eBay: Comics and Porn! (new podcast)

With a title like this, I expect to get some curiosity downloads.

Continuing my tales of eBay, who I started to sell my comic book collection.

And a second segment on what happened the TWO times I was asked (by a friend) to sell his porn tapes.

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Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 25, 2013

Ayo – Play Date
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Days That End In "Y" – Kepi Ghoulie
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
Lose My Mind – The Wanted
Hot Shot – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Let's Go – Matt & Kim
Some Nights – Glee      
Celebration – They Might Be Giants

Get Moving, Get Ella Jenkins

It's a mistake to listen to Ella Jenkins during dinner.

We listen to a lot of tunes while we eat. But the song and response engagement from "the First Lady of Children's music" is so strong that it almost overwhelmed the meal.

The CD in question is GET MOVING, a compilation being released in conjunction with first lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! program to get children to become more physically active.

Now in her incredible ninth decade of recording and performing, Miss Ella has an awards list too long to chronicle. Her legacy has become so important that she has graduated to a spot on Smithsonian Folkways, the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, which seeks to enhance awareness and appreciation of the cultural heritage of others.

The 15 songs on GET MOVING are meant to get kids on their feet and, in short, get moving. Activities are as simple as waving in "Hello" and jumping in "Jumping (with variations)." On "Teddy Bear," she has the kids skip around the room, which leads to a pretty chaotic finish, based on the audio.

Jenkins commands the kids' attention and directs them with long-tenured subtlety. There is no real music with "One Potato, Two Potato," instead it's rhythmic game instructions. With guitar and vocals, Jenkins has spent her life sharing musical styles from around the world. "Play Your Instruments" does not have motion per se, but it does allow children to perform with Ella and make pretty sounds.

It's the rare children's performer who remains relevant long enough to be subject of their own documentary. Ella Jenkins received that honor in 2007 with the release of "cELLAbration Live: A Tribute to Ella Jenkins." It's amazing to see (and hear) her continue to share her life's mission and music to a third generation of children.

GET MOVING is available through Smithsonian Folkways, Amazon, or iTunes.

Here is a video of Ella performing "I Know A City Called Okeechobee":

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Sunshine – Vered
Don't Dream It's Over – Glee
Crazy crazy dinner lady – Nick Cope
Thank You – Dan Zanes & Friends
 I Like How It Feels – Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Spicy Kid – Lunch Money
Born To Rock – David Tobocman
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
With Linked Arms – Cat Doorman     
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

I Wanna Party – Hot Wings
easier to do – Justin Roberts
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Superhero You – Steve Songs
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
Last First Kiss – One Direction
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Yeah! – Cat Doorman  
Mister E – Zak Morgan
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Love Is A Superpower – Ben Rudnick & Friends
Turning Tables – Adele
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
What'd I Say – Ray Charles
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield 
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
So Many Words – Cat Doorman       
Change of Heart – Steve Weeks     

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 21, 2013

Let Me In – Zak Morgan
Effervescing Elephant – Cat Doorman       
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
The Scientist – Glee
Kangaroo! – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
No Homework – The Bazillions
I Would – One Direction
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
There's a nose in the middle of my face – Nick Cope       
A Little Breath In – Preschool Of Rock

Schooled in Busing (new podcast)

The New York City school bus drivers union went on strike this week for the first time in 34 years. 

The last strike, in 1978, went 14 weeks. That would take us into April if it was repeated today.

Here are some thoughts that I had, which I published on my blog. I then went to physical therapy and had a conversation with some people on the other side of the issue.

Also, my introduction to ebay. This is intended as a prologue to an upcoming occasional series of segments entitled "Tales of ebay."

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Nick's More Than Capable of Coping

A well-crafted children's song can come from anywhere. I've mostly covered American performers but there's a whole world out there creating music for youngsters.

One of the more delightful recording artists is Nick Cope from the UK. The former front man for the Candyskins, Nick and his bandmates never gained the traction or fame of their contemporaries (Radiohead  and Supergrass) and man, must he get sick and tired of hearing that.

Nick has recorded three albums of children's songs. The latest, WHY IS THE SKY BLUE? straddles the middle ground between Justin Roberts' lyrically and Gustafer Yellowgold, musically. Not a bad place to be, really. He has crafted a collection of fanciful music that speaks genially to the youth inside adults as well as directly to the youths sitting with those adults.

Nick speaks from the perspective of a child in many of his songs. "Wobbly Tooth" opens the CD with a boy wondering when his troublesome tooth is going to finally come out and seeking advice from his elders. And guess what? There's a punchline!

"There's A Nose in the Middle of My Face" is a self-explanatory dissertation on facial features. "Whole Lotta Fun" could be an introduction to skiffle for a new generation. The sweet "Crazy Crazy Dinner Lady" would not be out of place as a bedtime song from Justin's latest entry, LULLABY.

A youngster named Joe asks his parents a litany of questions in the title song:

Why is the sky blue? Why do I love you?
D'ya think I can jump higher than a kangaroo?
How does a worm walk? How do the aliens talk?
Why can't you eat spaghetti with a knife and fork?
How do the birds fly? Why did my goldfish die?
I wanna know, I wanna know, I wanna know why.

Of course, Joe does not receive any answers. But the whole point of the song is that it's alright to ask these questions. And there's no question that Nick Cope has created a deserved niche in the UK wing of the kindie scene. Nick also produces t-shirts, videos, and books from his music. It's a cottage industry (and no jokes about small towns in the highlands).

WHY IS THE SKY BLUE is available from Nick's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for "Snowman Kind of Day":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 18, 2013

Accentuate the Positive – NRBQ
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Butterfly – The Nields
We Just Won't Be Defeated  – The Go! Team
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
The Crocodile (Wouldn't Brush His Teeth)  – Boxtop Jenkins
Rocketfuel – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Peaceful – Cat Doorman       
Walk or Ride – The Not-Its      
First Day – The Board of Education

This Cat Can Sing

When you have too much of a good thing, it's no longer a good thing.

For instance, ice cream. One spoonful? Not enough. A full serving? Paradise. Two servings with whipped cream? A stomach ache.

Cat Doorman's first CD, SONGBOOK, won't give you a stomach ache (how's that for a ringing endorsement? Put that on the sleeve sticker!!!). But you may find yourself hitting pause after 4-5 songs, as I did. More on that in a minute.

