I had a rough couple of days this week, healthwise.
It made me think (of course) about the various times that an illness
has been passed between myself and my wife, then between our older son
and us, and more recently our younger son and the three of us.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 1, 2013
Turning Tables – Adele
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Are You a Mirror (...Or a Window?) – Quiet Company
Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
You Gotta Hold It – The Hipwaders
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
OK By Me – Johnny Angel Wendell
I Almost Do – Taylor Swift
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Are You a Mirror (...Or a Window?) – Quiet Company
Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
You Gotta Hold It – The Hipwaders
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
OK By Me – Johnny Angel Wendell
I Almost Do – Taylor Swift
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
Friday, March 29, 2013
Johnny Now Singing With the Angels
Talk about nine lives.
Wendell moved on to other pursuits (writing a column, hosting a talk show, acting work). After a 15-year recording hiatus, he has released a new CD, IT! The sound is still "in the garage," somewhat reminiscent of Little Village.
The disc hit my desk primarily due to two songs featuring his kids. "OK By Me" is a midtempo rocker with a chorus of "I love you more than you'll ever know" and the children responding, "It's OK by me." The following track, "Lullaby Arms," is a sentimental ballad abut having your children grow up too soon. With my older son just turning 12 (and gaining 16 pounds in one year) and the younger one now 2 1/4 and becoming more independent by the day, it's a somber lesson.
I don't mean to downplay the rest of the CD. You can go to Johnny's BandCamp page, hear samples, and judge for yourself. It's got a bluesy feel and Johnny clearly wants to harken back to his garage days.
You can get IT! from his Web page or through Facebook.
Johnny Angel Wendell started playing garage pop in the 1970s with his band, The Thrills.
Apparently, while I was attending Queens College in the 1980s and DJing at WQMC Radio, his band the Blackjacks had an indie hit, "That's Why I Always Dress in Black."
Wendell moved on to other pursuits (writing a column, hosting a talk show, acting work). After a 15-year recording hiatus, he has released a new CD, IT! The sound is still "in the garage," somewhat reminiscent of Little Village.
The disc hit my desk primarily due to two songs featuring his kids. "OK By Me" is a midtempo rocker with a chorus of "I love you more than you'll ever know" and the children responding, "It's OK by me." The following track, "Lullaby Arms," is a sentimental ballad abut having your children grow up too soon. With my older son just turning 12 (and gaining 16 pounds in one year) and the younger one now 2 1/4 and becoming more independent by the day, it's a somber lesson.
I don't mean to downplay the rest of the CD. You can go to Johnny's BandCamp page, hear samples, and judge for yourself. It's got a bluesy feel and Johnny clearly wants to harken back to his garage days.
You can get IT! from his Web page or through Facebook.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 29, 2013
Summer Love – One Direction
Public Skool – The Travoltas
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Carry On – fun.
I Think I Can – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Public Skool – The Travoltas
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Carry On – fun.
I Think I Can – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 28, 2013
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Up All Night – One Direction
Millions of Things – Like Totally!
I Love Music (feat. Wordsmith) – Rhymezwell
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Superman – Glee
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Up All Night – One Direction
Millions of Things – Like Totally!
I Love Music (feat. Wordsmith) – Rhymezwell
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Superman – Glee
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Winter Wonderland – Renee & J eremy
Crazy crazy dinner lady – Nick Cope
Turning Tables – Adele
You're On Fire – They Might Be Giants
Participation Trophy – The Not-Its
Hide & Seek – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Rocketfuel – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Crazy crazy dinner lady – Nick Cope
Turning Tables – Adele
You're On Fire – They Might Be Giants
Participation Trophy – The Not-Its
Hide & Seek – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Rocketfuel – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Monday, March 25, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Bunny in the Moon – DidiPop
Last First Kiss – One Direction
National Fossil Day – Jeff Wolin
Bag of Dreams – Steven Courtney
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift
Candy Shop – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
El Jefe – Mexican Institute of Sound
Last First Kiss – One Direction
National Fossil Day – Jeff Wolin
Bag of Dreams – Steven Courtney
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift
Candy Shop – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
El Jefe – Mexican Institute of Sound
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Toilets in Training (new podcast)
Name one experience that we all share but don't remember.
