If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Saskia Hamilton - Ben Folds & Nick Hornby
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
California Stars - Wilco
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Run Away - Weezer
Don't Pass Me By - Georgia Satellites
I Wanna Be An Action Figure - Daddy A Go Go
Cows - The Suburbs
Fun fact about Ben's playlist musician of the day: Taylor Swift is twice Ben's age.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Shake in the Middle - Kaiser George
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Battleship Chains - Hindu Love Gods
California Gurls - Katey Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Mac n Cheese - The Bazillions
Macaroni and Cheese - Bill Harley
Election day adult fodder.
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Shake in the Middle - Kaiser George
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Battleship Chains - Hindu Love Gods
California Gurls - Katey Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Mac n Cheese - The Bazillions
Macaroni and Cheese - Bill Harley
Election day adult fodder.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 1, 2010
White Light - Wilco
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Crash - Primitives
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Everybody's Got Their Underwear On - Billy Kelly
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Lemonade - Butterflyfish
Mind of My Own - Frances England
Happy Place - Milkshake
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Old favorites day on Monday.
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Crash - Primitives
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Everybody's Got Their Underwear On - Billy Kelly
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Tommy Got In Trouble - The Bazillions
Lemonade - Butterflyfish
Mind of My Own - Frances England
Happy Place - Milkshake
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Old favorites day on Monday.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Put On Your Dancing Babypants
Caspar the Friendly Children's Musician, Returns
When hair bands faded out in the early 90s, they were replaced by grunge acts from Seattle (who were then replaced by etc., etc., I've made my point). Anyhow, I loved those early grunge bands - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots among the better known.
One of the latter day bands, The Presidents of the United States, is still going. And founding member Chris Ballew has turned his pursuits to the pleasures of childrens music. "I was drawn to make simple silly acoustic songs and realized they were kids' songs after I made them," Chris says. He began to write songs to accompany wife Kate Endle's art. "Suddenly a volcano of songs came out, and here I am!" he adds.
Back to the grunge - Seattle native Ballew has managed to work little traces of the city's past into his latest release as Caspar Babypants (This Is Fun!). Krist Novoselic plays bass on a kiddified version of Nirvana's "Sliver," featuring a chorus of "Grandma, take me home." And Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard in quoted in the press materials. Okay, I'm easy. You had me at Pearl Jam.
Ballew has produced his third CD of gentle, goofy tunes for kids. There isn't anything terribly deeper than "It's Gonna Rain" or "Look At All These Elepants" (the latter a favorite for my son, who claims elephants are his second-favorite animals after zebras).
With three albums in less than two years, Ballew is creating quite a body of work. I appreciated the simplicity of the arrangements and absence of heavy messaging. With support from Elizabeth Mitchell and Charlie Hope, I can only imagine that his best is yet to come.
It's a relief that Caspar Babypants exists. Otherwise, Weird Al Yankovic would have stabbed himself in the eyes a long time ago. It's true, I read the quote on Caspar's Web site.
When hair bands faded out in the early 90s, they were replaced by grunge acts from Seattle (who were then replaced by etc., etc., I've made my point). Anyhow, I loved those early grunge bands - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots among the better known.
One of the latter day bands, The Presidents of the United States, is still going. And founding member Chris Ballew has turned his pursuits to the pleasures of childrens music. "I was drawn to make simple silly acoustic songs and realized they were kids' songs after I made them," Chris says. He began to write songs to accompany wife Kate Endle's art. "Suddenly a volcano of songs came out, and here I am!" he adds.
Back to the grunge - Seattle native Ballew has managed to work little traces of the city's past into his latest release as Caspar Babypants (This Is Fun!). Krist Novoselic plays bass on a kiddified version of Nirvana's "Sliver," featuring a chorus of "Grandma, take me home." And Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard in quoted in the press materials. Okay, I'm easy. You had me at Pearl Jam.
Ballew has produced his third CD of gentle, goofy tunes for kids. There isn't anything terribly deeper than "It's Gonna Rain" or "Look At All These Elepants" (the latter a favorite for my son, who claims elephants are his second-favorite animals after zebras).
With three albums in less than two years, Ballew is creating quite a body of work. I appreciated the simplicity of the arrangements and absence of heavy messaging. With support from Elizabeth Mitchell and Charlie Hope, I can only imagine that his best is yet to come.
It's a relief that Caspar Babypants exists. Otherwise, Weird Al Yankovic would have stabbed himself in the eyes a long time ago. It's true, I read the quote on Caspar's Web site.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 29, 2010
The Dance From Outer Space - Billy Kelly
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Your House - Dre Towey
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Spooky Song - Lazytown
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Glad All Over - Dave Clark Five
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Your House - Dre Towey
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Spooky Song - Lazytown
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
Here Come the Holidays
Rudnick & Friends Welcome Santa
The one word that strikes fear into the hearts of most "kindie" families is "traditional." As in, traditional arrangement. Most kindie musicians try to put their own spin on themes, even if it comes across as yet another derivative of "The Wheels On the Bus."
Ben Rudnick & Friends tackle that challenge with their new 2010 holiday EP, "It's Santa Claus!" Of the eight songs, only the title track is a new composition. The remaining tunes range from traditional (Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman) to the truly ancient (Auld Lang Syne, Greensleeves).
It's admirable for a recognized kindie figure like Ben Rudnick to roll the ball up the hill and put his spin on these songs. Then again, it's also a wise commercial marketing move - as any retailer will tell you, holiday music is a "perennial." People are still purchasing the Wilson Phillips Christmas CD!
After all that prologue, does the disc deliver holiday cheer? Well, it's not even Thanskgiving. But don't think me a Scrooge. I've spent the better part of my life avoiding the majority of holiday music. As a Jew, I've found that only a fraction of holiday music is aimed at my peeps. And most of that is done so in a tongue in cheek fashion.
With all that being said, I am a fan of Ben Rudnick. My son (also named Ben) enjoys the Ben Rudnick CDs we already have. And he learned "Frosty" a few years back for a school concert and has launched into the chorus at unexpected times year-round in the time since. He's even heard the Allan Sherman version of "Greensleeves," called "Sir Greenbaum's Madrigal."
So I wish Ben Rudnick & Friends well with their new release. And I also wish them happy holidays! Perhaps someone will give them a CD of festive music to celebrate the season... something like... well, you get the idea.
The one word that strikes fear into the hearts of most "kindie" families is "traditional." As in, traditional arrangement. Most kindie musicians try to put their own spin on themes, even if it comes across as yet another derivative of "The Wheels On the Bus."
Ben Rudnick & Friends tackle that challenge with their new 2010 holiday EP, "It's Santa Claus!" Of the eight songs, only the title track is a new composition. The remaining tunes range from traditional (Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman) to the truly ancient (Auld Lang Syne, Greensleeves).
It's admirable for a recognized kindie figure like Ben Rudnick to roll the ball up the hill and put his spin on these songs. Then again, it's also a wise commercial marketing move - as any retailer will tell you, holiday music is a "perennial." People are still purchasing the Wilson Phillips Christmas CD!
After all that prologue, does the disc deliver holiday cheer? Well, it's not even Thanskgiving. But don't think me a Scrooge. I've spent the better part of my life avoiding the majority of holiday music. As a Jew, I've found that only a fraction of holiday music is aimed at my peeps. And most of that is done so in a tongue in cheek fashion.
With all that being said, I am a fan of Ben Rudnick. My son (also named Ben) enjoys the Ben Rudnick CDs we already have. And he learned "Frosty" a few years back for a school concert and has launched into the chorus at unexpected times year-round in the time since. He's even heard the Allan Sherman version of "Greensleeves," called "Sir Greenbaum's Madrigal."
So I wish Ben Rudnick & Friends well with their new release. And I also wish them happy holidays! Perhaps someone will give them a CD of festive music to celebrate the season... something like... well, you get the idea.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Driver Education - Indigo Girls
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
Scared By My Own Costume - Deedle Deedle Dees
Brand New Haircut - Billy Kelly
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) - Squeeze
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Kugel - The LeeVees
Colors - John & Mark
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
A mix o' mellow for Thursday.
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
Scared By My Own Costume - Deedle Deedle Dees
Brand New Haircut - Billy Kelly
Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) - Squeeze
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Kugel - The LeeVees
Colors - John & Mark
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
A mix o' mellow for Thursday.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Greensleeves - Ben Rudnick & Friends
Baby's Getting Up - Casper Babypants
Walk Don't Run - The Ventures
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
California - Luna
Superhero - School for the Dead
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Pluto - Baby Grands
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
New Ben Rudnick today!
Baby's Getting Up - Casper Babypants
Walk Don't Run - The Ventures
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
California - Luna
Superhero - School for the Dead
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Pluto - Baby Grands
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
New Ben Rudnick today!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Frosty the Snowman - Ben Rudnick & Friends
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Bicycle - Frances England
Mind Over Matter - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
Bits And Pieces - Dave Clark Five
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
This Old Man - Lucky Diaz
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
Funplex - The B-52s
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
For the second day, Ben visits his inner child (except for Amy Winehouse).
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Bicycle - Frances England
Mind Over Matter - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
Bits And Pieces - Dave Clark Five
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
This Old Man - Lucky Diaz
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
Funplex - The B-52s
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
For the second day, Ben visits his inner child (except for Amy Winehouse).
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 26, 2010
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
White Light - Wilco
Browns Ferry Blues - Robbie Fulks
cleaning_windows - Van Morrison
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Never Stop Asking - Secret Agent 23
Cowabunga - Didi Pop
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Hideaway - Ralph's World
White Light - Wilco
Browns Ferry Blues - Robbie Fulks
cleaning_windows - Van Morrison
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Never Stop Asking - Secret Agent 23
Cowabunga - Didi Pop
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Hideaway - Ralph's World
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Keller: Kids Are Music People, Too
Keller Williams Keeps Perspective From A Kid's View
Bluegrass anarchist Keller Williams returns to childrens' music this month with his 16th release, Kids. The (relatively) short CD zips through a host of kids' concerns and kids' interests and kids' amusements. And he makes the young animals on the cover immediate guests at the party with the first song, "My Neighbor Is Happy Again," with the refrain
So I had to dig a moat to keep in my goat
and I had to buy a boat because my goat didn't float
but my neighbor is happy again.
Songs stay strictly for the toddling set, such as "Car Seat," "Because I Said So," "Taking A Bath," and "Keep It On the Paper." And for people who always wanted a rational explanation of farting set to music, Keller presents "Mama Tooted."
It can sound like a duck
It can sound like a frog
It can sound like an elephant or a sigh
I am gonna blame it on Mama alright
Keller is currently touring with the Yo Gabba Gabba stage show as a "super music friend" and I can't see how he wouldn't be a hit with that age bracket. In the meantime, spend 30 minutes with Keller and your tots will relax. As he writes in the jacket notes, "So if this music makes you [kids] happy, then try and use your happiness to make someone else happy, too."
Bluegrass anarchist Keller Williams returns to childrens' music this month with his 16th release, Kids. The (relatively) short CD zips through a host of kids' concerns and kids' interests and kids' amusements. And he makes the young animals on the cover immediate guests at the party with the first song, "My Neighbor Is Happy Again," with the refrain
So I had to dig a moat to keep in my goat
and I had to buy a boat because my goat didn't float
but my neighbor is happy again.
Songs stay strictly for the toddling set, such as "Car Seat," "Because I Said So," "Taking A Bath," and "Keep It On the Paper." And for people who always wanted a rational explanation of farting set to music, Keller presents "Mama Tooted."