Raised in SoCal, Cat (nee Julianna Bright) has landed in Portland as an independent artist whose work with gouache, water colors, and ink have appeared on album covers, periodicals, and in galleries around the country. SONGBOOK is a collaboration with Night & Day Studios, creators of iPhone and iPad apps for the arts, education, and entertainment. As such, the gentle, countrified  "Little Red Wagon" has an accompanying app (coming soon).

Cat is an accomplished graphic designer. The artwork in the 18-page booklet that accompanies the CD is two steps above your average liner notes with spot illustrations. Possibly the most impressive packaging since Zak Morgan's BARBER OF THE BEASTS CD.

The Portland collective appears to be very different from the Seattle collective (Harmonica Pocket, Recess Monkey). Cat recorded with an array of very talented musicians (click through to read about them all). People who fear the hipster aura of Portland may roll their eyes at the decision to cover Syd Barrett's "Effervescing Elephant." But it's one of Barrett's less psychedelic and more whimsical tunes and is not out of place on a children's music album.

The piano-based "Madame Claire" give me an idea of what a Tori Amos kid's CD would sound like. "Let's Get Dressed Up" sweetly describes the pleasures of spending time going through the proverbial steamer trunk of "old people's" clothing. If you want to rock out with Cat, you get the closest with "Yeah":

I know a girl named Scout and she knows what it's about.
It's all about a giggle and a twirl.
I know a kid named Evie and her moves are really heavy
and her legs are always kicking like a rabbit.
She says, "Yeah!"

The press material describes Cat's sound as "songs that would sound at home on any alternative radio playlist." Except I'm playing the CD for kids. When we used SONGBOOK as background for dinner, it didn't get the "be quiet, I'm listening" vibe that Preschool of Rock received. Instead, the kids treated SONGBOOK like SiriusXM's Coffee House channel and basically chatted over it. Which is why I stopped it after five songs and heard the rest later, during playtime.

SONGBOOK is a thoroughly pleasant assemblage of tunes with a delightful booklet you can leaf through and read along to your children as the songs play. Just take my lead and do it in spurts. There's nothing wrong with knowing the best serving size – that's what prevents stomach aches.

SONGBOOK is available later this month through Cat Doorman's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 17, 2013

Sourwood Mountain – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Deck the Halls  – Dan Zanes 
Shrimp and Gumbo – Rebirth Brass Band
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Out Of The Box – The Bazillions
Changes – David Bowie
Want U Back – Cher Lloyd ft. Astro 
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
What Was That Sound – Papa Crow        
Participation Trophy – The Not-Its   
Worms – Dog On Fleas 

NY School Bus Strike a Bust

New York City pays $1.1B to bus students to different school facilities.

The contract with the drivers union expired this year.

The outgoing contract had a clause guaranteeing jobs to the most senior drivers (a kind of "tenure" system).

The City had this clause struck down for one specific contract (for K-2nd grade) and do not want to include it in the new contract.

Hence, the drivers threatened and ultimately went on strike on Wednesday, January 16.

I am siding with the Department of Education (shockingly).

Here's why...

Seniority does not equate with competency.

You've never heard someone talk about their days in high school and fondly reminisce:

"Mr. Johnson was my favorite teacher because he had 22 years seniority!"

In the same vein, you never hear baseball commentators say:

"Marvin Jackson is the best outfielder because he's been playing for 23 years!"

If the Major league baseball players union tried to include a clause stipulating that the most senior players be guaranteed roster spots, you'd hear MLB owners laughing in the streets.

School teachers have this kind of tenure, but it's being challenged at high levels across the country, in exchange for merit and performance rewards.

Our son Ben had a driver/matron last year with whom he shared a great rapport. They would play Z-100 Radio and he would talk about the singers and songs with them. After six weeks, they were suddenly replaced by a new driver and matron. The driver maintained radio silence and would chastise the children on the bus if they talked too loudly.

What was the reason for the switch? If you're a senior-level bus driver in the NYC system, one of the perks is that you get to cherry-pick the route you want to drive. How does this benefit the children on that route? It worked against our son.

This year started with a peculiar incident. Ben came home wearing sweatpants, his "backup clothing" sent in the first day of school. We emailed his teacher, who said that the matron misinformed the bus liaison that he had pooped his pants. He had not. Some child on the bus had gas (not Ben) and they blamed him and ordered him to change his underwear and pants (which were clean and in a plastic bag).

During Hurricane Sandy, the bus company that runs our son's route lost all communications. Their facilities were flooded and they relocated. Both contact numbers were dead. We told the Office of Pupil Transportation that we were being forced to relocate due to no power or heat and THEY said they'd contact the bus company. It didn't happen. And the driver and matron REFUSED to pick up or drop off our son at a different location, even though WE would still be there at the doorstep of my brother's house, one mile from his usual spot (our house).

When I approached the driver (with paper and pen in hand) and asked how SHE contacted the bus company, she replied, "I use the bus radio" and would not give me an alternate number. In her universe, following the rules to the letter, despite extraordinary circumstances, could not get her into any trouble.

Worst of all was a situation that happened in April 2010. Our driver had lots of seniority. An older man, he suffered a heart attack WHILE DRIVING THE BUS. Before dropping off our son and another child, he crashed into a storefront. I called the bus company to check on his condition but also to insinuate that we would not be happy if he returned to drive on this route.

In our experiences, it was the less-senior drivers and matrons who performed better and handled situations more gracefully. The number of years they had been doing their jobs was not a factor to us. It was their attitude and professionalism, as well as their knowledge of the roadways and traffic conditions.

THESE should be the overriding factors in negotiating a new contract between the CIty and the drivers union. Anything else is hype and smokescreen.

We hope to get this matter squared away sooner rather than later. I transported my son to school today and leave to retrieve him in less than two hours. But that's a column for another day.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Everybody Here is a Cloud – Cloud Cult
Turning Tables – Adele
Three – The Board of Education
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
I Walk The Line –  Chris Isaak
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Can't Keep Johnny Down – They Might Be Giants
Fart Like a Pirate – Papa Crow      
Candy Garden – The Bazillions
Full Tilt  – The Not-Its      
Miss Elephant's Gerald – The Pop Ups

That Papa Crow; He's a Gas

Farts are musical.

No, it's true. Ask Michigan's Papa Crow, who just released a five-song CD, WHAT WAS THAT SOUND?

When I told my wife that I was reviewing a concept album about farts, her reaction (predictably) was, "Excuse me?" to which I rejoined, "Why? DID YOU FART!?!"

