Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Warm Fronts, Cold Fronts - Tom Glazer
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Sara Bellum - Roger Day
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Happy Place - Milkshake
Sunday Morning - GMG Jam
Sun Is Shining - Paul McCartney
It's Sunny When You Share - Mighty Weaklings
Come Play! - Eric Herman & the Invisible Band
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band

Sunny spring songs take the lead this morning, with Paul and the Jam Band, as well as Milkshake and Eric. Oh, and TWO Roger Day songs!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
It's Summertime - Flaming Lips
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
How Do I Live Without You - Lee Ann Rimes
Frenzy - Dean Jones
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Donkey Song - Graham Walker
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
Humpty Dumpty - Linus

A mixed folksy bag as we enter Tuesday.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, June 9, 2010

White Light - Wilco
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Cookies & Milk - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Let's Get It Started (Radio Edit) - The Black Eyed Peas
Look, Look! - Steve Weeks
Tie A Yellow Ribbon - Tony Orlando & Dawn
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants

Back to basics as Ben starts the school week.

Don't Monkey With the Funk

Recess Monkey Grooves With "Final Funktier"

When I think of Seattle, I think of Recess Monkey. Pre-1990, the first thing that came to mind was rain. For the next decade, I thought about grunge (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, STP). Now that I have a child, I equate Seattle with their foremost childrens music group, Recess Monkey.



The Monkeymen (Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Andrew Holloway) release their sixth album, The Final Funktier on June 15. It took a lot of rare tracks and live recordings for Nirvana to hit the six album mark. And they've shown growth and maturity over the past several albums.

"Final Funktier" takes the form of a space mission, from launch to exploration of new dimensions (such as "The Galax Sea"). But it still addresses the themes that mean the most to children: sibling rivalry, messy rooms, and getting older. "Booster Seat" uses the space concept as a metaphor for auto travel:


I'm out in space. Blast from the Earth without a trace.
Right off our driveway up to a star
I know someday I'm going far.

The Recess trio know their audience well - as teachers, they met while working at a Seattle school and turned a grad school project into the band's first album "Welcome to Recess Monkey Town" (2005). Over the past half-decade, they have continued to produce melodic and well-reviewed CDs that have built a solid nationwide following through the Internet, word of mouth, SiriusXM Kids Place, and radio shows.

"Final Funktier" features a host of guest performers from the Seattle kids music scene - the Not-Its, Harmonica Pocket, Chris Ballew (Caspar Babypants), Eric Ode, and Johnny Bregar, as well as Chris Wiser from the Sugar Free Allstars, Gustafer Yellowgold, and more. You get a CD that's also a festival.

The band delves into some interesting concepts with their funk. "Ukulalien" introduces the ukulele to hip beats. And "Beat-Box-a-Robot" is kind of self-explanatory. And the CD ends with the uplifting "One Tiny Light:"

You spring to life so easily,
You are the seed of the galaxy,
and you shine light inside of me, shine right into me.

How about that? An interplanetary lullaby. Works for me.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, June 4, 2010

Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston
My Brain - Mose Allison
Buddy Holly's Got the Hiccups - Uncle Rock
Fishing Blues - Taj Mahal
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
Hummingbird - Wilco
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Be Part of the Band - The Verve Pipe

Links back tomorrow. Doing the temporarily single parent thing tonight.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 3, 2010

Love Me For Who I Am - Brady Rymer
Sandy from Leverett - Bill and Ella
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Bang A Drum - Earthworm Ensemble
Joy - NoMeansNo
Roam - The B-52s
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Hey, Ben is the one who loves the Spare the Rock promo, for some reason. So there it is.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Be Careful What You Say - LISA
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Summer Today - Egg
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
Shake! - Flannery Brothers

Selections from Kindiefest reappear in this morning's playlist.