It can sound like a duck
It can sound like a frog
It can sound like an elephant or a sigh
I am gonna blame it on Mama alright
Keller is currently touring with the Yo Gabba Gabba stage show as a "super music friend" and I can't see how he wouldn't be a hit with that age bracket. In the meantime, spend 30 minutes with Keller and your tots will relax. As he writes in the jacket notes, "So if this music makes you [kids] happy, then try and use your happiness to make someone else happy, too."
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 22, 2010
Kapalua Bay - Didi Pop
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
The Addams Family - Addams Family
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Bohemian Rhadpsody - The Muppets
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Starman - Golden Smog
The Final Countdown - Europe
Mix of kids and parents rock today.
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
The Addams Family - Addams Family
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Bohemian Rhadpsody - The Muppets
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Starman - Golden Smog
The Final Countdown - Europe
Mix of kids and parents rock today.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cocoanut Candy - Didi Pop
Dream of You - Alan Wolpert
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
A Fire Burns For Freedom - Ziggy Marley
Solartopia - Pete Seeger
Jealous Guy - John Lennon
Lucy Lawcy - Keller Williams
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
New DidiPop and Keller Williams make the playlist this AM.
Dream of You - Alan Wolpert
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
A Fire Burns For Freedom - Ziggy Marley
Solartopia - Pete Seeger
Jealous Guy - John Lennon
Lucy Lawcy - Keller Williams
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
New DidiPop and Keller Williams make the playlist this AM.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Gravity - John Mayer
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Psycho Theme - Bernard Hermann
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Sometimes I'll Be There - Naked Brothers Band
Is This A Joke? - Billy Kelly
Ponzi's Flowers - Firewater
Because I Said So - Keller Williams
Use Your Words - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
Hang On - Weezer
Six new song selections for Wednesday AM!
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Psycho Theme - Bernard Hermann
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Sometimes I'll Be There - Naked Brothers Band
Is This A Joke? - Billy Kelly
Ponzi's Flowers - Firewater
Because I Said So - Keller Williams
Use Your Words - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
Hang On - Weezer
Six new song selections for Wednesday AM!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Driver Education - Indigo Girls
Rise and Shine - Board of Education
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
Mind of My Own - Frances England
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Nonagon - They Might Be Giants
Bluegrass for Breakfast - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Mama Tooted - Keller Williams
Home - Dreyer Family Band
Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
Goody Two Shoes - Adam & the Ants
Fort - Recess Monkey
With an average time of less than 2:30 per song, Ben was able to choose a lot of music for Tuesday morning.
Rise and Shine - Board of Education
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
Mind of My Own - Frances England
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Nonagon - They Might Be Giants
Bluegrass for Breakfast - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Mama Tooted - Keller Williams
Home - Dreyer Family Band
Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
Goody Two Shoes - Adam & the Ants
Fort - Recess Monkey
With an average time of less than 2:30 per song, Ben was able to choose a lot of music for Tuesday morning.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 18, 2010
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Air Guitar - Monkey Monkey Music
New Haircut - Justin Roberts
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
Things Change - Hullabaloo
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Arabella Angelique - Grenadilla
Ivan The Terrible - The SqueeGees
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Monday, Wilco, the world is right again.
White Light - Wilco
Air Guitar - Monkey Monkey Music
New Haircut - Justin Roberts
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
Things Change - Hullabaloo
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Arabella Angelique - Grenadilla
Ivan The Terrible - The SqueeGees
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Monday, Wilco, the world is right again.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 15, 2010
Shine - Holmes Brothers
Don't Squish That Bug - Bramble Jam
Raspberry Beret - Hindu Love Gods
Roam - The B-52s
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
My Name Is No - Starfish
So I was sorting through my records last week and realized I did not have the Hindu Love Gods on vinyl anymore. And it drove me crazy that I could not remember what I did with it. So I bought it online, ripped some songs to our iTunes, and Ben immediately picked one for this AM.
Don't Squish That Bug - Bramble Jam
Raspberry Beret - Hindu Love Gods
Roam - The B-52s
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
My Name Is No - Starfish
So I was sorting through my records last week and realized I did not have the Hindu Love Gods on vinyl anymore. And it drove me crazy that I could not remember what I did with it. So I bought it online, ripped some songs to our iTunes, and Ben immediately picked one for this AM.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 14, 2010
Love Me For Who I Am - Brady Rymer
First Dance (Feat. Usher) - Justin Bieber
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
With My Own Two Hands - Ben Harper
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
Wonderful World - Daddy A Go Go
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
All My Friends Are Different - The Salteens
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
cleaning windows - Van Morrison
Bieber returns.
First Dance (Feat. Usher) - Justin Bieber
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
With My Own Two Hands - Ben Harper
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - The Bazillions
Wonderful World - Daddy A Go Go
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
All My Friends Are Different - The Salteens
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
cleaning windows - Van Morrison
Bieber returns.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Not Fast Cheetah - Recess Monkey
Your House - Dre Towey
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
Jump So High - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
A jump from the 70s to the 00s this AM.
Your House - Dre Towey
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
Jump So High - Jeremy Plays Guitar
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
A jump from the 70s to the 00s this AM.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hi 5 Dance - Flannery Brothers
Headphonese - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Chocolate Ice Creame - King Pajama
Give It Awaye - Dog on Fleas
Superballe - Magic Kids
Three Little Birdse - Bob Marley
Every Day is a Summer Daye - Keith Munslow
Beautiful Daye - Ziggy Marley
I Just Want to Have Fune - Of Montreal
Starmane - Killian Mansfield
Between Marleys (father and son) and Franti (Michael), Ben brought the funk this AM.
Headphonese - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Chocolate Ice Creame - King Pajama
Give It Awaye - Dog on Fleas
Superballe - Magic Kids
Three Little Birdse - Bob Marley
Every Day is a Summer Daye - Keith Munslow
Beautiful Daye - Ziggy Marley
I Just Want to Have Fune - Of Montreal
Starmane - Killian Mansfield
Between Marleys (father and son) and Franti (Michael), Ben brought the funk this AM.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 11, 2010
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Whistle For Willie - Randy Kaplan
Hey Hey Hey - Michael Franti & Spearhead
De Colores - Pete Seeger
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
If it's Monday, it must be Wilco.
White Light - Wilco
Whistle For Willie - Randy Kaplan
Hey Hey Hey - Michael Franti & Spearhead
De Colores - Pete Seeger
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
If it's Monday, it must be Wilco.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 8, 2010
Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Somebody To Love - Justin Bieber
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams) - B.o.B
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
The Eeny Weeny Beeny Ghost - Bill Harley
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Invisible Man - The Breeders
Spongebob, B.o.B, and Bieber.
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
Somebody To Love - Justin Bieber
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Airplanes (Feat. Hayley Williams) - B.o.B
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
The Eeny Weeny Beeny Ghost - Bill Harley
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Invisible Man - The Breeders
Spongebob, B.o.B, and Bieber.
A Bazillion Reasons To Rock Out
Twin Cities Produces More than Prince
Use your imagination.
That's the idea behind the Bazillions' "Rock-n-Roll Recess."
"You won't believe how far we'll go," singer/songwriter Adam Marshall intones on "Super Sonic Rocket Bike." And that's a concept that kids of all ages can grasp as they race downhill...and they don't have to be 44 inches tall!
"Tommy Got In Trouble" points out that actions have consequences - balls hitting lamps and fish bowls, etc. "
Don't you know he's a good kid,
But sometimes things just seem to go astray.
Use your imagination.
That's the idea behind the Bazillions' "Rock-n-Roll Recess."
"You won't believe how far we'll go," singer/songwriter Adam Marshall intones on "Super Sonic Rocket Bike." And that's a concept that kids of all ages can grasp as they race downhill...and they don't have to be 44 inches tall!
"Tommy Got In Trouble" points out that actions have consequences - balls hitting lamps and fish bowls, etc. "
Don't you know he's a good kid,
But sometimes things just seem to go astray.
Twin Cities parents Adam and Kristin Marshall started writing songs for kids when they joined the Kenny School in Minneapolis. Joined by indie pop band The Humbugs (Matt Baccoli, Tim Formanek, and Mike Senkovich), they rebranded themselves as the Bazillions and released their first CD earlier this year.
Perhaps a little too "hard" for toddlers, the Bazillions work well for the active kid set. The protagonist of "It's a Mess" brags "I'm a big success/at making a big mess."
There is a rich trove of kindie artists across the country who are currently making fresh, non-"babyish" rock music that works in the car and the home. From Recess Monkey in the Pacific Northwest to the Bazillions in the heartland and AudraRox in Red Hook, Brooklyn, you don't have to throw a ball - and get in trouble - to find music to rock out to with your children. The Bazillions are a welcome addition to Ben's expanding CD rack of contemporary kindie rockers.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 7, 2010
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
Love Plus One - Nick Heyward
It's Sunny When You Share - Mighty Weaklings
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
Purple - Laura Freeman
Li'l Things - Strange Kidz
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Time Flies - Weezer
Watch the Sunshine - Big Star
Wait Your Turn - Mr. Ray
Weezer, Bieber, and Strange Kidz indeed.
Love Plus One - Nick Heyward
It's Sunny When You Share - Mighty Weaklings
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
Purple - Laura Freeman
Li'l Things - Strange Kidz
Baby (Feat. Ludacris) - Justin Bieber
Time Flies - Weezer
Watch the Sunshine - Big Star
Wait Your Turn - Mr. Ray
Weezer, Bieber, and Strange Kidz indeed.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Bens Playlist - Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Good People - Jack Johnson
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Raise the Brain - Miz B
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Freedom Highway - Mavis Staples
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
The Channukah Medley - Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang
My Lucky Day - Eric Herman
Caboose - Lunch Money
Long day.
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Raise the Brain - Miz B
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Freedom Highway - Mavis Staples
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
The Channukah Medley - Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang
My Lucky Day - Eric Herman
Caboose - Lunch Money
Long day.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
How Do You Spell Chunnukkahh? - The LeeVees
Africa Land - Ziggy Marley
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Obsessed By Trucks - Justin Roberts
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
New Ziggy Marley today.
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
How Do You Spell Chunnukkahh? - The LeeVees
Africa Land - Ziggy Marley
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Obsessed By Trucks - Justin Roberts
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
New Ziggy Marley today.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 4, 2010
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Shake It - Michael Franti & Spearhead Feat. Lady Saw
Jump Up and Down - Flannery Brothers
Superhero - School for the Dead
You've Got a Friend In me - Bonerama
Secret Handshake - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Do The Turnout - Deedle Deedle Dees
What's On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Every Day is a Summer Day - Keith Munslow
New Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Michael Franti! Represent!
White Light - Wilco
Shake It - Michael Franti & Spearhead Feat. Lady Saw
Jump Up and Down - Flannery Brothers
Superhero - School for the Dead
You've Got a Friend In me - Bonerama
Secret Handshake - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Do The Turnout - Deedle Deedle Dees
What's On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Every Day is a Summer Day - Keith Munslow
New Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Michael Franti! Represent!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 1, 2010
For Pete's Sake - The Monkees
Ruling Me - Weezer
The Thing That Helps Me Get Through - Michael Franti & Spearhead
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
RC Cola and a Moon Pie - NRBQ
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
Smiles & Laughter - Modern English
Alphabet Soup - Tom Chapin
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
More new Weezer!
New Michael Franti!
Old Monkees!
Ruling Me - Weezer
The Thing That Helps Me Get Through - Michael Franti & Spearhead
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
RC Cola and a Moon Pie - NRBQ
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
Smiles & Laughter - Modern English
Alphabet Soup - Tom Chapin
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
More new Weezer!
New Michael Franti!
Old Monkees!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 30, 2010
Dream City - Free Energy
When I'm Five - The Not-Its!