Papa Crow (aka Jeff Krebs) started this project a few years back as a way to amuse his nephew. It evolved (yes, the evolution of a CD about natural gas emissions) into five disparate songs. "Fart Like a Pirate" discusses the flatulence of humans and animals (elephants and fathers in particular).

The title track is self-explanatory, in the musical form of a madrigal. "Barking Spiders" is a gentle, male/female take on the age-old question, "who farted?" The term "barking spider" refers to an existing southern species that uses a foul odor as a defense mechanism. Who knew (here in the East, anyway).

"All the Things That Fart" is a jaunty midtempo guitar number and the CD rocks out with "Uncle Terry's Farts." Papa Crow assures listeners that Uncle Terry is a real person who thankfully did not threaten legal action when he heard how he was being immortalized.

It's a breezy, smiling way to discuss something that everybody does. Ben walked around singing just the first line of "Fart Like a Pirate" for about 30 minutes after the first listening. Now if Jeff can get just get a copy onto Howard Stern's desk.

Now that Papa Crow has gotten this all out of his system (so to speak), he is hard at work on his next full-length CD as well as another mini-CD of monkey songs. I wonder if any of those monkeys are gaseous...

WHAT WAS THAT SOUND? is available through Papa Crow's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Silent Night – Dan Zanes
Lucky – Jason Mraz
Wag More – Boxtop Jenkins
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Blue Sky Time – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Everybody's Going Out To Play – Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs    
Busy – The Not-Its  
Because I Said So! – Big Bang Boom

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 14, 2013

Delicious – Orange Sherbert
They Don't Know About Us  – One Direction
 I Like How It Feels  – Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count  – Kepi Ghoulie
Water  – Ozomatli
When Can I See You Again – Owl City
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Kidquake! – The Not-Its       
You Made Me A Sock Monkey – Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs     
Wimoweh  – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

They're It! (Despite Being the Not-Its)

There's a lot of rock music out there and there's a lot of children's music out there.

That doesn't mean, when you mash it up, that there's a lot of GOOD children's rock music out there.

Fortunately, the Not-Its! have returned with KIDQUAKE!, another sonic boom of kidtastic tunes for your little ones. It's perfect for them to flail their long (isn't it about time for a haircut?) hair and shout (but with an inside kind of voice).

The Seattle-based quintet carved their baby teeth on the 90s indie-pop scene. Lead singer Sarah Shannon was lead vocalist for Velocity Girl.  Rhythm guitarist Danny Adamson is a former punk rocker-turned-social worker. Guitarist Tom Baisden teaches special needs children. New members include indie band vet bassist Jennie Helman and drummer Michael Welke (formerly of Harvey Danger).

We were disappointed that the last time the Not-Its! played on the East Coast, it was at the Kindiefest showcase (the evening one for the adults). Ben had been selecting the band's songs over and over again for his playlists and I decided against telling him he would NOT be seeing them in the near future.

KIDQUAKE is stuffed with 11 songs in less than 30 minutes. You get all the rock and none of the "experimental" filler. You won't find a three-minute guitar solo to use as a bathroom break (although your kids might need one before playing the entire CD).

Topics include the wry ("Participation Trophy") and instructional ("Rock Paper Scissors"). You also get school-related creepiness ("Tarantula Funeral") and all-out fun times ("Busy" and "Let's Skateboard"). Anyone with a sibling will recognize the antagonist of "Temper Tantrum":

He's about to blow better hit the deck
You never know where the pieces of his rage will land
It's really getting out of hand.
How was I to know? No one can predict his lava flow.
It's getting hot. Is that the temperature? - no.
Must be a temper tantrum.

The Not-Its! remind me of a West Coast version of the Jimmies, similar rock tendencies and attitude. And they have their own version of a "posse" in the Kindiependent collective that includes Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkey, and the Harmonica Pocket. With friends like those, it's easy to see what inspires the band to continue their mission to entertain the tykes. If your kids play the CD and the floor starts rocking, it's going to be tough to contain them. I guess that's what they mean by a KIDQUAKE!

KIDQUAKE! will be available on Tuesday, February 5 through the band's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the band's song, "First Kid in Outer Space":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 11, 2013

A Wild One – Justin Roberts
Summer Love – One Direction
Alien Girlfriend – Andy Z
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Superman – Glee
Why Is Dad So Mad? – The Board of Education
When I Was Your Age – Weird Al Yankovic
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
It's An Illusion – Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs        
Too Dirty To Love – Caspar Babypants 

Ben's Birthday Playlist - Thursday, January 10, 2013

Summer Daze – Susanna Hoffs
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Free To Be You And Me – Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
Gingerbread Man – Lunch Money
Groovy Day –  Jambo
The Owie Song  – David Tobocman
Pleadia – Andy Z
Are We There Yet?  – Big Bang Boom
Bluebird > Redbird, Redbird > Reef – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Mr. Blue Sky – Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs      
Hot Shot – Princess Katie & Racer Steve      
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Green Green Rocky Road – Randy Kaplan
Turning Tables – Adele
Mary Anning – Artichoke
Yes And No – Caspar Babypants
Cicada – Chickasaw Mudd Puppies
The Science Fair – Ashley Albert
On the Greener Side – Michelle Shocked
Celebration – They Might Be Giants  
Bonsai – Billy Kelly & The Blah Blah Blahs      
Hide & Seek – Princess Katie & Racer Steve   
Tell Me A Lie – One Direction

Bully for Billy! or Kudos for Kelly's Fourth CD

Kids are pretty silly.

So there's no reason they can't enjoy a children's musician who can get as silly as them.

Could that performer be Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs? Why, of course!

Billy's back (and I don't mean Billy Jack, the 1970s kung fu movie icon) with his new CD, AGAIN! It's 14 tracks with only a hint of serious content. I mean, how seriously can you take a song with a title like "Don't Tell Me That I Don't Know What I Know (When You Know That You Don't Know What I Know That I Know)"?

"It's An Illusion" gets kind of serious, explaining how the eye can trick the mind. Billy even drops M.C. Escher's name, which might drive more intensive parents to the Internet for their inquisitive children.

As Billy commented at his recent show at the Long Island Childrens Museum, there isn't enough Electric Light Orchestra these days. To remedy that situation, AGAIN! features a banjo-infected (I mean that in the best possible sense) cover of "Mr. Blue Sky."

Having heard the Blah Blah Blahs as a power trio, it's great to relisten to the songs with the fuller arrangements, with piano, horns, and other accoutrements. AGAIN! gives you tributes to small trees ("Bonsai"), condiments ("Ode to Butter"), and puppets ("You Made Me a Sock Monkey"). Billy loves the little things, as most kids do, and isn't afraid to celebrate them, no matter how silly.

