Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 2, 2010

If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
The Bird That You Can't See - Apples in Stereo
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Pinch Me - Barenaked Ladies
Balloon Man - Robyn Hitchcock
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
Funplex - The B-52s
If It's True - Yo La Tengo

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 1, 2010

White Light - Wilco
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Heart of the Country - Wings
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
Heart Songs - Weezer
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I Don't Need Anything But You - Dan Zanes & Friends
There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
All My Colors - Ralph's World
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
I Can't Wait for Summer - Eric Herman & the Invisible Band
You Are My Sunshine - Elizabeth Mitchell
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
The Channukah Medley - Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang
Picnic - Fresh Young Fellows
Mr. Sandman - Glenn Miller & the Andrews Sisters

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Trees - Dog on Fleas
Ride of the Valkyries - Richard Wagner
Back Off Boogaloo - Ringo Starr
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Rattle My Bones - The Suburbs
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
Sara Bellum - Roger Day
Gimme Gimme Gimme - ABBA
Gravity - Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 29, 2010

Wonder of Birds - Innocence Mission
Sleep Through The Static - Jack Johnson
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Speed of Love - The Hipwaders
Look Through Any Window - The Hollies
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
In The Mall - Weezer
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 26, 2010

Not Too Late - Norah Jones
Shuffle Off To Buffalo - The New Broadway Cast Recording
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick - Ian Dury & The Blockheads
Your Blue Door - The Honeydogs
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Stand Up to the Bully - The Hipwaders
Photograph - Nickelback
The Numbers Song - Mr. Ray
The Bird That You Can't See - Apples in Stereo

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 25, 2010

Cricket Little Cricket - Steve Weeks
Savoy Truffle - They Might Be Giants
Superman Theme - John Williams
How Do I Live Without You - Lee Ann Rimes
If It's True - Yo La Tengo
I'll Stand By You - Pretenders
Man On The Moon - R.E.M.
On A Carousel - The Hollies
One Step Beyond - Madness
Picnic - Fresh Young Fellows

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Lovely, Love My Family - The Roots
Why - Ah-Choo
Busy Bees - Recess Monkey
Clack-ity Clack - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
The Green Grass Grows All Around - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Mr. Tambourine Man - The Hollies
Bang A Drum - Earthworm Ensemble
Baby U - Dog On Fleasc
The Rainbow - Apples in Stereo
Banana Seat Bike - Ralph's World
Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips - Bruce Springsteen

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cousin Molly Is Prepared to Rock - Spare the Rock
Bonobo Joe & the Voodoo Queen - The Hipwaders
Vienna - Billy Joel
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Where It's At - Beck
Grace's Bell - Ben Rudnick
Super Bon Bon - Soul Coughing
Luck - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds Presents: The University Of Georgia's With Someone Else's Money

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 22, 2010

I Like Fruit - Egg
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
One Two Three Four - Feist
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Where's the Music - Medeski Martin & Wood
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers
Morning Person - Shrek Soundtrack
Shock the Monkey - Peter Gabriel

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 19, 2010

All Your Secrets - Yo La Tengo
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Stand and Deliver - Adam & the Ants
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
In The Mall - Weezer
Every Day's a Holiday With You - The Jimmies

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 18, 2010

Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
White Light - Wilco
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Speed of Love - The Hipwaders
Have Fun - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
Seven is the New Fourteen - Sippy Cups
Fell In Love With A Girl - The White Stripes
I Didn't Know - Chris Hamilton
Eight Chanukah Nights - Charlie Jaffe

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
You Can't Always Get What You Want - Randy Kaplan
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Be Careful What You Say - LISA
(I'm Gonna) Party Like a Rockstar [Radio Edit] - JTX
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Bad - Michael Jackson

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 16, 2010

If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Everyone Asked About You - Bob McGrath
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
5 O'Clock World - Dave Clark Five
Tie A Yellow Ribbon - Tony Orlando & Dawn
No No No Cha Cha Cha - Brave Combo
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
The Uncomfortable Truth - Nneka
I'll Come Running - Brian Eno
What Are You Like - Indigo Girls
Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 15, 2010

It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
Silly Bob - La-La-Lisa
Eep Oop Ork - The Jetsons
Frenzy - Dean Jones
I-C-E C-R-E-A-M - Telephone Company
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Let It All Hang Out - Weezer
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Puppini Sisters
Nicky Nicky Knock - Dream Jam Band

Big Green Alligator, Big Messages

Messages in Spirituality Through Allegories

The music of Lisa Weyerhauser's Big Green Alligator conveys a number of larger issues – spirituality, dark emotions, even death. Since these are uncomfortable topics for many parents, I'll put an advisory right at the top. Clicking through to the host Web site might immediately polarize visitors, with a quotation from the Psalms. But that's expected, coming from a Pastor's wife. Lisa wears many hats as a worship leader, licensed counselor, and a professor of adolescent psychology with master's degrees in both religion and counseling psychology.

