My Treasure – Recess Monkey
Right Now – One Direction
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna
Robots Can't Cry – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
I Just Wanna Play – Sunshine Collective
There's No Work Like Clockwork – Pointed Man Band
Si Fuese – Mariana Iranzi
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Monday, February 10, 2014
Woody vs Mia: Parental Love Gone Horrifically Astray
When I was 14 and attending a private school, my mother said that I needed to try out for one of the school's many athletic teams. Sports being one of my (many) sore spots, I figured I couldn't go wrong with soccer. Gasping for air three hours into the open practice, with every muscle in my body on fire, I realized how wrong I'd been.
Once the cuts were announced and I hadn't made the team, I muttered, "What am I going to do? I have to be on a team!" A classmate, who had also been cut, asked me why. "Don't you HAVE to be on a team here?" I asked. He shook his head. "No, who told you that?"
I went home and confronted my mother. "Why did you tell me I had to be on a team?" I demanded. "I thought you might enjoy it," she replied.
The next year, I was 15 and in a new school in a different state (we'd relocated to Long Island over the summer). Before I met with a guidance counselor to set my schedule, my mother said that I needed to take an Advanced Placement (AP) science course. With that fact in mind, I arranged my sophomore year. Months later, I was not struggling in AP Biology. I was drowning. My average was so low, the guidance counselor advised, that if I did not drop the class and move into regular biology, I would have to take it during summer school.
"But I have to take an AP science class," I protested. "Why?" pressed the counselor. Not wanting to finger my mother as the culprit, I replied, "Well, don't I?" The counselor shook her head in disbelief. "No, it's not a requirement unless you were planning on going into a science-based college program." I shifted into regular biology (and in the remaining eight weeks of school, pulled my average high enough to avoid a summer inside a classroom).
I raced home, fuming, and once again confronted my mother. "Why did you tell me I had to take an AP science course?" I demanded. "I thought it would help you get into a better college," she replied.
These two examples are meant to illustrate how a mother with the best of intentions can inadvertently screw with a child's head. And I was a teenager, who could have easily turned to one of my peers and had either statement debunked.
Dylan Farrow was seven years old when her mother – with questionable intentions – brought her to a pediatrician and said her father, film director Woody Allen, had sexually molested her. The doctor found no evidence of molestation or bodily trauma and suggested Mia take the girl to the Connecticut police, which she promptly did. And therein began a he said/she said Greek tragedy that continues to this day.
If you've made it this far, you can probably surmise that I've fallen into the Allen camp. I know that to a huge number of people, this places me immediately in the "you are a shithead" category. Among friends with young daughters, there is practically no one who believes Allen's side of the tale. And yet, I find myself correcting people when they stray from the facts:
"Woody was sexually molesting an underage Soon-Yi!"
No, she was 19 when the relationship started. That FACT comes from Mia's autobiography.
"Woody was Soon-Yi's father figure!"
No, that was Andre Previn. Her name is Soon-Yi Previn Allen.
It comes down to a torrid he said/she said. And frankly, Woody was doing fine until he took Soon-Yi to some basketball games, at Mia's urging (again, a fact from Mia's book).
Going into the Farrow relationship, Woody had two marriages that did not work out – Harlene Rosen and Louise Lasser. His public connection to Diane Keaton was over and he started to date Mia Farrow.
With 13 years of education in a convent, Mia had two marriages in her past as well. The first was to Frank Sinatra, when she was 21 and he was 50. As her career took off, Mia reneged on an agreement to appear in Sinatra's film THE DETECTIVE. In spite, he had divorce papers served to her on the film she made instead, ROSEMARY'S BABY, the movie that made her a star.
In 1970, Farrow became pregnant by Andre Previn (20 years her senior). Alas, Previn was married at the time. Upon hearing the news, Dory Previn had a nervous breakdown, received electroshock therapy, and subsequently wrote a song, "Beware of Young Girls," about the episode.
Farrow and Previn's relationship lasted long enough that they adopted several children together, including Soon-Yi Previn. When Woody entered the picture, Soon-Yi was a young child.
And Woody kept his distance, living in his own house and only interacting, it appears, with the children that he and Mia had in common (Moses, Dylan, and then Ronan). With Ronan, Woody admits he had virtually no relationship, as the boy was an infant post-Soon-Yi and Mia kept Allen as far away as possible.
