Binary – The Board of Education
The Science Fair – Ashley Albert
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Changes – David Bowie
Turning Tables – Adele
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
El Jefe – Mexican Institute of Sound
States and Capitals – Macho Nacho and Mouth Trumpet
Call Me Maybe – Glee
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What Katie Did – The Libertines
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne
Why Is Dad So Mad? – The Board of Education
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Let Me In – Zak Morgan
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
They Don't Know About Us – One Direction
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne
Why Is Dad So Mad? – The Board of Education
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Let Me In – Zak Morgan
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
They Don't Know About Us – One Direction
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 26, 2012
Jingle Bells – Renee & Jeremy
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Let Your Love Grow Tall – Passion Pit
Turning Tables – Adele
Mister E – Zak Morgan
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Back For You – One Direction
Dark Side – Glee
Free To Be You And Me – Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Let Your Love Grow Tall – Passion Pit
Turning Tables – Adele
Mister E – Zak Morgan
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Back For You – One Direction
Dark Side – Glee
Free To Be You And Me – Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
Why An MRI? (new podcast)
A few months ago, I hurt my knee while tending to my toddler.
When the discomfort became almost constant, I sought medical attention.
This week, I document the PROCESS (not the condition of my knee) and how screwed-up it's been thus far.
Also, an archived segment from October sees the light. An embarrassing home handyman incident that occurred on my watch.
I promise to talk about more vacuous things NEXT week!
When the discomfort became almost constant, I sought medical attention.
This week, I document the PROCESS (not the condition of my knee) and how screwed-up it's been thus far.
Also, an archived segment from October sees the light. An embarrassing home handyman incident that occurred on my watch.
I promise to talk about more vacuous things NEXT week!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 23, 2012
Because I Said So! – Big Bang Boom
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
The Owie Song – David Tobocman
Alien Girlfriend – Andy Z
Everyone – Elizabeth Mitchell
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Great To Be A Kid – The Not-Its!
Odd Girl Out – Alexandra
I Would – One Direction
The Family Song – Preschool Of Rock
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
The Owie Song – David Tobocman
Alien Girlfriend – Andy Z
Everyone – Elizabeth Mitchell
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Great To Be A Kid – The Not-Its!
Odd Girl Out – Alexandra
I Would – One Direction
The Family Song – Preschool Of Rock
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 21, 2012
What'd I Say – Ray Charles
Bag of Dreams – Steven Courtney
Can't Keep Johnny Down – They Might Be Giants
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Chasing Pavements – Glee
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
no matter how far – Justin Roberts
Sunny Christmas – Renee & Jeremy
Bag of Dreams – Steven Courtney
Can't Keep Johnny Down – They Might Be Giants
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Chasing Pavements – Glee
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
no matter how far – Justin Roberts
Sunny Christmas – Renee & Jeremy
Nothing Blue About This Preschool (of Rock)
What's a Blue Man to do?
Not a man who is feeling blue (although that could also be the case), but a legit former Blue Man (from the Blue Man Group). Michael Napolitano took his experiences traveling the world with the performance troupe and started the Preschool of Rock in his home state of New Jersey. The school brings a high energy enrichment that provides music education, age appropriate lessons, and physical activity throughout the Garden State.
More than that, Michael records children's music under the same name (Preschool of Rock) that artfully demonstrates his curriculum. His third CD, EVERYTHING MAKES A SOUND, uses more than the percussive backbeat that the Blue Men are known for (although "The Safari Song" goes heavy on drumming).
The title track lacks instruments but not musicality. The song is composed of house keys, voices, whistles, scratched glass, wrenches, clapping hands, rice, and more, with the lyrics stressing:
You don't need an instrument to make a sound.
Just say something that you're thinking and sing it loud.
Napolitano's dad, Tony, was a drummer with the '50s doo-wop group The Ideals. Here's one of their songs, recorded in 1959:
Napolitano brought his dad back to the music scene as a vocalist on the appropriately-titled "The Family Song." This one was a big winner when I previewed the CD for the family. Two-year-old Matt has requested it several times since the initial spin. So congrats – Preschool of Rock hit its target!
If anything, Napolitano needs to harmonize. Several of the songs have a sameness (not a bad thing if you're using them to teach youngsters) that become obvious after replays. It's not that Napolitano has a bad voice. Some level of sweetening could add a new dimension and help listeners differentiate between "Shake It" and "Jump When I Get Up."
But Napolitano does blow apart the canard, "Those who can't, teach." He clearly does know his stuff and the Preschool of Rock will get your toddler drumming and singing along, as it did with mine.
EVERYTHING MAKES A SOUND is available on December 4 on the Preschool of Rock website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Not a man who is feeling blue (although that could also be the case), but a legit former Blue Man (from the Blue Man Group). Michael Napolitano took his experiences traveling the world with the performance troupe and started the Preschool of Rock in his home state of New Jersey. The school brings a high energy enrichment that provides music education, age appropriate lessons, and physical activity throughout the Garden State.
The title track lacks instruments but not musicality. The song is composed of house keys, voices, whistles, scratched glass, wrenches, clapping hands, rice, and more, with the lyrics stressing:
You don't need an instrument to make a sound.
Just say something that you're thinking and sing it loud.
Napolitano's dad, Tony, was a drummer with the '50s doo-wop group The Ideals. Here's one of their songs, recorded in 1959:
Napolitano brought his dad back to the music scene as a vocalist on the appropriately-titled "The Family Song." This one was a big winner when I previewed the CD for the family. Two-year-old Matt has requested it several times since the initial spin. So congrats – Preschool of Rock hit its target!
If anything, Napolitano needs to harmonize. Several of the songs have a sameness (not a bad thing if you're using them to teach youngsters) that become obvious after replays. It's not that Napolitano has a bad voice. Some level of sweetening could add a new dimension and help listeners differentiate between "Shake It" and "Jump When I Get Up."
But Napolitano does blow apart the canard, "Those who can't, teach." He clearly does know his stuff and the Preschool of Rock will get your toddler drumming and singing along, as it did with mine.
EVERYTHING MAKES A SOUND is available on December 4 on the Preschool of Rock website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Warm Holiday Tunes from Renee & Jeremy
The ever-ethereal Renee and Jeremy have released a holiday EP, SUNNY CHRISTMAS.
The title track, originally from 2011, received national airplay. Now
the upbeat California-based duo have fleshed out the concept with five more traditional
favorites: We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Deck The Halls, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Winter Wonderland.
Renee & Jeremy deliver a consistently engaging package of harmonies and melody. With a Christmas sampler, you don't really need more than 5 or 6 songs to get across the bullet points… happy times, family, togetherness, peace despite cold weather. Mark off your checklist and pencil in R&J for a quick (15 minutes!) of fireplace music from the West Coast.
SUNNY CHRISTMAS marks the second release from R&J in 2012, following their CD of cover songs, A LITTLE LOVE (The Monkees, Supertramp, Coldplay). Renee and Jeremy spent their 2012 warming up for a new year and hopefully some new, original material that matches their stellar vocals.
The EP (and the rest of their catalog) is available from their website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
The title track, originally from 2011, received national airplay. Now
the upbeat California-based duo have fleshed out the concept with five more traditional
favorites: We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Deck The Halls, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Winter Wonderland.Renee & Jeremy deliver a consistently engaging package of harmonies and melody. With a Christmas sampler, you don't really need more than 5 or 6 songs to get across the bullet points… happy times, family, togetherness, peace despite cold weather. Mark off your checklist and pencil in R&J for a quick (15 minutes!) of fireplace music from the West Coast.
SUNNY CHRISTMAS marks the second release from R&J in 2012, following their CD of cover songs, A LITTLE LOVE (The Monkees, Supertramp, Coldplay). Renee and Jeremy spent their 2012 warming up for a new year and hopefully some new, original material that matches their stellar vocals.
The EP (and the rest of their catalog) is available from their website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Bluebird > Redbird, Redbird > Reef – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Turning Tables – Adele
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues – Randy Kaplan
Miss Elephant's Gerald – The Pop Ups
A Friend Like You – Steve Weeks
Three – The Board of Education
Heart Attack – One Direction
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
a wild one – Justin Roberts
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Turning Tables – Adele
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues – Randy Kaplan
Miss Elephant's Gerald – The Pop Ups
A Friend Like You – Steve Weeks
Three – The Board of Education
Heart Attack – One Direction
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
a wild one – Justin Roberts
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Fids and Kamily Awards 2012: My Ballot
The 2012 Fids and Kamily Music Poll results were announced this past weekend.
This year the Okee Dokee Brothers were the lucky winners -- their album Can You Canoe? was voted the best kids and family album of the year. It topped another list of outstanding releases from familiar names, big name artists trying their hand at family music, and newcomers, too.
This was the seventh year that the F&K awards were bestowed on children's musical acts. It was, however, the first year that I was asked to join the judging panel. It was truly a humbling experience, as I reviewed more than 30 CDs during the eligibility period – and still only placed three of my selections in the top 15!
Why? I only considered artists that I reviewed, not CDs that we purchased during the year. This made for some truly head-slapping omissions, in my opinion. Not that I would bounce many of the artists that I chose for my list. But it would have been a much tougher process had I included another 15-20 performers.
For 2013, I suggested the administrators assemble some kind of master list to help smooth over such potholes. I even volunteered to at least list the artists that I reviewed, so that others could flesh out a master list prior to the start of voting.
In any event, here was my top 10:
And here are the five favorite songs:
Congrats to all the artists and to the PR people who deemed me worthy to add to their distribution lists!
This year the Okee Dokee Brothers were the lucky winners -- their album Can You Canoe? was voted the best kids and family album of the year. It topped another list of outstanding releases from familiar names, big name artists trying their hand at family music, and newcomers, too.
This was the seventh year that the F&K awards were bestowed on children's musical acts. It was, however, the first year that I was asked to join the judging panel. It was truly a humbling experience, as I reviewed more than 30 CDs during the eligibility period – and still only placed three of my selections in the top 15!Why? I only considered artists that I reviewed, not CDs that we purchased during the year. This made for some truly head-slapping omissions, in my opinion. Not that I would bounce many of the artists that I chose for my list. But it would have been a much tougher process had I included another 15-20 performers.
For 2013, I suggested the administrators assemble some kind of master list to help smooth over such potholes. I even volunteered to at least list the artists that I reviewed, so that others could flesh out a master list prior to the start of voting.
In any event, here was my top 10:
| Because I Said So | Big Bang Boom | |||
| In Tents | Recess Monkey | |||
| Worlds of Wonder | Alison Faith Levy | |||
| Hot Dog! | Caspar Babypants | |||
| Blue Clouds | Elizabeth Mitchell | |||
| Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie | Randy Kaplan | |||
| Sing Loud | Melissa Green | |||
| Monster Suit | Mo Phillips | |||
| Family Values | Charity & the JAMBand | |||
| Escalator | David Tobocman |
And here are the five favorite songs:
| The Owie Song | David Tobocman |
| In Tents | Recess Monkey |
| Like A Spinning Top | Alison Faith Levy |
| Alien Girlfriend | Andy Z |
| Mister E | Zak Morgan |
Congrats to all the artists and to the PR people who deemed me worthy to add to their distribution lists!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Locked Out Of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Escalator – David Tobocman
Over Again – One Direction
Thank You – Dan Zanes & Friends
Want U Back – Cher Lloyd ft. Astro
The Golem – The Deedle Deedle Dees
When I Was Your Age – Weird Al Yankovic
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Escalator – David Tobocman
Over Again – One Direction
Thank You – Dan Zanes & Friends
Want U Back – Cher Lloyd ft. Astro
The Golem – The Deedle Deedle Dees
When I Was Your Age – Weird Al Yankovic
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 19, 2012
What Katie Did – The Libertines
Five Minutes More – AudraRox
Blue Sky (Little Martha Intro) – Elizabeth Mitchell
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Punkin' Patch – Andy Z
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Change My Mind – One Direction
count them as they go – Justin Roberts
Catch My Breath – Kelly Clarkson
Five Minutes More – AudraRox
Blue Sky (Little Martha Intro) – Elizabeth Mitchell
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Punkin' Patch – Andy Z
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Change My Mind – One Direction
count them as they go – Justin Roberts
Catch My Breath – Kelly Clarkson
Hurricane-Cast Epilogue & Lessons (new podcast)
With Hurricane Sandy and the nor'easter behind us, we're still settling back into our surroundings.