"I put a lot of questions into the lyrics of Big Green Alligator – 'Where did we come from, Where are we going, and How did you find your way to me?' – because I wanted kids to feel like they could ask this character anything," Lisa said. "I believe it is essential for kids to learn to express their feelings at early ages. I want them to know that if they are shy, it's OK. If they feel sad about something, it's OK. There is a freedom in learning to correctly express emotions. If kids can learn how to do that when they are young, it will be more natural for them to do as they get older."

Putting aside religious connotations, the 18 songs on the disc cover the standard little kids topics – relationships with your parents, friends, and family, learning, coping with the world around you. But Lisa (a.k.a La-La-Lisa) provides a framework that is clear and continual:

Oh there are some days

that you could just cry

Or at least wish that you could die

But on those days remember that

God He still loves you

And that's a fact

– That's A Fact

Generally electric/acoustic, Lisa sticks with mostly country arrangements, but sticks a little auto-tune into "The Countdown Song." And a sweet "Goodnight" song that wraps up the CD.

Big Green Alligator is Lisa's first foray into kid's music, but her nickname (La-La-Lisa) was earned a long time ago. "I started singing at youth camps when I was 16," she said. "And to this day, I have 30-somethings come up to me in the grocery store and ask, 'Aren't you La-La Lisa?' That name has stuck even after all these years." Lisa wrote and performed all 18 songs on the project, and has dedicated a portion of the proceeds of the sales of the CD to Teen Mother Choices International. One of the goals of TMCint is to keep all the girls off of welfare and to date, 100 percent of the girls who have participated in the program have graduated from school and found jobs to support themselves.

If you don't mind some mild proselytizing, Big Green Alligator delivers a combination of common sense lessons along with an introduction to an awakening in one's sense of religious principles. Keep that in mind if you don't have problems separating music from its (intended or unstated) message.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 12, 2010

Smile - Ky-Mani Marley
All About Bob - Ralph's World
She's Like a Rainbow - Rolling Stones
Bouncing Off the Walls - Mr. Leebot
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Roam - The B-52s
Sara Bellum - Roger Day
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Brush Brush Brush - Of Montreal
Three Little Birds - Renee & Jeremy
Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Kiss Me On the Bus - The Replacements
The Mighty Worm - Ralph's World
No Nothing - Randy Kaplan
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
SOS (Rescue Me) - Rihanna
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Fort - Recess Monkey
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dear God - Sarah MacLachlan
Summer Today - Egg
Raise the Brain - Miz B
Bonobo Joe & the Voodoo Queen - The Hipwaders
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
Weight Of The World - Ringo Starr
Come Play! - Eric Herman & the Invisible Band
See and Be Scene - The Hard Lessons
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
My Imagination - Baze And His Silly Friends

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Home - David Tobocman
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
I Don't Need Anything But You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Hey Soul Sister - Train
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Collide - Howie Day
Can't Stop Partying - Weezer
If Not For You - George Harrison
Oliver's Army - Elvis Costello
Wait Your Turn - Mr. Ray

My 2010 Post-Oscar Critique

Having slept on it, some Oscar thoughts:

1. Host must be Billy Crystal (who gets it).
1a. If Billy says no, go to someone with guts. Ben Stiller or Sasha Baron Cohen. Even Jack Black.

2. When Sean Penn says he is not an Academy member – and he’s a two-time winner and considered “young Hollywood,” you know the membership needs to be opened up. No, don’t send an application to Miley Cyrus. But how about Kristin Stewart and Zac Efron? They’ve at least worked with people like Jodie Foster, Richard Linklater and Greg Motolla.

3. Give up the orchestra. I know “it’s Hollywood’s big night,” but all of that stuff appeals to an ever-decreasing, aging demographic. Tweens are not going to stay tuned after Miley and Lautner give out ONE award. But if you have Fall Out Boy or Good Charlotte as the house band, playing famous movie themes, at least it would pique their curiosity.

4. No presenters over the age of 50. Wouldn’t that be something? And there will be enough winners in that age range.

5. Dress casual neat. Designers, other homosexuals, and E! Television will have a stroke, but nothing turns off younger audiences like a room full of old dudes and dames in formal wear. And seeing teen idols trying to “act old” only creeps them out.

6. Give the producers a “hard out.” You never hear about the Tony Awards running into overtime. If they had to make the judgment call and cut the five-minute dance number OR lose Best Picture being announced live (and not on the Internet post-show), what do you think they would choose?