Guitar Was the Case - Mono Puff
Run Away - Weezer
cleaning_windows - Van Morrison
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Gelt Melts - The LeeVees
Sugar Hiccup - Cocteau Twins
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Little Parrot - Matt Clark
A slew of new stuff leads off this morning's list.
When I'm Five - The Not-Its!
Guitar Was the Case - Mono Puff
Run Away - Weezer
cleaning_windows - Van Morrison
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Gelt Melts - The LeeVees
Sugar Hiccup - Cocteau Twins
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Little Parrot - Matt Clark
A slew of new stuff leads off this morning's list.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 29, 2010
There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
Brave New World - Weezer
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
This Old Man - Lucky Diaz
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Watch Where You're Goin' - Renee & Jeremy
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Be prepared for several brand new Weezer songs, since we just got the HURLEY CD!
Brave New World - Weezer
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
This Old Man - Lucky Diaz
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Watch Where You're Goin' - Renee & Jeremy
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Be prepared for several brand new Weezer songs, since we just got the HURLEY CD!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
White Light - Wilco
Cookies and Milk - Frances England
Wonderful World - Daddy A Go Go
Surfing USA - Beach Boys
Strange Magic - Electric Light Orchestra
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Teach Your Children Well - CSNY
Beautiful Day - Ziggy Marley
We Go Duck - Justin Roberts
Ben moved "White Light" to Tuesday this week because he was "switching things up."
The '60s return with CSNY and Beach Boys.
White Light - Wilco
Cookies and Milk - Frances England
Wonderful World - Daddy A Go Go
Surfing USA - Beach Boys
Strange Magic - Electric Light Orchestra
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Teach Your Children Well - CSNY
Beautiful Day - Ziggy Marley
We Go Duck - Justin Roberts
Ben moved "White Light" to Tuesday this week because he was "switching things up."
The '60s return with CSNY and Beach Boys.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 27, 2010
Hello Hippopotamus - Laura Doherty
Browns Ferry Blues - Robbie Fulks
If Not For You - George Harrison
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Joshua's Treehouse - Starfish
Favorite Things - John Coltrane
Sleepoverland - Justin Roberts
My Brain - Mose Allison
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
Ben also prepped his next playlist CD for his friends tonight. I'll post that when I start burning copies.
Browns Ferry Blues - Robbie Fulks
If Not For You - George Harrison
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Lucy and Tighty - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Joshua's Treehouse - Starfish
Favorite Things - John Coltrane
Sleepoverland - Justin Roberts
My Brain - Mose Allison
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
Ben also prepped his next playlist CD for his friends tonight. I'll post that when I start burning copies.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 24, 2010
When Life Gives Me Lemons - The Boy Least Likely To
Mind of My Own - Frances England
The Mighty Worm - Ralph's World
First Dance (Feat. Usher) - Justin Bieber
California - Luna
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - http://www.theleevees.com/
Welcome to Ben's playlists, Justin Bieber.
Mind of My Own - Frances England
The Mighty Worm - Ralph's World
First Dance (Feat. Usher) - Justin Bieber
California - Luna
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - http://www.theleevees.com/
Welcome to Ben's playlists, Justin Bieber.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Hebrew-Speaking Bear - Randy Kaplan
Home - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Bicycle - Frances England
Chag_Purim - Purim Jews
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
Sugar Hiccup - Cocteau Twins
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Have You Ever - Brandi Carlile
Superball - Magic Kids
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
La La La (I Love You) - Egg
A funky Thursday.
Home - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Bicycle - Frances England
Chag_Purim - Purim Jews
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
Sugar Hiccup - Cocteau Twins
Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Have You Ever - Brandi Carlile
Superball - Magic Kids
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
La La La (I Love You) - Egg
A funky Thursday.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Sliver - Casper Babypants
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Spanimals - The Jimmies
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
Home - Dreyer Family Band
Beautiful Day - Ziggy Marley
My Name Is No - Starfish
Just noticed we have six songs from Jungle Gym in iTunes.
Sliver - Casper Babypants
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Spanimals - The Jimmies
Bein' a Kid - The Zucchini Brothers
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
Home - Dreyer Family Band
Beautiful Day - Ziggy Marley
My Name Is No - Starfish
Just noticed we have six songs from Jungle Gym in iTunes.
Wiping Out Bland Kid's Music
SqueeGees Target Healthy Lifestyles
We first heard The SqueeGee's "Nala the Chihuahua" on Bill Childs' Spare the Rock radio show a few years back. Ben loved the singalong chorus but we never spent the time to listen to the lyrics. As with most kid's music, as long as the kid is happy, the adults are happy. But it took the arrival of their re-issued CD, "Meet the SqueeGees," for us to sit down and realize the message behind the song - namely
"A puppy from the pound...
No longer wears a frown...
Aren't we glad we found her?"
But that's the insidious (can we use that term in a positive manner?) thing about the light pop sound of the SqueeGees - the songs work their way into your head and then you realize there was more to them.
The Los Angeles-based trio has regrouped with original members Samantha Tobey and Rich "Shaka" Sherwood being joined by former Rilo Kiley bassist Pierre de Reeder. Their CD is experiencing a second coming of a sort on September 21 with a national exclusive release through Target and Target at iTunes.
The music, geared for preschoolers, gently hits on some of the themes mined by Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer. There's the environment ("The Elements of the Earth"), healthy eating ("Apples, Oranges, and Peaches"), and even the Internet ("The Ol' WWW"). The song "Jonathon the Tree" took on extra meaning for us this week, as hundreds of trees were toppled by the tornado in our region.
I could really do without another song about driving in the car ("Rules of the Road"), but hey, it's still a novel experience to people without their own driver's licenses. Same with bubble baths ("Bubbles"), but call me cranky.
It all comes back to, um, singalongability (my spellcheck just blew up). That translates to, the ability of listeners to sing along and later grasp the concept of the material. The SqueeGees pass the singalongability test. In that manner, they certainly hit the target.
We first heard The SqueeGee's "Nala the Chihuahua" on Bill Childs' Spare the Rock radio show a few years back. Ben loved the singalong chorus but we never spent the time to listen to the lyrics. As with most kid's music, as long as the kid is happy, the adults are happy. But it took the arrival of their re-issued CD, "Meet the SqueeGees," for us to sit down and realize the message behind the song - namely
"A puppy from the pound...
No longer wears a frown...
Aren't we glad we found her?"
But that's the insidious (can we use that term in a positive manner?) thing about the light pop sound of the SqueeGees - the songs work their way into your head and then you realize there was more to them.
The Los Angeles-based trio has regrouped with original members Samantha Tobey and Rich "Shaka" Sherwood being joined by former Rilo Kiley bassist Pierre de Reeder. Their CD is experiencing a second coming of a sort on September 21 with a national exclusive release through Target and Target at iTunes.
The music, geared for preschoolers, gently hits on some of the themes mined by Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer. There's the environment ("The Elements of the Earth"), healthy eating ("Apples, Oranges, and Peaches"), and even the Internet ("The Ol' WWW"). The song "Jonathon the Tree" took on extra meaning for us this week, as hundreds of trees were toppled by the tornado in our region.
I could really do without another song about driving in the car ("Rules of the Road"), but hey, it's still a novel experience to people without their own driver's licenses. Same with bubble baths ("Bubbles"), but call me cranky.
It all comes back to, um, singalongability (my spellcheck just blew up). That translates to, the ability of listeners to sing along and later grasp the concept of the material. The SqueeGees pass the singalongability test. In that manner, they certainly hit the target.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Alien In My Nose - Trout Fishing in America
Big Heart - Frances England
Lonely Days Lonely Nights - The Bee Gees
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Funplex - The B-52s
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Debut of new Frances England music.
Big Heart - Frances England
Lonely Days Lonely Nights - The Bee Gees
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Funplex - The B-52s
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Debut of new Frances England music.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 20, 2010
White Light - Wilco
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
I-D-E-A - The SqueeGees
Art Car - The Hipwaders
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Speak the Truth - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Starman - Golden Smog
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Two quotes from Ben: "It's Monday - White Light by Wilco" and "Wilco is on Twitter."
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
I-D-E-A - The SqueeGees
Art Car - The Hipwaders
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Speak the Truth - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Starman - Golden Smog
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Two quotes from Ben: "It's Monday - White Light by Wilco" and "Wilco is on Twitter."
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 17, 2010
Dream of You - Alan Wolpert
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Ivan The Terrible - The SqueeGees
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
I Eat Kids - Radioactive Chicken Heads
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
So we lost our triple play for 48 hours.
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Ivan The Terrible - The SqueeGees
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
I Eat Kids - Radioactive Chicken Heads
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
So we lost our triple play for 48 hours.
Friday, September 17, 2010
We'll Be Back!
The New York area tornado knocked out our cable, phones, and Internet access. Thankfully we still have power, so we don't have to evacuate like some of our neighbors.
Should be back to posting as usual by next week.
Here's a view of our house. Nice, hmm?
Should be back to posting as usual by next week.
Here's a view of our house. Nice, hmm?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Hideaway - Ralph's World
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
Rock and Roll - The New Standards
Don't Stay - Laura Izibor
What Is A Mammal? - Marais & Miranda
Lemonade - Butterflyfish
Sing About the Sun - Dog on Fleas
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
I Just Want to Have Fun - Of Montreal
Rocking in the AM!
Hideaway - Ralph's World
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
Rock and Roll - The New Standards
Don't Stay - Laura Izibor
What Is A Mammal? - Marais & Miranda
Lemonade - Butterflyfish
Sing About the Sun - Dog on Fleas
Cardboard Box - Justin Roberts
I Just Want to Have Fun - Of Montreal
Rocking in the AM!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Dance From Outer Space - Billy Kelly
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Do The Turnout - Deedle Deedle Dees
Walk Don't Run - The Ventures
Obsessed By Trucks - Justin Roberts
Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Welcome to the Jungle Gym - Mr. Saxophone
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
Crash - Primitives
High Hopes - Primate Fiasco
From the Primitives to Primate Fiasco this AM.
Ben seems to be into Primate Fiasco these days.
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Do The Turnout - Deedle Deedle Dees
Walk Don't Run - The Ventures
Obsessed By Trucks - Justin Roberts
Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Welcome to the Jungle Gym - Mr. Saxophone
Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
Crash - Primitives
High Hopes - Primate Fiasco
From the Primitives to Primate Fiasco this AM.
Ben seems to be into Primate Fiasco these days.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Cat Came Back - Monty Harper
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
Everything Is Music To Me - Jonathan Samson
Solartopia - Pete Seeger
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
Amy Winehouse, Ralph's World, and Pete Seegar return to the playlist for the first time in quite a while.
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
Everything Is Music To Me - Jonathan Samson
Solartopia - Pete Seeger
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
How Much Is That Doggy in the Window - Primate Fiasco
I Can't Let Go - The Hollies
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
Amy Winehouse, Ralph's World, and Pete Seegar return to the playlist for the first time in quite a while.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 13, 2010
White Light - Wilco
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Things Change - Hullabaloo
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Spork - Keith Munslow
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Me & My Invisible Friend - Ralph's World
Under The Sun - Dan Zanes
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Everybody's Got Their Underwear On - Billy Kelly
If it's Monday, it's got to be Wilco's "White Light."
And just in time for a back to school playlist.
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Antmusic - Adam & the Ants
Things Change - Hullabaloo
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Spork - Keith Munslow
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Me & My Invisible Friend - Ralph's World
Under The Sun - Dan Zanes
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Everybody's Got Their Underwear On - Billy Kelly
If it's Monday, it's got to be Wilco's "White Light."