Five days until phones and cable service came back, around the same for gas stations to come back online.
Here is the epilogue of my tale as well as some lessons learned from the ordeal.
Five days until phones and cable service came back, around the same for gas stations to come back online.
Here is the epilogue of my tale as well as some lessons learned from the ordeal.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 16, 2012
Rock Me – One Direction
You Are My Sunshine – Charity And The JAMband
Great To Be A Kid – The Not-Its!
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Mary Anning – Artichoke
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
easier to do – Justin Roberts
Ayo – Play Date
You Are My Sunshine – Charity And The JAMband
Great To Be A Kid – The Not-Its!
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Mary Anning – Artichoke
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
easier to do – Justin Roberts
Ayo – Play Date
Justin's Lullaby CD an Eye-Opener
Excitement!
A Justin Roberts concert experience gets the kids on their feet; moving, singing, repeating simple hand or body motions (clapping, arms wide) in conjunction with the songs.
Astonishment!
LULLABY, Justin Roberts' new CD, features 10 pleasing orchestral pieces that will get the kids off to sleep; shuffling, yawning, repeating simple hand or body motions (stretching, brushing teeth) in conjunction with bedtime.
When a children's music act tries to broaden their range, the three most common digressions are world music, re-interpretations of classics, and lullabies. There's something transfixing about hearing members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra back up a voice we've learned to love and respect over the past few years.
The opening piano on "Count Them As They Go" sets the mood. How can I, as a parent, calm my child's over-stimulated brain and soothe him to sleep?
An oak tree stands tall
Green leaves then red and yellow
They're holding on
Now count them as they go
Just count them as they go
The closest to "concert" Justin might be "What the Stork Sent," with vocals from Lisa Estridge and Donica Henderson from the Chicago production of HAIRSPRAY. The song contains a tease of a "baa baa baa" refrain that swirls around at least one number of every Justin Roberts' CD. And "A Wild One" did indeed make my wife think Justin was covering a Van Morrison song (no, it's an original composition).
Have I used enough synonyms for "mellow" to adequately describe this CD? LULLABY is not your typical children's music CD and truly a delight from a consistently entertaining performer. By nearly putting me to sleep, Justin Roberts woke me up through the evolution of his musical process.
Here is the video for the lead track, "Count Them as They Go":
LULLABY is available on November 19 from Justin Roberts' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
A Justin Roberts concert experience gets the kids on their feet; moving, singing, repeating simple hand or body motions (clapping, arms wide) in conjunction with the songs.
Astonishment!
LULLABY, Justin Roberts' new CD, features 10 pleasing orchestral pieces that will get the kids off to sleep; shuffling, yawning, repeating simple hand or body motions (stretching, brushing teeth) in conjunction with bedtime.
The opening piano on "Count Them As They Go" sets the mood. How can I, as a parent, calm my child's over-stimulated brain and soothe him to sleep?
An oak tree stands tall
Green leaves then red and yellow
They're holding on
Now count them as they go
Just count them as they go
The closest to "concert" Justin might be "What the Stork Sent," with vocals from Lisa Estridge and Donica Henderson from the Chicago production of HAIRSPRAY. The song contains a tease of a "baa baa baa" refrain that swirls around at least one number of every Justin Roberts' CD. And "A Wild One" did indeed make my wife think Justin was covering a Van Morrison song (no, it's an original composition).
Have I used enough synonyms for "mellow" to adequately describe this CD? LULLABY is not your typical children's music CD and truly a delight from a consistently entertaining performer. By nearly putting me to sleep, Justin Roberts woke me up through the evolution of his musical process.
Here is the video for the lead track, "Count Them as They Go":
LULLABY is available on November 19 from Justin Roberts' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 15, 2012
Lemonade – Charity And The JAMband
Continental Geography – Astrograss
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
On the Greener Side – Michelle Shocked
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Gingerbread Man – Lunch Money
Lucky – Jason Mraz
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Little Things – One Direction
All Around The World – Ralph's World
Continental Geography – Astrograss
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
On the Greener Side – Michelle Shocked
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Gingerbread Man – Lunch Money
Lucky – Jason Mraz
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Little Things – One Direction
All Around The World – Ralph's World
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Sylvie – Elizabeth Mitchell
Water – Ozomatli
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne
My Magic Trick – Ralph's World
Flat Tire – Dean Jones
Pleadia – Andy Z
Ah Ahsima – The Deedle Deedle Dees
C'mon, C'mon – One Direction
Don't Speak – Glee
Water – Ozomatli
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne
My Magic Trick – Ralph's World
Flat Tire – Dean Jones
Pleadia – Andy Z
Ah Ahsima – The Deedle Deedle Dees
C'mon, C'mon – One Direction
Don't Speak – Glee
Monday, November 12, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Binary - The Board of Education
Balloon Fest - Ozomatli
Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit
May This Be Love - Elizabeth Mitchell
The Scientist - Glee
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
The Crocodile (Wouldn't Brush His Teeth) - Boxtop Jenkins
I'm Not Tired - Ralph's World
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Live It Up - Chris Isaak
Freak Out - Astrograss
Balloon Fest - Ozomatli
Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit
May This Be Love - Elizabeth Mitchell
The Scientist - Glee
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
The Crocodile (Wouldn't Brush His Teeth) - Boxtop Jenkins
I'm Not Tired - Ralph's World
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Live It Up - Chris Isaak
Freak Out - Astrograss
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Hurricane-Cast, Part II (new podcast)
Our experience with Hurricane Sandy and the aftermath continues.
And a guest appearance by a nor'easter!
Do we ever get power back? It's a cliffhanger!
And a guest appearance by a nor'easter!
Do we ever get power back? It's a cliffhanger!
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 12, 2012
The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
If You Want a Mustache - Space Balloons
The Robot Looked At The Stars - Ralph's World
Breath Of Life - Florence + The Machine
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
I Walk The Line - Chris Isaak
Worms - Dog On Fleas
My Uncle Is An Ant - Boxtop Jenkins
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Chloe - Grouplove
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
If You Want a Mustache - Space Balloons
The Robot Looked At The Stars - Ralph's World
Breath Of Life - Florence + The Machine
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
I Walk The Line - Chris Isaak
Worms - Dog On Fleas
My Uncle Is An Ant - Boxtop Jenkins
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Chloe - Grouplove
Friday, November 09, 2012
Good, Clean Infectious Fun with Boxtop Jenkins
Infectious is almost never a good word, especially when you're talking about children.
But Boxtop Jenkins invades your ears with a squeaky-clean kind of infection – one that cheers you up instead of deadening your system.
I can hear you asking, "What the heck is a Boxtox Jenkins?" and "Where do I get my vaccination?" But hear me out first.
Franklin Bunn (the voice behind the project) and his gang at "Team Boxtop" have produced a CD filled with neat wordplay and hummable tunes, including "The Crocodile (Wouldn't Brush His Teeth)." If you ever liked the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, that's the first song you want to spin on Boxtop's new CD, YOU'RE HAPPIER WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY.
The songs touch on a number of common kid things, such as Halloween ("Gettin' Down on Halloween" and "Rattlin' Rattlin' Bones," which features guest artist Shawn Mullins) and monkeys ("Five Little Monkeys," also with Mullins and "Swingin' Monkeys").
The title of the album comes from the song "Wag More," which has guest vocals from the Indigo Girls. The song is a moral song by a man who met a talking dog:
Wag more, bark less, 'cause you're happier when you're happy.
You're happier when you're happy.
So wag more.
The clever wordplay that I mentioned comes clearly into play on the song, "My Uncle is an Ant":
My uncle is an ant and he works inside a plant.
Every day along his way he greets the doorman.
It's a plant inside a plant
And my busy uncle ant
is always busy at the plant 'cause he's the foreman.
Got it?
It's not often that a children's musician has a "day job" conceivably more interesting than his sideline singing for kids. But Jenkins (Bunn) is also a puppeteer with the American Kasper Theater. Long story short, it's a form of german puppetry that dates back to the 17th century using very archetypal characters.
Day and night, Jenkins spends his time finding ways to entertain and inform children. Boxtop Jenkins' YOU'RE HAPPIER WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY might even chase the blues away during these dreary post-Hurricane Sandy days.
YOU'RE HAPPIER WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY is available through Boxtop Jenkins' website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
But Boxtop Jenkins invades your ears with a squeaky-clean kind of infection – one that cheers you up instead of deadening your system.
I can hear you asking, "What the heck is a Boxtox Jenkins?" and "Where do I get my vaccination?" But hear me out first.
The songs touch on a number of common kid things, such as Halloween ("Gettin' Down on Halloween" and "Rattlin' Rattlin' Bones," which features guest artist Shawn Mullins) and monkeys ("Five Little Monkeys," also with Mullins and "Swingin' Monkeys").
The title of the album comes from the song "Wag More," which has guest vocals from the Indigo Girls. The song is a moral song by a man who met a talking dog:
Wag more, bark less, 'cause you're happier when you're happy.
You're happier when you're happy.
So wag more.
The clever wordplay that I mentioned comes clearly into play on the song, "My Uncle is an Ant":
My uncle is an ant and he works inside a plant.
Every day along his way he greets the doorman.
It's a plant inside a plant
And my busy uncle ant
is always busy at the plant 'cause he's the foreman.
Got it?
It's not often that a children's musician has a "day job" conceivably more interesting than his sideline singing for kids. But Jenkins (Bunn) is also a puppeteer with the American Kasper Theater. Long story short, it's a form of german puppetry that dates back to the 17th century using very archetypal characters.
Day and night, Jenkins spends his time finding ways to entertain and inform children. Boxtop Jenkins' YOU'RE HAPPIER WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY might even chase the blues away during these dreary post-Hurricane Sandy days.
YOU'RE HAPPIER WHEN YOU'RE HAPPY is available through Boxtop Jenkins' website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 9, 2012
I Wanna Party – Hot Wings
When Can I See You Again – Owl City
I Like How It Feels – Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Odd Girl Out – Alexandra
Kiss With A Fist – Florence + The Machine
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Sing Loud – Melissa Green
Make It Up – Astrograss
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
When Can I See You Again – Owl City
I Like How It Feels – Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Odd Girl Out – Alexandra
Kiss With A Fist – Florence + The Machine
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Sing Loud – Melissa Green
Make It Up – Astrograss
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 8, 2012
When the Bells Start Ringing (feat. The Head & the Heart) – My Morning Jacket
Rainbow Connection – Weezer Feat. Hayley Williams
Monkey Love (Featuring Caspar Babypants) – The Harmonica Pocket
They Got Feet – George Carver
Turning Tables – Adele
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Tomorrow Will Be Really Great – Dan Israel
My Happiness – Chris Isaak
Changes – David Bowie
Rainbow Connection – Weezer Feat. Hayley Williams
Monkey Love (Featuring Caspar Babypants) – The Harmonica Pocket
They Got Feet – George Carver
Turning Tables – Adele
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Tomorrow Will Be Really Great – Dan Israel
My Happiness – Chris Isaak
Changes – David Bowie
Obama Wins, Where Are the Graceful Losers?