Or don't choose to remember.
But we relive it through our children to great triumph.
Yes, it's time for toilet training. Not for me, for my son!
Or don't choose to remember.
But we relive it through our children to great triumph.
Yes, it's time for toilet training. Not for me, for my son!
Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 25, 2013
Balloon Fest – Ozomatli
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Electric Fever – Free Energy
Birthday – Milkshake
Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding
Change of Heart – Steve Weeks
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Cool Watermelon – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Red – Taylor Swift
Chloe – Grouplove
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Electric Fever – Free Energy
Birthday – Milkshake
Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding
Change of Heart – Steve Weeks
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Cool Watermelon – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Red – Taylor Swift
Chloe – Grouplove
Friday, March 22, 2013
Rossiter Ripe With Music Lessons
You've heard the old saying, "Those who can't, teach."
Of course that's completely backwards. Those who can, teach.
For Ethan Rossiter, teaching was a no-brainer. Just ask any of the students in his eighth grade class in Massachusetts.
But the performing bug kept gnawing at Rossiter, who finally succumbed and recorded an album of original tunes (for adults) as Ethan Rosster and the Hartwells. Not satisfied to relax on his laurels, he next turned his attention to childrens music.
His newest venture, Ethan Rossiter and the Jamberries, is so farm-fresh that its only web presence is on Facebook. The group's sound on MAGIC WATERMELON skews a bit southern, with an emphasis on acoustic guitar with a bit of harmonica here and there (check out "Cake in a Cup").
As you might expect from an English teacher, there are plenty of literary references, from "Miss Mary Mack" to "Mr. Brown" (based on the Dr. Seuss tale, "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You"). Matthew (2 years old) immediately began following along with the animal sound commands. You also get "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," the second time in two months the song has been covered (although Miss Nina turned it into a rap).
Rossiter's lyrics take some unexpected turns. On "Blue Underwear," a boy's briefs get accidentally flushed down the toilet.
Now I could call the plumber to look inside the pipes.
Or the electrician – wait a minute, he deals with lights.
Call the contractor or the subcontractor, too.
But I'm not sure exactly what they do.
I'll get on my bike and start cruising downtown.
There's a police officer. I'll ask him if he's seen them around.
Mr. Officer, have you seen my blue underwear?
The fancy ones with the monkeys dancing everywhere?
The title is a little misleading, as the song on the CD is "Cool Watermelon" and not "Magic Watermelon." But hey, what's a little bit of misdirection? By the eighth grade, most kids learn that not everything is black and white. And Rossiter and company seem mostly interested in holding the attention of a younger set of listeners (K through 5th grade). By not spreading the sugary stuff on too thick, the Jamberries hit their target.
MAGIC WATERMELON is available through the band's Facebook page, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Of course that's completely backwards. Those who can, teach.
For Ethan Rossiter, teaching was a no-brainer. Just ask any of the students in his eighth grade class in Massachusetts.
But the performing bug kept gnawing at Rossiter, who finally succumbed and recorded an album of original tunes (for adults) as Ethan Rosster and the Hartwells. Not satisfied to relax on his laurels, he next turned his attention to childrens music.His newest venture, Ethan Rossiter and the Jamberries, is so farm-fresh that its only web presence is on Facebook. The group's sound on MAGIC WATERMELON skews a bit southern, with an emphasis on acoustic guitar with a bit of harmonica here and there (check out "Cake in a Cup").
As you might expect from an English teacher, there are plenty of literary references, from "Miss Mary Mack" to "Mr. Brown" (based on the Dr. Seuss tale, "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You"). Matthew (2 years old) immediately began following along with the animal sound commands. You also get "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," the second time in two months the song has been covered (although Miss Nina turned it into a rap).