And just in time for a back to school playlist.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 10, 2010
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
At the Timeshare - The LeeVees
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing - New Seekers
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
The Little Old Lady - Jan and Dean
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Joy - NoMeansNo
Caboose - Lunch Money
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
At the Timeshare - The LeeVees
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing - New Seekers
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
The Little Old Lady - Jan and Dean
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Joy - NoMeansNo
Caboose - Lunch Money
Green Submarine - Flannery Brothers
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 9, 2010
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Creep - Scala
Roam - The B-52s
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
(You're Not) The Boss of My Brain - Tom Chapin
Clocks - Coldplay
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Creep - Scala
Roam - The B-52s
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
(You're Not) The Boss of My Brain - Tom Chapin
Clocks - Coldplay
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Percy on Pluto - The Nields
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Smiles & Laughter - Modern English
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
So What 3:34 - Pink
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Percy on Pluto - The Nields
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Smiles & Laughter - Modern English
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
So What 3:34 - Pink
Monday, September 06, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
I Eat Kids - Radioactive Chicken Heads
Happy Place - Milkshake
Every Day is a Summer Day - Keith Munslow
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Cookies & Milk - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
Springtime, It's My Favorite - Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
High Hopes - Primate Fiasco
As summer rolls to a close, Ben chose some seasonal selections.
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
I Eat Kids - Radioactive Chicken Heads
Happy Place - Milkshake
Every Day is a Summer Day - Keith Munslow
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
Cookies & Milk - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
Springtime, It's My Favorite - Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
High Hopes - Primate Fiasco
As summer rolls to a close, Ben chose some seasonal selections.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 6, 2010
White Light - Wilco
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Hello Hello (Good Morning) - Dustin Type
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Love Plus One - Nick Heyward
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Man On The Moon - R.E.M.
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
Look, Look! - Steve Weeks
Home!
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Hello Hello (Good Morning) - Dustin Type
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Love Plus One - Nick Heyward
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Man On The Moon - R.E.M.
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
Look, Look! - Steve Weeks
Home!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 3, 2010
Turn Your Body Around - Monkey Monkey Music
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Comfortable - John Mayer
Tommy Got In Trouble - Bazillions
Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Rise and Shine - Board of Education
Brand New Haircut - Billy Kelly
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
Joy - NoMeansNo
Love Me For Who I Am - Brady Rymer
We will be on vacation this weekend, so Ben did his Friday playlist to act as a "musical wake up" that can stream through our hotel's alarm clock speakers.
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Comfortable - John Mayer
Tommy Got In Trouble - Bazillions
Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Rise and Shine - Board of Education
Brand New Haircut - Billy Kelly
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
Blue Bear - Lucky Diaz
Joy - NoMeansNo
Love Me For Who I Am - Brady Rymer
We will be on vacation this weekend, so Ben did his Friday playlist to act as a "musical wake up" that can stream through our hotel's alarm clock speakers.
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 2, 2010
We missed Wednesday because I was at the U.S. Open...
Sorry, here's tomorrow's
A Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Secret Handshake - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Boogie Monster - Recess Monkey
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
My Lucky Day - Bruce Springsteen
Wheels On the Bus - Primate Fiasco
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Sorry, here's tomorrow's
A Taste of Honey - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Secret Handshake - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Boogie Monster - Recess Monkey
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
My Lucky Day - Bruce Springsteen
Wheels On the Bus - Primate Fiasco
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Music of Adventure
Flannery Brothers Help Kids Explore
The Flannery Brothers hit the ground running in the recording world. With the release of their third album in less than two years, The New Explorers Club, Mike and Dan have chosen imagination as their theme.
Kids can move their brains as well as their feet to such tunes as "Hi 5 Dance," "Let's Go!" and "In the Middle." The latter song works well with our son Ben. He became accustomed to people who hadn't seen him in a while telling him, "My, you're so big," that he began to greet people with, "I'm Ben. I'm big." This song puts his claim in context:
If you weren't big
And if you weren't little
You'd be somewhere in the middle.
The universe is huge
And a molecule is small
And we're somewhere in the middle of it all.
By the age of four, both brothers had become accomplished musicians. Mike (violin and guitar) and Dan (piano). But life took them in different directions. Based out of Portland, Maine, Mike Flannery spent the early part of the decade touring the country as a support act for Ludacris, Outkast, LL Cool J, and other groups. Little brother Dan left the New York corporate scene for childrens' media in Maine, where Mike had opened a recording studio.
Composing material came naturally to the duo, who produced two previous albums (Love Songs for Silly Things and Move Over Lullabies...It's Time for Wake-Up Songs). With this CD, the pair and honorary brother Jonathan Merrifield continue to mine the ripe, unlimited territory of childhood fantasy, from "Green Submarine" to "Kitchen Floor.")
It's good enough for my dog
It's good enough for me
Sometimes I want to lie down on the kitchen floor.
Running a little less than 43 minutes, The New Explorers Club is a short, fun, and entertaining trip to share with your family.
The Flannery Brothers hit the ground running in the recording world. With the release of their third album in less than two years, The New Explorers Club, Mike and Dan have chosen imagination as their theme.
Kids can move their brains as well as their feet to such tunes as "Hi 5 Dance," "Let's Go!" and "In the Middle." The latter song works well with our son Ben. He became accustomed to people who hadn't seen him in a while telling him, "My, you're so big," that he began to greet people with, "I'm Ben. I'm big." This song puts his claim in context:
If you weren't big
And if you weren't little
You'd be somewhere in the middle.
The universe is huge
And a molecule is small
And we're somewhere in the middle of it all.
By the age of four, both brothers had become accomplished musicians. Mike (violin and guitar) and Dan (piano). But life took them in different directions. Based out of Portland, Maine, Mike Flannery spent the early part of the decade touring the country as a support act for Ludacris, Outkast, LL Cool J, and other groups. Little brother Dan left the New York corporate scene for childrens' media in Maine, where Mike had opened a recording studio.
Composing material came naturally to the duo, who produced two previous albums (Love Songs for Silly Things and Move Over Lullabies...It's Time for Wake-Up Songs). With this CD, the pair and honorary brother Jonathan Merrifield continue to mine the ripe, unlimited territory of childhood fantasy, from "Green Submarine" to "Kitchen Floor.")
It's good enough for my dog
It's good enough for me
Sometimes I want to lie down on the kitchen floor.
Running a little less than 43 minutes, The New Explorers Club is a short, fun, and entertaining trip to share with your family.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Together Tomorrow - Tom Chapin
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
Freedom Highway - Mavis Staples
Collide - Howie Day
Frenzy - Dean Jones
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
One Is The Loneliest Number - Three Dog Night
Shout-outs from Ben to Princess Katie and Justin Roberts for tweeting hello!
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Mister Rabbit - Casper Babypants
Freedom Highway - Mavis Staples
Collide - Howie Day
Frenzy - Dean Jones
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
One Is The Loneliest Number - Three Dog Night
Shout-outs from Ben to Princess Katie and Justin Roberts for tweeting hello!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 30, 2010
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Starman - Killian Mansfield
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
Wake Up Shake Up - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Colors - John & Mark
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Apples and Bananas - Primate Fiasco
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
A decent set of semi-new and new stuff.
White Light - Wilco
Starman - Killian Mansfield
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
Wake Up Shake Up - Rolie Polie Guacamole
Colors - John & Mark
Unicorn - Dr. Dog
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Apples and Bananas - Primate Fiasco
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
A decent set of semi-new and new stuff.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 27, 2010
For Pete's Sake - The Monkees
Orange - Laura Freeman
Mind Over Matter - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Sliver - Casper Babypants
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Clack-ity Clack - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Morning Person - Shrek the Musical
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Good People - Jack Johnson
Ironically, I just accepted a kindiefest friend request from Rebecca Frezza.
Orange - Laura Freeman
Mind Over Matter - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Sliver - Casper Babypants
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Clack-ity Clack - Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Morning Person - Shrek the Musical
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Good People - Jack Johnson
Ironically, I just accepted a kindiefest friend request from Rebecca Frezza.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 26, 2010
Starman - Golden Smog
Crash - Primitives
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Little Parrot - Matt Clark
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
I'll Stand By You - Pretenders
He's Okay - Sugar Free All-Stars
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Funplex - B-52s
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
Busy tonight.
Crash - Primitives
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Some More S'mores - Charity and the JAMband
Little Parrot - Matt Clark
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
I'll Stand By You - Pretenders
He's Okay - Sugar Free All-Stars
Things You Want - The Hipwaders
Funplex - B-52s
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
Busy tonight.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mocking Bird - James Taylor & Carly Simon
New Haircut - Justin Roberts
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Messy Room Song - The Hipwaders
The Thank You Song - Uncle Rock
So What - Pink
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Shake in the Middle - Kaiser George
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
A shorter than usual selection, due to an early AM start.
New Haircut - Justin Roberts
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Messy Room Song - The Hipwaders
The Thank You Song - Uncle Rock
So What - Pink
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Shake in the Middle - Kaiser George
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
A shorter than usual selection, due to an early AM start.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Is A Mammal? - Marais & Miranda
Baby's Getting Up - Casper Babypants
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Air Guitar - Monkey Monkey Music
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
California - Luna
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
We Go Duck - Justin Roberts
See and Be Scene - The Hard Lessons
Gotta Be Good - Ralph's World
Don't Pass Me By - Georgia Satellites
More new music for Ben.
Baby's Getting Up - Casper Babypants
Counting On A Friend - The Bazillions
Air Guitar - Monkey Monkey Music
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Big Kite - Flannery Brothers
California - Luna
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
We Go Duck - Justin Roberts
See and Be Scene - The Hard Lessons
Gotta Be Good - Ralph's World
Don't Pass Me By - Georgia Satellites
More new music for Ben.
Music for Little Monkeys
LeVande Is Just Grand for Youngsters
Surviving hardship gives one a different outlook on life. Not the lead you expected for a childrens CD review? Sorry...but Meredith LeVande had a rough start in life, endured, and matured to promote expressive songs for toddlers through second graders.
Meredith's father abandoned the family after she was born. Her mother subsequently became mentally incapacitated and Meredith was raised by an elderly grandmother - who died when she was 15. The teen turned to music for help her through the tough times, supporting herself and her mother. As Meredith put it, "The one thing that offered me a sense of identity and safety was singing."
Meredith's second childrens CD, "What Are The Odds?" was released this month, under the umbrella title Monkey Monkey Music, which she uses for all live performances, CDs, and DVDs. The Monkey moniker allows Meredith to differentiate from her adult singer/songwriter appearances.
Offering children a chance to monkey around through music, Meredith's songs urge kids to get up dance (Shake It Loud and Turn Your Body Around). But there is more on her agenda - such as connecting with family (Circle), the power of music (Guess What I Am), and simple math skills (the title track). And she doesn't mince words about how all creatures live, in Frogs Eat Butterflies:
Fish eat plants and seals eat fish.
Sharks eat seals but I don't want shark in my dish.
Five years is an eternity in the recording industry, especially for younger audiences, who "age out" of their favorite artists in 2-3 years. But Meredith took five years to construct her second CD, building her songs from interactions with children rather than on a set recording schedule.
And Meredith's personal and professional life took off from such soap opera beginnings, including a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and English from the University of Rochester, a law degree from Brooklyn Law School, and a master's degree in music from SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory.
Meredith's happy ending is getting married, living in New York, and continuing to share positive values for children through her music. Her Web site has song clips and games, as well as music videos. Kids could do worse than learn a few life lessons from someone like Meredith, who knows how to set goals and persevere.
