasn't I told there were new bits? I would have played them this morning on MY SHOW!"

Eventually I did host a once-a-week morning show with James Schimmenti, who had no illusions that we were going to become breakout radio stars. I did some live bits and read some wacky news. Unfortunately, James got mono and we only did a handful of shows together. And I just couldn't be bothered to get up at 7 am and trudge to school in the winter if it wasn't for an early morning class.

After two peers - Jon Lewis and Zapin - landed radio gigs, I started to ponder whether this was a vocation I wanted to pursue. Lewis quit midyear and moved to Sante Fe for a radio job. Zapin was doing a late-night shift and DJing at concerts at Jones Beach.

Ultimately, I passed. Yes, I could have put the demo tapes together. There didn't seem to be any market for a comedy program. You had Imus in the Morning on WNBC, and Stern had just started doing afternoons. When I looked at industry publications (and I read VARIETY from the age of 15), radio got short shrift. As in almost no coverage. Looking at BILLBOARD, there was no comedy chart. "Weird" Al Yankovic got airplay and the rare novelty hit. There was no niche and I certainly did not envision myself as a pioneer, forging the path for others to follow.



Stern loves to talk about radio as a bastard medium, where talent is loathed and mistreated by management types who think they are programming geniuses. This exchange about Philadelphia morning jock Kidd Chris tells the whole story.

Stern: Kidd Chris bought a house in Philly.

Robin Quivers: Oh no! [laughs] When did he get fired.

Stern: The next day.

So I passed. Now I get my radio fix doing Stern's Super Fan Roundtable on SiriusXM. Fourteen appearances so far, next one scheduled for January 26, 2012. I've stumbled onto my old radio tapes and begun converting and cataloging the material. Could there be a podcast in the future? Who knows. But I'm certain about one thing - I won't be sharing the mike with a "strong woman" with opinions.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wheelin' and Dealin' - Dean Jones
Ode To A Superhero - Weird Al Yankovic
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
My Valentine - Paul McCartney
Free Your Mind - En Vogue
Bein' Green - Glee
Bozmo's Breakfast - The Thinkers
Beddie Bye - Kindercastle
Onyonghasayo - Skankin' Pickle

Perfect for the shortest day of the year.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Alternative Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
Pretty Girls (Feat. Travie McCoy) - Iyaz
Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
Every Day Is Yours To Win - R.E.M.
Sleigh Ride - The Jimmies
Cissy Strut - The Meters
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
High Maintenance - Miranda Cosgrove
Say Hello to My Hippo - Todd McHatton
One Hand One Heart - Glee

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 19, 2011

Under a Cloud - Bangles
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Darwin - Artichoke
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
You've Got A Friend - Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
Vacation - The Not-Its!
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 16, 2011

Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Get Together - Youngbloods
A Complicated Song - Weird Al Yankovic
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - James Brown
Animal - Neon Trees
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Kinder Words - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Glee
Atomic Dog - George Clinton

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 15, 2011

Fossil Contender - The Gourds
Making Promises - Indigo Girls
Gump - Weird Al Yankovic
Shining Like a Star - Laura Doherty
What Are We Gonna Do? - Dramarama
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Cocoanut Candy - Didi Pop
Michael Jackson Medley - Primate Fiasco
A Song for Abigail Adams - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 14, 2011

These Words - Megafaun
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
Wandering Free - The Plants
Don't Download This Song - Weird Al Yankovic
Reminds Me Of You - LMFAO
What a Little Bit of Love Can Do - Jeff Bridges
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
The Golem - The Deedle Deedle Dees
A Little Green - Baze And His Silly Friends
Wild Thing - Troggs

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Good Morning Tucson - Jonathan Coulton
Everybody Loves to Jump - Mike Park
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey
Turning Tables - Adele
Born On the Bayou - Etta James
Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
Loser Like Me - Glee
Gee Angel - Sugar
Skating In Old Bryant Park - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Celebration - They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 12, 2011

Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Sliver - Nirvana
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
Invisible Friend - Recess Monkey
Eggs - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Music Is the Medicine - Derek Miller
Born to Shake - Anna Oxygen
Under a Cloud - Bangles
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 9, 2011

Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Macaroni and Cheese - Bill Harley
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice
Sojourner Truth - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Set Fire To The Rain - Adele
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
When I Get Little - Dog On Fleas
I've Got a Brother - Nick Cope
Wondered What'd It Be Like - Stan Ridgway & Pietra Wexstun

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 8, 2011

It's Raining Again - Supertramp
Those Mysteries - Sparks
I Don't Wanna Wait - Bill Harley
We Are Young - Glee
(Drawing) Rings Around the World - Super Furry Animals
Ah Ahsima - The Deedle Deedle Dees
All The Best - R.E.M.
Another Tattoo - Weird Al Yankovic
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Hometown Glory - Adele
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
Reminds Me Of You - LMFAO
Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
You and I - Glee
I Meant To Do That - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
Fix You - Glee
Mayor LaGuardia's Stomach - The Deedle Deedle Dees
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
El Pussycat Ska - Roland Alphonso

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 7, 2011

Dreamer - Supertramp
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Section 12 (Hold Me Now) - The Polyphonic Spree
Rumour Has It / Someone Like You - Glee
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
We Found Love (Feat. Calvin Harris) - Rihanna
Raining Sunshine - Miranda Cosgrove
In the Land of Dreams - Kesang Marstrand
What Colour Is Your T Shirt? - Nick Cope

Jose Reyes to Marlins: Press Statement

(Press waits anxiously at Marlins Stadium in Fantasyland, Florida.

Marlins GM Larry Beinfest and field manager Ozzie Guillen enter, with shit-eating grins.

Both make self-congratulatory comments to the assemblage before introducing new shortstop Jose Reyes and giving him a team jersey, which he slips over his head. Reyes then approaches the mike and makes his statement.)



First of all, I want to thank God and my agent, Peter Greenberg, for their efforts in securing this contract for me. I also want to thank my wife, Katherine, for her patience during this tense process.

The men behind me have made my family financially secure forever. And I hope to repay them with my on-field performance this season, as well as in advertisements for Florida National Bank, my new sponsor.

(Reyes shows the FNB logo on the back of his jersey, below his name.)

I played many, many years for the... [Greenberg steps forward and whispers in Reyes' ear]..New York Mets. I have several, no, dozens of fond memories of my tenure with the Mets. They are truly one of the top 28 teams in major league baseball.

But a player sometimes outgrows a team, and that was the case here. The Mets were not willing to go past $80M and I had clearly outgrown that figure.

I want to also thank Terry Collins. On the last day of the 2011 season, Terry could have left me in the final, meaningless game of the season. I could have gone 0-3 in my final at-bats and not won the 2011 batting title. And then he would have been grilled by the media. Instead, after I got a base hit, Terry pulled me from the game. I won the batting title. And he faced the media and they made him cry. Thank you, Terry, from the bottom of my Florida Marlins jersey-wearing, $106M, six-year contract heart.

Baseball is a funny game. A pitcher can win the MVP for his performance in 35 games. And a player can get a guaranteed six-year contract for playing 127 games a season for five years. You can't make up stuff that funny!

In conclusion, thank you Marlins. Thank you, Marlins fans. I promise to play my heart out as long as I remain healthy.

(General outbreak of laughter in the room.)

{Reyes starts to walk over to Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria. On the way, his left ankle catches the corner of the podium and Reyes crumbles to the floor.)