Yes, I voted for Obama.
Did I vote for the "winner"? Did I vote "my conscience"? Did I vote for "the country"?
Listening to any of the talking heads on TV, you would think I did one or some combination of the above.
Unless you were watching FOX News, in which case they think I'm a deluded entitlement wuss who is terrified of standing on my own two feet and becoming a self-reliant job creator.
But hearing the blogsphere and reading social media (our power was out, so our exposure was limited to local CBS 880 AM news) exposes a very clear divide.
Which leads me to a sports analogy from the 2000 World Series. That year, the final baseball epic untainted by the events of 9/11, my cousin and I decamped to Shea Stadium to watch our New York Mets take on the Yankeees. The Mets had let a game get away from them, and who can forget the "Roger Clemens throws a bat at Mike Piazza" incident?
The Mets managed their lone victory in that series in Game Four and we were there. But they were still looking to stave off elimination in Game Five when we returned to Shea.
We'd had weekday season seats (which no longer exist) for many years. In that time, through upgrades, we had moved to Loge Section 5, Row B, seats 15 and 16 (aisle), right behind home plate. Glorious seats in foul ball territory where you could see all the action at a moderate price. Sadly, when the Mets built CitiField, they more than doubled ticket prices in three years. In the process, they lost us as regular customers. I became an occasional attendee. And my cousin has turned his back on the club entirely.
But I digress. There we sat in our fantastic seats for game five and waited to see if the Mets could hold off the Yanks for another day. If the Yankees were going to win, hopefully they would have to do it in THEIR stadium two days later.
This being New York, fans were wearing gear for both teams. Every time a "Let's Go Mets!" chant started up, Yankee fans would drown it out with a chant of their own. So be it. All in good, clean fun. Until the second inning, when the Yanks went ahead, 1-0.
A woman and her preteen daughter were seated in the section in front of us. They wore Mets hats and jackets and were SURROUNDED by Yankees fans, who went nuts when the Bronx squad took an early lead. By nuts, I mean they stood up, they hooted and stormed around, and gave the finger and cursed loudly at anyone who dared ask them to shut up, so people could watch the game.
They quieted down in the bottom of the inning, when the Mets took a 2-1 lead. At that point, the woman, who had heard enough, stood up for TWO SECONDS and cheered, "LET'S GO METS!" and promptly sat down.
The tense showdown between Andy Pettitte and Al Leiter went until the top of the ninth inning when Luis Sojo gave the Yanks a decisive 4-2 lead. The Yankees fans went nuts again, but it was a different kind of nuts. This was a completely TARGETED response. And their target was this poor woman and indirectly, her preteen daughter. They stood up, got in her face, and directed the entirety of their venom at her.
This was no celebration of the accomplishments of their favorite team. This was an angry mob delighting at being in an opposing team's stadium, buzzed on high-priced beer, and demonstrating their god-given right to applaud a two-RBI single.
It went over the line to the point that people sitting in the next level started pouring beer on them to get them to stop. Security ignored them. The attendants, sensing the end of the season was at hand, had all vanished. Even the most timid people yelled at them to "leave the women alone." And got the finger in return.
Three outs later, it was all over. The woman and her daughter fled. I clearly recall that group of Yankees fans jumping, hugging, and falling all over themselves, in delight that the Yankees had won in "Mets territory."
Now you may ask - what does this have to do with the 2012 election? Here goes.
Republicans are Yankees fans and Democrats are Mets fans.
Yes, both groups cheer and applaud when "their guy" is in the lead. But rarely do you see Mets fans gloat to the degree of Yankees fans. I have in-laws who could not give a shit about baseball, except when the Yankees were the most winningest team in New York. Long Islanders, every time I asked if they were interested in Mets games, they would guffaw. Until the Mets were headed for the World Series against the Yankees. I had the unenviable task of explaining to them that THOSE tickets were earmarked for people who bought tickets to Mets games during the regular season. The response was, unbelievably, "But you never offer us those tickets."
I love that the Republican response to Obama's second team is to declare it's "not a mandate." Bush stole the 200 election and the Supreme Court gave him the Presidency. FOX News then declared Bush had a "mandate." Obama wins by larger margins that either of Bush's two elections, but neither of those is a "mandate."
The other Republican response is to be offended at the outpouring of emotion at the Obama victory. It's like Republicans own the license to celebrate. It's a good thing there was no Facebook in 2004 when Bush won his second term – I can't imagine the degree of venom and derogatory pictures about John Kerry that would have been posted by GOP supporters.
Where are those graceful losers on the GOP side? It's their turn to ask for "compromise" and nod their heads that Obama did indeed run a better campaign. Because if Obama had lost, that's what the GOP would be calling for.
This generation of Democrats is being accused of acting like – gasp – Republicans! They are celebrating!!! victory!!! loudly and publicly!!! And that's a good thing. Asshat Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy's electoral seat in Massachusetts and the Democrats nearly pissed away the chance to create national healthcare. Elizabeth Warren reclaimed that seat. Anti-abortion zealots Akin and Murdock were soundly defeated. We DO have something to celebrate. And celebrate we will.
Did I vote for the "winner"? Did I vote "my conscience"? Did I vote for "the country"?
Listening to any of the talking heads on TV, you would think I did one or some combination of the above.
Unless you were watching FOX News, in which case they think I'm a deluded entitlement wuss who is terrified of standing on my own two feet and becoming a self-reliant job creator.
Which leads me to a sports analogy from the 2000 World Series. That year, the final baseball epic untainted by the events of 9/11, my cousin and I decamped to Shea Stadium to watch our New York Mets take on the Yankeees. The Mets had let a game get away from them, and who can forget the "Roger Clemens throws a bat at Mike Piazza" incident?
The Mets managed their lone victory in that series in Game Four and we were there. But they were still looking to stave off elimination in Game Five when we returned to Shea.
We'd had weekday season seats (which no longer exist) for many years. In that time, through upgrades, we had moved to Loge Section 5, Row B, seats 15 and 16 (aisle), right behind home plate. Glorious seats in foul ball territory where you could see all the action at a moderate price. Sadly, when the Mets built CitiField, they more than doubled ticket prices in three years. In the process, they lost us as regular customers. I became an occasional attendee. And my cousin has turned his back on the club entirely.
But I digress. There we sat in our fantastic seats for game five and waited to see if the Mets could hold off the Yanks for another day. If the Yankees were going to win, hopefully they would have to do it in THEIR stadium two days later.
This being New York, fans were wearing gear for both teams. Every time a "Let's Go Mets!" chant started up, Yankee fans would drown it out with a chant of their own. So be it. All in good, clean fun. Until the second inning, when the Yanks went ahead, 1-0.
A woman and her preteen daughter were seated in the section in front of us. They wore Mets hats and jackets and were SURROUNDED by Yankees fans, who went nuts when the Bronx squad took an early lead. By nuts, I mean they stood up, they hooted and stormed around, and gave the finger and cursed loudly at anyone who dared ask them to shut up, so people could watch the game.
They quieted down in the bottom of the inning, when the Mets took a 2-1 lead. At that point, the woman, who had heard enough, stood up for TWO SECONDS and cheered, "LET'S GO METS!" and promptly sat down.
The tense showdown between Andy Pettitte and Al Leiter went until the top of the ninth inning when Luis Sojo gave the Yanks a decisive 4-2 lead. The Yankees fans went nuts again, but it was a different kind of nuts. This was a completely TARGETED response. And their target was this poor woman and indirectly, her preteen daughter. They stood up, got in her face, and directed the entirety of their venom at her.
This was no celebration of the accomplishments of their favorite team. This was an angry mob delighting at being in an opposing team's stadium, buzzed on high-priced beer, and demonstrating their god-given right to applaud a two-RBI single.
It went over the line to the point that people sitting in the next level started pouring beer on them to get them to stop. Security ignored them. The attendants, sensing the end of the season was at hand, had all vanished. Even the most timid people yelled at them to "leave the women alone." And got the finger in return.
Three outs later, it was all over. The woman and her daughter fled. I clearly recall that group of Yankees fans jumping, hugging, and falling all over themselves, in delight that the Yankees had won in "Mets territory."
Now you may ask - what does this have to do with the 2012 election? Here goes.
Republicans are Yankees fans and Democrats are Mets fans.
Yes, both groups cheer and applaud when "their guy" is in the lead. But rarely do you see Mets fans gloat to the degree of Yankees fans. I have in-laws who could not give a shit about baseball, except when the Yankees were the most winningest team in New York. Long Islanders, every time I asked if they were interested in Mets games, they would guffaw. Until the Mets were headed for the World Series against the Yankees. I had the unenviable task of explaining to them that THOSE tickets were earmarked for people who bought tickets to Mets games during the regular season. The response was, unbelievably, "But you never offer us those tickets."
I love that the Republican response to Obama's second team is to declare it's "not a mandate." Bush stole the 200 election and the Supreme Court gave him the Presidency. FOX News then declared Bush had a "mandate." Obama wins by larger margins that either of Bush's two elections, but neither of those is a "mandate."
The other Republican response is to be offended at the outpouring of emotion at the Obama victory. It's like Republicans own the license to celebrate. It's a good thing there was no Facebook in 2004 when Bush won his second term – I can't imagine the degree of venom and derogatory pictures about John Kerry that would have been posted by GOP supporters.
Where are those graceful losers on the GOP side? It's their turn to ask for "compromise" and nod their heads that Obama did indeed run a better campaign. Because if Obama had lost, that's what the GOP would be calling for.
This generation of Democrats is being accused of acting like – gasp – Republicans! They are celebrating!!! victory!!! loudly and publicly!!! And that's a good thing. Asshat Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy's electoral seat in Massachusetts and the Democrats nearly pissed away the chance to create national healthcare. Elizabeth Warren reclaimed that seat. Anti-abortion zealots Akin and Murdock were soundly defeated. We DO have something to celebrate. And celebrate we will.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Binary - The Board of Education
Are We There Yet? - Big Bang Boom
Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Henning Ohlenbusch
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
The Science Fair - Ashley Albert
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
I'm Dreaming - Randy Newman
Vote or Don't - They Might Be Giants
Mary Anning - Artichoke
Are We There Yet? - Big Bang Boom
Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Henning Ohlenbusch
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
The Science Fair - Ashley Albert
eBay - Weird Al Yankovic
Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
I'm Dreaming - Randy Newman
Vote or Don't - They Might Be Giants
Mary Anning - Artichoke
Monday, November 05, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Love Is A Superpower - Ben Rudnick & Friends
El Jefe - Mexican Institute of Sound
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! - Mr. Leebot
Set Fire To The Rain - Adele
First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
They're Red Hot - Randy Kaplan
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
El Jefe - Mexican Institute of Sound
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! - Mr. Leebot
Set Fire To The Rain - Adele
First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
They're Red Hot - Randy Kaplan
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Monday, November 5, 2012
Sunspots - Bob Mould
Little Little Baby - The Harmonica Pocket
Bike - Charity And The JAMband
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
If You Want a Mustache - Space Balloons
Make Me - Big Bang Boom
Here's To Us - Glee
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Sacagawea - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Spicy Kid - Lunch Money
Little Little Baby - The Harmonica Pocket
Bike - Charity And The JAMband
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
If You Want a Mustache - Space Balloons
Make Me - Big Bang Boom
Here's To Us - Glee
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Sacagawea - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Spicy Kid - Lunch Money
Hurricane-Cast, Part 1 (new podcast
You may have heard about this thing called Hurricane Sandy that hit the East Coast last week.
It knocked out our power and heat, so we've been "roughing it." That's tough guy-speak for "eking by."