Rossiter's lyrics take some unexpected turns. On "Blue Underwear," a boy's briefs get accidentally flushed down the toilet.
Now I could call the plumber to look inside the pipes.
Or the electrician – wait a minute, he deals with lights.
Call the contractor or the subcontractor, too.
But I'm not sure exactly what they do.
I'll get on my bike and start cruising downtown.
There's a police officer. I'll ask him if he's seen them around.
Mr. Officer, have you seen my blue underwear?
The fancy ones with the monkeys dancing everywhere?
The title is a little misleading, as the song on the CD is "Cool Watermelon" and not "Magic Watermelon." But hey, what's a little bit of misdirection? By the eighth grade, most kids learn that not everything is black and white. And Rossiter and company seem mostly interested in holding the attention of a younger set of listeners (K through 5th grade). By not spreading the sugary stuff on too thick, the Jamberries hit their target.
MAGIC WATERMELON is available through the band's Facebook page, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 22, 2013
Don't Dream It's Over – Glee
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Vote or Don't – They Might Be Giants
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
State Of GracevTaylor Swift
Superhero You – Steve Songs
I Would – One Direction
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Vote or Don't – They Might Be Giants
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
State Of GracevTaylor Swift
Superhero You – Steve Songs
I Would – One Direction
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 21, 2013
Jingle Bells – Renee & Jeremy
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Turning Tables – Adele
Walk or Ride – The Not-Its
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Groovy Day – Jambo
Brilliance – The Underbirds
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Catch My Breathv Kelly Clarkson
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Turning Tables – Adele
Walk or Ride – The Not-Its
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Groovy Day – Jambo
Brilliance – The Underbirds
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Catch My Breathv Kelly Clarkson
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Little Little Baby – The Harmonica Pocket
My Old Pajamas – DidiPop
Sunny Christmas – Renee & Jeremy
The Scientist – Glee
Chasing Pavements – Glee
Try it – Milkshake
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Stand Up – Kira Willey
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
This Is the New Year – Ian Axel
My Old Pajamas – DidiPop
Sunny Christmas – Renee & Jeremy
The Scientist – Glee
Chasing Pavements – Glee
Try it – Milkshake
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Stand Up – Kira Willey
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
This Is the New Year – Ian Axel
Monday, March 18, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Exactly Where I Want To Be – Grenadilla
Ayo – Play Date
Turning Tables – Adele
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
Just Be – Walt Wilkins
Squeeze Please – Yello
Buy Nothing Day – The Go! Team
No, No, No – The Little Rockers Band
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Ayo – Play Date
Turning Tables – Adele
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
Just Be – Walt Wilkins
Squeeze Please – Yello
Buy Nothing Day – The Go! Team
No, No, No – The Little Rockers Band
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Sunday, March 17, 2013
That Old Time Religion (new podcast)
I grew up in the Jewish faith and have belonged to a number of temples.
I tried to record a podcast relaying some experiences without denigrating religion.
Shock: It didn't happen that way.
I tried to record a podcast relaying some experiences without denigrating religion.
Shock: It didn't happen that way.
Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 18, 2013
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Change of Heart – Steve Weeks
I'm Dreaming – Randy Newman
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Heroes – Glee
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
More Than Me – Milkshake
Change of Heart – Steve Weeks
I'm Dreaming – Randy Newman
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Heroes – Glee
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
More Than Me – Milkshake
Friday, March 15, 2013
A Little Rock is the Way to Roll
Teaching music and learning music are two different things.
I had a slew of music teachers, both in school and at various summer programs.
However I was from the pre-"Music Together" era. if my mother did take me (and my younger siblings) to any of these programs, I have grown too decrepit to remember the experience. Side note: If you go to their Web site, Music Together is celebrating 25 years. I am almost twice that age.
Anyhoo, Chris and Jessie Apple met while teaching preschool music classes in New Jersey. They married and formed the Little Rockers Band as a way to further promote music education outside the traditional classroom setting.