(Loria, Beinfest, and Guillen jump to check on Reyes, their faces ashen with concern. Reyes jumps to his feet, smiling.)

Kidding! Just kidding, folks!

Beinfest and Loria mop sweat from their brows as they all leave the room.)

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 5, 2011

It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
When I Ripped My Pants - Spongebob Squarepants
Not Too Young for a Song - Dan Bern
I'm Just Thinkin' About What I'm Thinkin' About - Chip Taylor & the Grandkids
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
Twistification - Dog on Fleas
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
Victor Jara's Hands - Calexico
Constant Craving - Glee

Down Home With the Chickadees

Country For Kids Minus the Corn

Steve Martin on a children's CD? I had to do a Web search, but yes, the Chickadees perform a full Steve Martin homage on their second CD, THE FROGGY HOP. In the prelude to their tune, "Reduce, Recycle & Reuse," the mother character drives off to buy a thermos, leading to a rendition of "I'm Picking Up A Thermos For You," in a riff from the classic comedy, "The Jerk."

Amusing? Yes. Appropriate? Yes, in a larger sense, since the Chickadees perform a down-home brand of countrified children's music and Steve Martin has delved into the world of banjo music.

The Chickadees are the brainchild of Milwaukee area singer/songwriter Mary Karlzen. After her two young daughters attended the nature-based Schlitz Audubon preschool, Karlzen became an active participant, expanding the program's musical education. “This preschool is set in a vast nature center whose curriculum inspires and nurtures a love of nature and has fun doing it," she said. "So writing songs about these school experiences just came naturally.”



Karlzen enrolled the talents of multi-instrumentalist Anjl Rodee, vocalist Carmen Nickerson, and Rosie Dempre to bring the songs to a wider audience. Their first CD, SONGS FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS, won a Parent’s Choice award in 2009, is available at their website and on iTunes.

THE FROGGY HOP returns to the themes of respecting nature and the environment. Clearly aimed at younger children, the Chickadees are not trying to save the world. They are trying to make children aware. Two separate goals indeed. Once a child becomes aware that their actions have repercussions, they want to make a difference and a positive impact.

"Animal Babies" highlights the similarities and differences between species. It also gives Karlzen a chance to sing, "And that's all I know about marsupials." "The Hiking Song" promotes a healthy lifestyle and walking outdoors. And the title track, "Tadpole Wiggle and the Froggy Hop" explains the life cycle of a frog with a danceable beat. Take that, science teachers!

The Chickadees tour in the greater Milwaukee area. Their melodic country harmonies will keep children entertained and (hopefully) open-minded for some simple learning. So hop to it.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 2, 2011

Last Friday Night - Glee
Doing It Right - The Go! Team
Making Promises - Indigo Girls
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey
We Got The Beat - Glee
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
So So Good - The Good Miss Padgett
Eggs - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Enough Is Enough - Lori Henriques

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 1, 2011

Good Morning Tucson - Jonathan Coulton
Sing Your Own Song - John Wesley Harding
Let Your Hair Hang Down - They Might Be Giants
The Happy Vegan Thanksgiving Song - Todd McHatton
Turning Tables - Adele
Richie and Ruben - Fountains of Wayne
Worms - Dog On Fleas
I Kissed A Girl - Glee
Get Me Out Of Here - Bill Harley
Set Me On Fire - Spirits and the Melchizedek Children

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Cave - Mumford and Sons
The Happy Whistler - Don Robertson
See the Seasons - The Rock Doves
Worms - Ratboy Jr.
Walking Wires - Radical Dads
River of Blood - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Laugh In Any Language - The Jimmies
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Someone Like You - Adele

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hometown Glory - Adele
I Gotta Feeling - Wilco
Sweet Harness - Sharks
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Say It Loudly - The Not-Its!
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Flying - Recess Monkey
Rocket Ship - Laura Doherty
Can You Picture That? - Quazar and the Bamboozled

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 28, 2011

Palomino - Mates of State
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Wandering Free - The Plants
I Think I'm A Bunny - Todd McHatton
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Mighty Milo - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Amish Paradise - Weird Al Yankovic
Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
Horse and Buggy - Kindercastle

Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 25, 2011

Don't Stop It Won't Pop - Todd McHatton
Dancing Queen - Glee
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Little Brown Dog - The Missing Piece
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton
TV - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Polka Face - Weird Al Yankovic
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
Jingle Bells Redux - The Jimmies
Sleepy Tigers - Her Space Holiday

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 24, 2011

Jamberry - Ethan Rossiter & the Hartwells
Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - Stevie Wonder
Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
Ole´ - Pearl Jam
Come Up, Horsey - Victoria Williams
You Can Stop The Beat - Glee
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders
Let The Good Times Roll - Harry Nilsson
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
I Really Like You, Baby - ScribbleMonster
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Happy 1st Birthday to Ben's brother, Matthew!!!

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Say Hello to My Hippo - Todd McHatton
The Happy Whistler - Don Robertson
First Light - My Morning Jacket
The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars
Jump - Scott Fischer
Chrismukaah - The Jimmies
Up Up Up - Givers
Victor Jara's Hands - Calexico
Banana Stand - Ratboy Jr.
All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Christmas Eve - The Jimmies
Animal - Neon Trees
You Might Think - Weezer
Go Out and Play - The Plants
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Henry (Hudson), How Ya Gonna Find a Way? - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Bubble Test - Daniel Hales & the Frost Heaves
Hit Me With Your Best Shot / One Way or Another - Glee
Someone Like You - Adele
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 21, 2011

For Those About To Walk (We Salute You) - Daddy A Go Go
I Feel So - Box Car Racer
Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
Ruling Me - Weezer
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Sesame Street Theme - ScribbleMonster
Chanukah, Oh Hanuka, Oh Hanukkah Medley - The Jimmies
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Big Black Snake - Dog On Fleas
Keep On Dancing, Pt. 1 - Alvin Cash

Starve a Cold, Feed a Chanukah Fever

Mama Doni Band Rocks Eight Days a Festive Week

Chanukah is back! It actually never went away. The year 2011 is the (Jewish) year 5572. That's a lot of candles and kugel. Not to mention dreidel-spinning. And speaking of festive jewish holidays, you can't get any happier than Chanukah, no matter how you spell it.

The Mama Doni Band celebrated its favorite celebratory event in 2009 with an entire children's CD, CHANUKAH FEVER, (subtitled, "13 Macca-beats for the Whole Family!"). The CD is a primer to the holiday, reminding parents and relatives of what's behind all the hoopla and mishigas.



From a 2007 start as the music teacher for her children's preschool, Doni has expanded into a full-fledged frontperson for a traveling band of Jewish minstrels, performing at JCCs and temples from coast to coast, including Manhattan's 92nd Street Y. I stumbled across the band on a clip from E! Television's "The Soup," technically a credit to boast about - even if the band is overshadowed by the antics of the hosts of the morning show program where they were performing.



Mama Doni strives for authenticity with its message. You get the hebrew and the meaning to the family and community. The band is committed to preserving Jewish (not to mention Yiddish) spirit in a world filled with 24-hour Christmas music marathons. Not every jewish children's act is sponsored by Streit's Matzoh. Surely a kosher stamp of approval.

Oh yes, the CD. You get the funky title track, the vaudevillian-esque "Honey, This Ain't Money" (an ode to Chanukah gelt), and clever tracks breaking down dreidels, the legend of Judah Maccabee, menorahs, and latkes. Aah, potato pancakes. One-year-old Matt is demanding "real" food now and loves to share latkes with his older brother. It'll take another year before he can polish off an entire pancake by himself, though.

