Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Follow Me When I Leave – Underbirds
Smooth Sailing – Recess Monkey
Fart Like a Pirate – Papa Crow
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
What's the Big Idea? – ScribbleMonster
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Rattlesnake – Red Yarn
Breakfast – Ratboy Jr.
Are We There Yet? – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Showing posts with label Recess Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recess Music. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Friday, June 22, 2012
Hey, Nice Shoes!
Remember, It's a Big World Out There
Myopia. Ask any kid and they'll tell you – it's the home planet from AVATAR.Most Millenials raised to believe the Sun rises and sets on them have a pre-existing sense of myopia. Increasingly, social consciousness and cultural awareness must be taught – sometimes in a heavy-handed manner.
Recess Music attempts to perform a gentle intervention for our naval-gazing youngsters.
The company 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 numerous CDs in its "Celebrate Earth" and "Best Foot Forward" series.
Their latest release, "Someone Else's Shoes" continues to stress the values of community, participation, awareness, friendship, and common courtesy. Fifteen tracks cover "Team Work" (The Uncle Brothers), "Say Something Nice About Somebody" (The Happy Crowd), "Take A Walk in Someone Else's Shoes" (Swingset Mamas), and "Be Nice to Old People" (Jamie Broza).
For the child who feels like an outsider, Dan Dan Doodlebug sings "There's No Such Thing As Normal":
There's no such thing as normal my mother once explained.
'Cause everyone is different, no two people are the same.
There are so many ways to be and different things to do,
There's no such thing as normal so have fun and just be you.
A timely theme addressed throughout the Best Foot Forward series is bullying. Recess Music dedicated an entire CD (Big Bully) to the topic last year and return with more tracks on this collection. On "You Hurt My Feelings," Troubadour sings about the emotional cost of careless words. The Hill Brothers are more direct on "There's No Place for Bullies In Our School." And who could disagree with the sentiment of Mike Soloway's "Please Stop Hurting My Feelings"?
With a toddler just starting to notice that other children may be interesting – and might be interested in him – these CDs are a nice way to introduce the co-joined concepts of self-worth and community. Recess Music stresses "Music for the Dance of Life." There's no better way to get a toddler on his feet than to give him access to your stereo system and "Someone Else's Shoes" gives you a good reason to do just that.
"Someone Else's Shoes" is available on Tuesday, July 31 through iTunes, Amazon, and the Recess Music website.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Celebrate Earth Through Music
We've got only one planet and Recess Music wants to remind us why that's important.
The fifth release in their acclaimed Celebrate Earth series, La Bella Stella, hits music resellers in time for Earth Day 2012.
A collection of 15 tracks, La Bella Stella features artists such as AudraRox, Rocknoceros, and Charity and the JAMband. If anything, the Recess Music approach is slightly too reverential. The closest thing to a rock-out jam is Andy Z's "Galaxy Song."
Music is a great way to educate and that requires an open mind. I would hate to be called closed-minded because a children's music CD is not something I would listen to on a regular basis. After all, I'm not the target demographic. I'm certainly glad that there's a company like Recess Music producing this series - FIVE CDs so far!
Everyone puts their best foot forward and the song topics over nature, ecology, the solar system, and science. You can't hit children over the head continually with strong messages and except them to like it. La Bella Stella uses a warm, gentle approach to education through entertainment.
I would listen to this CD at home and not in the car, where it might lull me to sleep with its mostly gentle messages. The suggested audience is ages 4-11 and it's definitely right in their wheelhouse.
A portion of the proceeds from CD sales will be donated to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hampshire.
La Bella Stella is available March 27 through iTunes, Amazon, and the company's home Web site.
The fifth release in their acclaimed Celebrate Earth series, La Bella Stella, hits music resellers in time for Earth Day 2012.
A collection of 15 tracks, La Bella Stella features artists such as AudraRox, Rocknoceros, and Charity and the JAMband. If anything, the Recess Music approach is slightly too reverential. The closest thing to a rock-out jam is Andy Z's "Galaxy Song."
Music is a great way to educate and that requires an open mind. I would hate to be called closed-minded because a children's music CD is not something I would listen to on a regular basis. After all, I'm not the target demographic. I'm certainly glad that there's a company like Recess Music producing this series - FIVE CDs so far!
Everyone puts their best foot forward and the song topics over nature, ecology, the solar system, and science. You can't hit children over the head continually with strong messages and except them to like it. La Bella Stella uses a warm, gentle approach to education through entertainment.
I would listen to this CD at home and not in the car, where it might lull me to sleep with its mostly gentle messages. The suggested audience is ages 4-11 and it's definitely right in their wheelhouse.
A portion of the proceeds from CD sales will be donated to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hampshire.
La Bella Stella is available March 27 through iTunes, Amazon, and the company's home Web site.
Friday, September 30, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
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.
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.
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