The group just released its second CD, PLAYING IN THE BAND (which comes with cool Colorforms versions of the band that can be adhesed to the stage on the inner CD jacket.
Little Rockers have noble intentions and easy to digest lyrics, such as "Blame It On My Sister":
Some times I get in trouble and my mom gets really mad.
But I just can't help myself, I don't think that I'm being bad.
That's why I blame it on my sister.
Won't hear my parents yell.
She's just a little baby
And I know that she would never tell.
Matt (who's two) immediately took to "Shakin' Shakin'," although the wife and I both noticed the AC/DC guitar chord progression from "You Shook Me All Night Long." An homage, perhaps? The band has posted a video for the song, which was shot at the Jersey Shore, later ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.
The Little Rockers sing about how love is the greatest thing in "Talkin' Bout Love." A close second would be love of music and how it binds a family and a community. If you get a chance, help share a little love. That's today's music lesson from the Internet.
PLAYING IN THE BAND is available from the band's Web site, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
I had a slew of music teachers, both in school and at various summer programs.
However I was from the pre-"Music Together" era. if my mother did take me (and my younger siblings) to any of these programs, I have grown too decrepit to remember the experience. Side note: If you go to their Web site, Music Together is celebrating 25 years. I am almost twice that age.Anyhoo, Chris and Jessie Apple met while teaching preschool music classes in New Jersey. They married and formed the Little Rockers Band as a way to further promote music education outside the traditional classroom setting.
The group just released its second CD, PLAYING IN THE BAND (which comes with cool Colorforms versions of the band that can be adhesed to the stage on the inner CD jacket.
Little Rockers have noble intentions and easy to digest lyrics, such as "Blame It On My Sister":
Some times I get in trouble and my mom gets really mad.
But I just can't help myself, I don't think that I'm being bad.
That's why I blame it on my sister.
Won't hear my parents yell.
She's just a little baby
And I know that she would never tell.
Matt (who's two) immediately took to "Shakin' Shakin'," although the wife and I both noticed the AC/DC guitar chord progression from "You Shook Me All Night Long." An homage, perhaps? The band has posted a video for the song, which was shot at the Jersey Shore, later ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.
The Little Rockers sing about how love is the greatest thing in "Talkin' Bout Love." A close second would be love of music and how it binds a family and a community. If you get a chance, help share a little love. That's today's music lesson from the Internet.
PLAYING IN THE BAND is available from the band's Web site, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 15, 2013
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
The Scientist – Glee
Turning Tables – Adele
Are You a Mirror (...Or a Window?) – Quiet Company
I Wanna Party – Hot Wings
Chickens and Dinosaurs – The Ukulady
Hot Shot – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Workin' Kid – Milkshake
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 14, 2013
At The Zoo – Simon & Garfunkel
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Don't Dream It's Over – Glee
What'd I Say – Ray Charles
Kiss You – One Direction
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
National Fossil Day – Jeff Wolin
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
The Family Song – Preschool Of Rock
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Don't Dream It's Over – Glee
What'd I Say – Ray Charles
Kiss You – One Direction
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
National Fossil Day – Jeff Wolin
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
The Family Song – Preschool Of Rock
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Winter Wonderland – Renee & Jeremy
My Old Pajamas – DidiPop
Sunshine – Vered
count them as they go – Justin Roberts
Water – Ozomatli
Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding
Superman – Glee
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Love Song – Sara Bareilles
My Old Pajamas – DidiPop
Sunshine – Vered
count them as they go – Justin Roberts
Water – Ozomatli
Anything Could Happen – Ellie Goulding
Superman – Glee
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Love Song – Sara Bareilles
Monday, March 11, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Turning Tables – Adele
Good Dreams Come True – DidiPop
Are You a Mirror (...Or a Window?) – Quiet Company
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
Pizza pie – Nick Cope
Let's Go – Matt & Kim
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
Celebration – They Might Be Giants
Chloe – Grouplove
Good Dreams Come True – DidiPop
Are You a Mirror (...Or a Window?) – Quiet Company
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
Pizza pie – Nick Cope
Let's Go – Matt & Kim
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
Celebration – They Might Be Giants
Chloe – Grouplove
Sunday, March 10, 2013
My First Car (new podcast)
My first car was a piece of junk.