Mixing culture with children's music is a tricky deal. It's frustrating that Christmas music coopts the "holiday" theme every December. And even when Adam Sandler's "Hanukah Song" gets mixed in on a pop station, it's seen as an ethnic curio instead of just another holiday standard.

The optimists inside me hopes that CHANUKAH FEVER helps stem the tide caused by the annual avalanche of Christmas CDs from Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey, among others. Let's light a festive candle, ladle on the apple sauce (my choice) with our potato pancakes, and hear some happy hebrew tunes from Mama Doni and her band.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 18, 2011

Building of the Road - Caroline Herring
Daydreams - Adele
Reminds Me Of You - LMFAO
Nogturne in C Minor - The Jimmies
Dancing Crazy - Miranda Cosgrove
Mammal - They Might Be Giants
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Uptown Girl - Glee
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Lucy Lawcy - Keller Williams

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 17, 2011

It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
Baby In My Pocket - Dean Jones
The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
Don't Drink Sea Water - Captain Bogg & Salty
don't like change - Brady Rymer
I'm Just Thinkin' About What I'm Thinkin' About - Chip Taylor & the Grandkids
Hello - Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
River of Blood - Deedle Deedle Dees
Octopus - Artichoke

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Not Too Young for a Song - Dan Bern
You're Not The Bossa Nova Me - Daddy A Go-Go
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
A Good Good Time - Nikolai Moderbacher
Making Promises - Indigo Girls
Someone Like You - Adele
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Honest Face - Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
Somewhere - Glee
Type A Prayer - Alchemystics

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Get Together - Youngbloods
Shake Me Down - Cage the Elephant
Something's Coming - Glee
A Song for Abigail Adams - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Cosmology, Your Futon, and You - The Amoeba People
You've Got A Friend - Me First & the Gimmie Gimmies
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - The Jimmies
The Fox - Waco Brothers
Jamberry - Ethan Rossiter & the Hartwells
Shoo Fly - Don't Bother Me - Sweet Honey In the Rock

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 14, 2011

Why - Steve Weeks
When We First Met - Hellogoodbye
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Rocket Ship - Laura Doherty
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice
I Really Like You, Baby - ScribbleMonster
Because I Said So - Keller Williams
Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
One Hand, One Heart - Glee
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 11, 2011

It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
The Only Exception - Paramore
Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
They Lady And The Tiger - They Might Be Giants
Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
Goodbye, Bird - The Fastbacks
Twistification - Dog on Fleas
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 10, 2011

Daybreak - Barry Manilow
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
Mama Dont 'Low - Ben Rudnick
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
Set Me On Fire - Spirits and the Melchizedek Children
Laugh In Any Language - The Jimmies
Black Socks - Bill Harley
You Might Think - Weezer
Ole´ - Pearl Jam
Tomorrow - Me First & The Gimme Gimmes

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz
Promise of a New Day - Paula Abdul
You're Pitiful - Weird Al Yankovic
Where Do The Children Play - Horace Andy
All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople
Change My Luck - The Not-Its!
She Walks In So Many Ways - The Jayhawks
You Can Stop The Beat - Glee
I've Got a Brother - Nick Cope
Onyonghasayo - Skankin' Pickle

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Last Friday Night - Glee
Sliver - Nirvana
Dream All Day - The Posies
Reminds Me Of You - LMFAO
Baby Brother - Detective Kalita
Sacagawea - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Stalk of Wheat - They Might Be Giants
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Someone Like You - Adele
Ruling Me - Weezer
Octopus - Artichoke

Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 7, 2011

Angry White Boy Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
I Gotta Feeling - Wilco
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Bein' Green - Glee
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
In Wonder With the World - The Boogers
8 Is A Number - Board of Education
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Last Song - The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 4, 2011

Muriel's Hoof - Soft Boys
Princess Of China - Coldplay Feat. Rihanna
Horse and Buggy - Kindercastle
All The Best - R.E.M.
Jen - Stacey Peasley
Don't Download This Song - Weird Al Yankovic
You Might Think - Weezer
I Want A Hippopotamus for Hanukkah - The Jimmies
Vacation - The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 3, 2011

Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
Daydreams - Adele
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Come To California - The Hipwaders
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Marshmallow World - The Jimmies
River of Blood - Deedle Deedle Dees
Twin Cinema - New Pornographers
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Alphabet Produce - Kathleen Edwards
The Golem - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Wandering Free - The Plants
Hometown Glory - Adele
Ode To A Superhero - Weird Al Yankovic
(Drawing) Rings Around the World - Super Furry Animals
Conservation - Rocknoceros
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Wild Thing - Troggs

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Daybreak - Barry Manilow
Big Black Snake - Dog On Fleas
Same Mistake - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Everybody Loves to Jump - Mike Park
I Don't Wanna Wait - Bill Harley
In My Blue Jeans - Rabbit!
Soft Things - Brady Rymer
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Shining Like a Star - Laura Doherty
Wondered What'd It Be Like - Stan Ridgway & Pietra Wexstun

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 31, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
Grow Grow Grow - Nick Cope
Baby In My Pocket - Dean Jones
Sweet Harness - Sharks
A Good Good Time - Nikolai Moderbacher
Walking Wires - Radical Dads
Dancing Queen - Glee
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Happy - Dog on Fleas
What's the Name of That Song? - Sesame Street
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 27, 2011

Sleepy Tigers - Her Space Holiday
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
A Complicated Song - Weird Al Yankovic
Open My Eyes - Bangles
Gee Angel - Sugar
Don't Stop It Won't Pop - Todd McHatton
Ole´ - Pearl Jam
These Words - Megafaun
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Those Mysteries - Sparks
When I Get Little - Dog On Fleas
Sliver - Nirvana
River of Blood - Deedle Deedle Dees
We Got The Beat - Glee
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Music Is the Medicine - Derek Miller
Walk Of Life - Ben Rudnick

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Ole´ - Pearl Jam
Come Up, Horsey - Victoria Williams
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Tomorrow - Me First & The Gimme Gimmes
Honest Face - Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
Autograph - Sick of Sarah
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Worms - Ratboy Jr.
Eggs - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 24, 2011

Building of the Road - Caroline Herring
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
Sing Your Own Song - John Wesley Harding
What Are We Gonna Do? - Dramarama
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Type A Prayer - Alchemystics
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Dream All Day - The Posies
Somewhere - Glee
Not Too Young for a Song - Dan Bern

Every Day Is A Good Day to Dream

Ah, the glory of childhood. When you can truly believe that "any dream is possible."

Then again, when you're five, all it takes to become a cowboy is a hat, a badge, and a bandana.

To become a doctor, you need one of dad's long, white shirts and a tongue depressor.

And to become a musician, all you need is an instrument.

DidiPop (Deborah Poppink) wants to help kids perpetuate their dreams.



A children's piano teacher for more than 20 years, Deborah's passion for music turned a new corner after the birth of her daughter (at age 43). With 35 stamps on her passport, Deborah has played and taught music in such exotic locals as Bali, Montreal, Laos, Turkey, Belize, Tahiti, Morocco and Malaysia, in addition to performances in L.A. clubs like The House of Blues and McCabe's. A 2009 trip to Maui with family provided the inspiration and ambiance for most of the songs on her first CD, "DidiPop Goes to Hawaii."