The CD builds to the climactic final track, "Everybody's Going Out To Play":

The word came down from the very top.
The president went on TV and she said, "Everybody stop.
Stop what you're doing, put your work away."
She said, "The moment we've been waiting for has come, today's the day."
From Montauk Point to Maui, all across the USA,
Everybody's going out to play.

In the meantime, you could do worse than spend a little musical playtime with Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs.

AGAIN! is available on Billy's website, as well as from Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the video for his duet with Davy Jones, "Me and My Brand New Haircut":

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Locked Out Of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
I Am A Scientist – Mates Of State
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Playground – Astrograss
Chloe – Grouplove
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve      
Counting Backwards – Throwing Muses

Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 7, 2013

Glad You Came – The Wanted
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? – They Might Be Giants
A Friend Like You – Steve Weeks
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Come To California – The Hipwaders
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Vote or Don't – They Might Be Giants
It's Alright – Matt & Kim      
Chickens and Dinosaurs – The Ukulady        
Out Of The Box – The Bazillions

Happy New Year 2013 (new podcast)

As we start 2013, a few thoughts on my past New Years Eve experiences.

I share some not-so-fond memories of Dick Clark and his endless clip shows.

And a quick update on my bum knee.

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Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 4, 2012

Joy to the World – Dan Zanes
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Flat Stanley – Play Date
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
I Would – One Direction
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Turning Tables – Adele
Show Me – Bruno Mars      
I'm Dreaming – Randy Newman

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 3, 2012

Natalie – Bruno Mars      
Back For You – One Direction
The Ballad of Johnny Box – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Freak Out – Astrograss
Beautiful – Carly Rae Jepsen Feat. Justin Bieber    
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Worms – Dog On Fleas
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock       
Miss Elephant's Gerald – The Pop Ups

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 2, 2013

At The Zoo – Simon & Garfunkel
Sunny Christmas – Renee & Jeremy
What Katie Did – The Libertines
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
Come To California – The Hipwaders
And We Dance – Preschool Of Rock
Groovy Day – Jambo     
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Everybody's Got their Underwear On – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
You Look Good in the Rain – Uncle Rock   

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 1, 2013

If You Want a Mustache – Space Balloons
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Balloon Fest – Ozomatli
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Make Me – Big Bang Boom
Catch My Breath – Kelly Clarkson
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Kiss You – One Direction
Stop at a Mom N' Pop – Uncle Rock     
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark

Space Cadets to the Rescue!

Tim Kubart and Matt Puckett remember being kids. In fact, they've encapsulated their memories on ANTHEMS FOR ADVENTURE, their first full-length CD as Tim and the Space Cadets.

The Brooklyn residents are already veterans of the New York kindie music scene, having played gigs around town for the past few years. The new CD shares their loves of all things small and insignificant, such as "Bumblebee" and "Rainy Days" (featuring Alison Bartlett, Gina from Sesame Street).

There are also songs that triumph the big deals in a kid's existence, whether it's the power going out ("Blackout") or making a deal with the sun to extend the weather ("Endless Summer").

The Space Cadets' big breakout was the tune "Superhero," about the longing for superpowers and larger-than-life action. The song inspired the album's theme, which comes with two separate songs, "The Anthem Part 1" and "Part 2" to start the CD.

I was kind of partial to "Second Grade Show," since I have fond (and not-so-fond) memories of many past stage performances and glories:

I gotta look good in my brown and green
And I gotta stay real still tonight 'cause next time you see me,
I'll be playing a tree in the second grade show.
My parents coming to see.
And if you're trying to fine me
I'll be shaking my leaves.

The Space Cadets remain upbeat and lively as we enter 2013. And why not? Who couldn't use a blast of positive energy and summery fun in the dark of winter. ANTHEMS FOR ADVENTURE is due for "Blast Off" (another song on the CD) at the end of January. Grab your cowl and cape and head out (the door, not the window) or to your nearest e-tailer.

Here is the video for "Superhero":



ANTHEMS FOR ADVENTURE will be available through Tim and the Space Cadets' website, Amazon, CDBABY, or iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 31, 2012

Blue Sky – Elizabeth Mitchell
Don't Speak – Glee
The Christmas Song – The Raveonettes
Little Little Baby – The Harmonica Pocket 
Is This a Joke? – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs       
Escalator – David Tobocman
Turning Tables – Adele
Young Girls – Bruno Mars      
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock       
Worms – Dog On Fleas

Pt At Last (new podcast)

Physical therapy finally started.

Two sessions in, here are some thoughts.

I mean to talk for many 15 minutes and do another topic, but things sort of got away from me.
Hope it's all interesting.

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Winding Down 2012 With (Uncle) Rock

The year 2012 went out with a musical blast. First we saw Billy Kelly at the LICM. Now it was time for the gentleman music farmer from upstate, Uncle Rock at Symphony Space.

As I wrote a few weeks back, this blog is in part the result of Robert Burke Warren recording children's music and getting it played on a podcast that we began to listen to. Click here for the entire story.

An earlier start time (11 am) than Billy Kelly (1 pm) worked in our favor, as did an extra holiday train that allowed us to arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime – and Matt decided to take a rare morning nap, which made him happy and perky for most of the concert.

As Ben pointed out, the last time we saw Uncle Rock was at Symphony Space – four years ago. A lot has happened since then including the release of THE BIG PICTURE, Robert's most complete statement on the state of his career.

We arrived as Robert concluded his sound check and stumbled upon our group in the foyer. He asked Ben for any requests. Ironically, Ben had just issued an entire rundown of Uncle Rock songs, which Robert asked him to repeat, pen and paper in hand.

The Family series at Symphony Space has served us well over the years, introducing us to artists such as Dan Zanes and allowing us to see performers from around the country. San Francisco's Sippy Cups were a treat, as were South Carolina's own Lunch Money.


Robert opened with "My Favorite Things," which we've heard him cover going back to shows at Books of Wonder. Many adults chose to sing along, causing some major looks of confusion and consternation from the tykes. That was not the case with "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," which got adults and kids singing along.

The hour-long set involved much audience participation, and Robert has his patter down to a science. One early toddler yowl invoked the expected Axl Rose reference, to the mystification of anyone under the age of 10.

For a year-ending show, there were not many big themes discussed ("Leave the Bees Be" and "There Is No Away" were unplayed). Robert chose to stick with his lighter tunes, "Disco Nap" and "Shake It Off" behind highlights.