Surviving hardship gives one a different outlook on life. Not the lead you expected for a childrens CD review? Sorry...but Meredith LeVande had a rough start in life, endured, and matured to promote expressive songs for toddlers through second graders.
Meredith's father abandoned the family after she was born. Her mother subsequently became mentally incapacitated and Meredith was raised by an elderly grandmother - who died when she was 15. The teen turned to music for help her through the tough times, supporting herself and her mother. As Meredith put it, "The one thing that offered me a sense of identity and safety was singing."
Meredith's second childrens CD, "What Are The Odds?" was released this month, under the umbrella title Monkey Monkey Music, which she uses for all live performances, CDs, and DVDs. The Monkey moniker allows Meredith to differentiate from her adult singer/songwriter appearances.
Offering children a chance to monkey around through music, Meredith's songs urge kids to get up dance (Shake It Loud and Turn Your Body Around). But there is more on her agenda - such as connecting with family (Circle), the power of music (Guess What I Am), and simple math skills (the title track). And she doesn't mince words about how all creatures live, in Frogs Eat Butterflies:
Fish eat plants and seals eat fish.
Sharks eat seals but I don't want shark in my dish.
Five years is an eternity in the recording industry, especially for younger audiences, who "age out" of their favorite artists in 2-3 years. But Meredith took five years to construct her second CD, building her songs from interactions with children rather than on a set recording schedule.
And Meredith's personal and professional life took off from such soap opera beginnings, including a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and English from the University of Rochester, a law degree from Brooklyn Law School, and a master's degree in music from SUNY Purchase Music Conservatory.
Meredith's happy ending is getting married, living in New York, and continuing to share positive values for children through her music. Her Web site has song clips and games, as well as music videos. Kids could do worse than learn a few life lessons from someone like Meredith, who knows how to set goals and persevere.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 23, 2010
White Light - Wilco
Heart of the Country - Wings
Funcky ABCs - Opus Ditty
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
More new selections as August rolls to a close (groan).
Heart of the Country - Wings
Funcky ABCs - Opus Ditty
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
More new selections as August rolls to a close (groan).
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 23, 2010
White Light - Wilco
Heart of the Country - Wings
Funcky ABCs - Opus Ditty
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
More new selections as August rolls to a close (groan).
Heart of the Country - Wings
Funcky ABCs - Opus Ditty
What Is An Animal? - Marais & Miranda
Let's Go! - Flannery Brothers
Band-Aid - Matt Clark
I'm Alright - Kenny Loggins
Moonshot - Roy Handy & the Moonshot
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
I'm Your Moon - Jonathan Coulton
More new selections as August rolls to a close (groan).
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 20, 2010
Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Best Friend - Lisa Loeb
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
It Never Rains in Southern California - Mamas and the Papas
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Donkey Song - Graham Walker
RC Cola and a Moon Pie - NRBQ
Mac n Cheese - Bazillions
Some new selections by Ben for the start of the weekend.
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Best Friend - Lisa Loeb
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Shake It Loud - Monkey Monkey Music
It Never Rains in Southern California - Mamas and the Papas
Seven - They Might Be Giants
Donkey Song - Graham Walker
RC Cola and a Moon Pie - NRBQ
Mac n Cheese - Bazillions
Some new selections by Ben for the start of the weekend.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 19, 2010
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
A Monster Goes Rarrrgh - ScribbleMonster
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
Clocks - Coldplay
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Keep Fishin' - Weezer
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Moving more into the twenty-first century for Thursday.
And Recess to Einstein's Monkeys this AM.
Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
A Monster Goes Rarrrgh - ScribbleMonster
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
(I've Got a) Pet Dinosaur - Einstein's Monkey
Clocks - Coldplay
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Keep Fishin' - Weezer
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Moving more into the twenty-first century for Thursday.
And Recess to Einstein's Monkeys this AM.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 17, 2010
B.A.T.H. - The Not-Its
Alphabet Soup - Tom Chapin
Saved By Zero - The Fixx
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Wishin' Around - ScribbleMonster
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Head Over Heals - Tears For Fears
More 80s music today. Perhaps I should start ripping more songs from the 90s.
Alphabet Soup - Tom Chapin
Saved By Zero - The Fixx
Shpilkas - Bunny Clogs
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Buddy Holly - Weezer
Wishin' Around - ScribbleMonster
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
Head Over Heals - Tears For Fears
More 80s music today. Perhaps I should start ripping more songs from the 90s.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Motion, Motion Everywhere - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Shout - Tears For Fears
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Thinking About You - Norah Jones
Promise of a New Day - Paula Abdul
Say It Isn't So - Hall and Oates
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
Hole Hearted - Extreme
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Messy Room Song - The Hipwaders
Some greatest hits of the '80s with Hall and Oates and Paul McCartney. Plus Paula Abdul for added value.
Shout - Tears For Fears
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
Thinking About You - Norah Jones
Promise of a New Day - Paula Abdul
Say It Isn't So - Hall and Oates
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
Hole Hearted - Extreme
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
Messy Room Song - The Hipwaders
Some greatest hits of the '80s with Hall and Oates and Paul McCartney. Plus Paula Abdul for added value.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 16, 2010
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
White Light - Wilco
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Speak the Truth - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Is the weekend over yet?
White Light - Wilco
Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo
Speak the Truth - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
So So Happy - Debbie and Friends
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
The Rhyming Circus - Ralph's World
My Brother The Ape - They Might Be Giants
Is the weekend over yet?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 13, 2010
How Many Times - Mel Glazer
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Kugel - The LeeVees
Uptown Girl - Weezer
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Anakin's Betrayal - John Williams
Funplex - The B-52s
Hummingbird - Wilco
Wilco and Weezer are back. It's an "old favorites" Friday.
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Are You Gonna Eat That? - Keith Munslow
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Kugel - The LeeVees
Uptown Girl - Weezer
What Do You Like More? - Robin Vaughn
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
Anakin's Betrayal - John Williams
Funplex - The B-52s
Hummingbird - Wilco
Wilco and Weezer are back. It's an "old favorites" Friday.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 12, 2010
Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Hawaii Five-O - The Ventures
Xavier Xerxes Xeonphanes X - Steve Weeks
I Can Do Anything - Dustin Type
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
E Eats Everything - They Might Be Giants
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Spiders in My Breakfast - Harmonica Pocket
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
No Surprise - Daughtry
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Hmmm... more Daughtry and no Weezer again. Somebody might be switching his hard rock preference.
Hawaii Five-O - The Ventures
Xavier Xerxes Xeonphanes X - Steve Weeks
I Can Do Anything - Dustin Type
Go Waggalo - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
E Eats Everything - They Might Be Giants
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Spiders in My Breakfast - Harmonica Pocket
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
No Surprise - Daughtry
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Art Car - The Hipwaders
Hmmm... more Daughtry and no Weezer again. Somebody might be switching his hard rock preference.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 10, 2010
White Light - Wilco
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Snowflake, Snowflake - Tom Glazer
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Honey Honey - Feist
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Fort - Recess Monkey
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Purple People Eater - Ray Stevens
Usually Weezer and Wilco go hand in hand for Ben, but not this AM.
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
Snowflake, Snowflake - Tom Glazer
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Honey Honey - Feist
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Fort - Recess Monkey
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Purple People Eater - Ray Stevens
Usually Weezer and Wilco go hand in hand for Ben, but not this AM.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Check It Out - Casper Babypants
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
My Lucky Day - Eric Herman
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
The Final Countdown - Europe
Stadium rock returns with Europe!!!
Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
Burris the Bat - Matt Clark
My Lucky Day - Eric Herman
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Love and Hope - Ozomantli
Here To Fall - Yo La Tengo
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
The Final Countdown - Europe
Stadium rock returns with Europe!!!
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 9, 2010
Warm Fronts, Cold Fronts - Tom Glazer
Luck - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
Apples and Bananas - Primate Fiasco
Jungle Boogie - The Sippy Cups
Boogie Monster - Recess Monkey
Imma Be (Clean) - Black Eyed Peas
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
Roam - The B-52s
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
Busy Sunday. Just getting around to posting this AM.
Luck - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Growl Growl - Deedle Deedle Dees
You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile - Dan Zanes & Friends
Apples and Bananas - Primate Fiasco
Jungle Boogie - The Sippy Cups
Boogie Monster - Recess Monkey
Imma Be (Clean) - Black Eyed Peas
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here - Weezer
Roam - The B-52s
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
Busy Sunday. Just getting around to posting this AM.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 6, 2010
Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Superhero - School for the Dead
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Big Wide Wonderful World - Chris Isaak
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Dr. Worm - They Might Be Giants
Wonderwall (Acoustic) - Weezer
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
Every Day Is A Birthday - Brady Rymer
New acoustic Weezer! Ben was ecstatic.
Superhero - School for the Dead
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Superhero - Tim and the Space Cadets
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
Big Wide Wonderful World - Chris Isaak
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Dr. Worm - They Might Be Giants
Wonderwall (Acoustic) - Weezer
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
Every Day Is A Birthday - Brady Rymer
New acoustic Weezer! Ben was ecstatic.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 5, 2010
Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Jewish Girls (At the Matzoh Ball) - The LeeVees
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Papa Loves Mambo - Dean Martin
Jump Up and Down - Flannery Brothers
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
My Best Friend - Weezer
Don't Let's Start - They Might Be Giants
Little Sack of Sugar - Harmonica Pocket
Eek! Ack! Help! Police! - Lucas Miller
From Fergie to Dino this morning.
Strawberry Jam - Michelle Shocked
In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Jewish Girls (At the Matzoh Ball) - The LeeVees
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Papa Loves Mambo - Dean Martin
Jump Up and Down - Flannery Brothers
Boom Boom Pow - The Black Eyed Peas
My Best Friend - Weezer
Don't Let's Start - They Might Be Giants
Little Sack of Sugar - Harmonica Pocket
Eek! Ack! Help! Police! - Lucas Miller
From Fergie to Dino this morning.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 3, 2010
Goyim Friends - The LeeVees
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Black Horse & The Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
No Surprise - Daughtry
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Human Fly - Hank Hooper
Nicky Nicky Knock - Dream Jam Band
Weezer, Katy Perry, and all your modern favorites.
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Black Horse & The Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
No Surprise - Daughtry
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
Villa Villekula Hula - Monty Harper
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Human Fly - Hank Hooper
Nicky Nicky Knock - Dream Jam Band
Weezer, Katy Perry, and all your modern favorites.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Hebrew-Speaking Bear - Randy Kaplan
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
This Is Your Body - Baze And His Silly Friends
It's Summertime - Flaming Lips
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Beverly Hills - Weezer
Speed of Love - The Hipwaders
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey
Mostly newer stuff for tomorrow AM.
I Love My Library - Lunch Money
All Around the Kitchen - Pete Seeger
It Don't Come Easy - Ringo Starr
Opposite Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Walkin' the Cow - fIREHOSE
This Is Your Body - Baze And His Silly Friends
It's Summertime - Flaming Lips
Super Sonic Rocket Bike - Bazillions
Beverly Hills - Weezer
Speed of Love - The Hipwaders
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey
Mostly newer stuff for tomorrow AM.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 2, 2010
Green Teeth - The Zucchini Brothers
White Light - Wilco
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Have You Ever - Brandi Carlile
Surfing USA - Beach Boys
Chag_Purim - Purim Jews
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
My Name Is No - Starfish
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
Funplex - The B-52s
Troublemaker - Weezer
As eclectic as ever.