On November 1, DidoPop releases her second CD, "Everyday Adventures," which presents 15 original songs for the junior set. I've yet to receive a childrens' CD from a California-based artist that does not include (at least) one Beach Boys-inspired song, and this one is no exception. "Feed the Pet" gives sweet, harmonic instructions about animal care. And kids get an amusing lesson in sitting still from "Tush on the Cush."

Deborah started writing childrens songs a decade ago for a TV project (The DidiPop Show) but didn't consider recording them until the birth of her daughter Delilah in 2005. Hannah followed two years later and the process developed organically. Now her kids provide background vocals and inspiration. Mostly, they provide the dreams, as children are wont to do.

And as her song insists on the new CD, "Any dream is possible." "Everyday Adventures" is a whimsical, fast-moving collection that's over way too soon.

At least while you're still a child.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 21, 2011

Why - Steve Weeks
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey
Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
Born On the Bayou - Etta James
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
We Got The Beat - Glee
Daydreams - Adele

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 20, 2011

People Take Pictures of Each Other - The Kinks
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
Making Promises - Indigo Girls
It's Hard To Be A Kid - Daddy A Go-Go
The Alternative Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
Hero - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Candylion - Gruff Rhys
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
(Drawing) Rings Around the World - Super Furry Animals
Happy - Dog on Fleas

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Good Morning Tucson - Jonathan Coulton
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
Gump - Weird Al Yankovic
I Don't Wanna Wait - Bill Harley
Not Too Young for a Song - Dan Bern
Pretty Girls (Feat. Travie McCoy) - Iyaz
When I Get Little - Dog On Fleas
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey
So So Good - The Good Miss Padgett

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Cave - Mumford and Sons
When We First Met - Hellogoodbye
Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
Ode To A Superhero - Weird Al Yankovic
Black Socks - Bill Harley
Loser Like Me - Glee
Hero - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Come On Get Happy (Partridge Family TV Show Theme) - Daddy A Go-Go
Go Out and Play - The Plants

New Holiday Music!

Renee & Jeremy are releasing a holiday single entitled "Sunny Christmas." You can stream this or one of their other songs through this link.


After springing onto the children's music scene in 2007, Renee & Jeremy gained an international following after their animated video for "It's A Big World" went viral.



To date, more than one million kids and their parents have watched the clip.

Renee & Jeremy now look to share own special brand of holiday cheer to their fans both young and old with "Sunny Christmas," the first holiday track they have ever released to radio.

For the more immediate holiday, John Jeffrey Hodges has released a song about the universal message of Halloween - I WANT MORE CANDY.

John released a kid’s album in late 2009, "KiddyDittys, A Kid’s Album for Adults," and is working on songs for upcoming CDs.

Listen to the song here:



DidiPop has released a video for her Halloween song, GOBLINS:

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 17, 2011

Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
The Time (The Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
Autograph - Sick of Sarah
Ole´ - Pearl Jam
I Got A New Friend - Ben Rudnick
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Things Behind the Sun - Nick Drake
Wondered What'd It Be Like - Stan Ridgway & Pietra Wexstun
Out Here On My Own - Glee
Octopus - Artichoke

It's Ska To Be Good

A Punk's Gotta Do What a Punk's Gotta Do

Which is, produce kids music.

Well, if the ska punk has kids.

And the kids like music.

Since 1996, Mike Park has run Asian Man Records out of his garage. A former member of Skankin' Pickle (for whom he both played the saxophone and sang), Mike donned his "kindie music" cap after the birth of his kids.



Looking for an upbeat primer to ska for your kids? Then Mike's CD, SMILE, fits the bill quite nicely. And for audiophiles, there is even a vinyl release available.

SMILE is everything you expect in a standard children's CD - songs about crossing the street ("When the Light Turns Red You Stop"), eating healthy ("Apples Are My Favorite"), and making music ("I Love to Play My Saxophone"). But there's an added layer of ska that you don't get with, say, Dan Zanes.

Mike's goals for Asian Man are simple – put out quality music at affordable prices and to be politically involved in the awareness of peace and unity. He was the force behind 1998's "Ska Against Racism" tour. The tour promoted awareness about racism and raised money for anti-racism organizations such as the Museum of Tolerance.

Laudable goals, accessible themes, danceable music. When you put it all together, you just have to SMILE.

SMILE is reasonably priced ($8) through Asian Man Records. The CD is also on sale at Amazon, but for twice the price.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 14, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
It's Not Unusual - Glee
Walking Wires - Radical Dads
Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
Celebration - They Might Be Giants
Mmmmm - Crash Test Dummies
don't like change - Brady Rymer
I Think I'm A Bunny - Todd McHatton
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 13, 2011

I Care - Bobby Bare
I Feel So - Box Car Racer
Mama Dont 'Low - Ben Rudnick
Ah Ahsima - Deedle Deedle Dees
Halo / Walking On Sunshine - Glee
I'm Just Thinkin' About What I'm Thinkin' About - Chip Taylor & the Grandkids
Someone Like You - Adele
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Full Sized Candy Bars - David and Jad Fair
Get Me Out Of Here - Bill Harley

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Daybreak - Barry Manilow
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
Gump - Weird Al Yankovic
Drum! - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
Open My Eyes - Bangles
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Shoo Fly - Don't Bother Me - Sweet Honey In the Rock
What Are We Gonna Do? - Dramarama
Happy - Dog on Fleas
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Last Song - The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October11, 2011

The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
Wandering Free - The Plants
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Making Promises - Indigo Girls
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Grandmom's House - Recess Monkey
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
Soft Things - Brady Rymer
Out Here On My Own - Glee
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 10, 2011

Why - Steve Weeks
Sing Your Own Song - John Wesley Harding
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Section 12 (Hold Me Now) - The Polyphonic Spree
Eggs - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Under a Cloud - Bangles
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 7, 2011

Set Me On Fire - Spirits and the Melchizedek Children
8 Is A Number - Board of Education
Hey Hey Hey - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Everything Is Music To Me - Jonathan Samson
Hero - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Candlelight - Maccabeats
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
Around The World - Glee
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 6, 2011

Baby In My Pocket - Dean Jones
Pretty Girls (Feat. Travie McCoy) - Iyaz
The Time (The Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
First Love - Adele
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
Grow Grow Grow - Nick Cope
One Time - Justin Bieber
Fix You - Glee
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Hero - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Eggs - Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players
Teenage Dream (Glee Cast Version) - Glee
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Time Out To Rock - The Not-Its!
Reminds Me Of You - LMFAO
Metal Guru - T. Rex
What's the Name of That Song? - Sesame Street
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Phony Calls - Weird Al Yankovic
Get Me Out Of Here - Bill Harley
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Dream All Day - The Posies
It's Raining Again - Supertramp
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
It's Not Unusual - Glee
Somebody To Love - Justin Bieber
Because I Said So - Keller Williams
A Good Good Time - Nikolai Moderbacher

Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 3, 2011

Why - Steve Weeks
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
What a Little Bit of Love Can Do - Jeff Bridges
Something's Coming (Glee Cast Version) - Glee
Snack Time - RTTs
Shoo Lie Loo - Elizabeth Mitchell
Come To California - The Hipwaders
Gump - Weird Al Yankovic
Kapalua Bay - Didi Pop
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey

Recess Music Builds Up Your Kids

An Extra Boost of Self-Esteem

If you listen to any comedian who talks about their families, they will tell you that kids today have too much self-esteem. "Why are we complimenting kids for doing things that they're supposed to do? You made the bed? Great - one less thing I don't have to do." If you listen to any business expert, they will tell you that the problem with Generation X is that these are twentysomethings who were told they're great, so they don't want to start in the mailroom - they all want to be VPs NOW. Watch MEET THE FOCKERS and there's the telling scene where Greg's parents are showing off his trophies - all of them eighth or ninth place. "Really? They have eight-place trophies?" asks bemused Jack Byrnes (Robert DeNiro). That gets the comic punchline, "Oh, they have trophies all the way to 12th place!"