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 8, 2010

All My Toys Are Broken - AudraRox
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Starman - Killian Mansfield
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Happy, Happy Birthday - Baze And His Silly Friends
Kugel - The LeeVees
The Rainbow - Apples in Stereo
Spork - Keith Munslow
July Flame - Laura Veirs
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Butter - Bunny Clogs

Ben's Playlist - Friday, March 5, 2010

How Clouds Are Formed - Tom Glazer
Keep Me In Your Heart - Warren Zevon
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
This Is Your Body - Baze And His Silly Friends
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Back Off Boogaloo - Ringo Starr
The Way I Walk - Robert Gordon
Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees

Getting Silly and Making Friends

Baze & His Silly Friends Tickle Kids (In the Right Way)

Everyone has silly friends. But most of them don't perform children's music. In 2007, New Jersey's Marc Bazerman gathered a group of like-minded adults and began playing and recording songs for kids and their families. "Baze and His Silly Friends" released their album, "Toddlerville" to much acclaim last fall. It received the 2009 Toy Man® Seal Of Approval Recognition Award and the 2009 eChoice? Award.



The 14 songs on the CD, as with many childrens recordings, run through a variety of musical stylings. The country twang of "Water Comes Out Your Nose" mingles with the psychedelic waa-waa of "Scare Me, Scare You!" and reggae of "Gettin' Good." For pure good-time music, the album kicks off with "Everyone Everywhere." I would be remiss if I didn't mention the track, "This Is Your Body," which received airplay on HBO Family.

Since our "primary" child has turned nine, he's a little recalcitrant to admit listening to a CD entitled, "Toddlerville," which means we might need to give him more reason to select it for airplay in the rotation in the car (where we keep six CDs at any given time). But we'll definitely keep mentioning Baze & Company.

You can become one of Baze's silly friends by joining them at Myspace.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, March 4, 2010

I Won't Grow Up - Dan Zanes & Friends
Working On A Dream - Bruce Springsteen
Black Slacks - Robert Gordon
Planet Claire - The B-52s
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
How Do You Spell Chunnukkahh? - The LeeVees
You Make Me Feel Good - Q Brothers
Only in Dreams - Weezer
Hail Hail the Gang's All Here - Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Moonrock Mambo - Yo La Tengo
Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
Imma Be - Black Eyed Peas
Honey Honey - Feist
I Always Sit When I Eat - Moey's Music Party
Humpty Dumpty - Linus
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
Wishing Well - Renee & Jeremy
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
I'll Be Loving You Honey - Mel Glazer
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
Sunday Morning - GMG Jam
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders

Ben's Playlist - Monday, March 1, 2010

Heart of the Country - Wings
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Chag Purim - Purim Jews
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes
Only in Dreams - Weezer
Please Don't Stop the Music - Rihanna
Ants in the Kitchen - YellowKat
The Munsters theme

Ben's Playlist - Friday, February 26, 2010

We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Heart Songs - Weezer
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
Why Do I Have A Shadow? - Dorothy Collins
More Than Words - Extreme
Bobby Bobby Bobby - Jo Ann Campbell
Fallin' For You - Colbie Caillat
Yakkety Yak - The Coasters
Speedway - Elvis Presley
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
Midtown Greenway - Bunny Clogs

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 25, 2010

Fitz and the Dizzyspells - Andrew Bird
The Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto
Another Postcard - Barenaked Ladies
Happy Birthday - Altered Images
ABC - Baby Loves Jazz
Funkytown - Alvin And The Chipmunks
Mr. Biv - Alex the Seal
Private Idaho - The B-52s
Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse
The Bird That You Can't See - Apples in Stereo

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 24, 2010

White Light - Wilco
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
Warm Fronts, Cold Fronts - Tom Glazer
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Only in Dreams - Weezer
We R Super Heroes - Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine
Mr. Tough - Yo La Tengo
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Movin' On Up - Primal Scream

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

It Never Rains in Southern California - Mamas and the Papas
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
I Missed the Bus Again - Skankin' Pickle
Goods - Mates of State
My Keyboard - Quiet Ones
The Bare Necessities - Los Lobos
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Nothing Rhymes With Orange - Jon Samson
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Things Change - Hullabaloo
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, February 16, 2010

My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Hey Ya - Booker T
Goyim Friends - The LeeVees
I'll Come Running - Brian Eno
Again! - Brady Rymer
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Let It Rock - Bon Jovi
Only in Dreams - Weezer
Casper The Friendly Ghost theme

This is the last playlist until next Monday – we're on vacation!!!