White Light - Wilco
Hyper Enough - Superchunk
Pedal Power - Recess Monkey
Have You Ever - Brandi Carlile
Surfing USA - Beach Boys
Chag_Purim - Purim Jews
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
My Name Is No - Starfish
Jumpin' Jive - Joe Jackson
Funplex - The B-52s
Troublemaker - Weezer
As eclectic as ever.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 30, 2010
Wonderful World - Daddy A Go Go
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Hey Soul Sister - Train
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Sleepoverland - Justin Roberts
Springtime, It's My Favorite - Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Black Slacks - Robert Gordon
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
Looking forward to the weekend!
Let's Not Fight (Feast of Lights) - They Might Be Giants
Hey Soul Sister - Train
(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To - Weezer
Dishes - Joe's Backyard Band
Sleepoverland - Justin Roberts
Springtime, It's My Favorite - Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Black Slacks - Robert Gordon
Everyone Everywhere - Baze And His Silly Friends
Be Yourself - Grenadilla
The Galax Sea - Recess Monkey
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
Looking forward to the weekend!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cookies & Milk - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
California - Luna
Green Eleven - Todd McHatton
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
My Brain - Mose Allison
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Sing About the Sun - Dog on Fleas
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey
Some new selections, plus the first song that Ben ever requested to hear again (It's A No No) from Spare the Rock podcast.
It's a No No to Kiss a Rhino - Roger Day
If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
California - Luna
Green Eleven - Todd McHatton
New Game - Tim and the Space Cadets
My Brain - Mose Allison
My Doorbell - The White Stripes
Some Pieces - King Pajama
Sing About the Sun - Dog on Fleas
Stop At a Mom n'n Pop - Uncle Rock
Marshmallow Farm - Recess Monkey
Some new selections, plus the first song that Ben ever requested to hear again (It's A No No) from Spare the Rock podcast.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I Feel Like Going Home - Yo La Tengo
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Superball - Magic Kids
Whistle For Willie - Randy Kaplan
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
If Not For You - George Harrison
Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Joy - NoMeansNo
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
More new songs chosen by Ben!
If Mama Had Four Hands - Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family
Superball - Magic Kids
Whistle For Willie - Randy Kaplan
California Gurls - Katy Perry (Feat. Snoop Dogg)
If Not For You - George Harrison
Best Day Ever - Spongebob Squarepants
Hologram World - Tiny Masters of Today
Baby Kangaroo - Joe McDermott
Joy - NoMeansNo
Sunglasses - Recess Monkey
Cities With Seagulls - Joe's Backyard Band
More new songs chosen by Ben!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hello Hippopotamus - Laura Doherty
Percy on Pluto - The Nields
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
Don't Pass Me By - Georgia Satellites
Flipped by the Georgia Satellites second album on our shelf and just had to rip that song for Ben.
Percy on Pluto - The Nields
My Darling Clementine - The Submarines
Spider-Man - Chris McKhool
Neighbors - Okee-Dokee Brothers
Muppets/Mahna Mahna - Primate Fiasco
One Day Soon - The Sippy Cups
Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root
Little Robot - Human Tim + Robot Tim
Don't Pass Me By - Georgia Satellites
Flipped by the Georgia Satellites second album on our shelf and just had to rip that song for Ben.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 26, 2010
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
White Light - Wilco
Joshua's Treehouse - Starfish
One Of Us - Joan Osborne
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Frenzy - Dean Jones
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
Yes, some new songs this week. Watch for more as they show up.
White Light - Wilco
Joshua's Treehouse - Starfish
One Of Us - Joan Osborne
Roundy Round - Monty Harper
Heigh-Ho - Los Lobos
Frenzy - Dean Jones
The King Of Calibar - Bill Harley
Sack Lunch - Recess Monkey
Crow - Joe's Backyard Band
Rough and Tumble - The Fuzzy Lemons
Yes, some new songs this week. Watch for more as they show up.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 23, 2010
Zoom A Little Zoom - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Shout - Tears For Fears
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Happy Place - Milkshake
Li'l Things - Strange Kidz
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Hmm... a lot of songs by artists who were also featured yesterday.
Either Ben is in a groove or I need to import some new songs.
Shout - Tears For Fears
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer
Happy Place - Milkshake
Li'l Things - Strange Kidz
How Do You Build a Robot? - Recess Monkey
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Hmm... a lot of songs by artists who were also featured yesterday.
Either Ben is in a groove or I need to import some new songs.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 22, 2010
Cousin Max Is Prepared to Rock - Spare the Rock
Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
Rockstar - Charity and the JAMband
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
What's On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies
In The Mall - Weezer
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Sick day set from Ben.
Why Go Up There? - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
The Race Is On Again - Yo La Tengo
Rockstar - Charity and the JAMband
We Are Going To Be Friends - The White Stripes
Chicken Noodle Soup - Yosi
Walk Tall - Ziggy Marley
What's On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies
In The Mall - Weezer
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Roy G. Biv - They Might Be Giants
The Boogieman - Keith Munslow
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Sick day set from Ben.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Smoothie - Kimya Dawson
Ice Is A Solid - Dorothy Collins
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
New Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
One Of Us - Joan Osborne
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
Mr. Tambourine Man - The Hollies
Mmmmm - Crash Test Dummies
What You Thought You Need - Jack Johnson
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Good midweek funky set.
Ice Is A Solid - Dorothy Collins
Oh My My - Ringo Starr
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
New Day - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
One Of Us - Joan Osborne
Tarzan's Nuts - Madness
Mr. Tambourine Man - The Hollies
Mmmmm - Crash Test Dummies
What You Thought You Need - Jack Johnson
Funky Monkey - Yosi & the Superdads
Good midweek funky set.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 20, 2010
It Makes You Feel Good - Renee & Jeremy
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
I Get Around - Beach Boys
Roam - The B-52s
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Science Fair - Trout Fishing in America
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
A nice summer set list.
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Spitting Seeds - Under the Tree Music
Trick or Treat - Justin Roberts
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
I Get Around - Beach Boys
Roam - The B-52s
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Science Fair - Trout Fishing in America
History Never Repeats - Split Enz
Even Numbers - They Might Be Giants
I Love My Mom - Dennis Caraher
A nice summer set list.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 19, 2010
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
White Light - Wilco
Driver Education - Indigo Girls
Head Over Heals - Tears For Fears
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Sometimes I'll Be There - Naked Brothers Band
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
I Go Swimming - Peter Gabriel
Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
Troublemaker - Weezer
After a sleepless night, a long morning set from Ben.
White Light - Wilco
Driver Education - Indigo Girls
Head Over Heals - Tears For Fears
Si Se Puede - Deedle Deedle Dees
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Sometimes I'll Be There - Naked Brothers Band
Dinosaur in My Backyard - Hullabaloo
I Go Swimming - Peter Gabriel
Get A Clue - ScribbleMonster
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
Troublemaker - Weezer
After a sleepless night, a long morning set from Ben.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Not-Its Not Coasting on West Coast
Seattle Funsters Challenge Eastern (Kids) Rock Girls
Girl power. No, I'm not reminiscing about the Spice Girls. I'm talking about the modern-day kindie rock battle that's brewing between the East Coast (Audrarox and the Jimmies) and the West Coast (The Not-Its).
With this month's release of their second CD, "Time Out To Rock," the Not-Its make a case for the Northwest. Boasting confident vocals from former indie pop singer Sarah Shannon (from Velocity Girl), the 11 tracks cover child-centric topics such as relocation (Welcome to Our School), fears (Only Kids Can See), and frustration (Accidentally).
The band remains "on message" throughout their power-pop set. Mainly, that kids are people, too. And that even the smallest among us sometimes need help dealing with the simplest of issues. As in "Accidentally," where the protagonist copes with everyday mistakes:
I sat down in a chair next to my friend Claire,
When she jumped in the air.
Something happened accidentally.
She started to cry. When I asked her why, she looked me right in the eye.
It happened accidentally.
She looked down at her shoe, it was covered with glue.
Oh no what did I do?
Could this have happened accidentally?
It's my fault after all.
The Not-Its' goal is to provide young children with their first "real live rock show" experience. We had taken Ben to see Dan Zanes and the Wiggles. I passed on the Doodlebops due to exorbitant ticket prices. When my wife returned home, she was glazed over. "He went nuts," she explained. "There was no real story - it was just a concert and he wouldn't sit down for the entire show!"
We had seen abbreviated sets from Audrarox and the Jimmies at Kindiefest, but Ben's first real "rock" concert may have been the Jimmies at Symphony Space. But the gauntlet has definitely been thrown thousands of miles from West to East. The Not-Its make a strong case for being one of the best family-friendly rock acts on either coast.
If anything, "Time Out To Rock" skews a little young for Ben (now 9). A song like "Green Light, Go!" channels the band Garbage (for kids), but he's past the need for another song about lights changing color. But three- to seven-year-olds will groove on the guitars and drum beats.
From our perspective, though, there can never be enough songs like "Welcome to Our School," about helping a child get comfortable in a new setting. Until last year, this was Ben's situation for three years in a row. He should now be able to take the lead and welcome new children into his school. And there's nothing wrong with a song to reinforce that attitude.
The Jimmies are working on new material. Audrarox just released their second CD (which we haven't heard yet). We're dedicated East Coasters. But the Not-Its rock a siren song that's hard to ignore, all the way from Seattle.
Girl power. No, I'm not reminiscing about the Spice Girls. I'm talking about the modern-day kindie rock battle that's brewing between the East Coast (Audrarox and the Jimmies) and the West Coast (The Not-Its).
With this month's release of their second CD, "Time Out To Rock," the Not-Its make a case for the Northwest. Boasting confident vocals from former indie pop singer Sarah Shannon (from Velocity Girl), the 11 tracks cover child-centric topics such as relocation (Welcome to Our School), fears (Only Kids Can See), and frustration (Accidentally).
The band remains "on message" throughout their power-pop set. Mainly, that kids are people, too. And that even the smallest among us sometimes need help dealing with the simplest of issues. As in "Accidentally," where the protagonist copes with everyday mistakes:
I sat down in a chair next to my friend Claire,
When she jumped in the air.
Something happened accidentally.
She started to cry. When I asked her why, she looked me right in the eye.
It happened accidentally.
She looked down at her shoe, it was covered with glue.
Oh no what did I do?
Could this have happened accidentally?
It's my fault after all.
The Not-Its' goal is to provide young children with their first "real live rock show" experience. We had taken Ben to see Dan Zanes and the Wiggles. I passed on the Doodlebops due to exorbitant ticket prices. When my wife returned home, she was glazed over. "He went nuts," she explained. "There was no real story - it was just a concert and he wouldn't sit down for the entire show!"
We had seen abbreviated sets from Audrarox and the Jimmies at Kindiefest, but Ben's first real "rock" concert may have been the Jimmies at Symphony Space. But the gauntlet has definitely been thrown thousands of miles from West to East. The Not-Its make a strong case for being one of the best family-friendly rock acts on either coast.
If anything, "Time Out To Rock" skews a little young for Ben (now 9). A song like "Green Light, Go!" channels the band Garbage (for kids), but he's past the need for another song about lights changing color. But three- to seven-year-olds will groove on the guitars and drum beats.
From our perspective, though, there can never be enough songs like "Welcome to Our School," about helping a child get comfortable in a new setting. Until last year, this was Ben's situation for three years in a row. He should now be able to take the lead and welcome new children into his school. And there's nothing wrong with a song to reinforce that attitude.
The Jimmies are working on new material. Audrarox just released their second CD (which we haven't heard yet). We're dedicated East Coasters. But the Not-Its rock a siren song that's hard to ignore, all the way from Seattle.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 16, 2010
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
B.A.T.H. - The Not-Its
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Mary, Mary - The Monkees
Mmmmm - Crash Test Dummies
Roam - The B-52s
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
One Two Three Four - Feist
Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode
Keep Fishin' - Weezer
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Ben spans the decades with Friday's playlist.