Yet Recess Music believes that children still need as much positive reinforcement as possible. They have added on to their "Best Foot Forward Series" with "U R Some 1," a dozen gentle songs that tell kids, "You are somebody and there's nothing wrong with you!"

Recess Music aims to entertain, encourage, and educate children and families through Earth-friendly music. Founder and CEO Nancy Doan hit the ground running in 2010. The company has released six CDs, four in its "Celebrate Earth" series and "BIG BULLY," the two in its "Best Foot Forward" series, BIG BULLY being the first.

The description reads, "All human beings can be equipped to appreciate a world that is wise and fair, and generous hearted. This disc highlights the importance of self-confidence, and helps kids realize that even though they might not feel like it at times, they are important to others." Not a bad quality and any compilation with Peter Himmelman can't be all bad. Yet one can already imagine the lyrics when a song is entitled, "Arms Are For Hugging."

BIG BULLY, the first CD in the series, has great tracks from artists such as Renee & Jeremy, Milkshake, and the Hipwaders.

Recess Music has some lofty, yet reasonable expectations. And realistically, every kid could use 40 minutes of inspirational, non-religious themed music once in a while. In those instances, you could do worse than put your best foot forward once in a while.

U R Some 1 is being released on October 18 through Amazon, iTunes, and other retailers.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 30, 2011

Dancing Crazy - Miranda Cosgrove
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
Dancing Queen - Glee
The Alternative Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
Lucy Lawcy - Keller Williams
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
Fire Of The Sun - Rocknoceros

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 29, 2011

Good Morning Tucson - Jonathan Coulton
Amish Paradise - Weird Al Yankovic
Hometown Glory - Adele
The Only Exception - Paramore
Ruling Me - Weezer
Celebration - They Might Be Giants
Born On the Bayou - Etta James
Walk Of Life - Ben Rudnick
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders
Paradise - Coldplay

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
They Lady And The Tiger - They Might Be Giants
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Say It Loudly - The Not-Its!
All The Animals - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Things Behind the Sun - Nick Drake
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Hello - Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Jamberry - Ethan Rossiter & the Hartwells
Fire Of The Sun - Rocknoceros
Daydreams - Adele
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
Metal Guru - T. Rex
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Don't Stop It Won't Pop - Todd McHatton
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 26, 2011

I Gotta Feeling - Wilco
Goodbye, Bird - The Fastbacks
Snack Time - RTTs
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
You Can't Stop The Beat - Glee
In My Blue Jeans - Rabbit!
Ode To A Superhero - Weird Al Yankovic
Baby In My Pocket - Dean Jones
Sliver - Nirvana

Wigging Out Over 5th Beethoven's Wig Collection

Tickling the Ivories and Funny Bones

What's the most difficult thing about cultivating a child's interest in the arts? I would say it's getting them excited, whether it's playing an instrument, visiting museums, or listening to different genres of music.

We've had success with most genres, from rock to show tunes to parodies (we're seeing Weird Al in concert next month) to jazz. If you're thinking the biggest roadblock was classical music, you'd be mistaken. We have a few classical samplers and Ben has put them into a rotation for the car (every six CD rotation has at least one classical or easy listening CD).



The most frequent selections for that sixth slot? Anything from Richard Perlmutter's Beethoven's Wig series. We received the first two as a gift a few years ago, and Ben was intrigued. He had heard several of the "straight" versions of classic pieces from our limited samplers. The fact that someone was putting LYRICS to them, and especially FUNNY lyrics, was shocking. Simply shocking, to a seven-year-old.

This brings us back to my original premise, getting children excited about the arts. When I bring home a new CD (or receive it in the mail), Ben will clearly demonstrate an initial level of interest. Weezer? Happy. Ralph's World? Very happy. Beethoven's Wig 5: Sing Along Piano Classics? Jumping up and down, trying to pry it from my hands.

Perlmutter and company do not mess with their existing formula (one that Allan Sherman found much success with decades ago. The CD collects a variety of piano classics (Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Scott Joplin) and adds lyrics that turn them on their heads.

"Brahms Lullaby" becomes "I Can't Sleep," because there's a fly buzzing around in the bedroom. "Chopsticks" is "My Little Chicken." The CD builds to "A Voyage to the Moon," to the tune of Debussy's "Clair de Lune," complete with NASA sound effects. And Joplin's "The Entertainer" is turned into "A Piano Is Stuck In The Door":

They tried pushing it left and right,

But that poor piano was stuck in there tight.

They said "Hope that you're not too sore,

We've never seen this before,

A piano is stuck in the door."



I see Beethoven's Wig 5 getting immediately exposure in our car rotation - which will also help educate Ben's little brother Matt (10 months old) in the ways of classical music. And hopefully Matt will continue the tradition of selecting classical CDs, when he gets his turn down the road.

Beethoven's Wig 5 is available on September 27 through Amazon.com, cdbaby.com, iTunes, and other music retailers.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 23, 2011

We Got The Beat - Glee
Palomino - Mates of State
Hometown Glory - Adele
Let Your Hair Hang Down - They Might Be Giants
Hello - Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette
Come To California - The Hipwaders
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
These Words - Megafaun
I Care - Bobby Bare

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 22, 2011

Building of the Road - Caroline Herring
Sing Your Own Song - John Wesley Harding
It's Not Unusual - Glee
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Conservation - Rocknoceros
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
A Complicated Song - Weird Al Yankovic
Gelt Melts - The LeeVees
I'm Just Thinkin' About What I'm Thinkin' About - Chip Taylor & the Grandkids
Celebration - They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Cave - Mumford and Sons
People Take Pictures of Each Other - The Kinks
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
Metal Guru - T. Rex
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
Same Mistake - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
She Walks In So Many Ways - The Jayhawks
Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
It's Hard To Be A Kid - Daddy A Go-Go
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Fox - Waco Brothers
The Kid With the Butterfly Net - Graham Parker
First Love - Adele
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Where You From? - The Baby Grands
Shoo Fly - Don't Bother Me - Sweet Honey In the Rock
Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
All The Animals - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 19, 2011

Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
What Are We Gonna Do? - Dramarama
What a Little Bit of Love Can Do - Jeff Bridges
Honest Face - Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
Grow Grow Grow - Nick Cope
Snack Time - RTTs
Sweet Harness - Sharks
They Lady And The Tiger - They Might Be Giants
Wild Thing - Troggs
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic

Poetry, Lullabies for Little Ones

Kid's Music That's Right, Said Ted

Composer Ted Jacobs was presented with a concept - turn the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson into song. "I knew Stevenson as the author of Treasure Island and Kidnapped," he recalled. "The poems transported me back to my childhood. I felt that if I were to undertake this album, I had a significant responsibility to these words and especially to the author." The result were the 1999 and 2000 albums, A CHILD'S GARDEN OF SONGS and THE DAYS GONE BY.