Ben's Playlist - Monday, February 15, 2010

Funcky ABCs - Opus Ditty
Moonrock Mambo - Yo La Tengo
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
Best Friends Forever - AudraRox
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
Shock the Monkey - Peter Gabriel
Super - Pencilhead and the Playground Punks
Hey Ya - OutKast
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Friday, February 12, 2010

Ice Is A Solid - Dorothy Collins
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Keep Me In Your Heart - Warren Zevon
Twiggy Twiggy - Pizzicato Five
Come as You Are - Peter Wolf
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes
Beverly Hills - Weezer
Obama Song - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 11, 2010

Wonder of Birds - Innocence Mission
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
You're Beautiful - James Blunt
Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
Your Blue Door - The Honeydogs
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Stayin' Over - Peter Alsop
Sullivan McGulligan - Hullabaloo
Shock the Monkey - Peter Gabriel

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Heart of the Country - Wings
White Light - Wilco
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
Everybody Get Dangerous - Weezer
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, February 9, 2010

There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
Walk Don't Run - The Ventures
Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz
Wake Up - The Verve Pipe
Chag Purim - Purim Songs
Kiss Me On the Bus - The Replacements
Let's Get Funky - Stephen DiRaffaele
Perfect Situation - Weezer
My Angry Voice - The Sippy Cups
You Make Me Feel Good - Q Brothers
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Monday, February 8, 2010

Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Purple - Laura Freeman
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers
Humpty Dumpty - Linus
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Friday, February 5, 2010

Percy on Pluto - The Nields
Put It in the Piggy - Kate Shindle (Dear Edwina soundtrack)
Roncando - Dean Jones
I Don't Like Mondays - Tori Amos
Starman - Killian Mansfield
Keep Fishin' - Weezer
What's on the List - Stephen Fite
I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Happy Anniversary - The Flintstones

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 4, 2010

Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Very Good Question - Uncle Rock
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Hole Hearted - Extreme
Reading Makes Me Want to Dance Out Loud - Monty Harper
Movin' On Up - Primal Scream
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Something So Strong - Crowded House
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
In The Mall - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
All About Bob - Ralph's World
What Are You Like - Indigo Girls
The Hoppity Song - Starfish
Fell In Love With A Girl - The White Stripes
Only in Dreams - Weezer
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Watch Where You're Goin' - Renee & Jeremy
The Addams Family theme

Ralph's World Returns With New CD!

More Ralph, More World, More Music!

He's been called "the Elvis of children's music." Whatever you want to call him, Ralph Covert is a pied piper of consistency in the recording industry. For close to a decade, he has crafted and released CDs – locally and now through Disney.



Having seen Ralph's World a number of times in many different settings, we're looking forward to the upcoming CD, "All Around Ralph's World."

Tell your kids - it's out February 9, with 16 new songs.

If they don't believe you, download this free song from the CD!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Mr. Tough - Yo La Tengo
What's That Smell - Mr. Oscat
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes
Ants in the Kitchen - YellowKat
Let It All Hang Out - Weezer
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads

Ben's Playlist - Monday, February 1, 2010

White Light - Wilco
Eep Oop Ork - The Jetsons
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Jungle Boogie - The Sippy Cups
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) - Squeeze
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
Everybody Get Dangerous - Weezer
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 29, 2010

We're Making Heat - Dorothy Collins
The Uncomfortable Truth - Nneka
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn
Weight Of The World - Ringo Starr
I Gotta Be Me - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 28, 2010

Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Home - David Tobocman
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Spanimals - The Jimmies
Be Part of the Band - The Verve Pipe
Sweet Pea - The Honeydogs

Having Fun Monkeying Around

Brainy Fun from Einstein's Monkey

The kindie music scene has one constant: adults who play in bands for other adults. Those adults have kids, then begin to record music specifically for children.

From this constant, I introduce Einstein's Monkey, a trio from Virginia. Founding member Jeff Hofmann dropped me a line about their debut CD, "banana yellow," and its single (and accompanying video), "Pet Dinosaur."



Jeff and cofounding Monkey member B Bagby started playing together more than 20 years ago. But it wasn't until 2006 that they reunited to work together on a project that taught music theory to children at libraries and schools.

"banana yellow" is a well-produced CD of tunes. Ben particularly liked "It's Not Fair," since that's the refrain of one of his classmates (a refrain that he has unfortunately brought home with him). "Going Shopping (In the Shopping Mall)" tells the tale of a child who gets separated from his mother - "that's not mom, that's some guy in shorts named Todd!" There's also the amusing mall-associated "Mom Lost the Car (in the parking lot)."

In 2009 the duo became a trio by adding Dave McDonald to the line up. This resulted in a fuller sound at live performances, as well as opening up the band to more musical possibilities.