Mia has chimed in that Ronan "looks like Sinatra" and could possibly be Frank's son. If it's a joke, it's a terrible one to play on Barbra Sinatra, who was Frank's wife at the time and is still alive. If it's true, then Mia was "cheating" on Woody well before he dallied with Soon-Yi.
For an intellectual, Woody showed that his brains were located below the belt when he pursued Soon-Yi. For all the arguments that "she was a smart woman," she was still under 21 and living in her mother's home. And her mother was in a relationship with Woody at the time. He behaved terribly, and received suitably shabby exposure in the press, which had embraced him for decades and seemed to want him to be as depraved as possible, to sell more papers and garner higher ratings.
A footnote – Mia gave Woody a Valentine in February 1992 with a family picture that had knives stabbing her in the heart and in the chests of their children. That's how Mia let Woody know that she had discovered the relationship, after stumbling on inappropriate, naked pictures of her 20-year-old daughter, who admitted that Allen had taken them.
Then Woody went to visit his kids at Mia's Connecticut estate and everything came crashing down. Mia herself was not present, but there were two nannies, as well as Moses Farrow (14), Woody's adopted son. After the visit, Mia began recording Dylan, asking her "what did Daddy do?" about the afternoon. Her questions were not recorded, only the answers, and she stopped and started numerous times. Ultimately, the tape she submitted as evidence was deemed not admissible.
So much has been written, 20 years ago and this past month, about what may or may not have happened that day in Connecticut. But it comes down to this – it's as much about what you believe Mia Farrow is capable of doing as much as what you believe Woody Allen is capable of doing. And frankly, based on their past histories, I have backed Woody. Do a tally of crazy, irresponsible things and you come up with ONE confirmed, unforgivable thing – starting the relationship with Soon-Yi. Now do a tally for Mia. Go on, I listed at least one thing for you.
For a man with no pre-existing interest in children PRIOR to his relationship with Mia Farrow, it's insane to believe that he decided, at age 56, to begin molesting one child in particular – his own adopted daughter. You have to believe, if it didn't happen, that Mia Farrow is a person so devoid of compassion for her OWN children that she would put her need for vengeance ahead of their mental health, well-being, and future happiness. But guess what? She never let that get in the way of anything else she ever wanted, such as having a child with Andre Previn.
Mia wanted Woody out of her life, but more importantly, out of the lives of her children. And she wanted him to suffer pain like she had suffered. Bottom line, Mia wanted Woody in prison. Perhaps killed in prison. That meant she needed him convicted of a horrific crime. If it meant sacrificing their daughter, so be it. Mia's mental status has to be questioned, considering the whacked-out Valentine she sent Woody only a few months earlier.
As for poor Dylan, she was a seven-year-old who lived to please her parent. A parent who spent the next 20 years bad-mouthing her father and telling Dylan how she had been molested, even though Mia wasn't even in the house that day. And the two nannies that were there, they both recanted their statements and got as far away from Farrow as they could.
When I was 14 (and then 15), I believed my mother, even though part of me knew, just knew, that there were other people not joining a team or taking AP courses. But I wanted to believe, I wanted to please her, I wanted to do well.
IN 1992, Moses Farrow was 14. He was in that house in Connecticut and saw nothing. He shunned his father and spent years listening to his adopted mother repeatedly talk about what a horrible man Woody Allen was and what he had done all those years ago. And Moses says, if he didn't show obediance, he was beaten. But Moses was different – he had been there. As the stories changed, Moses realized that they couldn't possibly be true.
Now 36 and a child therapist, Moses Farrow no longer believes his mother and has renewed his relationship with his father. Mia and his sister Dylan no longer speak to him, with Dylan saying "my brother is dead to me."
Parental love gone horrifically astray. Adults acting in their own selfish best interest with little or no regard for the affects of their actions on others. A media frenzy reborn that cannot be satiated, because none of the parties can back away from their accounts.
Too bad Woody didn't choose to ask his own mother for advice. Nettie Konigsberg lived until 2002. She missed seeing those grandchildren for the last decade of her life. A generation forgotten amidst all the chaos.
If your attitude is that Woody is guilty as sin, remember that he and Soon-Yi were allowed to adopt two daughters of their own. The allegations from 20-plus years ago bear no weight on his current marital and parental status. And believe me, Woody Allen does not care one whit what you think or what I think. But there's one woman, once a seven-year-old, whose entire life changed forever because Woody desired "what the heart wants" with Soon-Yi and he acted like a child himself.