No, my parents didn't buy me a jalopy.
In fact, it was my father's car (and our family's secondary vehicle) until he turned over the keys when I went to college.
So why was it a piece of junk? Believe me, it didn't happen overnight.
No, my parents didn't buy me a jalopy.
In fact, it was my father's car (and our family's secondary vehicle) until he turned over the keys when I went to college.
So why was it a piece of junk? Believe me, it didn't happen overnight.
Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 11, 2013
a wild one – Justin Roberts
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Bunny in the Moon – DidiPop
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Electricity Man – Karlee Dean and Bill Goffrier
Groovy Day – Jambo
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Junior Ranger – Kirshel Augustine
Fart Like a Pirate – Papa Crow
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Bunny in the Moon – DidiPop
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Electricity Man – Karlee Dean and Bill Goffrier
Groovy Day – Jambo
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Junior Ranger – Kirshel Augustine
Fart Like a Pirate – Papa Crow
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 8, 2013
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Counting Backwards – Throwing Muses
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Tell Me A Lie – One Direction
Walk or Ride – The Not-Its
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Polka – Trout Fishing In America
We Just Wanna Have Fun – Milkshake
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
Flat Stanley – Play Date
Crazy crazy dinner lady – Nick Cope
Counting Backwards – Throwing Muses
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Tell Me A Lie – One Direction
Walk or Ride – The Not-Its
Thaddeus Kosciuszko Polka – Trout Fishing In America
We Just Wanna Have Fun – Milkshake
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
Flat Stanley – Play Date
Crazy crazy dinner lady – Nick Cope
DidiPop Says Goonight, Bunny in the Moon
There's got to be something in the water.
First Justin Roberts records a CD of lullabies. Then Caspar Babypants announces that his next recording will be lullabies. And now, DidiPop (Deborah Poppink) has released BUNNY IN THE MOON, her collection of original childrens night-time songs.
Scratch that, there's probably nothing in the water. But there's got to be something in the warm milk.
Los Angeles-based musician/music instructor Deborah Poppink headed into childrens' music after the birth of her two daughters (both of whom appear on this CD). The motivation for the recording came from her family's evening routine, which involves letting the kids naturally "wind down" until they are relaxed enough to go to bed, if not immediately to sleep.
BUNNY's Act One moves children through the bedtime routines – "Bathtime," "My Old Pajamas," "Brush Brush," "I Love You Mommy," and the response, "Good Night My Love."
Act Two gently lifts listeners into bed, for a series of acoustic and classically-twinged tunes with influences of Bach, Chopin, and Mozart. The title track assures youngsters that their parents are always with them, even when they can't see them. For instance, in the moon or the sky:
Honey I'm the twinkle in the stars
When you're lonely, and want to hold me.
Just make a little wish and I'll be right where you are.
Honey, I'm the twinkle in the stars.
BUNNY IN THE MOON is the perfect antidote to every post-dinner period when adults are two steps ahead of children (i.e., nearly asleep) and need to flip the script. The innocent question, "Want to hear some music?" now has a delightfully narcoleptic solution. And you never thought that was possible, did you?
BUNNY IN THE MOON is available from DidiPop's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for her song, "The Cool Alphabet Song":
First Justin Roberts records a CD of lullabies. Then Caspar Babypants announces that his next recording will be lullabies. And now, DidiPop (Deborah Poppink) has released BUNNY IN THE MOON, her collection of original childrens night-time songs.
Scratch that, there's probably nothing in the water. But there's got to be something in the warm milk.
BUNNY's Act One moves children through the bedtime routines – "Bathtime," "My Old Pajamas," "Brush Brush," "I Love You Mommy," and the response, "Good Night My Love."