Plus some swinging Joe Jackson and Supersuckers.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, June 1, 2010

White Light - Wilco
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Collide - Howie Day
Hey Soul Sister - Train
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
I Can Do Anything - Dustin Type
Music Everywhere - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Kee-Mo-Ky-Mo - Nat King Cole
Very Good Question - Uncle Rock
Can't Stop Partying - Weezer
Eek! Ack! Help! Police! - Lucas Miller

Interesting. After listening to the Coffee House (SiriusXM channel 30) at lunchtime, Ben picked three straight acoustic songs that we purchased over the winter after hearing them there.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 28, 2010

Driver Education - Indigo Girls
Happy, Happy Birthday - Baze And His Silly Friends
Words - The Bee Gees
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
Forever Your Girl - Paula Abdul
Deep Deep Water - Mel Glazer
July Flame - Laura Veirs
Our House - CSNY
The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies
Perfect World - Huey Lewis & The News

Ben takes us back to those wonderful 1960s this morning with the Hollies, CSNY, Dave Clark Five, and the Bee Gees. Yikes it's actually the golden anniversary of the Bee Gees this year.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 27, 2010

Rollin' Baby - Elizabeth Mitchell
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
I'll Come Running - Brian Eno
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Sing The Changes - Paul McCartney
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
Humpty Dumpty - Linus

Uncle Rock returns to the playlist, along with Superchunk, Brian Eno, and ever-popular Paul McCartney.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Whistle For Willie - Randy Kaplan
Wake Up - The Verve Pipe
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
If Not For You - George Harrison
Black Slacks - Robert Gordon
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Speed of Love - The Hipwaders

George Harrison returns, and Robert Gordon (dad's pick) is here as well.

More new Randy Kaplan and Justin Roberts!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Baseball Dreams - Ralph's World
The Hebrew-Speaking Bear - Randy Kaplan
Better Together - Jack Johnson & Buena Vista Social Club
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Over in the Meadow - Little Miss Ann
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
Jive Talkin' - The Bee Gees
Too Much Going On - Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers
Cereal - The Verve Pipe
What's on the List - Stephen Fite
Percy on Pluto - The Nields

We never got to baseball songs for the start of the season, so here's one today.

A new Randy Kaplan as well as old favorites from Lunch Money and the Nields.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 24, 2010

White Light - Wilco
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
My Name Is No - Starfish
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Springtime, It's My Favorite - Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Apples, Oranges & Peaches - The SqueeGees
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Aidan's Train - The Hipwaders
Put It in the Piggy - Kate Shindle
The Bare Necessities - Los Lobos

Some folky selections start out the week. Ben also chose some songs from this past weekend's Spare the Rock podcast as well.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 21, 2010

Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
California Stars - Wilco
The Green Grass Grows All Around - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Collide - Howie Day
Love Me For Who I Am - Brady Rymer
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Bobby Bobby Bobby - Jo Ann Campbell
With Or Without You - U2
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve

Today's playlist is all over the map!

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 20, 2010

Hello Hippopotamus - Laura Doherty
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
I Missed the Bus Again - Skankin' Pickle
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
Imma Be (Clean) - Black Eyed Peas
Sleepoverland - Justin Roberts
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is back on tour again. We saw him (us, not Ben, sorry) at CitiField last summer. Great show, and Billy Joel even stopped by for a cup of coffee appearance.

A new track from Justin Roberts' new CD, Jungle Gym, also makes the cut.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Pinch Me - Barenaked Ladies
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Beach - Charity and the JAM Band
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Happy Place - Milkshake
Lonely Days Lonely Nights - The Bee Gees
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve

Ben made a joke and called the song "Hostess Kid," like the cupcakes.

The ladies take the stage this morning with Katie, Amy, Lisa, Dottie, and Charity. Ten songs, five female vocalists.

New improved links for everyone. Enjoy!

Let's Go Already, Mets!

Here’s what really disturbs me about the Mets of late.

Jeff Wilpon visits Jerry Manuel in the clubhouse and gives him a vote of confidence.

I guess it’s true – Jerry isn’t responsible for signing Ollie Perez to a three-year $36M deal – that was Omar and Wilpon.



And Jerry isn’t responsible for Niese pulling his hammy (or whatever it is) for the second time in two years.