In any case, this podcast discusses how we've managed through the actual event as well as the first few days of the aftermath.
It knocked out our power and heat, so we've been "roughing it." That's tough guy-speak for "eking by."
In any case, this podcast discusses how we've managed through the actual event as well as the first few days of the aftermath.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 1, 2012
We lost power on Monday afternoon.
Ben did not make a playlist for Tuesday because we could not power up the laptop anywhere.
Tuesday, I went to a friend's house and powered up and Ben made a playlist but we had no network connection to share it.
Here is today's selections.
Five Minutes More - AudraRox
Today is Monday in New York - Johnette Downing
Come To California - the Hipwaders
Turning Tables - Adele
Puzzle Pieces Within - Lunch Money
Sleepover - Ellen & Mark
Clap Your Hands - The Time Outs
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Green Green Rocky Road - Randy Kaplan
Ben did not make a playlist for Tuesday because we could not power up the laptop anywhere.
Tuesday, I went to a friend's house and powered up and Ben made a playlist but we had no network connection to share it.
Here is today's selections.
Five Minutes More - AudraRox
Today is Monday in New York - Johnette Downing
Come To California - the Hipwaders
Turning Tables - Adele
Puzzle Pieces Within - Lunch Money
Sleepover - Ellen & Mark
Clap Your Hands - The Time Outs
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Green Green Rocky Road - Randy Kaplan
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 29, 2012
Glad You Came - The Wanted
Barely Breathing - Glee
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
Gingerbread Man - Lunch Money
Escalator - David Tobocman
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Mammal - They Might Be Giants
Reading Rocks! - Johnette Downing
Rocketfuel - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Great Outdoors - Ralph's World
Barely Breathing - Glee
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go! Team
Gingerbread Man - Lunch Money
Escalator - David Tobocman
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Mammal - They Might Be Giants
Reading Rocks! - Johnette Downing
Rocketfuel - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Great Outdoors - Ralph's World
Friday, October 26, 2012
Cagey Cajun Style Delivers Reading Advice
When Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, there were numerous side effects. One positive headline was the re-cultivation of an international interest in the musical traditions of the area. For a brief period of time (far less than 15 minutes), people remembered Allen Toussaint.
Fanning the flames of the New Orleans sound for children's music is Johnette Downing. An educator who has spent 20 years traveling the world, Downing has recorded 10 CDs as well as numerous children's books. Her efforts have garnered 21 national awards (check her website for the complete list).
Her latest CD, READING ROCKS!, stresses an obvious point. How do you get kids ages 2-8 to open a book? Well, you could do worse than have Downing sing them a story, which she does on "Why the Oyster Has the Pearl" and "Why the Crawfish Lives in the Mud." As you might expect from the titles, there's a strong, admirable respect for the culture and sensibilities of Louisiana.
"Books and music played an important role in my childhood and I wanted to share the thins I love with others," Downing explains. "My greatest musical influences came from having the good fortune to have been born and raised in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz, Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music."
Downing uses those influences on two versions of "Today Is Monday..." one set in Kentucky:
Monday burgoo
Tuesday sorghum
Wednesday hot brown
Thursday Bibb lettuce
Friday rolled oysters
Saturday derby pie
Sunday spoon bread
Come and eat it up.
And the other in New York:
Monday is apples
Tuesday pastrami
Wednesday Buffalo wings
Thursday Nathan's Hot Dogs
Friday cheesecake
Saturday pizza
Sunday bagels and lox
Come and eat it up.
As regular blog readers know (come on, there are some of you), I have a natural aversion to "message" songs and concept CDs. Downing does everything but hit kids over the head with her message. "Pick up a book and read," she sings on "R*E*A*D." The emphasis is hers, not mine. Okay, that song is barely more than 90 seconds, but we get the point.
However the stories are amusing and the tunes are catchy. Downing has been at this game a long time and she executes an amiable game plan: Deliver a message, teach kids about the music of her beloved New Orleans, and get out before they realize they've learned something. Mission accomplished. Have some creole.
READING ROCKS! is available on November 20 from Johnette Downing's website, Amazon, CDBABY, iTunes, and her Facebook Fan Page.
Fanning the flames of the New Orleans sound for children's music is Johnette Downing. An educator who has spent 20 years traveling the world, Downing has recorded 10 CDs as well as numerous children's books. Her efforts have garnered 21 national awards (check her website for the complete list).
"Books and music played an important role in my childhood and I wanted to share the thins I love with others," Downing explains. "My greatest musical influences came from having the good fortune to have been born and raised in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz, Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music."
Downing uses those influences on two versions of "Today Is Monday..." one set in Kentucky:
Monday burgoo
Tuesday sorghum
Wednesday hot brown
Thursday Bibb lettuce
Friday rolled oysters
Saturday derby pie
Sunday spoon bread
Come and eat it up.
And the other in New York:
Monday is apples
Tuesday pastrami
Wednesday Buffalo wings
Thursday Nathan's Hot Dogs
Friday cheesecake
Saturday pizza
Sunday bagels and lox
Come and eat it up.
As regular blog readers know (come on, there are some of you), I have a natural aversion to "message" songs and concept CDs. Downing does everything but hit kids over the head with her message. "Pick up a book and read," she sings on "R*E*A*D." The emphasis is hers, not mine. Okay, that song is barely more than 90 seconds, but we get the point.
However the stories are amusing and the tunes are catchy. Downing has been at this game a long time and she executes an amiable game plan: Deliver a message, teach kids about the music of her beloved New Orleans, and get out before they realize they've learned something. Mission accomplished. Have some creole.
READING ROCKS! is available on November 20 from Johnette Downing's website, Amazon, CDBABY, iTunes, and her Facebook Fan Page.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Frday, October 26, 2012
A Friend Like You – Steve Weeks
Take It to the Street – Re-Birth Brass Band
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Why Is Dad So Mad? – The Board of Education
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
How Will I Know – Glee
Want U Back – Cher Lloyd ft. Astro
Butterfly – The Nields
Take It to the Street – Re-Birth Brass Band
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Why Is Dad So Mad? – The Board of Education
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
How Will I Know – Glee
Want U Back – Cher Lloyd ft. Astro
Butterfly – The Nields
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 25, 2012
First Day - The Board of Education
Conservation - Rocknoceros
The Science Fair - Ashley Albert
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Good Bad Boy - Joe Jackson
Kiss With A Fist - Florence + The Machine
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count - Kepi Ghoulie
Playground - Astrograss
Changes - David Bowie
Treehouse - Dog On Fleas
Falling - Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights
Flat Stanley - Play Date
Conservation - Rocknoceros
The Science Fair - Ashley Albert
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Good Bad Boy - Joe Jackson
Kiss With A Fist - Florence + The Machine
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count - Kepi Ghoulie
Playground - Astrograss
Changes - David Bowie
Treehouse - Dog On Fleas
Falling - Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights
Flat Stanley - Play Date
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Summer Daze - Susanna Hoffs
Generator (First Floor) - Freelance Whales
What Will You Ever See? - Lunch Money
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
Binary - The Board of Education
I Am A Scientist - Mates Of State
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
There's a Band in My Head - Dog On Fleas
Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
Live While We're Young - One Direction
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Generator (First Floor) - Freelance Whales
What Will You Ever See? - Lunch Money
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
Binary - The Board of Education
I Am A Scientist - Mates Of State
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
There's a Band in My Head - Dog On Fleas
Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
Live While We're Young - One Direction
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Monday, October 22, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Edwina Mae - Recess Monkey
Sourwood Mountain - Carolina Chocolate Drops
First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
Continental Geography - Astrograss
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Spicy Kid - Lunch Money
They Got Feet - George Carver
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
Swinging on a Star - Zak Morgan
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Sourwood Mountain - Carolina Chocolate Drops
First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
Continental Geography - Astrograss
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Spicy Kid - Lunch Money
They Got Feet - George Carver
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
Swinging on a Star - Zak Morgan
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Jeff Plays WWE Booker through WM 2013
Twenty years ago, I ran a pro wrestling newsletter called FANTASY FEDERATION.
The premise was simple – We had the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and seldom did a main event performer slip from one group to the other.
I also ran matchups from different eras, such as Bruno Sammartino vs Ric Flair. And the occasional Japanese headliner vs an American champion (this was when I had the time to pay for and watch tapes from overseas).
After a few years, Hulk Hogan made the move to WCW and the dam broke. There was no reason for me to keep producing the newsletter when we had the Monday Night Wars and main event programs were being wasted for the sake of an extra 200,000 viewers on an October night.
Now we have one major promotion (WWE) and one minor promotion (Impact). Since Impact does not know how to build a superstar, their most popular talent are the people who were once big names in WWE, living in the dying days of their stardom.
As the fall season develops, WWE begins its build to the biggest show of the year – WrestleMania 29 (April 2013 in New Jersey). WWE has spent a few months dropping teases of things to come. Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson announced that he would challenge for the championship at January's Royal Rumble. CM Punk then delivered a Rock Bottom (Rock's own finisher) to Johnson on an episode of RAW.
Most observers felt that Punk was being kept strong through Rumble to set up a Rock vs Punk match, where Rock would win the championship. He would then hold the title and drop it to John Cena in a rematch of last year's "Match of a Lifetime" that drew a near-record buyrate for PPV.
But then age and injuries caught up with WWE. Cena needed surgery to repair his injured wrist and the damage was determined to be worse than thought. He would have to miss October's HELL IN A CELL PPV that was to be headlined by him vs Punk. In a jam and lacking live bodies, WWE punted and elevated Ryback into the spot.
A former Tough Enough contestant, Ryback was last seen as Skip Sheffield, a smiling hick cowboy member of the Nexus, a gimmick from three years ago. An injury took him out of that angle and he was rebuilt as a clone of Bill Goldberg. Given an undefeated winning streak, Ryback won squash matches and said little. WWE ignored the chants of "Goldberg" and after months of minute-long bouts, Ryback started to slowly get over with crowds.
The problem is, raising Ryback's hand at HELL IN A CELL, and giving him the championship over Punk, ruins months of previously-planned booking. Not to mention in all likelihood throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars of business in the trash. The locked cell gimmick has already been compromised. So another "crap" finish devalues the gimmick. But Punk has been champ for 300+ days, which has gotten over huge. And Ryback is undefeated (with a few DQ or countout victories over that stretch). Something's gotta give.
I have a booking suggestion that allows WWE to keep their scheduled booking plans, and diverts Ryback into some big matchups of his own.
The best potential solution would be Punk's "manager" Paul Heyman making a frantic phone call on RAW, telling someone that "Money is no object."
At the end of the episode, Heyman gets a text or a voice message and looks relieved, as a tease.
John Cena should be announced as the special guard for the door at HELL IN A CELL, to prevent interference from Heyman or anyone else.
Cut to the PPV: Late in the match, Ryback hits his finish.
A rip appears in the corner of the fabric covering the ring and a hand appears from the rip, distracting Ryback.
The hand grabs his leg and pulls Ryback through the ring.
Cena is going nuts outside the ring, demanding the ref unlock the door.
Inside the cell, Punk recovers and heads for the door.
A man climbs out from under the ring, wearing a hoodie, carrying a pipe.
He tosses down the pipe and throws back his hoodie: BIG DAVE BATISTA.
The crowd goes nuts. Heyman laughs. Cena is stunned.
The ref opens the cell. Heyman distracts Cena and Punk bolts past him and stumbles up the ramp, losing by DQ.
As the PPV goes off the air, Cena and Batista do a stare-down. No sign of Ryback.
Ryback should not appear on TV in the buildup for SURVIVOR SERIES (November's PPV). The main event should be a three-way championship match between CM Punk, John Cena, and Batista.