Once the cuts were announced and I hadn't made the team, I muttered, "What am I going to do? I have to be on a team!" A classmate, who had also been cut, asked me why. "Don't you HAVE to be on a team here?" I asked. He shook his head. "No, who told you that?"
I went home and confronted my mother. "Why did you tell me I had to be on a team?" I demanded. "I thought you might enjoy it," she replied.
The next year, I was 15 and in a new school in a different state (we'd relocated to Long Island over the summer). Before I met with a guidance counselor to set my schedule, my mother said that I needed to take an Advanced Placement (AP) science course. With that fact in mind, I arranged my sophomore year. Months later, I was not struggling in AP Biology. I was drowning. My average was so low, the guidance counselor advised, that if I did not drop the class and move into regular biology, I would have to take it during summer school.
"But I have to take an AP science class," I protested. "Why?" pressed the counselor. Not wanting to finger my mother as the culprit, I replied, "Well, don't I?" The counselor shook her head in disbelief. "No, it's not a requirement unless you were planning on going into a science-based college program." I shifted into regular biology (and in the remaining eight weeks of school, pulled my average high enough to avoid a summer inside a classroom).
I raced home, fuming, and once again confronted my mother. "Why did you tell me I had to take an AP science course?" I demanded. "I thought it would help you get into a better college," she replied.
These two examples are meant to illustrate how a mother with the best of intentions can inadvertently screw with a child's head. And I was a teenager, who could have easily turned to one of my peers and had either statement debunked.
 |
| Woody and Mia, 1989. |
If you've made it this far, you can probably surmise that I've fallen into the Allen camp. I know that to a huge number of people, this places me immediately in the "you are a shithead" category. Among friends with young daughters, there is practically no one who believes Allen's side of the tale. And yet, I find myself correcting people when they stray from the facts:
"Woody was sexually molesting an underage Soon-Yi!"
No, she was 19 when the relationship started. That FACT comes from Mia's autobiography.
"Woody was Soon-Yi's father figure!"
No, that was Andre Previn. Her name is Soon-Yi Previn Allen.
It comes down to a torrid he said/she said. And frankly, Woody was doing fine until he took Soon-Yi to some basketball games, at Mia's urging (again, a fact from Mia's book).
Going into the Farrow relationship, Woody had two marriages that did not work out – Harlene Rosen and Louise Lasser. His public connection to Diane Keaton was over and he started to date Mia Farrow.
With 13 years of education in a convent, Mia had two marriages in her past as well. The first was to Frank Sinatra, when she was 21 and he was 50. As her career took off, Mia reneged on an agreement to appear in Sinatra's film THE DETECTIVE. In spite, he had divorce papers served to her on the film she made instead, ROSEMARY'S BABY, the movie that made her a star.
In 1970, Farrow became pregnant by Andre Previn (20 years her senior). Alas, Previn was married at the time. Upon hearing the news, Dory Previn had a nervous breakdown, received electroshock therapy, and subsequently wrote a song, "Beware of Young Girls," about the episode.
Farrow and Previn's relationship lasted long enough that they adopted several children together, including Soon-Yi Previn. When Woody entered the picture, Soon-Yi was a young child.
And Woody kept his distance, living in his own house and only interacting, it appears, with the children that he and Mia had in common (Moses, Dylan, and then Ronan). With Ronan, Woody admits he had virtually no relationship, as the boy was an infant post-Soon-Yi and Mia kept Allen as far away as possible.
Mia has chimed in that Ronan "looks like Sinatra" and could possibly be Frank's son. If it's a joke, it's a terrible one to play on Barbra Sinatra, who was Frank's wife at the time and is still alive. If it's true, then Mia was "cheating" on Woody well before he dallied with Soon-Yi.
For an intellectual, Woody showed that his brains were located below the belt when he pursued Soon-Yi. For all the arguments that "she was a smart woman," she was still under 21 and living in her mother's home. And her mother was in a relationship with Woody at the time. He behaved terribly, and received suitably shabby exposure in the press, which had embraced him for decades and seemed to want him to be as depraved as possible, to sell more papers and garner higher ratings.