And Jerry isn’t responsible for signing Bay, who has hit 1 HR. And it’s the hitting coach who should take the heat if Bay and Wright don’t turn around. At least Reyes is turning it around.

If Wilpon wants to take action, how about a boardroom meeting with Omar, where he says, “We’re opening up $10M to stop the bleeding. Sign Pedro as a fifth starter and let’s orchestrate a trade to dump Ollie, eat some of his salary, and get Cliff Lee for that pitching slot.”
Free agents to sign:

Pedro Martinez (SP)

INN W L S K BBI ERA WHIP
44.7 5 1 0 37 8 3.63 1.25

Jermaine Dye (OF)

AB R HR RBI BB KO SB BA
503 78 27 81 64 108 00 .2505

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Wishing Well - Renee & Jeremy
Sky Blue Sky - Wilco
Dear God - Sarah MacLachlan
Because It's There - Ellis Paul
My Keyboard - Quiet Ones
Balloon Man - Robyn Hitchcock
Hello Hello (Good Morning) - Dustin Type
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Brush Brush Brush - Of Montreal
Imitation Of Life - R.E.M.
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
What's New Pussycat? - Tom Jones

Due to some unfocused behavior at school, tomorrow's playlist was assembled with Ben's approval, but not entirely by him.

Hence, the return of Tom Jones, R.E.M., Sarah MacLachlan, and Of Montreal.

I'm not saying they would never have returned without Ben's selecting process, but I sped them along.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 17, 2010

Heart of the Country - Wings
White Light - Wilco
Wake Up Shake Up - Rolie Polie Guacamole
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Play With Your Food - ScribbleMonster
Xavier Xerxes Xeonphanes X - Steve Weeks
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
My Angry Voice - The Sippy Cups
Casper The Friendly Ghost (tv theme)

Ben prepares for school with old favorites. Wings and Wilco, Yo La Tengo, plus White Stripes and Yosi.

ICW Pro Wrestling - Saturday, May 15, 2010

It's pretty rate when professional wrestling comes to within walking distance of my house. Yet that was the case on Saturday night, May 15 - Impact Championship Wrestling held a card at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, Queens - a mere three blocks from home.

According to the promoter's father, Holy Cross only allows one event per year on their premises. I attended in 2008 but missed the 2009 card. Luckily, the wife had an invitation to a junior high reunion for the same night, so I had the initiative, the money, and the opportunity. A triple play!

The main problem with these local cards is that the promoter(s) know so many eager local guys that they pack the lineup with unknowns. Combine unknown performers with a lousy PA system, and there's a lot of "who are these guys?" throughout the building.

When I arrived, Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels and Velvet Sky were signing autographs and taking pictures. This would both help foster a spirit of camaraderie and also drag down the evening.

Approximately 400 people filled the gym for the card, which started at 8 pm. Like I just explained, the opening match was eight guys. I could identity Justin Toxic because he had his name on the back of his tights. And two guys represented a tag team called "Drive By," which was on their shirts. In any event, the heels went over.



Next was a ladies tag team match. Britney Savage and her drag manager with Velvet Sky faced Alicia and WSU Champ Mercedez Martinez. Nothing wrong with this match if you like ladies wrestling. And Velvet worked a large portion of the match. Tons of cameras on her at all times, goes without saying. Velvet sprayed something in Alicia's eyes and Brittney rolled her up. Mercedes then attacked Alicia after the match. That was kind of incongruous, since both were out at intermission signing stuff.

Bandido Jr. pinned Devon Moore. Moore looked to have more charisma as a southern badass, but Bandido jawed with the crowd and got over more as a heel.

In a four-way battle, Storm (didn't catch the first name) beat Sabien, Bull Marciano, and Sami Callihan.



This led to the final match before intermission, the Motor City Machine Guns against the S.A.Ts. Great work and the best match on the card. Crowd was behind both teams as babyfaces and while the S.A.Ts were always held back by their interchangeability, Sabin and Shelley do not have that problem. The Guns went over.

Next came the evening's downfall. A 20-minute intermission turned into a 40-minute intermission, which caused the rest of the show into rush mode. Tons of performers came out to sign and pose. I know it's how they make a lot of their money, but the show really needed a firmer hand - and announcements letting people know that intermission would be over in 10, then 5 minutes.