Ben is enjoying Einstein's Monkey. And since we're unlikely to visit Virgina in the near future, this is about as close to the band as we'll get for now. For a well-packaged and entertaining act, Einstein's Monkey is worth a listen.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
I'll Come Running - Brian Eno
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers
July Flame - Laura Veirs
Sara Bellum - Roger Day
Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - Flaming Lips
Soul Finger - The Bar-Kays

Ben's Playlist - Tueday, January 26, 2010

The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
Look, Look! - Steve Weeks
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
Wake Up - The Verve Pipe
Come Play! - Eric Herman & the Invisible Band
Rattle My Bones - The Suburbs
Susanne (Single Version) - Weezer
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Fell In Love With A Girl - The White Stripes
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders
Casper The Friendly Ghost

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 25, 2010

Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
Olive's Olives - Bunny Clogs
White Light - Wilco
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
Sabre Dance - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
The Addams Family theme
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
It's The Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 22, 2010

Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Teach Your Children Well - CSNY
Inside My Cranium - Roger Day
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
This Is Our Story - Shrek soundtrack
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
From Me to You - The Beatles
Oliver's Army - Elvis Costello
Let The Good Times Roll - The Cars
Iko Iko - Cyndi Lauper
Cows - The Suburbs

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 21, 2010

Sleep Through The Static - Jack Johnson
What Are You Like - Indigo Girls
Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai
Go Now - The Moody Blues
Bobby Bobby Bobby - Jo Ann Campbell
Balloon Man - Robyn Hitchcock
Funplex - The B-52s
Take A Bow - Leona Lewis
I Go Swimming - Peter Gabriel
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I Won't Grow Up - Dan Zanes & Friends
Little Sack of Sugar - Harmonica Pocket
Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds Presents: The University Of Georgia's With Someone Else's Money
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Black Horse & The Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
Come as You Are - Peter Wolf
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Planet Claire - The B-52s
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
Heart of the Country - Wings
I-C-E C-R-E-A-M - Telephone Company
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
Me & My Invisible Friend - Ralph's World
Fork, Knife, Spoon - Rebecca Luker
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
Everybody Get Dangerous - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 18, 2010

Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
White Light - Wilco
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
Brush Brush Brush - Of Montreal
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
Forever Your Girl - Paula Abdul
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
The Addams Family theme

Jamming With the Jimmies

High Energy Kid's Rock

We've seen a gamut of shows at New York's Symphony Space, from the acoustic storytelling of Randy Kaplan and Tom Chapin to last Saturday's rocking performance by The Jimmies. If the Leonard Nimoy auditorium conjures up images of lectures and alt-jazz, free your mind and your feet will follow.

Lead singer Ashley Albert and musicians Dan Weiner (drums), Josh Myers (bass), and Oscar Bautista (guitar) delivered nearly one hour of positively-charged rock that pleased parents as well as a preschool mosh pit that formed at the front of the stage.



Starting with "Tea Party in the Sun," the band went from a slow pace to medium and then full-on rocking out with "Cool To Be Uncool" and "Bedhead" (the latter was turned into a game of 'freeze quack.'

The Jimmies started three years ago as almost a concept project, as Ashley recorded the album, "Make Your Own Someday" with studio musician Steve Gordon and her father, Howard Albert. Ashley returned to New York and filled out the original lineup, which began playing concerts in the metropolitan area. We first saw the band play at Stinkfest, a children's music gathering in Brooklyn in 2008. Since then, the band has also released a DVD/CD combo called "Trying Funny Stuff" and has a second album in the works.



The January 16 show featured a mix of recorded material and tracks from the next release, including, "Soaper the Scaredy Bot," about a timid robot, and the upcoming title track, "Every Day's a Holiday With You." Children in the audience ranged from infants to 50-somethings, and all participated in batting around giant beach balls, finger-snapping, hand-waving, and other sundry rock concert activities.

Symphony Space continues its family programming throughout the winter and into the spring. Definitely check out Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on Saturday, February 6, Ralph's World on Saturday, February 20, and The Sippy Cups on Saturday, March 27.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 15, 2010

Warm Fronts, Cold Fronts - Tom Glazer
Helplessly Hoping - CSNY
If Not For You - George Harrison
New River Train - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
Every Day is a Summer Day - Keith Munslow
Summer Today - Egg
Everyone Everywhere - Baze and His Silly Friends
Private Idaho - The B-52s
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) - C + C Music Factory
Hail Hail the Gang's All Here - Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 14, 2010

Smoothie - Kimya Dawson
Everyone Asked About You - Bob McGrath
Ya Ya - Lee Dorsey
This Is Your Body - Baze And His Silly Friends
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn
Smile - Ky-Mani Marley
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Twiggy Twiggy - Pizzicato Five
Perfect World - Huey Lewis & The News
Barking At the Moon - Jenny Lewis

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Ben Is Prepared to Rock - Bill and Ella
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
Wait Your Turn - Mr. RAY
Play With Your Food - ScribbleMonster
Use Your Words - The Sippy Cups
The Bluegrasshopper - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
I Think I Got You Beat - Shrek & Fiona
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
The Addams Family

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Let It Be Me - The Everly Brothers
Better Together - Jack Johnson & Buena Vista Social Club
Buddy Holly (Acoustic) - Ben Folds Five
Go to the Playground - Adam and the Couch Potatoes
My Imagination - Baze And His Silly Friends
Bouncing Off the Walls - Mr. Leebot
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Back Off Boogaloo - Ringo Starr
Nicky Nicky Knock - Dream Jam Band
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
Every Day's a Holiday With You - The Jimmies