For the SS finish, Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment on Punk but Batista breaks it up. Before Batista can hit his finisher on Cena, Ryback's music plays and Batista bails as the big man runs to the ring. Ryback spears Punk (who gets the win via DQ).
This leaves the WWE in exactly the same place it wanted to be when Cena was injured – Punk as champ, positioned for Rock.
But they have a ready-made feud program for Ryback (with Batista) to cement him as a main eventer.
And Cena is "free" to set up a match with Undertaker, if that's the direction the WWE wants to go.
Batista gets a tremendous six-month payday for working limited dates and headlining multiple PPVs (Survivor Series, TLC, Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WM). If Batista wants to stick around, there's a built-in babyface turn so he can be programmed against Punk post-WM, to get Punk's heat back after losses to Rock and possibly Undertaker.
There's some amateur armchair booking from a guy who spent 3+ years doing it in his spare time. Enjoy the show and let's see how the WWE works their way out of it.
The premise was simple – We had the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and seldom did a main event performer slip from one group to the other.
I also ran matchups from different eras, such as Bruno Sammartino vs Ric Flair. And the occasional Japanese headliner vs an American champion (this was when I had the time to pay for and watch tapes from overseas).
After a few years, Hulk Hogan made the move to WCW and the dam broke. There was no reason for me to keep producing the newsletter when we had the Monday Night Wars and main event programs were being wasted for the sake of an extra 200,000 viewers on an October night.
 |
| CM Punk |
As the fall season develops, WWE begins its build to the biggest show of the year – WrestleMania 29 (April 2013 in New Jersey). WWE has spent a few months dropping teases of things to come. Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson announced that he would challenge for the championship at January's Royal Rumble. CM Punk then delivered a Rock Bottom (Rock's own finisher) to Johnson on an episode of RAW.
Most observers felt that Punk was being kept strong through Rumble to set up a Rock vs Punk match, where Rock would win the championship. He would then hold the title and drop it to John Cena in a rematch of last year's "Match of a Lifetime" that drew a near-record buyrate for PPV.
But then age and injuries caught up with WWE. Cena needed surgery to repair his injured wrist and the damage was determined to be worse than thought. He would have to miss October's HELL IN A CELL PPV that was to be headlined by him vs Punk. In a jam and lacking live bodies, WWE punted and elevated Ryback into the spot.
A former Tough Enough contestant, Ryback was last seen as Skip Sheffield, a smiling hick cowboy member of the Nexus, a gimmick from three years ago. An injury took him out of that angle and he was rebuilt as a clone of Bill Goldberg. Given an undefeated winning streak, Ryback won squash matches and said little. WWE ignored the chants of "Goldberg" and after months of minute-long bouts, Ryback started to slowly get over with crowds.
The problem is, raising Ryback's hand at HELL IN A CELL, and giving him the championship over Punk, ruins months of previously-planned booking. Not to mention in all likelihood throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars of business in the trash. The locked cell gimmick has already been compromised. So another "crap" finish devalues the gimmick. But Punk has been champ for 300+ days, which has gotten over huge. And Ryback is undefeated (with a few DQ or countout victories over that stretch). Something's gotta give.
 |
| Ryback |
The best potential solution would be Punk's "manager" Paul Heyman making a frantic phone call on RAW, telling someone that "Money is no object."
At the end of the episode, Heyman gets a text or a voice message and looks relieved, as a tease.
John Cena should be announced as the special guard for the door at HELL IN A CELL, to prevent interference from Heyman or anyone else.
Cut to the PPV: Late in the match, Ryback hits his finish.
A rip appears in the corner of the fabric covering the ring and a hand appears from the rip, distracting Ryback.
The hand grabs his leg and pulls Ryback through the ring.
Cena is going nuts outside the ring, demanding the ref unlock the door.
Inside the cell, Punk recovers and heads for the door.
A man climbs out from under the ring, wearing a hoodie, carrying a pipe.
He tosses down the pipe and throws back his hoodie: BIG DAVE BATISTA.
The crowd goes nuts. Heyman laughs. Cena is stunned.
The ref opens the cell. Heyman distracts Cena and Punk bolts past him and stumbles up the ramp, losing by DQ.
As the PPV goes off the air, Cena and Batista do a stare-down. No sign of Ryback.
Ryback should not appear on TV in the buildup for SURVIVOR SERIES (November's PPV). The main event should be a three-way championship match between CM Punk, John Cena, and Batista.
For the SS finish, Cena hits the Attitude Adjustment on Punk but Batista breaks it up. Before Batista can hit his finisher on Cena, Ryback's music plays and Batista bails as the big man runs to the ring. Ryback spears Punk (who gets the win via DQ).
This leaves the WWE in exactly the same place it wanted to be when Cena was injured – Punk as champ, positioned for Rock.
But they have a ready-made feud program for Ryback (with Batista) to cement him as a main eventer.
And Cena is "free" to set up a match with Undertaker, if that's the direction the WWE wants to go.
Batista gets a tremendous six-month payday for working limited dates and headlining multiple PPVs (Survivor Series, TLC, Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WM). If Batista wants to stick around, there's a built-in babyface turn so he can be programmed against Punk post-WM, to get Punk's heat back after losses to Rock and possibly Undertaker.
There's some amateur armchair booking from a guy who spent 3+ years doing it in his spare time. Enjoy the show and let's see how the WWE works their way out of it.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
You Gotta Have Friends (new podcast)
I've lost a lot of friends. No, they haven't passed away.
I lost a bunch when I moved from New Jersey to Long Island.
I lost a bunch when I moved from group to group in high school.
I lost a bunch after high school when I segued into hanging out with my new college friends.
I've lost a bunch of college friends who moved or drifted away.
And you gotta have friends in this life.
Sometimes, I bailed on friendships due to bad behavior on their part. Sometimes, I've had people bail on me.
Sometimes, I've stuck around when I should have bailed.
This episode goes into all these combinations.
I lost a bunch when I moved from New Jersey to Long Island.
I lost a bunch when I moved from group to group in high school.
I lost a bunch after high school when I segued into hanging out with my new college friends.
I've lost a bunch of college friends who moved or drifted away.
And you gotta have friends in this life.
Sometimes, I bailed on friendships due to bad behavior on their part. Sometimes, I've had people bail on me.
Sometimes, I've stuck around when I should have bailed.
This episode goes into all these combinations.
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 22, 2012
What Katie Did - The Libertines
Sunshine - Vered
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Turning Tables - Adele
Miss Elephant's Gerald - The Pop Ups
I Walk The Line - Chris Isaak
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Ayo - Play Date
Born To Rock - David Tobocman
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Sunshine - Vered
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Turning Tables - Adele
Miss Elephant's Gerald - The Pop Ups
I Walk The Line - Chris Isaak
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Ayo - Play Date
Born To Rock - David Tobocman
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 19, 2012
Snow Day - Zak Morgan
A Friend Like You - Steve Weeks
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Flat Stanley - Play Date
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Because I Said So! - Big Bang Boom
Mammal - They Might Be Giants
Mary Anning - Artichoke
Escalator - David Tobocman
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift
A Friend Like You - Steve Weeks
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Flat Stanley - Play Date
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Because I Said So! - Big Bang Boom
Mammal - They Might Be Giants
Mary Anning - Artichoke
Escalator - David Tobocman
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift
Baby Songs for a New Generation from Vered
When I was a kid, I got turned off when I saw anything that said, "Music for the whole family!" Now I've pulled a 180 as an adult – with an 11-year-old (Ben) and a 22-month-old (Matt), what I need is exactly that… music for the whole family.
Occasionally, there are exceptions. Ben does not mind hearing his younger brother's Sesame Street CDs. In fact, he was more than happy to share the four CDs I made for him many years ago. But there are limits.
Vered's GOOD MORNING MY LOVE falls into that category of "explicitly for the baby" music. Already a 2012 Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning CD, the independent children's musician spent her summer fine-tuning the tracks for an autumn relaunch.
Having not heard the original release does not put me at a disadvantage – it sounds jaunty and whimsical and easy-going, and I'm sure it was slightly "less so" in its earlier incarnation.
Born in Israel, Vered studied clinical psychology and music therapy and became a jazz performer. There's a joke in there somewhere but I need time to figure out the correct wording. The songs on GOOD MORNING MY LOVE are pretty self-explanatory, with titles like "Hands in My Mouth," "Faces," "Bathtime," and "When You Smile:"
When you smile at me you know I feel just like an ice cream cone.
And I melt onto my fingers, on my toes, and my elbows.
When you look at me with those eyes the color of the evening sky
You know I feel just like the moon outside
Because I know I'll be with you tonight.
Vered bills GOOD MORNING MY LOVE as "a baby CD for parents who want to enjoy their babies more." Well, okay, nothing wrong with that. Matt loves music and would like nothing better than to learn how to control the stereo system by himself. Having started Mommy Music and Me classes, Matt is stunned when he comes home, starts singing fragments of a lyric, and Ben finishes the thought for him.
GOOD MORNING MY LOVE is a blissful, gentle, and loving way for parents to spend a short block of time with (very) young children. Just have something caffeinated on standby if you play the CD in the late afternoon.
The CD is available from Vered's website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Occasionally, there are exceptions. Ben does not mind hearing his younger brother's Sesame Street CDs. In fact, he was more than happy to share the four CDs I made for him many years ago. But there are limits.
Having not heard the original release does not put me at a disadvantage – it sounds jaunty and whimsical and easy-going, and I'm sure it was slightly "less so" in its earlier incarnation.
Born in Israel, Vered studied clinical psychology and music therapy and became a jazz performer. There's a joke in there somewhere but I need time to figure out the correct wording. The songs on GOOD MORNING MY LOVE are pretty self-explanatory, with titles like "Hands in My Mouth," "Faces," "Bathtime," and "When You Smile:"
When you smile at me you know I feel just like an ice cream cone.
And I melt onto my fingers, on my toes, and my elbows.
When you look at me with those eyes the color of the evening sky
You know I feel just like the moon outside
Because I know I'll be with you tonight.
Vered bills GOOD MORNING MY LOVE as "a baby CD for parents who want to enjoy their babies more." Well, okay, nothing wrong with that. Matt loves music and would like nothing better than to learn how to control the stereo system by himself. Having started Mommy Music and Me classes, Matt is stunned when he comes home, starts singing fragments of a lyric, and Ben finishes the thought for him.
GOOD MORNING MY LOVE is a blissful, gentle, and loving way for parents to spend a short block of time with (very) young children. Just have something caffeinated on standby if you play the CD in the late afternoon.
The CD is available from Vered's website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 18, 2012
Blue Sky (Little Martha Intro) - Elizabeth Mitchell
Bag of Dreams - Steven Courtney
Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Willie & The Wheel
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Playground - Astrograss
Mother Nature's Son - Aaron Nigel Smith
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
On the Greener Side - Michelle Shocked
Gingerbread Man - Lunch Money
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Bag of Dreams - Steven Courtney
Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Willie & The Wheel
Great To Be A Kid - The Not-Its!
Playground - Astrograss
Mother Nature's Son - Aaron Nigel Smith
Shrimp and Gumbo - Rebirth Brass Band
On the Greener Side - Michelle Shocked
Gingerbread Man - Lunch Money
The Owie Song - David Tobocman
Wimoweh - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 17, 2012
At The Zoo - Simon & Garfunkel
May This Be Love - Elizabeth Mitchell
The Monkey Song - Jesse Friedberg
They Got Feet - George Carver
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Three - The Board of Education
Rad - Play Date
The Dancin' Bear - Recess Monkey
Let Me In - Zak Morgan
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Let's Go - Matt & Kim
May This Be Love - Elizabeth Mitchell
The Monkey Song - Jesse Friedberg
They Got Feet - George Carver
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Three - The Board of Education
Rad - Play Date
The Dancin' Bear - Recess Monkey
Let Me In - Zak Morgan
Harry Elefante - Rocknoceros
Let's Go - Matt & Kim
Tobocman Elevating Kids Music With "Escalator"
Regular visitors to this blog know that the majority of the posts are my son Ben's morning playlists. These are the songs that Ben selects to hear (on the following) morning, while he is eating breakfast and getting ready for the school bus. There is also a smaller, two-song playlist for the iPod connected to his clock/radio in his bedroom, which is not listed. His "wake up" selections are generally contain less rocking guitar and more piano-based.