Back to the unknown action, with an out-of-shape heel doing a Rick Rude gimmick fighting your local redneck (in Queens)? The fat guy went over in three minutes, and the crowd still chanted "boring."

Prince Nana came out and turned on the crowd (he'd been signing at intermission) to introduce his next wrestler. All I can tell you is that he had "Greek God" on his tights. He fought another unknown local guy, with "DM" on his outfit. "Greek God" won the match, which brought out Chris Daniels.

Daniels immediately attacked DM and they had a match, which ended in DQ for some reason. This brought out the fat guy, Greek God, another another two undercard heels. Jerry Lynn, Azrael, and other babyface made the save.

This led into the following match with the babyfaces against Danny DaManto and the Heavy Hitters (two immense guys). Finish had ICP regular DaManto pin Jerry Lynn during a schnaz. Lynn then challenged DaManto to a rematch at the group's next card on his birthday, June 12, at the Elks Lodge.



Now we got to the two main events, and it was closing in on 11 pm. A percentage of the family-oriented crowd began to file out. But it was time for Tommy Dreamer versus Homicide. Dreamer came out to a monster pop, the biggest on the card. The mic started to cut out, and Tommy responded, "This isn't the WWE. I get time on the mic here."

Tommy talked about how his last indie appearance before he signed with WWE was in Queens. And now his first indie appearance since getting cut by WWE was in Queens. He also talked about how he'd "met a kid who said he was going to be a pro wrestler like him one day," and that wrestler was Homicide. It started babyface versus babyface but then Homicide started to challenge Dreamer more and went somewhat heel. In typical fashion, Dreamer played his role as the big-hearted local babyface who put over the opponent. He lost nothing with the crowd and got a ton of applause on the way out. Decent match, considering the large guys in the previous bout had broken the ring.

The evening was getting later and later and now we were getting to the main event at 11:15 pm - an international three-way elimination battle with Tajiri, Super Crazy, and the Amazing Red. The bout featured guest referee Mikey Whipwreck.

A bunch of double-teaming on Red, with Whipwreck and Tajiri playing off their past as a tag team. Crazy confronted Mikey after about five minutes, leading to Red hitting a dive and Whipwreck fast-counting Crazy. Super Crazy rolled out and yelled "What the fuck," which got a large pop but was kind of inappropriate since it was in front of a dozen kids at ringside. They reacted like total pros who had heard it all before. Similar double-cross spot when Tajiri wouldn't break a hold on the four count and Mikey pulled him off Red. They had words and when Red hit another high spot, Whipwreck fast-counted Tajiri! So Red got two tainted pinfalls to end the night by 11:30 pm.

An entertaining, but overlong night of matches. They could have done without 1-2 matches or combined a few of the singles matches into more multi-man battles. If the promoter could not use the Machine Guns and Velvet's matches on his DVD of the event, I understand the compulsion to "pad" the DVD to a full two hours. But that's what backstage vignettes and interviews are for. Don't make us sit there for 3 1/2 hours because you can't say "no" to guys who want to work for free in front of a crowd.

On a minor note, I would have preferred seeing Jerry Lynn versus Chris Daniels straight up, instead of mixed against a bunch of unknowns. Kind of unrealistic that they would even know who those guys were. But you want to give your performers the "rub" of working with established names. But who really gets a rub when Daniels is in the ring with the anonymous fat heel who won a three-minute curtain-jerker?

I've posted a link to upcoming ICW events. Doubtful I'll get to the Elks Lodge. Maybe if they convince Holy Cross to let them come back in the fall...

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 14, 2010

Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Ghost Town - The Specials
Ride of the Valkyries - Richard Wagner
Good People - Jack Johnson
Monster Face - Roger Day
Savoy Truffle - They Might Be Giants
Banana Seat Bike - Ralph's World
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey

Recess Monkey returns! So do Jack Johnson and The Specials. Actually, the Specials have returned in reality as well, but Ben is a few years too young for a ska concert at night.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 13, 2010

Either Way - Wilco
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Buddy Holly's Got the Hiccups - Uncle Rock
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Music Everywhere - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Let It All Hang Out - Weezer
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) - Squeeze
Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - Flaming Lips
It's A Puzzle - Trout Fishing in America

Ben finally picks the Dennis Caraher song about mothers that should have been played last week, before the holiday.