B.A.T.H. - The Not-Its
Tiny Cool - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Mary, Mary - The Monkees
Mmmmm - Crash Test Dummies
Roam - The B-52s
Dixie Flier - Randy Newman
Dr. Wiggle - Recess Monkey
One Two Three Four - Feist
Just Can't Get Enough - Depeche Mode
Keep Fishin' - Weezer
Kansas City Octopus - Clementown
Ben spans the decades with Friday's playlist.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 15, 2010
Annie and Carly Are Prepared to Rock - Spare the Rock
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Run - Mr. G
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
Butter - Bunny Clogs
Morning Person - Shrek the Musical
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Don't Stay - Laura Izibor
All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
We just finished listening to the LOVE soundtrack in the car. Hence, Ben's finale today.
Where Does The Sun Go At Night? - Dorothy Collins
Run - Mr. G
Rubber Biscuit - Supersuckers
Butter - Bunny Clogs
Morning Person - Shrek the Musical
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Calendar Girl - Neil Sedaka
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Don't Stay - Laura Izibor
All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
We just finished listening to the LOVE soundtrack in the car. Hence, Ben's finale today.
Perez for Oswalt: Mets Trade Proposal
The New York Mets have a chance at the Eastern Division title.
Forget the wild-card.
The wild-card, like in the AL East, is going to come down to whoever doesn't deliver in the final 10 weeks of season.
In the AL East, the Yankees have the advantage over Tampa Bay and Boston. The club that gets hot can blow past the other two and win the division. Right now, the Rays and Red Sox are playing jump ball for the wild card.
In the NL East, the Atlanta Braves have made it a three-way race with the Philadelphia Phillies and Mets. The Phillies forgot the ancient baseball maxim, "You can never have enough pitching" and traded Cliff Lee to Seattle. Now Lee is in Texas, on his fourth team in less than two seasons. And the Phillies find themselves in third place in the East.
Clearly, the Mets need a name pitcher. They have five bodies in the rotation, but R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi are untested down the stretch. Mike Pelfrey has looked horrible in his last few outings and Johan "Have A Grand Slam" Santana has to provide his own offense to win games. There's a fifth guy in there somewhere... oh yes, Jon Niese.
Even the Phillies must know something about Pedro Martinez if they haven't floated an offer his way this late in the season. So the "Vote for Pedro" boat has clearly sailed.
I would made a modest proposal for the Mets: look to the Southwest. The Houston Astros are cash-poor and gullible. Let's take advantage. Offer Oliver Perez, some cash, and a pitching prospect, in return for Roy Oswalt.
Ollie has been awful, sure, but Omar Minaya could always tell the Astros, "He just needs a change of scenery! He's pitching well in rehab!"
The clock is ticking on Perez, who must be activated or moved by the July 31 deadline.
Salary-wise, it's almost a wash: Perez makes $12M and Oswalt makes $15M. Both have another year on existing contracts.
The Mets could improve their team by sending $5M with Perez...this lessens the bleeding if the Astros decide to eat Ollie's contract or trade him next season. Or perhaps Perez will perk up in new surroundings. After all, that's the load of crap that Minaya has to drop to get Ollie off the Mets roster.
The Mets payroll would go up $8M this season. But they would also take themselves out of the free agent race for a starting pitcher in the offseason. Oswalt would essentially be playing down the stretch for a contract extension. And playing in New York would only raise his profile. More money in advertising jobs and personal appearances. Sounds like the sales job the Knicks tried on LeBron James, hmm?
That's it, Mets. I've solved your problems again.
Now let's just hope that Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes don't have a repeat of their vanishing acts from 2009. Otherwise, the Mets will wind up playing jump ball with the Phillies and Braves for that wild-card spot come late September. And as we've seen in past years, they haven't come up with the ball.
Forget the wild-card.
The wild-card, like in the AL East, is going to come down to whoever doesn't deliver in the final 10 weeks of season.
In the AL East, the Yankees have the advantage over Tampa Bay and Boston. The club that gets hot can blow past the other two and win the division. Right now, the Rays and Red Sox are playing jump ball for the wild card.
In the NL East, the Atlanta Braves have made it a three-way race with the Philadelphia Phillies and Mets. The Phillies forgot the ancient baseball maxim, "You can never have enough pitching" and traded Cliff Lee to Seattle. Now Lee is in Texas, on his fourth team in less than two seasons. And the Phillies find themselves in third place in the East.
Clearly, the Mets need a name pitcher. They have five bodies in the rotation, but R.A. Dickey and Hisanori Takahashi are untested down the stretch. Mike Pelfrey has looked horrible in his last few outings and Johan "Have A Grand Slam" Santana has to provide his own offense to win games. There's a fifth guy in there somewhere... oh yes, Jon Niese.
Even the Phillies must know something about Pedro Martinez if they haven't floated an offer his way this late in the season. So the "Vote for Pedro" boat has clearly sailed.
I would made a modest proposal for the Mets: look to the Southwest. The Houston Astros are cash-poor and gullible. Let's take advantage. Offer Oliver Perez, some cash, and a pitching prospect, in return for Roy Oswalt.
Ollie has been awful, sure, but Omar Minaya could always tell the Astros, "He just needs a change of scenery! He's pitching well in rehab!"
The clock is ticking on Perez, who must be activated or moved by the July 31 deadline.
Salary-wise, it's almost a wash: Perez makes $12M and Oswalt makes $15M. Both have another year on existing contracts.
The Mets could improve their team by sending $5M with Perez...this lessens the bleeding if the Astros decide to eat Ollie's contract or trade him next season. Or perhaps Perez will perk up in new surroundings. After all, that's the load of crap that Minaya has to drop to get Ollie off the Mets roster.
The Mets payroll would go up $8M this season. But they would also take themselves out of the free agent race for a starting pitcher in the offseason. Oswalt would essentially be playing down the stretch for a contract extension. And playing in New York would only raise his profile. More money in advertising jobs and personal appearances. Sounds like the sales job the Knicks tried on LeBron James, hmm?
That's it, Mets. I've solved your problems again.
Now let's just hope that Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes don't have a repeat of their vanishing acts from 2009. Otherwise, the Mets will wind up playing jump ball with the Phillies and Braves for that wild-card spot come late September. And as we've seen in past years, they haven't come up with the ball.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sanford and Son - Quincy Jones
Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
Please and Thank You - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Because It's There - Ellis Paul
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
Down To Earth - Peter Gabriel Soundtrack
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
Perry Como, in honor of Grandma joining us for dinner tonight while Ben made his playlist.
Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
Please and Thank You - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Because It's There - Ellis Paul
Sing Like a Sparrow - Dean Jones
Coconut Woman - Karl Zero & THE Wailers
Pee Keeps Our Insides Clean - Pete Yorn
Kitty McGoo - Royal Order of Chords and Keys
Down To Earth - Peter Gabriel Soundtrack
Lima Bean - Dog on Fleas
Flaming Pie - Paul McCartney
Perry Como, in honor of Grandma joining us for dinner tonight while Ben made his playlist.
Andrea's Eulogy for Melvyn Odintz – July 6th, 2010
Thank you all for coming. We all know that the last few years were difficult for our father. Fortunately, that was only a small fraction of his 85 years. Today, my family and I want to share memories of what he was like before.
Our father grew up in Brooklyn with his parents, older sister and younger brother. As he got older, he grew to love music, an interest he later passed on to his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed big-band music. He learned to play drums and practiced on the drum set he kept in the basement of his apartment building. This proved to be a convenient location whenever there was a good concert in town. He’d leave “for school,” go down to the basement, stash his books in the bass drum, and skip class to go see his favorite bands play.
Of course, years later, he wouldn’t have been pleased if any of his kids pulled a stunt like that. Although he did make an occasional exception if there was an educational excuse, like taking Laurie and later Jay to see parades of astronauts who were in town on a school day.
Later on, Jay and I both played drums for a while, though not at Dad’s level of performing in the Catskills. But he showed us the right way to hold drumsticks: the jazz way, not the rock way. [Can demonstrate] He was also enormously proud of my son Ben’s piano playing and bragged about that to everyone.
He met our mother in high school but soon after he graduated, he was off to serve in the Navy during World War II. He was trained as a medic in Corpus Cristi, Texas. He wrote poetry and songs to my mother. In later years, he wrote many more poems for his children and grandchildren.
While in the Navy, our father was the sole survivor of a plane crash, which is staggering. And so he was able to return home, marry our mother in 1946 – and remain married to her for the next 63-1/2 years – and have 5 children throughout their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Pretty soon, our parents had 3 little girls, my sisters, Alayne, Sharrin, and Laurie, to take care of, and there was a lot of housework to be done. After the kids were asleep, he’d borrow an extra iron and ironing board from a neighbor, set up the 2 ironing boards facing each other, so he could see our mom, and he and our mother would iron together. So here was this Navy man ironing cute little girls’ dresses. And he did so with pride: Our father was always neat and had high standards for grooming.
More significantly, he was always very giving and generous, and taught his children by example to strive to be the same way. Years ago, when my sisters were little, there was a milk strike in the neighborhood. He volunteered to drive to Pennsylvania to buy milk from a farm – not just for his own daughters, but for all the kids in the neighborhood.
Another time, during a snowstorm, he pulled the girls on a sled all the way from Parsons Blvd. to Main Street to buy milk and bread for many neighbors in their building. If someone asked for help, he never turned them down. No favor was ever too much trouble. He helped non-native English-speaking neighbors fill out forms and others with their finances.
One New Year’s Eve, maybe 10 years, ago he didn’t think the widows in the building should be alone, so he ordered in food, and he and our mother hosted a little party.
Our father worked his way up in the post office, from sorting mail, to supervisor, and eventually, to arbitrator of labor disputes, because of his well-known character traits of honesty, fairness and justice. But for half of his 32 years at the post office, he worked the 4 to midnight shift. So he was home during the day when other fathers were working.
In the early years, he taught the kids in the neighborhood to play punch ball and hit the penny. In later years, I remember I used to wait up for him when it wasn’t a school night – he’d get home around 1 a.m. – and I’d keep him company, eating ice cream while he ate dinner, and then we’d watch musicals on TV like “Easter Parade.”
He was an extremely hard worker, often working 2 jobs, 6 days a week. But he made sure to spend his day off driving to Nassau to visit his mother, sister and family. This is a consistent memory for me, my brother, and my sisters, across many years. Jay remembers playing catch with our father in Aunt Frances’ backyard, and I remember visiting such nearby places as Toy Town, Hicks Nurseries, and McGuiness Amusement Park with my nieces, Danielle, Kimberly, and Meredith. Our father loved taking us on outings and buying treats and toys for everyone. My nephew, Justin, remembers lots of egg creams, shopping trips for Transformers, and a trip to buy a scooter. And even when Dad wasn’t getting around as much, he’d order musical toys from catalogs for my son and bring them over, with breakfast, on his weekly visits to my house.
But our father’s giving nature was truly proven when tragedy struck his brother’s family. He immediately took his vacation time from work, and our parents went to spend time with them every day. Sometimes our father didn’t express himself with words, but he always showed his feelings with his heartfelt actions.
Our father helped raise a family of nurturing, caring people who look out for each other. Just as he showed devotion to all of us all those years, we have tried to reciprocate, especially as my parents needed more help.
He stood by while we made mistakes, but my siblings and I all agree, he never said I told you so. He just swooped in and did what needed to be done – to help us, to help anyone, really. He didn’t have a lot of money and yet his attitude was that money was no object for what his family needed and sometimes simply wanted – he had good taste – and also to give to charity. He treated us to vacations, and, during his early retirement years, our parents enjoyed many days out in the city, going out to lunch and seeing Broadway shows.