Now Jacobs has returned to those poems once again. "Twelve years later, it is an honor to play in Stevenson's garden again," he said. His new CD, BACK TO THE GARDEN, presents another dozen orchestral celebrations turning Stevenson's prose into verse.

A self-taught piano and guitar prodigy (at age five), Jacobs became a staff writer at Sony Music, producing songs for various artists. His songs have appeared on SCRUBS, CHICAGO HOPE, and ACCESS HOLLYWOOD, among others. But he has returned to his Stevenson project for the simple pleasure it has given him to produce children's music.

Of course, reviewing a CD of poetry turned to song means that I quote the poems:

we may see how all things are,

seas and cities, near and far,

and the flying fairie's looks

in the picture story books.


It's good to have the ocassional CD for the newborn to six year old set. The 10 year old has his own tastes, but we need to create a selection of (age-appropriate) selections for the baby. Jacobs' newest release harkens back to simpler, more innocent times. And that strikes the right chord for us.

BACK TO THE GARDEN is available on September 20, although MP3 downloads are now listed at Amazon.com.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 16, 2011

Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot
Let The Good Times Roll - Harry Nilsson
Let Your Hair Hang Down - They Might Be Giants
Ode To A Superhero - Weird Al Yankovic
Paradise - Coldplay
Squirrels - Mister G
Those Mysteries - Sparks

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 15, 2011

A Complicated Song - Weird Al Yankovic
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
Kinder Words - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
Raspberry Beret - Hindu Love Gods
Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
What a Little Bit of Love Can Do - Jeff Bridges
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
You've Got a Friend In Me - Bonerama

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Angry White Boy Polka - Weird Al Yankovic
Candylion - Gruff Rhys
The Cave - Mumford and Sons
(Drawing) Rings Around the World - Super Furry Animals
Fire Of The Sun - Rocknoceros
Flashlight - Fuzzy
The Fox - Waco Brothers
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
Someone Like You - Adele

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Conservation - Rocknoceros
I Feel So - Box Car Racer
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot
Octopus - Artichoke
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Pretty Girls (Feat. Travie McCoy) - Iyaz
Snack Time - RTTs
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
When We First Met - Hellogoodbye
Wondered What'd It Be Like - Stan Ridgway & Pietra Wexstun

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 12, 2011

Daydreams - Adele
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
Ginger Snaps - Dean & Britta
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
So So Good - The Good Miss Padgett
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse

Rocknoceros: The Line Between Silly and Smart

Songs About the Colonel and His Animal Friends

Twenty years of friendship can do strange things to people. For Rocknoceros, it meant the time had come for a concept album about friendship. Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie have been fixtures on the Washington, DC children's music scene since 2005. After three acclaimed CDs, the trio is attempting something more ambitious: a CD with a companion book.

COLONEL PURPLE TURTLE inhabits Soggy Bog with his friends, including Harry Elefante, Rocky the Dog, Truman Coyote, and Pirate Harvey. All of them get their own song and we learn about them and their place in Soggy Bog.



The CD straddles the fine line between silly and smart. The title character "wears a violet toupee under his magenta beret." But there's also a track called "Echolocation" that explains animals use sonar to emit calls out to the environment and listen to the echoes of those calls that return from various objects near them.

COLONEL PURPLE TURTLE shows animals living in harmony, aware that their contributions are important and impactful. "Conservation" covers the affects of wasting water and preserving our natural resources. "Fire of the Sun" urges listeners to use sunscreen for protection because "despite harmful UV rays, we'd not survive without its blaze."

The CD succeeds as a stand alone, without the book. If this is your first exposure to Rocknoceros, you'll feel bemused as your children are amused. COLONEL PURPLE TURTLE is available at retail outlets on Tuesday, September 13.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 9, 2011

Big Blue Whale - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
First Love - Adele
Honest Face - Liam Finn + Eliza Jane
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Kinder Words - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
What's the Name of That Song? - Sesame Street
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 8, 2011

All The Animals - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Bluegrass for Breakfast - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Candylion - Gruff Rhys
The Cave - Mumford and Sons
The Kid With the Butterfly Net - Graham Parker
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Sweet Harness - Sharks
Things Behind the Sun - Nick Drake
Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
Laser Show - Fountains Of Wayne
Sliver - Nirvana
Snack Time - RTTs
Time Out To Rock - The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
Building of the Road - Caroline Herring
Celebration - They Might Be Giants
Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Gee Angel - Sugar
Let The Good Times Roll - Harry Nilsson
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
Someone Like You - Adele
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 5, 2011

Because I Said So - Keller Williams
Come Up, Horsey - Victoria Williams
Flying - Recess Monkey
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
Metal Guru - T. Rex
Mr. Bassman - Sondre Lerche
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton
Octopus - Artichoke
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 2, 2011

I Care - Bobby Bare
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Little Brown Dog - The Missing Piece
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
Shake Me Down - Cage the Elephant
Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
Those Mysteries - Sparks
Up Up Up - Givers

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Cave - Mumford and Sons
Goodbye, Bird - The Fastbacks
I Feel So - Box Car Racer
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
Octopus - Artichoke
Popcorn Tree - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Pretty Girls (Feat. Travie McCoy) - Iyaz
Safety Dance - Men Without Hats
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Uncharted - Sara Bareilles

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
I Love New York- New York, New York - Glee
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Vacation - The Not-Its!
Ruling Me - Weezer
Someone Like You - Adele
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
I Meant To Do That - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Soft Things - Brady Rymer

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Kid With the Butterfly Net - Graham Parker
Building of the Road - Caroline Herring
Hometown Glory - Adele
Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
I Don't Wanna Wait - Bill Harley
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Mind Over Matter - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Candylion - Gruff Rhys

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 29, 2011

The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
First Love - Adele
Walking Wires - Radical Dads
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot
In My Blue Jeans - Rabbit!
When I Get Little - Dog On Fleas
In Wonder With the World - The Boogers
Sliver - Nirvana
Everybody Loves to Jump - Mike Park
Gee Angel - Sugar

Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 26, 2011

Good Morning Tucson - Jonathan Coulton
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
You've Got a Friend In Me - Bonerama
Bubble Test - Daniel Hales & the Frost Heaves
Time Out To Rock - The Not-Its!
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Party In the CIA - Weird Al Yankovic
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 25, 2011

For Pete's Sake - The Monkees
Drum! - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Soft Things - Brady Rymer
Octopus - Artichoke
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
I Got A New Friend - Ben Rudnick
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey
Daydreams - Adele
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton

Bens Playlist - Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Walk Of Life - Ben Rudnick
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
First Love - Adele
Let The Good Times Roll - Harry Nilsson
Lucy Lawcy - Keller Williams

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
Let Your Hair Hang Down - They Might Be Giants
Sliver - Nirvana
Loser Like Me - Glee
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Apple Tree - Rabbit!
Candylion - Gruff Rhys
Mama Dont 'Low - Ben Rudnick
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 22, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
Section 12 (Hold Me Now) - The Polyphonic Spree
Birdsong - Steve Weeks
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
What a Little Bit of Love Can Do - Jeff Bridges
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
I'll Be Waiting - Adele

Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 19, 2011

Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
First Love - Adele
Jen - Stacey Peasley
Soft Things - Brady Rymer
It's Hard To Be A Kid - Daddy A Go-Go
Bluegrass for Breakfast - Okee-Dokee Brothers
You Might Think - Weezer
One Less Lonely Girl - Justin Bieber
Flying - Recess Monkey
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton
Goodbye, Bird - The Fastbacks