Our old friend Uncle Rock makes an appearance, as do Wilco and Weezer.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Apples - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Every Day Is A Birthday - Brady Rymer
On A Carousel - The Hollies
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
Private Idaho - The B-52s
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Puppini Sisters

Bill Harley is here!

Going to see IRON MAN 2. Enjoy!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I Don't Need Anything But You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Tango Forever - Mel Glazer
Six Months in a Leaky Boat - Split Enz
My Imagination - Baze And His Silly Friends
Ben - Michael Jackson
Hummingbird - Wilco
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow - They Might Be Giants
Funplex - The B-52s
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi

Ben finishes Mothers Day weekend and moves into new territory with Wilco and Recess Monkey, from their upcoming CD, Final Funktier!

Plus he chose the Michael Jackson song with his name, for the first time in almost a year. Some self-awareness going on in iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 10, 2010

White Light - Wilco
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Thinking About You - Norah Jones
TiK ToK - Kesha
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
Deep Deep Water - Mel Glazer
Jungle Boogie - The Sippy Cups
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Planet Claire - The B-52s

First post-Mothers Day playlist is heavy on old favorites and a new dance pick (Kesha).

We're beat - no extra commentary tonight!

Kindiefest: Ralph Covert

He's been called "the Elvis of kid's music."

He's been called "the Pied Piper for families."

He's been the main event performer at the past two years of Kindiefest. You can call him Ralph Covert (of Ralph's World).



Out first introduction to Ralph came through Bill and Ella Childs' Spare the Rock podcasts (I believe it was "The Coffee Song"). From there, I hunted down Ralph's early recordings through ebay and by the time we'd caught up, he was performing at local venues.



At a small venue like Littlefield NYC, it's always a dose of reality when you see a performer walk through dragging his possessions - no roadie, no entourage. While one could expect that from an unknown performer, or an opening acoustic act, it was a bit incongruous when Ralph Covert said, "Excuse me," and needed two people to help assemble his backdrop (so the show could start on schedule).



Unfortunately, the May heat wave and (already) 3-plus-hour duration of the event made for a pretty sparse crowd. These were the hardcore fans who waited for Ralph. And Ralph delivered an energetic, interactive, and personal acoustic set for those who remained.



Stripped of the overdubs, drumbeats, and accompanying musicians, you can appreciate the simple clarity – "Dance Around" brought everyone to the dance floor (well, everyone but overheated adults and people with camcorders). "Cavemen" brought a group of parents to the stage for an impromptu "Off-Off-Broadway musical."



My only criticism would be nitpicking - I don't think there was a single song is Ralph's set that I hadn't heard at a previous performance. But at least acoustically, they took on a new life. And hey, in a venue small enough that a wailing baby becomes your backing vocal, that's not too bad.

Kindiefest: Royal Order of Chords and Keys

The Royal Order of Chords and Keys (R.O.C.K.) is akin to the Foo Fighters' first record, which Dave Grohl recorded by himself and then had to recruit members to go on tour.

Aric Bieganek originally fronted Recess Rock, then decided to avoid confusion with Recess Monkey and became R.O.C.K. We were prepped to see them at Kindiefest last weekend. And so was Aric. Because the rest of his band got caught in Bike-A-Thon traffic and never made the show. Read Aric's blog for the whole story.

In any event, members of Recess Monkey ironically lent a hand, took a crash course in Aric's songs, and helped him groove an energetic set at Littlefield NYC.

Here's the video from "Car Seat Driver," shot with uStream on the iPhone. By this point in the show, I had gotten a handle on operating the phone properly to shoot a video.



Here is the video from the last song in the set, "Punk Rock, One Sock." By this point in his set, Aric had lost 3-4 guitar strings as well as his band. And yet he persevered. Rock on!