"It's Hot, Don't Touch It!" became an instant favorite of Matt's. He returned home and has repeated it like a mantra many, many times. We'll see what happens when it turns up in one of Ben's playlists in the future.

Has it really been four years since we saw Uncle Rock? Apparently so. But now that Matt has met his newest uncle, we'll have to arrange another encounter in a shorter timeframe. 


You can purchase Uncle Rock's music through Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Billy Beats the Blahs at LICM

Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs, the pride of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, descended upon the Long Island Children's Museum on Thursday, December 27. Since the date fell during the winter break and Ben is a fan, we made the relatively short trek to Carle Place for the performance.

It was two-year-old Matt's first encounter with a museum – although a children's museum is vastly different from any traditional exhibition hall. For instance, the first thing the two kids did upon arrival was sit and build with Keva Planks for 10 minutes. Then we walked over and made giant bubbles for another 10 minutes. This might seem like a long time for either activity. I directed Matt to a faux beach sand area, where he happily sat down and began filling a bucket. They could have gone another 5-10 minutes at any of these attractions, but our late start meant we were already on the clock.


We headed upstairs (bypassing the tools area) and only saw about half of the second floor. It was time for Matt's destination appointment in the "Tot Spot," which Ben had enjoyed before he aged out in the mid-00s. Just writing that gives me a chill down my spine. He'll be 12 in two weeks!

The wife and Ben headed off to start lunch while I took Matt for some tot time. Having just gotten over a cold, this was his first re-exposure to a large play setting. Matt was overwhelmed at first by children running every which way, and he clung to me. But Matt dove from my arms when he saw the the "market" full of clunky fake food. Crisis averted.

Still, we were running short on time (and Matt was working on borrowed time with a nap coming imminently). After lunch, we all headed into the theater for Long Island-bred Billy Kelly and his band, the Blah Blah Blahs. The boys are prepping for the release of their fourth CD, "AGAIN," which comes out in January (look for my review). It's a peppy collection of tunes – we played it for the first time last night over dinner.



It's our first time seeing the band, but apparently Billy wears a red tie, white dress shirt, and black jacket when he plays. And here he was with just a silver bow tie and no jacket. As Billy explained, "The shirt is clean and the jacket is nicely pressed and they looked real good on the back of the bedroom door, where they still are, in Pennsylvania." Oops!

The trio worked a nice hour set that covered hallmarks of children's music performances – singalongs, questions and answers, false finishes, and even a fishbowl drawing for a t-shirt. For the finale, "Johnny Box" him/herself made an appearance and took pictures with attendees.

Ben, who seldom shows any hesitation to interact with performers, immediately began jawing with Billy from the second row. In return, Billy dedicated the next song (about his town) to Ben.




Highlights of the set included a cover of ELO's "Mr. Blue Sky" and a tune written for his wife, "You Made Me a Sock Monkey," both of which I caught on video (not very well).

For a power pop trio, the Blah Blah Blahs have a very full sound. The distaff version would be akin to the original touring version of Lunch Money (prior to the addition of a touring horn player).

Matt seemed riveted for the first half, then pitched sideways and was out cold for the remainder of the show. Oh well. A 1 pm concert start time appears to be a 2-year-old's kryptonite. Maybe things will work better with Saturday's Uncle Rock concert at Symphony Space. In any event, Billy puts on show that got many kids up and bopping and didn't appear to put any adults to sleep. The Blah Blah Blahs kept the blues away during the dog days of December.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 28, 2012

Lucky – Jason Mraz
no matter how far – Justin Roberts
Change My Mind – One Direction
I Found You – Caspar Babypants
Ayo – Play Date
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Sing Loud – Melissa Green
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Ice Cream Soup – Jambo   
Skyfall – Adele

Thursday, December 26, 2012

Count Them As They Go – Justin Roberts
Gingerbread Man – Lunch Money
 I Like How It Feels – Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Flat Tire – Dean Jones
Bag of Dreams – Steven Courtney
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Let's Be Friends – Jambo     
Good Time –  Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen      
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart – Fountains Of Wayne

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Sylvie – Elizabeth Mitchell
Sunspots – Bob Mould
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Easier To Do – Justin Roberts
Over Again – One Direction
Binary – The Board of Education
Worms  – Dog On Fleas
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
More Than A Memory vCarly Rae Jepsen   
Hootenanny – Jambo   

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 25, 2012

I Wanna Party – Hot Wings
Generator (First Floor) – Freelance Whales
A Wild One – Justin Roberts
Same Mistakes – One Direction        
You Are My Sunshine  – Charity And The JAMband
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Celebration – They Might Be Giants
We Are All One Kind – Jambo       
Song Without A Rhyme –  Steve Songs        

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 24, 2012

May This Be Love – Elizabeth Mitchell
Bluebird > Redbird, Redbird > Reef – The Deedle Deedle Dees
When Will You Die? – They Might Be Giants
Puzzle Pieces Within – Lunch Money
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs     
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Turning Tables – Adele
Don't Play With Your Food  – Jambo        
Tell Me A Lie  – One Direction       
Lose My Mind – The Wanted     

Denyin’ the Mayans (new podcast)

People who believed the world was going to end on 12-21-12 have a lot in common with climate change deniers.

I do a quick comparison.

Plus an update of my PT saga.

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A Hoot and a Holler From Jambo

Didya ever wonder what a Lyle Lovett album for kids would sound like?

Chances are, it would sound a lot like Jambo's new album, HOOTENANNY.

Frontman (and sideman and co-producer) Steve Pierson prepped for this gig by playing the blues around Los Angeles, prior to his daughter Lucy's birth in 2002. Turning his attention to music production for film and TV, Steve could not turn away completely from a desire to create roots-based music.

As pointed out in the Blues Brothers movie, there is both country AND western music. Steve's Jambo project creates American music that doesn't immediately make you think of slide guitar and cowboy hats.

The mashup of blues and kids music comes full-circle in "Don't Play With Your Food." You get wailing blues guitar and piano as well as childrens' vocals on the chorus:

Don't play with your food, 
Don't play with your food, if you don't want to be rude, 
Don't play with your food.

In a perfect world, you could take the family on vacation to New Orleans, walk into a honky tonk, and they'd be playing Jambo. Distancing himself from strong messaging, Pierson sticks with positive messaging for his preteen audience. "Be Yourself," "Try," and Let's Be Friends" are fairly self-explanatory track titles. Playdate excitement and a sax solo rule in "Groovy Day":

I've got a good, good feeling though my head is reeling,
It's gonna be a groovy day.
My heart is leapin', even when I'm sleeping,
It's gonna be a groovy day.