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 18, 2011

I Love New York/New York, New York - Glee
Hail The Creatures - Dan Zanes
Daydreams - Adele
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Set Me On Fire - Spirits and the Melchizedek Children
Walking Wires - Radical Dads
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Happy - Dog on Fleas
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
Wake Up Clarinet - Oran Etkin
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
Hometown Glory - Adele
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Someone Like You - Adele
Snack Time - RTTs
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
Come On Get Happy (Partridge Family TV Show Theme) - Daddy A Go-Go
Halo / Walking On Sunshine - Glee

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Flashlight - Fuzzy
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
The Time (The Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
Little Parrot - Matt Clark
They Lady And The Tiger - They Might Be Giants
Knock on Wood - Amii Stewart
Polka Face - Weird Al Yankovic
Victor Jara's Hands - Calexico
Drum! - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 15, 2011

Wondered What'd It Be Like - Stan Ridgway & Pietra Wexstun
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
Things Behind the Sun - Nick Drake
Party In the CIA - Weird Al Yankovic
Celebration - They Might Be Giants
Dream All Day - The Posies
When We First Met - Hellogoodbye
I Love Food - The Not-Its!
Laser Show - Fountains Of Wayne
Born On the Bayou - Etta James
Sing Your Own Song - John Wesley Harding

Rocking Out in Lexington

Rudnick and Friends Bring Zydeco to Massachusetts

The year 2008 was a turning point for Ben Rudnick and Friends. The family-styled jam band's accordion player Mark Yacovone was moving to Mississippi (and leaving the group). Yacovone's final show was for Ben Rudnick and Friends' annual performance at the Town Green in Lexington, MA (site of their very first show). As a bonus, they were joined by saxophone player Rob Lee. What resulted is the new full-length concert CD, LIVE IN LEXINGTON: UNDER THE COPPER BEECH.

The Lexington Friday night concert series has existed for more than a decade. Ben Rudnick and Friends have played the venue since 2001, in front of crowds as large as 2,000 people. People gather on the historic Green with chairs and blankets and food and kids and balloons. "We like to say it's America at its best on a Friday night, sort of a Norman Rockwell image with a little tie-dye thrown in for good measure," Rudnick says.



A studio CD provides a snapshot of where an artist and his band happen to be at that precise moment in time. For Rudnick's CD, EMILY SONGS, Rudnick was engaging his young daughter in the writing and recording process. Some of those songs ("I Like Silver, I Like Gold" and "I Need a Hand") surface on LIVE IN LEXINGTON, where they resound more with his (grown) daughter still contributing vocals.

The concert experience is always different. The arrangements are looser, there are more musical references to songs from outside sources, and energy from the crowd definitely reverberates in the performances. Plus Rudnick and Friends roll out an eclectic collection of cover choices, including Dire Straits' "Walk of Life," Buddy Holly's "Oh Boy," and Hank Williams' "Hey Good Lookin'."

The band infuses true New Orleans jazz and zydeco into traditional numbers "Jambalaya," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and even "Hava Nagila." You can tell that on this July evening in 2008, Ben Rudnick and Friends were in a happy place - figuratively and literally. And they've chosen 2011 to share their positive experience with all of us. "We're down to our last tune, which kind of probably upsets us more than it does you," Rudnick bemoans at the end of the CD. Well, at home, we can just hit REPLAY and relive the concert again.

Ben's Playlist - Fridaty, August 12, 2011

Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) - Katy Perry
Sweet Harness - Sharks
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
Popcorn Tree - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Ridin' On a Pony - Dog On Fleas
Dream - Blue Sky Riders
Let Your Hair Hang Down - They Might Be Giants
Nemeses - Jonathan Coulton
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 11, 2011

Up Up Up - Givers
Hey, Josie! - The Hipwaders
The Wrath of Marcie - The Go! Team
Someone Like You - Adele
Dancing Queen - Glee
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
Mighty Milo - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Flying - Recess Monkey
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 10, 2011

So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
All The Best - R.E.M.
Onyonghasayo - Skankin' Pickle
Ruling Me - Weezer
TV - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
You Might Think - Weezer
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
You've Got A Friend - Me First & the Gimmie Gimmies
Action Hero - Fountains Of Wayne
Cocoanut Candy - Didi Pop

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Slumber Party - In The Nick Of Time
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Hometown Glory - Adele
When I Ripped My Pants - Spongebob Squarepants
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
One Love (People Get Ready) - Glee
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
Craigslist - Weird Al Yankovic
Gee Angel - Sugar
The Happy Whistler - Don Robertson
We R Who We R - Ke$ha

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 8, 2011

What Colour Is Your T Shirt? - Nick Cope
Eat My Breakfast - Sara Hickman
Perform This Way - Weird Al Yankovic
Playtime for the Penguins - Mike Cooke
Cosmology, Your Futon, and You - The Amoeba People
Don't Worry About the Government - Talking Heads
Birdsong - Steve Weeks
A Little Green - Baze And His Silly Friends
Flapjacks - Recess Monkey
Bozmo's Breakfast - The Thinkers
High Five Hive - In The Nick Of Time
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 5, 2011

Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald
Sweet Harness - Sharks
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
So So Good - The Good Miss Padgett
One Less Lonely Girl - Justin Bieber
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Come To California - The Hipwaders
First Love - Adele
Octopus - Artichoke

Florida's Nick Shows Sunny Side of Kid's Music

A Southern Regional Edition of Ralph?

And now the South. Children's music is being made all over the country (and around the globe). Florida-based Nick Deysher (aka In the Nick of Time) is Miami's version of Ralph Covert (Ralph's World). Nick has released his fifth studio CD, MAKING SILLY FACES.

A preschool music specialist and afterschool teacher for 4-7 year-olds, Nick certainly knows his youthful audience. His experience teaching students privately through age 75 gives him additional insight into musical tastes of all ranges. "Making children's music has been a natural thing for me because it's a lot like teaching, and I've been teaching - as a camp counselor, babysitter, music instructor, preschool teacher - since I was a kid myself," Nick says.



MAKING SILLY FACES reaches back to the themes of childhood - playing freely, relaxing, having fun, interacting with friends, and enjoying music. Every now and then, the real world sneaks in. "It's Easy Being Green" evokes recycling and ecology, while playing off the more famous similarly-titled song. And some kid's BS detectors might go off during a song called "I Tried It, I Liked It!"

There is not that much "Florida" or "Southern" specific content. Nick does mention in "Abajo/Arriba" that he has not learned many Spanish words in six years in South Florida. You would think he would try to include a song about maybe the Everglades or another state landmark if he's attempting to "go national."

I'm not saying that Ralph Covert performs in California and New York because "Baseball Dreams" talks about the Chicago Cubs. It's nice (and easy) to learn about a performer through hearing him sing about their unique surroundings. I can hear variations on "You've Got To Have Patience" from any artist. But if I heard a song about alligators in the backyard - then I'd know it was someone from Florida!

Nick (and his wife Tracey) have the best of intentions and AKING SILLY FACES succeeds in celebrating pop music, delivering a fast-moving 13-song set. When my whining and ranting is said and done, location does not really matter. I enjoyed Nick Deysher's pleasant voice on this CD. I would have enjoyed a distinctive voice even more.

UPDATE: After doing due diligence, I discovered that one of Nick's previous albums is entitled COCONUT GROVE. So my question about locality has been rendered moot!