Kindiefest: Bill Harley

I'll be honest, we have not heard a ton of Bill Harley.

"Oh, he's been around....forever!"

"What a great storyteller!"

"Clever! And so funny!"

Okay, but what is he ABOUT?

Turns out Bill is about anecdotes in kid-sized portions. Stories that kids can relate to, about families and pets and school and friends.

And Ben enjoyed all of Bill's stories at Kindiefest. He especially enjoyed Bill's sideman for the performance, Keith Munslow. "It's Keith Munslow," he informed me, as Bill started his first song. "I wonder if he'll sing something as well." And he did.



Unfortunately, I did not know that uStream quits when you get an incoming phone call! So this video is incomplete. I post it merely for posterity.

"Pea On My Plate" is the full performance. And rather well.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, May 7, 2010

Wake Up Shake Up - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
Rudi A Message For You - The Specials
Bang A Drum - Earthworm Ensemble
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Roam - The B-52s
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
The Cat Came Back - Monty Harper
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
I Can Do Anything - Dustin Type
Human Fly - Hank Hooper

Music from kindiefest finally makes an appearance, as Dustin and the Leftover Pancakes and Rolie Polie Guacamole get airplay.

We also ALMOST met Yosi at the concert (he was introducing himself to Ralph Covert and we didn't want to interrupt).

Kindiefest: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

We were excited about seeing Secret Agent 23 Skidoo...in February. Then the snows fell in the Northern corridor. Still, we were able to make our train and get to Symphony Space, where we learned Skidoo & Crew were unable to get past Virginia. We settled for popcorn and Bugs Bunny cartoons, and the knowledge that he was coming back to town in May for Kindiefest.

Well, Cactus and Company did not disappoint with a spirited set that included old favorites like "I Gotta Be Me" as well as new songs like "The Boogieman." And he let everyone know that his next CD is coming later this year.



The first video ("I Like Fruit") was shot using uStream on my 3G iPhone, so forgive the shoddy video quality. The second video ("The Boogieman") comes from our JVC Everio camcorder, which has a (somewhat) better video quality, depending on how many little ones I squash in my quest to impress.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, May 6, 2010

Smooth Operator - Sade
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Apples - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
What's That Smell - Mr. Oscat
California Stars - Wilco
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders

Rolie Polie Guacamole makes a debut Thursday morning. Wilco returns with a new(ish) song.

TMBG and Mr. Oscat are reliable kiddie choices.

Sade and the White Stripes complete the mix for Ben.

Some Videos from Kindiefest

Andrea, Ben, and I had a blast at Kindiefest on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Littlefield NYC in Brooklyn, NY.

Here is the band Clementown. I hate to short them, but due to the NYC Bike-A-Thon traffic, we got to their set for the last two songs. And when I plunked myself down, a child promptly stood up in front of me, so the first video was toast.



Next up were Recess Monkey! Of all the bands, Ben seemed the most excited to see them. And they did not disappoint, with a power pop set that held his full attention.

Alas, my first uStream attempt to record a song on my 3G iPhone resulted in only audio. Rather than bore you with listening to the iffy audio, here is the video (camcorded!) of "Marshmallow Farm," which I found myself humming at work today, two days after the show.



More videos will follow.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Sleep Through The Static - Jack Johnson
Linger - The Cranberries
Mr. Tambourine Man - The Hollies
So What - Pink
Again! - Brady Rymer
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Vega-Tables - Brian Wilson
Let's Twist Again - Chubby Checker
It's The Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
Hail Hail the Gang's All Here - Dean Jones
Rock Lobster - The B-52s

Brady Rymer and Pink make a return in 2010.

Another (new) selection from Princess Katie and Racer Steve.

And Ben continues to avoid a host of songs from artists we just saw at Kindiefest!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Why Do I Have A Shadow? - Dorothy Collins
The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Suzi Shelton
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Holiday - The LeeVees
Roam - The B-52s
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
Wishin' Around - ScribbleMonster

We're back to starting with science songs today. I asked Ben if he wanted to hear a Suzi Shelton song, since she just started following us on Twitter. And he was determined to pick "Roam," since last Friday.