At least two mornings a week, the opening selection is "Home," from David Tobocman's first CD, I COUNT TO 10 AND OTHER VERY HELPFUL SONGS. He can't seem to get enough of it. So we were excited to receive a review copy of Tobocman's third children's CD, ESCALATOR.
A prolific composer who has scored numerous TV shows as well as indie films, Tobocman aims to not write down for kids because "kids are smart...I just try to meet them at their level." If you're looking for a similar recording artist, I'd suggest John Boydston, who has recorded for the past decade-plus as Daddy A Go Go.
ESCALATOR's 11 tracks cover a lot of terrain, literally and figuratively. "Custom Family Spaceship" turns a station wagon/SUV into a vehicle that can go just about anywhere. The title track posits that "up" is synonymous with great adventure and "down" is when you should use the stairs. "America's Our Country" is a three-minute tour of sights and landmarks around the country.
And a remarkable thing happened when we played the album while having dinner. Twenty-two month-old Matthew started singing along with "The Owie Song." Just the chorus, though, not the verse. And the following night, he looked at us and sang, "Ow ow ow," insisting we play it again for him. His older brother chose "Peace Sign" as his favorite track on the CD. When it was finished, Ben replayed the song (as well as a reprise for his brother).
"Here's a song for when you hurt your toes,
Here's a song for when you stub your nose.
Next time you bang your knee,
Just remember these words and melody.
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
I hurt myself."
Tobocman is not reinventing the wheel. ESCALATOR is filled with accessible, child-friendly rhythms and easy-to-sing lyrics. This is not "world music." There is no overriding agenda. This is not processed by a corporation looking to sell tons of related fan club tchotchkes. Journey into the near future with David Tobocman. Your kids will like what they hear.
ESCALATOR is now available through David Tobocman's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is the video for "America's Our Country:"
At least two mornings a week, the opening selection is "Home," from David Tobocman's first CD, I COUNT TO 10 AND OTHER VERY HELPFUL SONGS. He can't seem to get enough of it. So we were excited to receive a review copy of Tobocman's third children's CD, ESCALATOR.A prolific composer who has scored numerous TV shows as well as indie films, Tobocman aims to not write down for kids because "kids are smart...I just try to meet them at their level." If you're looking for a similar recording artist, I'd suggest John Boydston, who has recorded for the past decade-plus as Daddy A Go Go.
ESCALATOR's 11 tracks cover a lot of terrain, literally and figuratively. "Custom Family Spaceship" turns a station wagon/SUV into a vehicle that can go just about anywhere. The title track posits that "up" is synonymous with great adventure and "down" is when you should use the stairs. "America's Our Country" is a three-minute tour of sights and landmarks around the country.
And a remarkable thing happened when we played the album while having dinner. Twenty-two month-old Matthew started singing along with "The Owie Song." Just the chorus, though, not the verse. And the following night, he looked at us and sang, "Ow ow ow," insisting we play it again for him. His older brother chose "Peace Sign" as his favorite track on the CD. When it was finished, Ben replayed the song (as well as a reprise for his brother).
"Here's a song for when you hurt your toes,
Here's a song for when you stub your nose.
Next time you bang your knee,
Just remember these words and melody.
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
I hurt myself."
Tobocman is not reinventing the wheel. ESCALATOR is filled with accessible, child-friendly rhythms and easy-to-sing lyrics. This is not "world music." There is no overriding agenda. This is not processed by a corporation looking to sell tons of related fan club tchotchkes. Journey into the near future with David Tobocman. Your kids will like what they hear.
ESCALATOR is now available through David Tobocman's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is the video for "America's Our Country:"
Monday, October 15, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Parents Need Sleep - The Nields
The Monkeys are Breaking Out - Too Many Cookies
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
Monkey Love (Featuring Caspar Babypants) - The Harmonica Pocket
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Chrismukaah - The Jimmies
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Sing Loud - Melissa Green
Kooks - Elizabeth Mitchell
Sacagawea - The Deedle Deedle Dees
The Monkeys are Breaking Out - Too Many Cookies
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
Monkey Love (Featuring Caspar Babypants) - The Harmonica Pocket
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
Chrismukaah - The Jimmies
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Sing Loud - Melissa Green
Kooks - Elizabeth Mitchell
Sacagawea - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Sunday, October 14, 2012
You Can Go Home (new podcast)
I've divided my life into three stages: kid, teen, and adult. Kid
gets an asterix (for the first 3+ years that I can't really remember,
living in the Bronx).
I've talked about the three swim clubs my family belonged to – the first was based in New Jersey. That's where I return for this podcast episode: the two houses we lived in over the course of 11 years.
One of my brothers drove through the community (Somerset, NJ) last weekend, took photos of the houses, and sent them to me, with no advance warning. This episode, a rush of the memories that returned once I saw the pictures.
In a quick second segment, a "dinner out" turns into a minor panic tinged with shades of racism....Or is it? Your call.
I've talked about the three swim clubs my family belonged to – the first was based in New Jersey. That's where I return for this podcast episode: the two houses we lived in over the course of 11 years.
One of my brothers drove through the community (Somerset, NJ) last weekend, took photos of the houses, and sent them to me, with no advance warning. This episode, a rush of the memories that returned once I saw the pictures.
In a quick second segment, a "dinner out" turns into a minor panic tinged with shades of racism....Or is it? Your call.
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 15, 2012
I Wanna Party - Hot Wings
Exactly Where I Want To Be - Grenadilla
Odd Girl Out - Alexandra
Mister E - Zak Morgan
What'd I Say - Ray Charles
Here's To Us - Glee
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Rocketfuel - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Changes - David Bowie
Everyone - Elizabeth Mitchell
Exactly Where I Want To Be - Grenadilla
Odd Girl Out - Alexandra
Mister E - Zak Morgan
What'd I Say - Ray Charles
Here's To Us - Glee
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Rocketfuel - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Changes - David Bowie
Everyone - Elizabeth Mitchell
Friday, October 12, 2012
FOX Bends the Facts on Affleck Appearance
I don't like to get into politics, especially around election season. You turn off too many people and there's always some other Internet site to support another person's opinion.
As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says, "The wonderful thing about science is that you don't have to believe in it, it's still true." I feel the same way about climate change deniers, pro-Life stonewallers, and the Tea Party. They can have their views, as wrong as I feel they are. The science is on my side, so have at you.
Somehow this leads me to Ben Affleck appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show on FOX News to promote his new film, ARGO. It's a true story about the CIA rescuing six Americans who were being held hostage in Iran during the 1979 crisis. CIA agents came in, grabbed the hostages, and spirited them out of the country posing as members of the film crew of a ficticious movie, "Argo."
Affleck is a known Democrat, having had a role at the 2008 Democratic convention and being a spokesperson for Barack Obama during the last Presidential election. To promote his film, he was willing to appear on O'Reilly's program, knowing the conversation would turn political.
But after the spin that FOX put on Affleck's appearance, you wonder if it was worth it. "Liberal Actor Can't Name One Obama Accomplishment!" rang one headline. This leads Faux News watchers to think that:
As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says, "The wonderful thing about science is that you don't have to believe in it, it's still true." I feel the same way about climate change deniers, pro-Life stonewallers, and the Tea Party. They can have their views, as wrong as I feel they are. The science is on my side, so have at you.
Somehow this leads me to Ben Affleck appearing on the Bill O'Reilly show on FOX News to promote his new film, ARGO. It's a true story about the CIA rescuing six Americans who were being held hostage in Iran during the 1979 crisis. CIA agents came in, grabbed the hostages, and spirited them out of the country posing as members of the film crew of a ficticious movie, "Argo."
Affleck is a known Democrat, having had a role at the 2008 Democratic convention and being a spokesperson for Barack Obama during the last Presidential election. To promote his film, he was willing to appear on O'Reilly's program, knowing the conversation would turn political.
But after the spin that FOX put on Affleck's appearance, you wonder if it was worth it. "Liberal Actor Can't Name One Obama Accomplishment!" rang one headline. This leads Faux News watchers to think that:
- Affleck is possibly an idiot
- Obama hasn't accomplished anything
- Liberal actors fall and genuflect before the genius of O'Reilly
Clean Shave for Zak Morgan's Beastly Kids CD
I'm not close-minded. There is the stereotype of getting older and
liking fewer and fewer things. You break that stereotype by having
children, and being (sometimes forcibly) introduced to new things. And
y'know what? Many new things turn out to be pretty darn good.
Which brings me to Zak Morgan. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based native opens his new CD, THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS, with an orchestrated "Overture," then proceeds right into "First Grade:"
I eat my lunch at school
I gobble up my gruel
I feel like a jewel now that I'm in first grade.
This is where we learn and play
We get recess twice a day
Everyone should find a way to be in the first grade.
Seussical and clean, in the vein of Shel Silverstein. The title track tells the story of Nicola Picariello, who sets up his barber shop in the jungle and "can make a lion look like a French poodle." With strings and woodwinds in addition to guitars and piano, Morgan creates a winning style of children's music that is unlike the majority of the popular current artists.
We are currently experiencing a renaissance in the children's music scene. Beethoven's Wig covers classical. The Jimmies handle rock. Dan Zanes is a gentlemen folksinger/storyteller. Every region and every country has their own local superstar, just waiting for the "big break" that takes them national a la Stevesongs. Perhaps Zak Morgan is ready for larger venues outside the Ohio Valley.
Morgan cut his musical teeth performed for family audiences at Paradise Guest Ranch in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. He moved to New York City in 1995 to work for Recorded Books, a leading publisher of audiobooks, and spent four years immersed in the rich offerings of children's literature. His second CD, WHEN BULLFROGS CROAK, received a Grammy nomination, a rare feat for an independent release.
"The White Shark's Chum" tells a tale about a pirate (Captain Yum), a clever girl (Fast Phoebe), and a predator that follows the vessel bearing its name. Whenever someone walks the plant, they become fish food. Hence, the title of the song (and the boat). If you miss the point, Morgan even sings, "It's a double entendre."
Morgan is not all fun and games, though. He winds down the CD with a sweet ballad, "Let Me In:"
A human house of cards can crumble
But never when the heart is humble
Do you see the Light above you?
Do you know I'll always love you
Let me in
Morgan fills the niche between TUBBY THE TUBA and MEET THE ORCHESTRA. His tunes are filled with wordplay and don't stray far from their target audience, with an occasional wink for parents. THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS comes with a lavishly illustrated booklet, including lyrics with a twist: Specific words are highlighted and explained in a glossary to help expand your childrens' vocabularies. The song "Mister E" defines the words melancholy, mope, femme fatale, misanthrope, miscellaneous, misconstrue, and mistletoe, among others.
THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS is the fourth release from myKaZoo Music, a new family music label created in partnership with Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Zak Morgan’s videos are in high rotation on myKaZooTV.com, their music video channel for kids.
THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS is available on October 30 through Zak Morgan's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Which brings me to Zak Morgan. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based native opens his new CD, THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS, with an orchestrated "Overture," then proceeds right into "First Grade:"
I eat my lunch at school
I gobble up my gruel
I feel like a jewel now that I'm in first grade.