Our father’s attitude toward hard times was, “We’ll figure it out. We’ll find a way.” And he always did. That’s what he taught his family to do. And we are trying now.
Our father grew up in Brooklyn with his parents, older sister and younger brother. As he got older, he grew to love music, an interest he later passed on to his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed big-band music. He learned to play drums and practiced on the drum set he kept in the basement of his apartment building. This proved to be a convenient location whenever there was a good concert in town. He’d leave “for school,” go down to the basement, stash his books in the bass drum, and skip class to go see his favorite bands play.
Of course, years later, he wouldn’t have been pleased if any of his kids pulled a stunt like that. Although he did make an occasional exception if there was an educational excuse, like taking Laurie and later Jay to see parades of astronauts who were in town on a school day.
Later on, Jay and I both played drums for a while, though not at Dad’s level of performing in the Catskills. But he showed us the right way to hold drumsticks: the jazz way, not the rock way. [Can demonstrate] He was also enormously proud of my son Ben’s piano playing and bragged about that to everyone.
He met our mother in high school but soon after he graduated, he was off to serve in the Navy during World War II. He was trained as a medic in Corpus Cristi, Texas. He wrote poetry and songs to my mother. In later years, he wrote many more poems for his children and grandchildren.
While in the Navy, our father was the sole survivor of a plane crash, which is staggering. And so he was able to return home, marry our mother in 1946 – and remain married to her for the next 63-1/2 years – and have 5 children throughout their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Pretty soon, our parents had 3 little girls, my sisters, Alayne, Sharrin, and Laurie, to take care of, and there was a lot of housework to be done. After the kids were asleep, he’d borrow an extra iron and ironing board from a neighbor, set up the 2 ironing boards facing each other, so he could see our mom, and he and our mother would iron together. So here was this Navy man ironing cute little girls’ dresses. And he did so with pride: Our father was always neat and had high standards for grooming.
More significantly, he was always very giving and generous, and taught his children by example to strive to be the same way. Years ago, when my sisters were little, there was a milk strike in the neighborhood. He volunteered to drive to Pennsylvania to buy milk from a farm – not just for his own daughters, but for all the kids in the neighborhood.
Another time, during a snowstorm, he pulled the girls on a sled all the way from Parsons Blvd. to Main Street to buy milk and bread for many neighbors in their building. If someone asked for help, he never turned them down. No favor was ever too much trouble. He helped non-native English-speaking neighbors fill out forms and others with their finances.
One New Year’s Eve, maybe 10 years, ago he didn’t think the widows in the building should be alone, so he ordered in food, and he and our mother hosted a little party.
Our father worked his way up in the post office, from sorting mail, to supervisor, and eventually, to arbitrator of labor disputes, because of his well-known character traits of honesty, fairness and justice. But for half of his 32 years at the post office, he worked the 4 to midnight shift. So he was home during the day when other fathers were working.
In the early years, he taught the kids in the neighborhood to play punch ball and hit the penny. In later years, I remember I used to wait up for him when it wasn’t a school night – he’d get home around 1 a.m. – and I’d keep him company, eating ice cream while he ate dinner, and then we’d watch musicals on TV like “Easter Parade.”
He was an extremely hard worker, often working 2 jobs, 6 days a week. But he made sure to spend his day off driving to Nassau to visit his mother, sister and family. This is a consistent memory for me, my brother, and my sisters, across many years. Jay remembers playing catch with our father in Aunt Frances’ backyard, and I remember visiting such nearby places as Toy Town, Hicks Nurseries, and McGuiness Amusement Park with my nieces, Danielle, Kimberly, and Meredith. Our father loved taking us on outings and buying treats and toys for everyone. My nephew, Justin, remembers lots of egg creams, shopping trips for Transformers, and a trip to buy a scooter. And even when Dad wasn’t getting around as much, he’d order musical toys from catalogs for my son and bring them over, with breakfast, on his weekly visits to my house.
But our father’s giving nature was truly proven when tragedy struck his brother’s family. He immediately took his vacation time from work, and our parents went to spend time with them every day. Sometimes our father didn’t express himself with words, but he always showed his feelings with his heartfelt actions.
Our father helped raise a family of nurturing, caring people who look out for each other. Just as he showed devotion to all of us all those years, we have tried to reciprocate, especially as my parents needed more help.
He stood by while we made mistakes, but my siblings and I all agree, he never said I told you so. He just swooped in and did what needed to be done – to help us, to help anyone, really. He didn’t have a lot of money and yet his attitude was that money was no object for what his family needed and sometimes simply wanted – he had good taste – and also to give to charity. He treated us to vacations, and, during his early retirement years, our parents enjoyed many days out in the city, going out to lunch and seeing Broadway shows.
Our father’s attitude toward hard times was, “We’ll figure it out. We’ll find a way.” And he always did. That’s what he taught his family to do. And we are trying now.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Dear God - Sarah MacLachlan
The Like In I Love You - Brian Wilson
I Missed the Bus Again - Skankin' Pickle
Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Wheels On the Bus - Primate Fiasco
Beach - Charity and the JAM Band
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Baby U - Dog On Fleas
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
In lieu of an "all star" day at camp, I chose most of the songs for Ben's playlist.
The Like In I Love You - Brian Wilson
I Missed the Bus Again - Skankin' Pickle
Trading Squirrels - Recess Monkey
Wheels On the Bus - Primate Fiasco
Beach - Charity and the JAM Band
Imagination - Peter Himmelman
Velveeta Girl and Squatsy - Bunny Clogs
Don't Dream It's Over - Crowded House
Baby U - Dog On Fleas
More Cowbell - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
In lieu of an "all star" day at camp, I chose most of the songs for Ben's playlist.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 12, 2010
Wings of An Eagle - Ziggy Marley
White Light - Wilco
Spider Song - Mr. Chris & The Gassy Bubbles
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Mary, Mary - The Monkees
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
ZIp It - Mr. "S"
The Entertainer - Scott Joplin & George Gershwin
Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
Starman - Killian Mansfield
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
In The Mall - Weezer
Back to camp in the AM!
White Light - Wilco
Spider Song - Mr. Chris & The Gassy Bubbles
(There's a) Party In The Playroom - Einstein's Monkey
Mary, Mary - The Monkees
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
ZIp It - Mr. "S"
The Entertainer - Scott Joplin & George Gershwin
Tutti Frutti - Little Richard
Starman - Killian Mansfield
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
In The Mall - Weezer
Back to camp in the AM!
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 9, 2010
Snowflake, Snowflake - Tom Glazer
Junk Food Jump - Trout Fishing in America
Hello Hello (Good Morning) - Dustin Type
Tijuana Taxi - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Wind It Up - Gwen Stefani
Fort - Recess Monkey
Little Sack of Sugar - Harmonica Pocket
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
The Thank You Song - Uncle Rock
Monster Face - Roger Day
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Ben wraps up his first week back at camp with some fun selections.
Junk Food Jump - Trout Fishing in America
Hello Hello (Good Morning) - Dustin Type
Tijuana Taxi - Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
Wind It Up - Gwen Stefani
Fort - Recess Monkey
Little Sack of Sugar - Harmonica Pocket
Stay-At-Home Dad - Justin Roberts
Tripping Down the Freeway - Weezer
Periodically Double Or Triple - Yo La Tengo
The Thank You Song - Uncle Rock
Monster Face - Roger Day
Diving in the Deep Blue Sea - Monty Harper
Ben wraps up his first week back at camp with some fun selections.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 8, 2010
Salamander Green - Ralph Covert
Mule Train - Frankie Laine
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
How Many Times - Mel Glazer
Goods - Mates of State
California Stars - Wilco
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem3:41 PM
Eek! Ack! Help! Police! - Lucas Miller
Wednesday went bye-bye. Lots of confusion setting up and then getting Ben ready for camp.
Mule Train - Frankie Laine
Beanbag Chair - Yo La Tengo
How Many Times - Mel Glazer
Goods - Mates of State
California Stars - Wilco
Sound of Sunshine - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Shake! - Flannery Brothers
When We Was Fab - George Harrison
They All Asked For You - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem3:41 PM
Eek! Ack! Help! Police! - Lucas Miller
Wednesday went bye-bye. Lots of confusion setting up and then getting Ben ready for camp.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 6, 2010
White Light - Wilco
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
Motion, Motion Everywhere - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Too Much Going On - Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers
Goody Two Shoes - Adam & the Ants
Wouldn't It Be Good - Nik Kershaw
Lovely, Love My Family - The Roots
Hey Soul Sister - Train
The Green Grass Grows All Around - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Kee-Mo-Ky-Mo - Nat King Cole
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Funeral today.
C'mon - Renee & Jeremy
Motion, Motion Everywhere - Tom Glazer & Dottie Evans
Too Much Going On - Mike Viola & The Candy Butchers
Goody Two Shoes - Adam & the Ants
Wouldn't It Be Good - Nik Kershaw
Lovely, Love My Family - The Roots
Hey Soul Sister - Train
The Green Grass Grows All Around - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Rock Lobster - The B-52s
Kee-Mo-Ky-Mo - Nat King Cole
Nun Gimmel Heh Shin - The LeeVees
Funeral today.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 5, 2010
Sunday Morning - GMG Jam
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
(Don't Give Me That) Broccoli - The Phenomenauts
Spork - Keith Munslow
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Mule Train - Frankie Laine
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
At the Timeshare - The LeeVees
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Rest in peace, Mel Odintz (July 2, 1925-July 4, 2010)
No Good Reason Party - The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
One Wasn't Enough - Flannery Brothers
(Don't Give Me That) Broccoli - The Phenomenauts
Spork - Keith Munslow
Dance This Mess Around - The B-52s
Mule Train - Frankie Laine
The Summer - Yo La Tengo
I Shall Sing - Grenadilla
At the Timeshare - The LeeVees
The Secret Life of Six - They Might Be Giants
Love My Kitty - The Good Mrs. Padgett
Honest Kid - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Rest in peace, Mel Odintz (July 2, 1925-July 4, 2010)
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Birthday - The Ting Tings
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
Crash - Primitives
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Saved By Zero - The Fixx
There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
Take A Bow - Leona Lewis
Baseball Dreams - Ralph's World
Apple - Me 3
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Violet Hill - Coldplay
A bonus playlist, since we heard most of Spare the Rock this AM.
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
Crash - Primitives
Look Both Ways - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Sand In My Sandwich - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
Saved By Zero - The Fixx
There Is No Away - Uncle Rock
Take A Bow - Leona Lewis
Baseball Dreams - Ralph's World
Apple - Me 3
Photograph - Ringo Starr
Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Violet Hill - Coldplay
A bonus playlist, since we heard most of Spare the Rock this AM.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 2, 2010
Sugarcube - Yo La Tengo
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
My Keyboard - Quiet Ones
Beautiful - Paul Simon
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
It Must Be Summer - Fountains Of Wayne
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Pussycat - Twink
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
Bushel And A Peck - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Last weekday of vacation - holiday weekend and then camp starts on Tuesday.
Everyone Loves to Dance - Aaron Nigel Smith
Chocolate Ice Cream - King Pajama
My Keyboard - Quiet Ones
Beautiful - Paul Simon
Tube Sox - Princess Katie and Racer Steve
It Must Be Summer - Fountains Of Wayne
Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas
My Name Is Jonas - Weezer
Pussycat - Twink
It's Not Fair - Einstein's Monkey
Bushel And A Peck - Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Last weekday of vacation - holiday weekend and then camp starts on Tuesday.
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