Act Two gently lifts listeners into bed, for a series of acoustic and classically-twinged tunes with influences of Bach, Chopin, and Mozart. The title track assures youngsters that their parents are always with them, even when they can't see them. For instance, in the moon or the sky:
Honey I'm the twinkle in the stars
When you're lonely, and want to hold me.
Just make a little wish and I'll be right where you are.
Honey, I'm the twinkle in the stars.
BUNNY IN THE MOON is the perfect antidote to every post-dinner period when adults are two steps ahead of children (i.e., nearly asleep) and need to flip the script. The innocent question, "Want to hear some music?" now has a delightfully narcoleptic solution. And you never thought that was possible, did you?
BUNNY IN THE MOON is available from DidiPop's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for her song, "The Cool Alphabet Song":
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 7, 2013
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
no matter how far – Justin Roberts
Turning Tables – Adele
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
Electric Fever – Free Energy
Little Things – One Direction
Participation Trophy – The Not-Its
Vote or Don't – They Might Be Giants
Heroes – Glee
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Try it – Milkshake
no matter how far – Justin Roberts
Turning Tables – Adele
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
Electric Fever – Free Energy
Little Things – One Direction
Participation Trophy – The Not-Its
Vote or Don't – They Might Be Giants
Heroes – Glee
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Try it – Milkshake
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Jingle Bells – Renee & Jeremy
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues – Randy Kaplan
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Busy – The Not-Its
A Little Breath In – Preschool Of Rock
We Are All One Kind – Jambo
El Jefe – Mexican Institute of Sound
Summer Love – One Direction
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues – Randy Kaplan
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Busy – The Not-Its
A Little Breath In – Preschool Of Rock
We Are All One Kind – Jambo
El Jefe – Mexican Institute of Sound
Summer Love – One Direction
Monday, March 04, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Let's Be Friends – Jambo
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Over Again – One Direction
You Gotta Hold It – The Hipwaders
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Hide & Seek – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Let's Be Friends – Jambo
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Over Again – One Direction
You Gotta Hold It – The Hipwaders
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Hide & Seek – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 4, 2013
Turning Tables – Adele
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? – They Might Be Giants
On the Greener Side – Michelle Shocked
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Kidquake! – The Not-Its
Rainbow – Milkshake
Spicy Kid – Lunch Money
Celebration – They Might Be Giants
Gaia She Knows – The Hipwaders
Public Skool – The Travoltas
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? – They Might Be Giants
On the Greener Side – Michelle Shocked
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Kidquake! – The Not-Its
Rainbow – Milkshake
Spicy Kid – Lunch Money
Celebration – They Might Be Giants
Gaia She Knows – The Hipwaders
Public Skool – The Travoltas
Thanks for Nothing! (new podcast)
Sometimes you can't get credit for doing something.
Other times, people want credit for doing nothing.
Or they want credit for suggesting that you NOT do something, when it's something you were PLANNING on not doing.
Got it straight?
No? Then listen up.
Plus the return of old Cohen/Aubrey comedy bits with JOIN THE MARINES.
Other times, people want credit for doing nothing.
Or they want credit for suggesting that you NOT do something, when it's something you were PLANNING on not doing.
Got it straight?
No? Then listen up.
Plus the return of old Cohen/Aubrey comedy bits with JOIN THE MARINES.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Hipwaders See No Need to Hold It
The Hipwaders know it's not nice to be a tease.
Keeping that in mind, they have been (slowly) releasing tracks from their upcoming CD (whatever it's called) on a series of CD singles.
The latest pair arrived this week and they're at turns insightful and delightful. The first, GAIA SHE KNOWS and HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL, exhibits two sides of a coin. According to band founder, songwriter Tito Uquillas, a six-year-old girl named Gaia approached me after a show and wanted to know if the band had recorded any songs about saving the Earth and/or not using pesticides. "Apparently, she had just attended a school assembly for Earth Day and was interested in the topic," Tito said. "The idea of a young girl named Gaia, which means Earth Goddess wanting to save the planet was too good of an idea to pass up."