This is where we learn and play
We get recess twice a day
Everyone should find a way to be in the first grade.
Seussical and clean, in the vein of Shel Silverstein. The title track tells the story of Nicola Picariello, who sets up his barber shop in the jungle and "can make a lion look like a French poodle." With strings and woodwinds in addition to guitars and piano, Morgan creates a winning style of children's music that is unlike the majority of the popular current artists.
We are currently experiencing a renaissance in the children's music scene. Beethoven's Wig covers classical. The Jimmies handle rock. Dan Zanes is a gentlemen folksinger/storyteller. Every region and every country has their own local superstar, just waiting for the "big break" that takes them national a la Stevesongs. Perhaps Zak Morgan is ready for larger venues outside the Ohio Valley.
Morgan cut his musical teeth performed for family audiences at Paradise Guest Ranch in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. He moved to New York City in 1995 to work for Recorded Books, a leading publisher of audiobooks, and spent four years immersed in the rich offerings of children's literature. His second CD, WHEN BULLFROGS CROAK, received a Grammy nomination, a rare feat for an independent release.
"The White Shark's Chum" tells a tale about a pirate (Captain Yum), a clever girl (Fast Phoebe), and a predator that follows the vessel bearing its name. Whenever someone walks the plant, they become fish food. Hence, the title of the song (and the boat). If you miss the point, Morgan even sings, "It's a double entendre."
Morgan is not all fun and games, though. He winds down the CD with a sweet ballad, "Let Me In:"
A human house of cards can crumble
But never when the heart is humble
Do you see the Light above you?
Do you know I'll always love you
Let me in
Morgan fills the niche between TUBBY THE TUBA and MEET THE ORCHESTRA. His tunes are filled with wordplay and don't stray far from their target audience, with an occasional wink for parents. THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS comes with a lavishly illustrated booklet, including lyrics with a twist: Specific words are highlighted and explained in a glossary to help expand your childrens' vocabularies. The song "Mister E" defines the words melancholy, mope, femme fatale, misanthrope, miscellaneous, misconstrue, and mistletoe, among others.
THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS is the fourth release from myKaZoo Music, a new family music label created in partnership with Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Zak Morgan’s videos are in high rotation on myKaZooTV.com, their music video channel for kids.
THE BARBER OF THE BEASTS is available on October 30 through Zak Morgan's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 12, 2012
Here Comes The Sun - Ben Rudnick & Friends
(I Love the Sound of) Breaking Glass - Nick Lowe
Dad Upside Down - Hullabaloo
Take It to the Street - Re-Birth Brass Band
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
One Thing - One Direction
The Robot Looked At The Stars - Ralph's World
Water - Ozomatli
Continental Geography - Astrograss
Turning Tables - Adele
(I Love the Sound of) Breaking Glass - Nick Lowe
Dad Upside Down - Hullabaloo
Take It to the Street - Re-Birth Brass Band
Cicada - Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
One Thing - One Direction
The Robot Looked At The Stars - Ralph's World
Water - Ozomatli
Continental Geography - Astrograss
Turning Tables - Adele
All Skies Clear for Mitchell's Blue Clouds
If Laurie Berkner is the queen of children's music, then Elizabeth Mitchell is Glinda, the ethereal "good witch." She hovers above the scene, floating down in her transparent bubble every few years to deliver another collection of unexpected delights.
Mitchell returns this month with her sixth CD, BLUE CLOUDS. Along with original compositions, you get interpretations of songs from a diverse range of artists – David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Ella Jenkins, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers, and The Good Ms. Padgett. The CD comes with a lushly-illustrated booklet with song-by-song notes on every selection.
About that booklet and the illustrations....all artwork is by Remy Charlip. If you didn't read any of his more than 38 books, you may be familiar with his creation, the Paper Bag Players. An extensive explanation of Remy's craft is presented by his friend, author Brian Selznick ("The Invention of Hugo Cabret").
Mitchell plays with her husband, Daniel Littleton and their daughter, Storey, as You Are My Flower (a family band). Their extended circle indulges in a smorgasbord of cultures. "Summer Is Icumen In" is based on a traditional 13th century round, transcribed by monks. "Yuki (Snow)" is a Japanese winter song, bookended on the CD by "May This Be Love" via Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers' "Blue Sky."
And who knew David Bowie wrote a parenting song? That would be "Kooks:"
I bought you a pair of shoes
A trumpet you can blow
And a book of rules
On what to say to people
when they pick on you
'Cause if you stay with us you're gonna be pretty Kookie too
If you're a sucker for eloquence and simplicity, then Elizabeth Mitchell is the clear favorite. Renee and Jeremy have a similar sound, but they've snorkeling in the waters while Mitchell is already scuba diving. But I'm using the wrong set of analogies for a CD that looks upward. The title track, "Blue Clouds," was written by Daniel many years ago for Storey and the final line sums up the album: "A blanket of stars on the back of your eyes." As well as a pillow of peaceful tunes for your ears.
BLUE CLOUDS is available on October 23 from Amazon, Smithsonian Folkways, iTunes, and You Are My Flower.
We've seen Elizabeth Mitchell and company in concert several times. Here are a couple of select videos. First, from this past summer's Kidstock festival on Long Island:
And here's a performance from Kindiefest 2011 in Brooklyn.
About that booklet and the illustrations....all artwork is by Remy Charlip. If you didn't read any of his more than 38 books, you may be familiar with his creation, the Paper Bag Players. An extensive explanation of Remy's craft is presented by his friend, author Brian Selznick ("The Invention of Hugo Cabret").
Mitchell plays with her husband, Daniel Littleton and their daughter, Storey, as You Are My Flower (a family band). Their extended circle indulges in a smorgasbord of cultures. "Summer Is Icumen In" is based on a traditional 13th century round, transcribed by monks. "Yuki (Snow)" is a Japanese winter song, bookended on the CD by "May This Be Love" via Jimi Hendrix and the Allman Brothers' "Blue Sky."
And who knew David Bowie wrote a parenting song? That would be "Kooks:"
I bought you a pair of shoes
A trumpet you can blow
And a book of rules
On what to say to people
when they pick on you
'Cause if you stay with us you're gonna be pretty Kookie too
If you're a sucker for eloquence and simplicity, then Elizabeth Mitchell is the clear favorite. Renee and Jeremy have a similar sound, but they've snorkeling in the waters while Mitchell is already scuba diving. But I'm using the wrong set of analogies for a CD that looks upward. The title track, "Blue Clouds," was written by Daniel many years ago for Storey and the final line sums up the album: "A blanket of stars on the back of your eyes." As well as a pillow of peaceful tunes for your ears.
BLUE CLOUDS is available on October 23 from Amazon, Smithsonian Folkways, iTunes, and You Are My Flower.
We've seen Elizabeth Mitchell and company in concert several times. Here are a couple of select videos. First, from this past summer's Kidstock festival on Long Island:
And here's a performance from Kindiefest 2011 in Brooklyn.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 11, 2012
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
The Backpack Song - Bari Koral
Catch My Breath - Kelly Clarkson
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Party - Dog On Fleas
Man Gave Names - Aaron Nigel Smith
In Tents - Recess Monkey
Falling - Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights
Sing Loud - Melissa Green
Rolling In the Deep - Adele
The Backpack Song - Bari Koral
Catch My Breath - Kelly Clarkson
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Party - Dog On Fleas
Man Gave Names - Aaron Nigel Smith
In Tents - Recess Monkey
Falling - Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights
Sing Loud - Melissa Green
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
What Katie Did - The Libertines
Bluebird > Redbird, Redbird > Reef - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Peace And Love - Fountains Of Wayne
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Why Is Dad So Mad? - The Board of Education
Popcorn - Recess Monkey
Hot Sauce - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
I Like How It Feels - Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Freak Out - Astrograss
Rad - Play Date
Bluebird > Redbird, Redbird > Reef - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Peace And Love - Fountains Of Wayne
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Why Is Dad So Mad? - The Board of Education
Popcorn - Recess Monkey
Hot Sauce - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
I Like How It Feels - Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Freak Out - Astrograss
Rad - Play Date
Monday, October 08, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sylvie - Elizabeth Mitchell
Everybody Here is a Cloud - Cloud Cult
If You Wanna Dance Say Yeah! - Dog On Fleas
Odd Girl Out - Alexandra
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
On the Greener Side - Michelle Shocked
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! - Mr. Leebot
Music Makes Me Feel - Astrograss
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
A Change Would Do You Good - Glee
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
Everybody Here is a Cloud - Cloud Cult
If You Wanna Dance Say Yeah! - Dog On Fleas
Odd Girl Out - Alexandra
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
On the Greener Side - Michelle Shocked
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! - Mr. Leebot
Music Makes Me Feel - Astrograss
New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
A Change Would Do You Good - Glee
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? - They Might Be Giants
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Road Scholar (new podcast)
My wife had a minor fender-bender this past week.
It reminded me of a number of (thankfully) small auto incidents that have happened over the years.
I'm not talking about being stopped by the police. These are full-fledged collisions and mishaps.
What I thought would be one small segment turned into an entire episode.
It reminded me of a number of (thankfully) small auto incidents that have happened over the years.
I'm not talking about being stopped by the police. These are full-fledged collisions and mishaps.
What I thought would be one small segment turned into an entire episode.
Ben's Playlist - Monday, October 8, 2012
When the Bells Start Ringing (feat. The Head & the Heart) -My Morning Jacket
Tongue Tied - Glee
Siyahamba - Aaron Nigel Smith
Can't Keep Johnny Down - They Might Be Giants
Glad You Came -The Wanted
Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit
Make Me - Big Bang Boom
Make It Up - Astrograss
Skyfall - Adele
Tongue Tied - Glee
Siyahamba - Aaron Nigel Smith
Can't Keep Johnny Down - They Might Be Giants
Glad You Came -The Wanted
Let Your Love Grow Tall - Passion Pit
Make Me - Big Bang Boom
Make It Up - Astrograss
Skyfall - Adele
Friday, October 05, 2012
The Bluegrass Is Greener for Astrograss
Dearest Edith,
I just got back from the organic farm and boy, are my butter-churning arms tired!
Luckily, the commune leaders are not Luddites and believe in keeping their members happy through music. They play a lot of Astrograss. No I didn't mean to write "smoke," I meant "play." Astrograss is a children's group that plays authentic bluegrass music.
Ha ha, I know. You think you need to smoke some astrograss before you'd listen to authentic bluegrass music. Astrograss may be earnest, but their music is simple, clever, and down-to-earth. And seriously, if not for them and Steve Martin and his Steep Canyon Rangers, who else would be performing bluegrass music right now? Bluegrass is an American musical tradition. Astrograss has found a way to introduce bluegrass music to children and keep it relevant.
Astrograss is releasing their third CD, THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY. Edith, it's a mix of traditional bluegrass songs ("Sail Away Ladies" and "Shortenin' Bread") and new compositions like "Make It Up," which urges children to use their imaginations:
Make it up
Make a legend or a tale
If you haven't got a story
Make it up
All five members of Astrograss are music educators (a fancypants word for teachers) and the band was founded out of their classroom experiences in Brooklyn schools. Edith, School outreach is vital to Astrograss, and their school programs not only integrate bluegrass history and instrument identification, but also feature an "Astrograss Songwriting Challenges," in which kids are invited to write poems, which Astrograss then sets to music. "Music Makes Me Feel," the song that closes the CD, is a musical adaptation of a poem by nine-year-old Marcella Fellus Borgenict.