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 11, 2010

Smoothie - Kimya Dawson
She's Like a Rainbow - Rolling Stones
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Weight Of The World - Ringo Starr
Purple - Laura Freeman
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
We R Super Heroes - Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine
Jump - The Bari Koral Family Band
Me & My Invisible Friend - Ralph's World
You Can't Always Get What You Want - Randy Kaplan
A Monster Goes Rarrrgh - ScribbleMonster

Ben's Ninth Birthday Playlist - Sunday, January 10, 2010

Happy Birthday - The Ting Tings
I Got You - Split Enz
I Think I Got You Beat - Shrek & Fiona
Hail Hail the Gang's All Here - Dean Jones
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
My Green Kite - Peter Himmelman
Spork - Keith Munslow
Watch Where You're Goin' - Renee & Jeremy
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
Can't Stop Partying - Weezer
New Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Come as You Are - Peter Wolf
I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - Flaming Lips
Go Baby Go - Baby Loves Jazz
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Heart of the Country - Wings
Why Does the Sun Really Shine? - They Might Be Giants
Oseh Shalom - Dan Zanes

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 8, 2010

Salamander Green - Ralph Covert
Happy, Happy Birthday - Baze And His Silly Friends
Chick A Boom Boom - Mocean Worker
Love in My Food - Killian Mansfield
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Movin' On Up - Primal Scream
Bonobo Joe & the Voodoo Queen - The Hipwaders
Raise the Brain - Miz B
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
I Don't Need Anything But You - Dan Zanes & Friends

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 7, 2010

What Is A Mammal? - Marais & Miranda
Honey Honey - Feist
Tango Forever - Mel Glazer
Fallin' For You - Colbie Caillat
Our House - CSNY
Beautiful Ride - Dewey Cox
Roncando - Dean Jones
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
It's The Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
In The Mall - Weezer
Working On A Dream - Bruce Springsteen
Hooked on a Feeling - BJ Thomas

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 6, 2010

It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
A Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Say It Isn't So - Hall and Oates
No Nothing - Randy Kaplan
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
What's New Pussycat? - Ralph's World
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Susanne (Single Version) - Weezer
Spiders in My Breakfast - Harmonica Pocket

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Ice Is A Solid - Dorothy Collins
It Never Rains in Southern California - Mamas and the Papas
Pirates Don't Take Baths - Medeski Martin & Wood
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Symphonies - Dan Black
Deep Deep Water - Mel Glazer
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
How Does A Bird Sing? - Marais & Miranda
No Surprise - Daughtry
Clap Your Hands - Mary Timony
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
All My Colors - Ralph's World

It's the Beat, Silly

Cathy & Marcy & A Human Beatbox

Okay, you've won two Grammy awards with your harmonic folk children's music. What do you do next? How about incorporating hip-hop?

Pick your chin up from the floor. That's what Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (collectively known as Cathy & Marcy) have done with their latest CD, "Banjo To Beatbox." The duo brought in Washington, DC-based rapper Chrsylez Bacon to join them on several tracks, most notably the catchy, "It's the Beatbox."

The recording duo, who met at the Toronto Folk Festival in 1980, captured their first Grammy Award in 2004 for their children's album Bon Appetit and won their second in 2005 for cELLAbration: A Tribute to Ella Jenkins. This album brings together two diverse musical styles, which wouldn't ordinarily seem to work together, and fuses them for a wider audience.



Can you go from human beatbox back to "Froggy Went A'Courtin'?" Actually, you can. Well, they can. Clearly somebody approves - the CD has been nominated for a Grammy Award! We enjoyed the music, with Ben's favorites being "New River Train" (think Indigo Girls down in the swamp) and "Hip Hop Humpty Dumpty."

The CD also comes with live concert QuickTime videos, so you can view for yourself!

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 4, 2009

Let It Be Me - The Everly Brothers
The Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
Fork, Knife, Spoon - Rebecca Luker (Dear Edwina soundtrack)
Put It in the Piggy - Kate Shindle (Dear Edwina soundtrack)
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
Happy Birthday - Altered Images
Luck - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Little Miss Can't Be Wrong - Spin Doctors

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 1, 2010

The Thank You Song - Uncle Rock
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
On The Wings Of A Nightingale - The Everly Brothers
Nonagon - They Might Be Giants
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52
I Like Being A Kid - Stephen DiRaffaele
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
One Week - Barenaked Ladies
Midtown Greenway - Bunny Clogs
Rattle My Bones - The Suburbs

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
Shuffle Off To Buffalo - The New Broadway Cast Recording
Tijuana Taxi - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Driver Education - Indigo Girls
Wind It Up - Gwen Stefani
That's How We Make A Sandwich - Duplex
400 Cupcakes - Hullabaloo
I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
Troublemaker - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Percy on Pluto - The Nields
What Are You Like - Indigo Girls
Starman - Golden Smog
Spork - Keith Munslow
My Angry Voice - The Sippy Cups
It's Sunny When You Share - Mighty Weaklings
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Super - Pencilhead and the Playground Punks