Years on the road clearly paid dividends and were instrumental in Pierson's creation of Jambo. One also must give credit to strong co-production by Grammy nominee Tor Hyams. I definitely came away from HOOTENANNY with more of an appreciation for an underutilized genre on the kindie circuit. Prepare to make some gumbo; let's Jambo.

HOOTENANNY will be available in February 2013 at Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 21, 2012

Jingle Bells – Renee & Jeremy
Joy to the World – Dan Zanes
The Crocodile (Wouldn't Brush His Teeth) – Boxtop Jenkins
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Too Dirty To Love – Caspar Babypants
Candy Garden – The Bazillions
Lightning – The Wanted
Live It Up – Chris Isaak
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Up All Night – One Direction      
Flat Stanley – Steve Songs       

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 20, 2012

Summer Daze – Susanna Hoffs
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele  
Zou bisou bisou – Gillian Hills
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic 
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues – Randy Kaplan
Thank You – Dan Zanes & Friends
C'mon, C'mon – One Direction
Days That End In "Y" – Kepi Ghoulie
All In This Together (MLK) – Steve Songs   
Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Henning Ohlenbusch

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Turning Tables – Adele
Peace And Love  – Fountains Of Wayne
Pleadia – Andy Z
DeeDee Taught Me How To Count – Kepi Ghoulie
My Happiness – Chris Isaak
We Just Won't Be Defeated – The Go! Team
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins
Burning Coffee – They Might Be Giants
Rock MevOne Direction
Superhero You – Steve Songs   
Everytime – Glee

SteveSongs Monkeys Around With Orangutan Van

Mr. Steve is back.

For those of us who see him on a fairly regular basis as part of PBS Kids, Steve Rosionek really never goes away.

Back it's nice to have Stevesongs back with a collection of new songs, ORANGUTAN VAN.

Now a family man in his own right, Mr. Steve delivers a kid-tastic selection of tunes. From the title track to "Flat Stanley," his delivery and lyrics bring children into the musical experience, tossing in a little educational content along the way. "All in This Together (MLK)" takes the words of Dr. Martin Luther King and transforms them into a danceable tune.

Guest stars include Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on "Be A Superhero," and pro basketball player Glenn "Big Baby" Davis on "Soaring With Reading." The Rosionek kids even make contributions, from singing to writing lyrics. Mrs. Steve (and related moms) even make an appearance on "Grumpy Boy."

And I have to make mention of the "Song Without a Rhyme," which we saw performed at Kindiefest this past spring.

We're gonna make a song without a rhyme so we can sing it for you.
Yeah, a song without a rhyme, that's what we're gonna...accomplish.
You know it's gonna be tricky, it's gonna take time.
To make a song without words that end with a repeated sound.

Mr. Steve has entertained kids for 15 years and spent the past five years as the face of PBS Kids through popular interstitial songs. ORANGUTAN VAN is another welcome addition to his oeuvre. Our two-year-old is in good hands (and ears) with Mr. Steve on the scene.

Here is the video from Kindiefest of "The Song Without A Rhyme":


Fresh for the holidays, click here for a free download of Steve's song, "Our World."

You can find ORANGUTAN VAN and his other CDs through SteveSongs Website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Neil Brews a Santa Song

Here's a link to Neil Brewer's new holiday song, "Sometimes Santa."

That's all. Just a quickie post. Enjoy your day!

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Here Comes The Sun – Ben Rudnick & Friends
Accentuate the Positive – NRBQ
Monkey Love (Featuring Caspar Babypants) – The Harmonica Pocket
Similes And Metaphors – The Bazillions
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Playin' On A Sunday – David Tobocman 
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Little Things – One Direction
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Die Young – Ke$ha
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel

Holiday Rockin' Out With Yer Uncle

A cat may only have nine lives; Robert Burke Warren will take the many lives of a musician.

From his teenage days as the bassist for RuPaul (yes, it's true) to a two-year stint with the Fleshtones to portraying Buddy Holly on London's West End, Robert has literally been around the world. And I have yet laud his ongoing gig as Uncle Rock, purveyor of fine children's music.

As the holidays roll around, it's time to dust off (or buy yourself) a copy of Robert's EXPRESS YOUR ELF collection of December tunes. We've been performances of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "My Favorite Things" in his concert sets over the years, and the recordings here are faithful and original, as far as cover songs are concerned. Listen to samples here.

Robert also includes a live version of his song, "Too Many Presents," which hit a major chord for us, coming off eight nights of Hanukkah, followed by a massive family gathering with even more bags of goodies for the kiddies.

Robert brings his Uncle Rock holiday show to Symphony Space on Saturday, December 29. We saw him there a few years ago with his band and are looking forward to introducing Matt (2 years old) to the venue for the first time.

In some measure, Robert is partially responsible for the my "career" as a children's music blogger. My wife used to work for his wife, Holly George Warren. We were early adapters when he released his first Uncle Rock CD. Robert sent out e-mail when "Rock and Roll Babysitter" got airplay on a radio show/podcast called SPARE THE ROCK. We started listening and Ben became an avid fan of the genre. I started blogging his morning playlists and was approached by PR people to write reviews. Ultimately, I was asked to do a writeup for Robert's upcoming appearance. The circle of life, people, the circle of life.

We've seen Robert at book store gigs and clubs. But we're always delighted to return to Symphony Space, a venue that routinely brings in groups from across the country and around the world. If December traveling is a little dicey, they have acts booked through the spring. Take a look and you'll be glad you did.

EXPRESS YOUR ELF can be purchased through Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

50 In April (New Podcast)

My cousin, who is six months older than me, recently turned 50.

Which means the clock is ticking for me.

A few birthday thoughts that came flashing through my head this week.

Plus a look at a couple of preconceived notions, including one that was broken.