Interesting that a day after kindiefest and not a single artist who we saw in person at the show!

Ben's Playlist - Monday, May 3, 2010

It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
Funplex - The B-52s
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 30, 2010

My Imagination - Baze And His Silly Friends
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Dog Eat Dog - Adam & the Ants
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Best Friends - Amy Winehouse
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
Planet Claire - The B-52s

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 29, 2010

We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
At The Bottom Of The Sea - Ralph's World
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Let The Good Times Roll - The Cars
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Private Idaho - The B-52s
Good People - Jack Johnson
Vega-Tables - Brian Wilson
Look Through Any Window - The Hollies
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Tears Dry On Their Own - Amy Winehouse

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Under The Sun - Dan Zanes
Goody Two Shoes - Adam & the Ants
Imma Be (Clean) - Black Eyed Peas
It Must Be Summer - Fountains Of Wayne
Come Play! - Eric Herman & the Invisible Band
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
8 Is A Number - Board of Education
Wait Your Turn - Mr. RAY

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
White Light - Wilco
Connected - Uncle Rock
Hey Ya - Booker T
Words - The Bee Gees
All My Colors - Ralph's World
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Troublemaker - Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 26, 2010

The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies
Together Tomorrow - Tom Chapin
Happy, Happy Birthday - Baze And His Silly Friends
Back Off Boogaloo - Ringo Starr
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Private Idaho - The B-52s
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
That Thing You Do! - The Wonders

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 23, 2010

Heart of the Country - Wings
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
California Dreaming - Mamas and the Papas
This Is Your Body - Baze And His Silly Friends
The Magic Is There - Mel Glazer
What Is A Mammal? - Marais & Miranda
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
My Angry Voice - The Sippy Cups
Goods - Mates of State
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Planet Claire - The B-52s

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 22, 2010

I Won't Grow Up - Dan Zanes & Friends
In My Room - Beach Boys
It's The Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Christylez Bacon
Confessions of a Teenage Lima Bean - Bunny Clogs
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn
What's That Smell - Mr. Oscat
The Bluegrasshopper - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Funplex - The B-52s
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads

Large Dose of Fun for Small Fry

Princess Katie & Racer Steve:
Providing Mirth For All Ages

There is a fine line between cutesy/kitschy and genuine fun. Princess Katie and Racer Steve provide a little of everything (emphasis on the good stuff) with their third release, "Tiny Cool."



The CD features a selection of songs and skits for children (suggested) ages 2-8, with singalong lyrics included for reference. "Tube Sox," for instance, gives a laundry list of favorite things. "Japanese Robot" tells the story of a toy that runs on (get your tissues ready) love:

Now you should see him,

He's quite a sight.

For with all my love

He runs day and night.

The skits run as clever concepts (a beach radio station) and introductions to songs. "What could go wrong," Steve asks as the duo heads for lunch at the seashore. Leading to the next song, "Sand in My Sandwich." The title track, "Tiny Cool," tells a funked-up story of the brother and sister dance team of Tiny Cool and Little Lady. Turned away from a competition because of their young age, Princess Katie encourages them to dance and the crowd realizes that the duo can really boogie. Moral: Don't judge a book by its cover.

Katie O'Sullivan and Steve Borne started their musical odyssey by volunteering at childrens hospitals dressed as popular TV and movie characters. Using Steve's musical background and Katie's experience working in sketch and improv comedy, they developed their own characters and released two prior CDs, "Songs For the Coolest Kids" and "Fast & Feisty." Their latest project adds a horn section (with members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), piano prodigy Luis Fernandez, and synthesist Dave Baron.

The New York-based duo, a married couple incidentally, have racked up some impressive plaudits. Parenting magazine wrote, "Katie and her talented band will win your kids over." Cookie named "Fast & Feisty" as one of their top kids CDs for 2008 and declared, "This is one kids' band that really knows how to rock."