Football - Week 17

Dogs: Cin, NE, StL, GB, KC, Oak
Bets: Pitt, Dal, NO
Pts: 41

Bens Playlist - Tuesdays, December 29, 2009

It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Beep Beep - The Playmates
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Sara Bellum - Roger Day
The World Is Not Enough - Garbage
Be Part of the Band - The Verve Pipe
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 28, 2009

Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
White Light - Wilco
Rockstar - Charity and the JAMband
Boogie Monster - Recess Monkey
All My Colors - Ralph's World
Inside My Cranium - Roger Day
Susanne (Single Version) - Weezer
What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello
All Around the World - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fort - Recess Monkey

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 25, 2009

C'mon – Renee & Jeremy
Unusual Zoo – Dennis Caraher
I Feel Like Going Home – Yo La Tengo
Starman – Killian Mansfield
Flaming Pie – Paul McCartney
Roam – The B-52s
Are You Gonna Eat That? – Keith Munslow
Yeah Yeah Yeah Song – Flaming Lips
Morning Person – Shrek Soundtrack
The Hoppity Song – Starfish

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 24, 2009

At the Timeshare - The LeeVees
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
I'll Come Running - Brian Eno
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
Two Princes - Spin Doctors
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes
Senses Working Overtime - XTC

Renee & Jeremy: C'Mon Get Happy, Kids

Renee & Jeremy Wake You Up, Mellow

When I listened to the first release ("It's A Big World") from Renee & Jeremy, I thought, "Mellow West Coast music for laidback California kids." That initial perception continued when I heard some tracks ("Wishing Well" and "BFF") from their second album, "C'Mon."



However, the duo has gone uptempo on their new release. Ben sung along to the catchy melody and hook of "Watch Where You're Goin'" for days on end. And as I remarked, "It's practically a rocker for Renee & Jeremy."

Some of the songs tend to skew a little young. "Right Now" could be the anthem for parents of impatient children: "I know you want it, but you can't have it, right now." And "Mama Papa Love," about familial affection, drips syrup. But at least they're crafted to not sound preachy. They're just earnest, as is "It Makes You Feel Good."

Mostly though, Renee & Jeremy are about projecting positive messages and promoting harmony through their music. "C'Mon" contains the refrain "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, let the wonder in," which pretty much sums up the theme of the CD - live, enjoy the world, share music, and have fun in the process.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Very Good Question - Uncle Rock
How Clouds Are Formed - Tom Glazer
Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles
You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds Presents: The University Of Georgia's With Someone Else's Money
Wonder of Birds - Innocence Mission
Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
What's That Smell - Mr. Oscat
Funplex - The B-52's
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Watch Where You're Goin' - Renee & Jeremy

Football - Week 16

Dogs: SD, Sea, KC, Hou, TB, StL, Det
Bets: NYG, Pitt, Dal
Pts: 51

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
I Am Superman - R.E.M.
Cows - The Suburbs
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Have You Seen My Chicken? - Sweetback Sisters
What's on the List - Stephen Fite
Li'l Things - Strange Kidz

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 21, 2009

Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobosc
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Rattle My Bones - The Suburbsk
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Seven is the New Fourteen - Sippy Cups
New Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Xavier Xerxes Xeonphanes X - Steve Weeks
Don't Rain On My Parade - Stephanie J. Block
The Addams Family theme

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 18, 2009

Home - David Tobocman
Olive's Olives - Bunny Clogs
Senses Working Overtime - XTC
Me & My Invisible Friend - Ralph's World
Can't Stop Partying - Weezer
I Like It Like That - Dave Clark Five
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
FunkyFrogz - Doctor Noize
Ants in the Kitchen - YellowKat
Fell In Love With A Girl - The White Stripes
Happy Anniversary - The Flintstones

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 17, 2009

Times Like These - Jack Johnson
Brush Brush Brush - Of Montreal
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
She Blinded Me With Science - Thomas Dolby
Joy To The World - Three Dog Night
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Planet Claire - The B-52's
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
New River Train - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
Applesauce vs. Sour Cream - The LeeVees

Football - Week 15

Dogs: GB, Chi, StL, Cin, Oak, Car
Bets: TN, KC, Jets
Pts: 47

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
I Won't Grow Up - Dan Zanes & Friends
It's The Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Have You Seen My Chicken? - Sweetback Sisters
Roncando - Dean Jones
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Something So Strong - Crowded House
In The Mall - Weezer
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
I Don't Need Anything But You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
On The Wings Of A Nightingale - The Everly Brothers
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
Private Idaho - The B-52's
Seven is the New Fourteen - Sippy Cups
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Let It All Hang Out - Weezer
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 14, 2009

Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
Eight Chanukah Nights - Charlie Jaffe
Mr. Tough - Yo La Tengo
Go Baby Go - Baby Loves Jazz
Cows - The Suburbs
Best Friends Forever - AudraRox
You Make Me Feel Good - Q Brothers
Supernatural Superserious - R.E.M.
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Let's Get Funky - Stephen DiRaffaele
Hideaway - Ralph's World
The Addams Family theme

Queens Holiday Lights Displays

My letter to Newsday:

HI. Queens Here.