Soon I will be heading home to see you via mule train, darling Edith. And if the mule train isn't prompt, perhaps a limo. In the meantime, I've selected some tracks from THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY and shared them in my DropBox. You will enjoy the dedicated vocals of band members Jordan Shapiro, Sarah Alden, and Tim Kiah. Marvel at Sarah's fiddle playing. Enjoy the banjos, mandolin, clarinet, and twin fiddle!
As I send this e-mail, fictitious Edith, think of not only me kindly, but also Astrograss. For their love of bluegrass is to be admired, listened to, and also seen, if possible. See you at the 4 PM staff meeting.
THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY is available on October 16 through the band's website, CDBABY, iTunes, and Amazon.
I just got back from the organic farm and boy, are my butter-churning arms tired!
Luckily, the commune leaders are not Luddites and believe in keeping their members happy through music. They play a lot of Astrograss. No I didn't mean to write "smoke," I meant "play." Astrograss is a children's group that plays authentic bluegrass music.
Ha ha, I know. You think you need to smoke some astrograss before you'd listen to authentic bluegrass music. Astrograss may be earnest, but their music is simple, clever, and down-to-earth. And seriously, if not for them and Steve Martin and his Steep Canyon Rangers, who else would be performing bluegrass music right now? Bluegrass is an American musical tradition. Astrograss has found a way to introduce bluegrass music to children and keep it relevant.Astrograss is releasing their third CD, THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY. Edith, it's a mix of traditional bluegrass songs ("Sail Away Ladies" and "Shortenin' Bread") and new compositions like "Make It Up," which urges children to use their imaginations:
Make it up
Make a legend or a tale
If you haven't got a story
Make it up
All five members of Astrograss are music educators (a fancypants word for teachers) and the band was founded out of their classroom experiences in Brooklyn schools. Edith, School outreach is vital to Astrograss, and their school programs not only integrate bluegrass history and instrument identification, but also feature an "Astrograss Songwriting Challenges," in which kids are invited to write poems, which Astrograss then sets to music. "Music Makes Me Feel," the song that closes the CD, is a musical adaptation of a poem by nine-year-old Marcella Fellus Borgenict.
Soon I will be heading home to see you via mule train, darling Edith. And if the mule train isn't prompt, perhaps a limo. In the meantime, I've selected some tracks from THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY and shared them in my DropBox. You will enjoy the dedicated vocals of band members Jordan Shapiro, Sarah Alden, and Tim Kiah. Marvel at Sarah's fiddle playing. Enjoy the banjos, mandolin, clarinet, and twin fiddle!
As I send this e-mail, fictitious Edith, think of not only me kindly, but also Astrograss. For their love of bluegrass is to be admired, listened to, and also seen, if possible. See you at the 4 PM staff meeting.
THE COLORED PENCIL FACTORY is available on October 16 through the band's website, CDBABY, iTunes, and Amazon.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Friday, October 5, 2012
Rainbow Connection - Weezer Feat. Hayley Williams
Valley Winter Song - Fountains Of Wayne
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
Bunny Brown - Caspar Babypants
I Just Had an Idea - Elska
Hot Sauce - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Changes - David Bowie
Lucky - Jason Mraz
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count - Kepi Ghoulie
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Valley Winter Song - Fountains Of Wayne
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
Bunny Brown - Caspar Babypants
I Just Had an Idea - Elska
Hot Sauce - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Changes - David Bowie
Lucky - Jason Mraz
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count - Kepi Ghoulie
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Wide-Eyed and Sleepy With Sukey
It's not a good idea to fall asleep when you're reviewing a CD.
That's what I kept telling myself while listening to Sukey Molloy's fourth CD, I AM SLEEPY!.
Yet the gentle, hypnotic melodies and sweet, lilting vocals kept calling to me.
"Just a li'l midday nappie, c'mon, who'll notice if your head is on the desk? Just blame deadline anxiety."
Sukey is following her previous 2012 release, I AM HAPPY! by going 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Ironically, most parents would say they are most happy when they are asleep. But this is a children's CD, so the goal was to produce songs to lull the little ones into slumber.
Sukey wanted to give parents a recording that created a peaceful, soothing atmosphere for toddlers, preschoolers, and mothers with newborns. The 17 tracks include some lesser-known traditional songs ("Russian Lullaby") and original fables ("The Story of Little Lamb" and "The Story of Twinkle Little Star").
I'm a stickler for lyrics (either in a booklet or artist's website) but the words to lullabies are pretty standard. Still, it's nice to have them on hand for immediate memorization.
Sukey has won numerous awards – Mom's Choice Award Gold (2010, 2012); NAPPA Honors Award (2007, 2009); and the Children's Music Web Award (2006). I AM SLEEPY! was co-produced by Grammy-winner Larry Alexander, who has worked with artists as varied as Willie Nelson to Bon Jovi to Diana Ross. The CD incorporates ambient sounds of crickets, owls, and lambs to create a netherworld of calm.
Here is the video for "The Story of Twinkle Little Star."
Like I said, I AM SLEEPY! almost worked on me. But I'm generally sleep-deprived. Will it work on your kids? There aren't many more pleasurable ways to get the little ones into bed than with a welcoming voice and warm, enveloping instrumentation. And if you nod off as well, all the better. I give I AM SLEEPY! a snoring ovation.
I AM SLEEPY! will be available on October 16 through Sukey Molloy's website, CDBABY, and Amazon.
That's what I kept telling myself while listening to Sukey Molloy's fourth CD, I AM SLEEPY!.
Yet the gentle, hypnotic melodies and sweet, lilting vocals kept calling to me.
"Just a li'l midday nappie, c'mon, who'll notice if your head is on the desk? Just blame deadline anxiety."
Sukey wanted to give parents a recording that created a peaceful, soothing atmosphere for toddlers, preschoolers, and mothers with newborns. The 17 tracks include some lesser-known traditional songs ("Russian Lullaby") and original fables ("The Story of Little Lamb" and "The Story of Twinkle Little Star").
I'm a stickler for lyrics (either in a booklet or artist's website) but the words to lullabies are pretty standard. Still, it's nice to have them on hand for immediate memorization.
Sukey has won numerous awards – Mom's Choice Award Gold (2010, 2012); NAPPA Honors Award (2007, 2009); and the Children's Music Web Award (2006). I AM SLEEPY! was co-produced by Grammy-winner Larry Alexander, who has worked with artists as varied as Willie Nelson to Bon Jovi to Diana Ross. The CD incorporates ambient sounds of crickets, owls, and lambs to create a netherworld of calm.
Here is the video for "The Story of Twinkle Little Star."
Like I said, I AM SLEEPY! almost worked on me. But I'm generally sleep-deprived. Will it work on your kids? There aren't many more pleasurable ways to get the little ones into bed than with a welcoming voice and warm, enveloping instrumentation. And if you nod off as well, all the better. I give I AM SLEEPY! a snoring ovation.
I AM SLEEPY! will be available on October 16 through Sukey Molloy's website, CDBABY, and Amazon.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, October 4, 2012
Grandma's Hands - Bill Withers
Generator (First Floor) - Freelance Whales
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
The Golem - The Deedle Deedle Dees
You Are My Sunshine - Charity And The JAMband
Mary Anning - Artichoke
El Jefe - Mexican Institute of Sound
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
Chloe - Grouplove
Everytime - Glee
Generator (First Floor) - Freelance Whales
Burning Coffee - They Might Be Giants
The Golem - The Deedle Deedle Dees
You Are My Sunshine - Charity And The JAMband
Mary Anning - Artichoke
El Jefe - Mexican Institute of Sound
Buffalo Gals - Dog On Fleas
Chloe - Grouplove
Everytime - Glee
The Point of Harry Nilsson
Stefan Shepherd interviewed Recess Monkey's Drew Holloway recently about the late Harry Nilsson and his influence on the band's music.
I posted a response to his Zooglobble blog with a few sketchy memories and just wanted to flesh them out here, from the dark recesses of my mind.
In 1971, an animated special was produced called The Point, based on a musical concept from Harry Nilsson. In a nutshell, it's a fable about being different.
I missed the initial airing on NBC, but no matter. In 1972, my class and every other third-grade class was marched into the school auditorium and we watched The Point. I went home singing "Me and My Arrow," which later turned up in a commercial for the badly-manufactured car of the same name.
Years later, even with the sweep of the Internet, advent of iTunes, and the deviousness of Napster, I never thought about investigating the music of Harry Nilsson.
One day, we played an album (yes, a record) of TV themes for my son. After it was over, I started singing one of them, "Best Friend," the theme to The Courtship of Eddie's Father. As usual, my son asked his standard question, "Who sang that?" I did some research on Harry Nilsson and we began listening to his songs with some regularity.
Nilsson had the ability to sing about almost anything. Even a nonsense song like "Coconut," which would have pegged any other artist as a one-hit wonder. I was tremendously sad to have to tell my son (in a carefully worded remark) that he wasn't recording any new material.
You can hear Harry Nilsson's influence on a number of childrens artists, from Recess Monkey (Drew's remarks, which begat this post) to the audio/visual mastery of Gustafer Yellowgold. Even though Nilsson is no longer around, his songs and spirit survive, and I'll be looking for The Point this holiday season.
I posted a response to his Zooglobble blog with a few sketchy memories and just wanted to flesh them out here, from the dark recesses of my mind.
In 1971, an animated special was produced called The Point, based on a musical concept from Harry Nilsson. In a nutshell, it's a fable about being different.
I missed the initial airing on NBC, but no matter. In 1972, my class and every other third-grade class was marched into the school auditorium and we watched The Point. I went home singing "Me and My Arrow," which later turned up in a commercial for the badly-manufactured car of the same name.Years later, even with the sweep of the Internet, advent of iTunes, and the deviousness of Napster, I never thought about investigating the music of Harry Nilsson.
One day, we played an album (yes, a record) of TV themes for my son. After it was over, I started singing one of them, "Best Friend," the theme to The Courtship of Eddie's Father. As usual, my son asked his standard question, "Who sang that?" I did some research on Harry Nilsson and we began listening to his songs with some regularity.
Nilsson had the ability to sing about almost anything. Even a nonsense song like "Coconut," which would have pegged any other artist as a one-hit wonder. I was tremendously sad to have to tell my son (in a carefully worded remark) that he wasn't recording any new material.
You can hear Harry Nilsson's influence on a number of childrens artists, from Recess Monkey (Drew's remarks, which begat this post) to the audio/visual mastery of Gustafer Yellowgold. Even though Nilsson is no longer around, his songs and spirit survive, and I'll be looking for The Point this holiday season.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Daydream Believer - Renee & Jeremy
Lonely Glove - Caspar Babypants
The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
Accentuate the Positive - NRBQ
Lemonade Stand - Deep Fried Pickle Project
Puzzle Pieces Within - Lunch Money
Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Willie & The Wheel
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Balloon Fest - Ozomatli
Flying - Recess Monkey
Bike - Charity And The JAMband
Kinder Words - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Lonely Glove - Caspar Babypants
The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
Accentuate the Positive - NRBQ
Lemonade Stand - Deep Fried Pickle Project
Puzzle Pieces Within - Lunch Money
Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Willie & The Wheel
Favorite Day - Hullabaloo
Balloon Fest - Ozomatli
Flying - Recess Monkey
Bike - Charity And The JAMband
Kinder Words - Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Monday, October 01, 2012
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Popsicle Soup - Jawbone
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
The Monkey Song - Jesse Friedberg
Lemonade - Charity And The JAMband
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Pleadia - Andy Z
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift
When Will You Die? - They Might Be Giants
The Monkey Song - Jesse Friedberg
Lemonade - Charity And The JAMband
Zou bisou bisou - Gillian Hills
Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
Worms - Dog On Fleas
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart - Fountains Of Wayne
Pleadia - Andy Z
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)