"Tiny Cool" is available at Princess Katie & Racer Steve's Web site as well as CDBaby. They also twitter! You have to take a look – she's a princess, after all.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 21, 2010

It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Born Free - Hans Zimmer
Story of My Life - Shrek soundtrack
Educated Kid - The Hipwaders
Roam - The B-52s
Picnic - Fresh Young Fellows
Back Off Boogaloo - Ringo Starr
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Love Story - Taylor Swift
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Caboose - Lunch Money
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
All My Toys Are Broken - AudraRox
It Never Rains in Southern California - Mamas and the Papas
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Mr. Tough - Yo La Tengo
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Good Vibrations - Beach Boys
Go Baby Go - Baby Loves Jazz

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 19, 2010

Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends
Shake Ya Boogie - Mocean Worker
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Pinch Me - Barenaked Ladies
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Troublemaker - Weezer
Reading Makes Me Want to Dance Out Loud - Monty Harper

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 16, 2010

What Is Gravity? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
How Do You Spell Chunnukkahh? - The LeeVees
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
Hello Hippopotamus - Laura Doherty
Science Fair - Trout Fishing in America
Let's Get Funky - Stephen DiRaffaele
My Lucky Day - Bruce Springsteen
Vega-Tables - Brian Wilson
The Hoppity Song - Starfish

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 15, 2010

Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
She Just Doesn't Get It - Yosi & the Superdads
Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
All My Colors - Ralph's World
Favorite Names - Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke
Humpty Dumpty - Linus
Planet Claire - The B-52s

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

My Imagination - Baze And His Silly Friends
I Have a Little Dreidel - Yosi & the Superdads
Your Room's A Mess - Rock Daddy Rock
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Open Up Your Eyes - Tonic
The Numbers Song - Mr. Ray
Private Idaho - The B-52s
The Uncomfortable Truth - Nneka
Man On The Moon - R.E.M.
July Flame - Laura Veirs
Gotta Be Good - Ralph's World

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Art Car - The Hipwaders
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Mexican Hat Dance - Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - The Hollies
Louie Louie - The Kingsmen
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Sullivan McGulligan - Hullabaloo
Mexican Radio - Wall of Voodoo
Together Tomorrow - Tom Chapin

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 12, 2010

Ice Is A Solid - Dorothy Collins
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Beach - Charity and the JAM Band
It's Summertime - Flaming Lips
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
Rag & Bone - The White Stripes
Our House - CSNY

Ben's Playlist - Friday, April 9, 2010

Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Only in Dreams - Weezer
Ca Plane Pour Moi - Plastic Bertrand
I Like It Like That - Dave Clark Five
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
What's New Pussycat? - Ralph's World

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, April 8, 2010

Starman - Golden Smog
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Dear God - Sarah MacLachlan
The Hoppity Song - Starfish
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Black Slacks - Robert Gordon
Good Thing - Fine Young Cannibals
Say It Ain't So - Weezer
You Make Me Feel Good - Q Brothers
Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, April 7, 2010

My Immortal - Evanescence
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
Why - Ah-Choo
Energy - Apples in Stereo
All Ready To Go! - ScribbleMonster
I'll Never Fear Ghosts Again - Soccer Team
I Think I Got You Beat - Shrek soundtrack
Man Out Of Time - Elvis Costello

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Percy on Pluto - The Nields
On A Carousel - The Hollies
Wake Me Up - Norah Jones
Good People - Jack Johnson
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
What You Thought You Need - Jack Johnson
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Applesauce vs. Sour Cream - The LeeVees
Love Plus One - Nick Heyward
Sweet Pea - The Honeydogs
Vintage Clothes - Paul McCartney

Ben's Playlist - Monday, April 5, 2010

All Your Secrets - Yo La Tengo
Rollin' Baby - Elizabeth Mitchell
Wake Up - The Verve Pipe
Go to the Playground - Adam and the Couch Potatoes
Happy Birthday - Altered Images
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
It Must Be Summer - Fountains Of Wayne
Yeah Yeah Yeah Song - Flaming Lips
Rib_of_Dreams - Mel Glazer
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
What's on the List - Stephen Fite
Troublemaker - Weezer

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