That's right. Queens, the borough. Remember me? Newsday used to have plenty of coverage of Queens until the board ordered staff cutbacks to improve the paper's financial bottom line.

We're the people who are good enough to BUY Newsday but not to be publicized, unless there is some sort of horrific newsworthy crime. Crime sells!

Anyway, this letter is in response to your December 13 article on "Best LI Holiday Lights." You mean to tell me that if the children in Queens want to see decorative holiday lights, they need to travel out to Massapequa? They can't just drive to Bayside or Forest Hills? Oh right. I forgot. Silly borough.

I'll let homeowners know that in order for Newsday to photograph their decorative lighting displays next winter, they shouldn't bother. Unless there's a grisly crime scene in the foreground that makes it newsworthy.

Thanks.

Queens
via Jeff Cohen, Flushing, NY
(718) 755-5470

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 11, 2009

The Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto
Goyim Friends - The LeeVees
Come as You Are - Peter Wolf
Raise the Brain - Miz B
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders
My Best Friend - Weezer
I Think I got You Beat - Shrek Soundtrack
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
E Eats Everything - They Might Be Giants
Can't Stop (Don't Mess With the Dragon) - Ozomantli
Casper The Friendly Ghost theme

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 10, 2009

White Light - Wilco
Heart of the Country - Wings
Smile - Ky-Mani Marley
Human Fly - Hank Hooper
We R Super Heroes - Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine
Story of My Life - Shrek Soundtrack
Reading Makes Me Want to Dance Out Loud - Monty Harper
Seven - They Might Be Giants
The Bluegrasshopper - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Susanne (Single Version) - Weezer
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
The Addams Family theme

Football - Week 14

Dogs: Buf, Det, Car, StL

Bets: MN, GB, Dal

Pts: 50

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Ben Is Prepared to Rock - Bill and Ella
Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
I Got You - Split Enz
Sweetest Song of All - Mel Glazer
Salamander Green - Ralph Covert
It's A Small World - Disney
Baseball Dreams - Ralph's World
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Groove Is In The Heart - Dee-Lite
Toolmaster - Trip Shakespeare

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Face Of The Earth Is Changing - Marais & Miranda
Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
All My Toys Are Broken - AudraRox
I-C-E C-R-E-A-M - Telephone Company
Candy Cane Christmas - Darius Rucker
Beep Beep - The Playmates
Gelt Melts - The LeeVees
Big Wide Wonderful World - Chris Isaak
This Is Our Story - Shrek the Musical
Apple - Me 3
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 7, 2009

We Are Going To Be Friends - White Stripes
Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush
1907 - Monty Harper
Where Do They Make Balloons? - They Might Be Giants
Down Under - Men At Work
Dig Up the Roots - Mr. Leebot
My Best Friend - Weezer
Right Now - Mocean Worker
What's New Pussycat? - Tom Jones
Wolfgang's Big Night Out - Brian Setzer Orchestra
East to the West - Michael Franti and Spearhead

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 4, 2009

Gimme One Reason - Tracy Chapman
Just Pretend - The Bens
Mushaboom (Mocky Mix) - Feist
Jump - The Bari Koral Family Band
Bananas - Mr. Richard
Banana - Doctor Noize
Chiquitita - ABBA
Gotta Be Good - Ralph's World
Best Friend - Lisa Loeb
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
Anna Kick A Hole in the Sky - The Nields

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 3, 2009

Love in My Food - Uncle Rock
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Nala the Chihuaha - The SqueeGees
S'Mores - Shelley Posen
Again! - Brady Rymer
Flower Power - Mr. Ray
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Fine Line - Paul McCartney
Jungle Boogie - The Sippy Cups
Swimming Pool - Submarines
Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster

Football - Week 13

Dogs: Oak, Hou, Det, Clev
Bets: SF, MN, NE
Pts: 47

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Folsom Preschool - Opus Ditty
Superhero Medley - Uncle Rock
Sweet Pea Emily - Danny Adlerman & Friends
With A Little Luck - Paul McCartney & Wings
Fake Believe - They Might Be Giants
Shiny Happy People - R.E.M.
I Can Dance - Trout Fishing in America
Shock the Monkey - Peter Gabriel
We Belong - Pat Benatar
Hey Ya - OutKast

Sad But True