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 4, 2011

Daydreams - Adele
When I Get Little - Dog On Fleas
I Want To Push Buttons - Lunch Money
Vacation - The Not-Its!
Your Favorite Book - Recess Monkey
Horse and Buggy - Kindercastle
Gee Angel - Sugar
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
The Daylight Strong - The Figgs
Enough Is Enough - Lori Henriques

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The City Grew Up Around Her - Caroline Herring
Loser Like Me - Glee
Jen - Stacey Peasley
Burn It To The Ground - Nickelback
I Meant To Do That - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Linus and Lucy - Asylum Street Spankers
Hometown Glory - Adele
Snack Time - RTTs
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Dream All Day - The Posies
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
Someone Like You - Adele
I Want An Alien for Christmas - Fountains of Wayne
Bubble Test - Daniel Hales & the Frost Heaves
Cocoanut Candy - Didi Pop
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - August 1, 2011

I Love Food - The Not-Its!
Sliver - Nirvana
Jumpin' Beans - Frank Black
I'm A Vampire - Roy Handy & The Moonshot
You're Pitiful - Weird Al Yankovic
Goodbye, Bird - The Fastbacks
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
Bravest Kid In The World - Recess Monkey
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
Halo / Walking On Sunshine - Glee
A Little Green - Baze And His Silly Friends

Wild Child Celebrates Africa

It Ain't Putumayo, But It's Close

Coke and Pepsi. McDonalds and Burger King. Putumayo and Recess Music?

Since 1993, Putumayo World Music has introduced people to the music of the world’s cultures. They are known primarily for their upbeat and melodic compilations of international music. Putumayo has released several CDs specifically for children, but the company casts a wide net.

Proving that there is always room for a number two, Recess Music aims to entertain, encourage, and educate children and families through Earth-friendly music. Founder and CEO Nancy Doan hit the ground running in 2010. The company has released four CDs, three in its "Celebrate Earth" series and "Big Bully," the first in its "Best Foot Forward" series.



August 2011 brings forth "Wild Child," a compilation of 14 songs that puts a spotlight on the animals of Africa. You certainly get a complete aural experience. Recess Music does not skimp on the production values - animal sounds, native instruments, so dig out a set of headphones (not earbuds) for the kids.

When you use music to teach children, musicians always walk a fine line. At a certain point, kids will zone out if they catch on that something is supposed to be GOOD for them. And most adults roll their eyes when a song starts with a breathless narrative, "It's like no other place in the world." Oh boy - Las Vegas! No, it's the Serengeti that Aaron Glassman is singing about.

Anna Moo is more successful with "Mysteries of the Nile," but the lyrics are quite a mouthful:

To the north lies desert and ancient Egyptian tombs

To the south wild jungles and mountains of the moon.

Does this river carry the secrets of the Earth?

The origins of Man's birth?


Ooooh, heady stuff. And kind of heavy for 4-12 year olds.

Recess Music has noble intentions, but this collection came off as a tad literal, from an adult perspective. Yes, every animal is special as Melita Doostan's "Animal" points out. Perfectly fine for the target audience and we're Danny Adlerman fans, so every new song is welcome.

Recess Music accomplishes its purpose - revealing aspects of the world as a global village, with the "Wild Child" compilation very methodically and super-seriously teaching children about the vanishing marvels of the African continent.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 29, 2011

Willy Won't - Debbie and Friends
Playtime for the Penguins - Mike Cooke
Hometown Glory - Adele
Song of the Passaic - Fountains of Wayne
Twistification - Dog on Fleas
Bubble Test - Daniel Hales & the Frost Heaves
Get Together - Youngbloods
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
Don't Download This Song - Weird Al Yankovic
My Name Is No - Starfish

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 28, 2011

Things Behind the Sun - Nick Drake
Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic
So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star - The Byrds
Someone Like You - Adele
The Time (The Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
Soft Things - Brady Rymer
All The Young Dudes - Mott The Hoople
Linus and Lucy - Asylum Street Spankers
Ruling Me - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Flashlight - Fuzzy
Up the Junction - They Might Be Giants
So So Good - The Good Miss Padgett
Come To California - The Hipwaders
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Mighty Milo - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Ooh La La (Play Me That Song) - Baron Von Rumblebuss
I'll Be Waiting - Adele
Where You From? - The Baby Grands
Root Down - Beastie Boys

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Cosmology, Your Futon, and You - The Amoeba People
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Say, Say, Oh Playmate - April Smith & The Great Picture
Polka Face - Weird Al Yankovic
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
I Don't Wanna Wait - Bill Harley
Kick - INXS
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers
Drum! - The Deedle Deedle Dees
A Little Green - Baze And His Silly Friends

Ben's Playylist - Monday, July 25, 2011

I Love New York- New York, New York - Glee
Echoes - Dar Williams
Laser Show - Fountains Of Wayne
Ferris Wheel - Kindercastle
Turning Tables - Adele
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Nothin' On You - BoB ft. Bruno Mars
White Sky (Cecile Remix) - Vampire Weekend
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 22, 2011

Loser Like Me - Glee
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Hometown Glory - Adele
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
Synonym Toast - Jeff Warren
Where You From? - The Baby Grands
Popcorn Tree - Music For Aardvarks Presents David Weinstone
Let The Good Times Roll - Harry Nilsson
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants Antmusic
Party In the CIA - Weird Al Yankovic

Babypants Is (are) For All Ages

Sing Along With Caspar; He's Friendly

What happens to grunge rockers when they grow up? If you're Chris Ballew, you go back to the beginning. Well, to where it all begins - childhood. The former guitarist/singer for The Presidents of the United States is now Caspar Babypants. Let's process that again: grunge rocker, now children's recording artist. Proceed.



The prolific Ballew has produced four well-received CDs in three years' time. The latest, SING ALONG! collects 20 tracks, mostly tradtional favorites with a few new tunes. Joined by bongo player Stone Gossard, the CD features guest appearances by Weird Al Yankovic (on accordian), Frances England, rapper Outtasite, Pete Droge, and Rachel Loshak (Mrs. Gustafer Yellowgold).

For his newest release, Ballew (it's hard to refer to an artist, even a childrens' artist, as Mr. Babypants) listened to call-and-response tunes based on old African folk melodies as well as work songs from early American history. "I loved how the next line in the song was like an invitation...to sing along and get right into the fabric of the song," he says. The opening track, "Bad Blue Jay," sets the stage for singalongs, as do "Helicopter" and "Them Bones," which features Outtasite doing a funky bone-connects-to interlude. And why are there 47 babies in that helicopter? Song doesn't really say...

It takes some getting used to, hearing "Pussycat Pussycat" played in a modern context with farfisa organ. And the music does skew for the younger set (5-and-under). Still, a 10-year-old like Ben appreciates the musicality and named Caspar Babypants as one of two "must-see" acts next season at Symphony Space (along with Recess Monkey).

Ballew does throw in whimsical touches that tots will not get entirely, such as in songs like "My Flea Has Dogs" and "Butterfly Driving a Truck." The latter exists as a list of standard truck thoughts (CB radio, greasy spoon diners) without an explanation of WHY a butterfly would be hauling cargo in an 18-wheeler. The songs are gentle, melodic, and hummable. The humor will provoke giggles, which is the preferred method of communication with all small children.

Artwork for all the CDs is by Kate Endle, local artist (and Mrs. Ballew) who also co-wrote two tracks on the CD, which is released August 14 on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, and where all fine childrens music is sold. Give your kids some easy listening and sing along.