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Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 17, 2012

Valley Winter Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Heart Attack – One Direction
Little Demon – Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Caspar Babypants
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Makin' Wickey-Wackey Down in Waikiki – The Moonlighters
Turning Tables – Adele
Don't Dream It's Over  – Glee        
Cicada – Chickasaw Mudd Puppies

Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 14, 2012

Sourwood Mountain – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Are We There Yet? – Big Bang Boom
Ice Cream – Charity And The JAMband
A Road Song – Fountains Of Wayne
Change My Mind – One Direction
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins 
Come To California – The Hipwaders
Man Gave Names – Aaron Nigel Smith
Skyfall – Adele

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Holidays Are Here – Big Bang Boom           
Ayo – Play Date
Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield
How Will I Know – Glee
Three – The Board of Education
Sacagawea – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Call You Mom – They Might Be Giants       
No Homework – The Bazillions       
Spicy Kid – Lunch Money

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Let's Go – Matt & Kim
Kangaroo!  – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Rocketfuel – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Shrimp and Gumbo – Rebirth Brass Band
A Change Would Do You Good – Glee
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Die Young – Ke$ha      
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions       

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Everybody Here is a Cloud  – Cloud Cult
Live While We're Young  – One Direction
Tomorrow Will Be Really Great  – Dan Israel
Born To Rock  – David Tobocman
Something Stupid   – Glee   
Turning Tables  – Adele
Row Row Row Your Boat  – Caspar Babypants
I Just Had an Idea  – Elska
Candy Garden  – The Bazillions       
eBay  – Weird Al Yankovic

Holiday Music a Big Bang Boom Period

Yes, I named Big Bang Boom's BECAUSE I SAID SO! my number 1 kids album of 2012.

I'm pleased to announce that the rocking trio have released five new holiday-themed songs just in time for all denominational December celebrations.

You can listen to all five songs at the band's web site: "Santa Didn't Come Last Night," "That's Just Christmas," "It's the Holiday Season," "It's Christmas Time," and "The Holidays Are Here."

Christmas time, the snow is falling.
Grab your sled, the hills are calling.
Christmas time, the bells are ringing,
Children laughing, can't stop screaming.
Christmas time, people singing.
I love Christmas time.

But how do you really feel?

If you liked their debut album, there's no reason not to stop by and hear the band's new stuff. And what the heck – they're giving it away (right now).

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 10, 2012

Love Is A Superpower – Ben Rudnick & Friends
The Monkeys are Breaking Out  – Too Many Cookies
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Live It Up – Chris Isaak
Worms – Dog On Fleas
The Scientist  – Glee
Celebration  – They Might Be Giants
Great To Be A Kid – The Not-Its!
Out Of The Box – The Bazillions        
Angels We Have Heard On High – Dan Zanes        

PT or Not PT (new podcast)

I finally got an MRI on my left knee and scheduled physical therapy.

More medical hijinks throughout the process.

Plus, a long bit from my college days – for the holidays, it's YOGI'S LAST XMAS!

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Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 7, 2012

Green Green Rocky Road – Randy Kaplan
Jingle Bells – Renee & Jeremy
Alien Girlfriend – Andy Z
Harry Elefante – Rocknoceros
Delicious – Orange Sherbert   
Clap Your Hands – The Time Outs
Three  – The Board of Education
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Siyahamba – Aaron Nigel Smith
Mammal – They Might Be Giants
Deck the Halls – Dan Zanes       
Similes And Metaphors – The Bazillions       

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 6, 2012

Silent Night – Dan Zanes 
I Walk The Line – Chris Isaak
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Summer Love – One Direction     
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Sunshine – Vered
Butterfly – The Nields 
Chasing Pavements – Glee
Diamonds – Rihanna     
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Wimoweh – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Free Holiday Music: Brady Rymer

While setting up his Christmas tree, Brady Rymer came up with an idea for a song. A pretty simple and obvious one, if you think about it.

"Untanglin' the Christmas Lights"

Want a free download? Click here.

You can also watch Brady's videos on MyKazooTV.

More holiday music is coming...

Bazillions of Reasons to Like Them

It's hard to carve a niche for yourselves in the children's music scene. You wouldn't it possible, but lots of categories are locked up: Princess Katie & Racer Steve are a premier costumed act and Dan Zanes is the gentleman folksinger.

Now the Bazillions have rightfully claimed their spot as the kids band comprised of geek rockers. Minneapolis' own Adam and Kristin Marshall used their backgrounds as educators at the Kenny School to create a curriculum of tunes for their band's second CD, HEADS OR TALES.

It's not often that you hear kids songs with titles like "Similes and Metaphors," "Triangular Triangles," "Prefix + Suffix," and "Perimeter Around the Area." But the Bazillions makes the concepts work – and the results are informative and rocking, at the same time.

The Bazillions operate on a neat concept. Take a premise that kids will relate to and don't skimp on the rock. For instance, "Out of the Box" deals with the anxiety that accompanies the opening of a desperately-wanted new birthday/holiday present:

Get it out, get it out, rip it out, tear it out, 
twist it out, I don't care, hit it with rocks.
Get it out, get it out, 'cause I'm having my doubts, 
that my new toy will ever get out of the box.

The band explores the pitfalls of parenting in "You're Embarrassing Me," the annoyance that kids feel every afternoon in "No Homework," and the frustration of bad weather in "Rainy Day Clubhouse." The Bazillions make sure to divide the CD between songs with wordplay and smarts ("Silent E") and just being a kid ("Candy Garden").

Like any band where music is quietly the "job on the side," the pitfall of the Bazillions is that it's taken two years (a long way from a bazillion) to produce another collection of songs. Take advantage while the CD is still fresh. Ben (11 years old) has not taken "Super Sonic Rocket Bike" out of his rotation since we first heard it in 2010. And heading into 2013, check out their live schedule. Now sharpen your protractor, it's time to rock out with your local lunch lady.

Here is the video to "Super Sonic Rocket Bike" from the Bazillion's first CD, ROCK-N-ROLL RECESS:


HEADS OR TALES is available from the band's website as well as CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 5, 2012

First Day – The Board of Education
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Kangaroo – Caspar Babypants  
Water  – Ozomatli
Harry Elefante – Rocknoceros
We Just Won't Be Defeated – The Go! Team
eBay – Weird Al Yankovic
Joy to the World – Dan Zanes       
Make It Up – Astrograss
Last First Kiss – One Direction 

Christmas For Regular Folk, Courtesy of DZ

Dan Zanes carries the mantel of the gentleman folksinger as well as title of king of kindie music. His revised holiday collection, CHRISTMAS IN CONCORD, straddles that chasm.

Last year, Zanes originally released a five-song digital EP, recalled from his New England childhood. The project has expanded by two new songs, collaborations with Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. The due wrote "Counting the Days (Until Christmas)" during a drive back from New Hampshire to New York, based on a discussion of their fathers' military experiences.

Tracks include the traditional "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Joy to the World," and "Silent Night." There are no mind-bending guitar solos (listen for mandolins) and you will need to really listen to hear any drumming. CHRISTMAS IN CONCORD is folk with a capital F, which fits the genre, the spirit, and the mood of the season.