The resulting song has a soft, southern rock influence (is that a steel pedal guitar or slide guitar I hear?) instead of what could have been expected from a San Francisco-based troupe. There's also a self-explanatory extended version.
The "B" side is a faithful recording of PETER COTTONTAIL, one of the most popular Easter tunes for more than 50 years. Wikipedia reports that songwriters Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins asked Gene Autry to record the song after the success of Autry's Christmas music. The tune peaked at number five on the pop charts in 1950. The Hipwaders play it straight and there's nothing wrong with a new version of any holiday song that can be played outside of December.
The second disc features two more originals,YOU GOTTA HOLD IT and JUST NOT ME. These are behavioral songs, instructing kids on what is going to be expected of them in the real world. YOU GOTTA HOLD IT talks about bathroom etiquette. Simply put, if you're on a long road trip or somewhere with unsanitary conditions, listen to what the man is singing:
Thoughts of school bring distrust,
Bathroom stalls you dare not touch.
One kid in was never seen again,
Word to the wise, you better listen my friend,
You gotta hold it.
JUST NOT ME serves as a warning to parents that you can only push a kid so far. The protagonist can be dressed and fed and dragged anywhere, but don't expect him to be happy about it. In fact, as the song states, "I won't go kissing aunts or grandmas, that's just how it is."
I have yet to hear a Hipwaders song that I didn't either approve of the message or didn't immediately feel like singing along with. During the almost-two-year gap since their last CD, THE GOLDEN STATE, many bands have tried to fill that niche of upbeat power pop. Luckily, the Hipwaders are back to show them how it's done, even if it's only a few songs at a time.
The Hipwaders new CD singles are available at their Website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Keeping that in mind, they have been (slowly) releasing tracks from their upcoming CD (whatever it's called) on a series of CD singles.
The latest pair arrived this week and they're at turns insightful and delightful. The first, GAIA SHE KNOWS and HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL, exhibits two sides of a coin. According to band founder, songwriter Tito Uquillas, a six-year-old girl named Gaia approached me after a show and wanted to know if the band had recorded any songs about saving the Earth and/or not using pesticides. "Apparently, she had just attended a school assembly for Earth Day and was interested in the topic," Tito said. "The idea of a young girl named Gaia, which means Earth Goddess wanting to save the planet was too good of an idea to pass up."The resulting song has a soft, southern rock influence (is that a steel pedal guitar or slide guitar I hear?) instead of what could have been expected from a San Francisco-based troupe. There's also a self-explanatory extended version.
The "B" side is a faithful recording of PETER COTTONTAIL, one of the most popular Easter tunes for more than 50 years. Wikipedia reports that songwriters Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins asked Gene Autry to record the song after the success of Autry's Christmas music. The tune peaked at number five on the pop charts in 1950. The Hipwaders play it straight and there's nothing wrong with a new version of any holiday song that can be played outside of December.
The second disc features two more originals,YOU GOTTA HOLD IT and JUST NOT ME. These are behavioral songs, instructing kids on what is going to be expected of them in the real world. YOU GOTTA HOLD IT talks about bathroom etiquette. Simply put, if you're on a long road trip or somewhere with unsanitary conditions, listen to what the man is singing:
Thoughts of school bring distrust,
Bathroom stalls you dare not touch.
One kid in was never seen again,
Word to the wise, you better listen my friend,
You gotta hold it.
JUST NOT ME serves as a warning to parents that you can only push a kid so far. The protagonist can be dressed and fed and dragged anywhere, but don't expect him to be happy about it. In fact, as the song states, "I won't go kissing aunts or grandmas, that's just how it is."
I have yet to hear a Hipwaders song that I didn't either approve of the message or didn't immediately feel like singing along with. During the almost-two-year gap since their last CD, THE GOLDEN STATE, many bands have tried to fill that niche of upbeat power pop. Luckily, the Hipwaders are back to show them how it's done, even if it's only a few songs at a time.
The Hipwaders new CD singles are available at their Website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
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