Running a lean 18 minutes, the EP is a pleasant sidebar to both of Zanes' career tentpoles (discounting his Del Fuegos tenure). Dan Zanes and Friends celebrate the (re)-release CHRISTMAS IN CONCORD with their second annual "Holiday Sing-A-Long" at City Winery in Manhattan on Saturday, December 8 at 11 am.

 Here is the video for "Rise Up Shepherd, And Follow":



CHRISTMAS IN CONCORD is available on Zanes' website and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Glad You Came – The Wanted
Exactly Where I Want To Be – Grenadilla
Ride In My Little Red Wagon vWillie & The Wheel
Free To Be You And Me  – Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
Spicy Kid – Lunch Money
I Found You – Caspar Babypants     
Sacagawea  – The Deedle Deedle Dees
Kiss You – One Direction       
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band       
Worms – Dog On Fleas 

Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 3, 2012

At The Zoo – Simon & Garfunkel
Blue Sky Time  – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band 
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Yes And No – Caspar Babypants
Make Me – Big Bang Boom
The GolemvThe Deedle Deedle Dees
Playground – Astrograss
White And Nerdy – Weird Al Yankovic
Blow Me (One Last Kiss) – Glee      
Winter Wonderland – Renee & Jeremy

Two Years Old, Two Parties (new podcast)

Our younger son recently turned two years old.

We hosted two – count 'em – two family parties, one for each side (mine and the wife).

Two very different celebrations for a wonderful little boy.

Some thoughts about his entrance into this world in 2010 and more thoughts about the current state of the toddler.

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Finding Caspar Babypants (It's Not Hard)

Caspar Babypants is the Mormon of children's music (in a good way). If it's been nine months, there's another Babypants CD in the mail pile! His sixth CD, I FOUND YOU! just made its way to our iPods this past week.

Chris Ballew, frontman for The Presidents of the United States, is the rare musician who has turned his sideline project (kids recording artist) into almost as big a deal as his "day job." Of course, these days that means expanding his cachet with books as well (artwork by his talented wife, Kate Endle). Guest artists on I FOUND YOU! include Mudhoney guitarist Steve Turner and singer Rachel Flotard, formerly of Visqueen.

Unlike Kepi Ghoulie, who references his punk past in some of his songs, you find none of that malarkey with Caspar Babypants. These are straight ahead, tongue-in-cheek quirky tunes for tots. Ballew's specialty seems to be taking traditional songs and redressing them. On I FOUND YOU!, listeners get new verses for "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Row Row Row Your Boat." Bet you didn't even know those songs needed extra verses. Well, two-year-old Matt did, and promptly requested a replay of "Twinkle Twinkle" so he could attempt to memorize them.

When the blazing sun is gone and the moon is up and on,
Then you shine your little light what a small and happy sight,
Twinkle twinkle little star how I wonder what you are.

"Yes and No" provides explanations to some daily quandaries that might baffle kids. For an 11-year-old reading for a science test on liquids, solids, and gases, this song acted as a rest break AND a study aid.

Water is so liquidy it flows around my shoe
But in the winter time that water can be solid too
Yes it can no it can't yes it can no it can't it is both yes and no.

We've seen Ballew in concert and he's a genial guy who invites sing-alongs. I FOUND YOU! provides ample opportunities for you and the fam to join in on choruses and share the silliness of "Too Dirty To Love" and "Say Farewell (to the baby worm)."

There's one guitar solo (from Turner) and fewer double entendres within the 19 songs on this new collection. And we can expect another Babypants to come tumbling down the babypath some time next fall. We'll look forward to it, as always.

Here is the video from an older Caspar Babypants tune, "More Moles," a favorite on SiriusXM Kids Place.



I FOUND YOU! is available from CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes. Find lyrics and video links on his website.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, November 30, 2012

Bike  – Charity And The JAMband
Born To Rock  – David Tobocman
Flat Stanley  – Play Date
Mary Anning  – Artichoke
Wimoweh  – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
A Little Breath In  – Preschool Of Rock       
They Got Feet  – George Carver
eBay  – Weird Al Yankovic
I'm So Glad  – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band      
Heroes  – Glee    

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 29, 2012

Lucky – Jason Mraz
And We Dance – Preschool Of Rock
Tomorrow Will Be Really Great – Dan Israel
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Set Fire To The Rain – Adele
Little Demon – Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Great To Be A KidvThe Not-Its!
Playin' On A SundayvDavid Tobocman
SupermanvGlee    
Kangaroo! – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band        

Dance With, Don't Spell Kaleidoscope

Music has been an integral part of our family experience.

We took Ben to his first concert (Dan Zanes at Symphony Space) when he was just shy of three years old.

Matt (two years old) is attending Music Together classes and beginning to grasp the basics of instrumentation and melodies. He is beginning to recognize – and request – songs that he likes, by name or through humming or singing snippets.

Which brings me to Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band. The Philadelpia-based troupe has released their fourth CD, I'M SO GLAD! and the title track incorporates the Nigerian folk song, "Fum Wah Alafia Ashe Ashe," which coincidentally is a standard for Music Together. As such, Matt was delighted to hear it when I played the CD for the family. And he subsequently requested the Kaleidoscope version be replayed. An early fan has been created.

Band founder Alex Mitnick should be pleased. A faculty member at both the University of the Arts and the Princeton Center for Teacher Education, he directs the music program for young children at the Princeton Montessori School. "What better way to ensure a bright future than to work with those who are closest to tomorrow – children," Alex said.

I'M SO GLAD puts lessons on the back burner and concentrates on the fun in music. The songs by Mitnick and lyricist Alan Bell give kids distinctive sounds and easily-digestible verbiage. "Kangaroo" gets kids up and bouncing. "Dino Dig" wonders where the dinosaurs went, with a middle eastern groove. "Blue Sky Time" delves into the vastness of the atmosphere:

I'm so big, I'm so empty
Even birds and planes fly in me.
Up I go above the trees
I'm the giant of the sky.

"Rhythm gets my feet to dance," the Kaleidoscope Band sings on "Music," and they mean it. Sweet music brings together a family – to dance, to laugh, and to share a common interest. This is a troupe for you, if you like the occasional euro beat but aren't "all-in" with World music. The Kaleidoscope Band has built its goals within arm's length of children and lets them swim in their colors.

Here is the video for the title track, I'M SO GLAD:


I'M SO GLAD is available from the band's website, CDBABY, Amazon, and iTunes.