A footnote – Mia gave Woody a Valentine in February 1992 with a family picture that had knives stabbing her in the heart and in the chests of their children. That's how Mia let Woody know that she had discovered the relationship, after stumbling on inappropriate, naked pictures of her 20-year-old daughter, who admitted that Allen had taken them.
 |
| Woody and Dylan, 1989. |
So much has been written, 20 years ago and this past month, about what may or may not have happened that day in Connecticut. But it comes down to this – it's as much about what you believe Mia Farrow is capable of doing as much as what you believe Woody Allen is capable of doing. And frankly, based on their past histories, I have backed Woody. Do a tally of crazy, irresponsible things and you come up with ONE confirmed, unforgivable thing – starting the relationship with Soon-Yi. Now do a tally for Mia. Go on, I listed at least one thing for you.
For a man with no pre-existing interest in children PRIOR to his relationship with Mia Farrow, it's insane to believe that he decided, at age 56, to begin molesting one child in particular – his own adopted daughter. You have to believe, if it didn't happen, that Mia Farrow is a person so devoid of compassion for her OWN children that she would put her need for vengeance ahead of their mental health, well-being, and future happiness. But guess what? She never let that get in the way of anything else she ever wanted, such as having a child with Andre Previn.
Mia wanted Woody out of her life, but more importantly, out of the lives of her children. And she wanted him to suffer pain like she had suffered. Bottom line, Mia wanted Woody in prison. Perhaps killed in prison. That meant she needed him convicted of a horrific crime. If it meant sacrificing their daughter, so be it. Mia's mental status has to be questioned, considering the whacked-out Valentine she sent Woody only a few months earlier.
As for poor Dylan, she was a seven-year-old who lived to please her parent. A parent who spent the next 20 years bad-mouthing her father and telling Dylan how she had been molested, even though Mia wasn't even in the house that day. And the two nannies that were there, they both recanted their statements and got as far away from Farrow as they could.
When I was 14 (and then 15), I believed my mother, even though part of me knew, just knew, that there were other people not joining a team or taking AP courses. But I wanted to believe, I wanted to please her, I wanted to do well.
IN 1992, Moses Farrow was 14. He was in that house in Connecticut and saw nothing. He shunned his father and spent years listening to his adopted mother repeatedly talk about what a horrible man Woody Allen was and what he had done all those years ago. And Moses says, if he didn't show obediance, he was beaten. But Moses was different – he had been there. As the stories changed, Moses realized that they couldn't possibly be true.
Now 36 and a child therapist, Moses Farrow no longer believes his mother and has renewed his relationship with his father. Mia and his sister Dylan no longer speak to him, with Dylan saying "my brother is dead to me."
Parental love gone horrifically astray. Adults acting in their own selfish best interest with little or no regard for the affects of their actions on others. A media frenzy reborn that cannot be satiated, because none of the parties can back away from their accounts.
Too bad Woody didn't choose to ask his own mother for advice. Nettie Konigsberg lived until 2002. She missed seeing those grandchildren for the last decade of her life. A generation forgotten amidst all the chaos.
If your attitude is that Woody is guilty as sin, remember that he and Soon-Yi were allowed to adopt two daughters of their own. The allegations from 20-plus years ago bear no weight on his current marital and parental status. And believe me, Woody Allen does not care one whit what you think or what I think. But there's one woman, once a seven-year-old, whose entire life changed forever because Woody desired "what the heart wants" with Soon-Yi and he acted like a child himself.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, February 10, 2014
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Long Gone – Recess Monkey
I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
Getaway – Pearl Jam
Cookie Road – The Julie Ruin
I Love New York – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Lemonade Stand Off – Jelly of the Month Club
Every Family's Different – Jazzy Ash
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Long Gone – Recess Monkey
I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
Getaway – Pearl Jam
Cookie Road – The Julie Ruin
I Love New York – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Lemonade Stand Off – Jelly of the Month Club
Every Family's Different – Jazzy Ash
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Friday, February 7, 2014
Strong – One Direction
When I Grow Up – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Speeding Motorcycle – The Pastels
Love FactoryvMary Kaye
I Love Music (feat. Wordsmith) – Rhymezwell
Throw Me Something Mister – Jazzy Ash
Callooh Callay – Pointed Man Band
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
When I Grow Up – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Speeding Motorcycle – The Pastels
Love FactoryvMary Kaye
I Love Music (feat. Wordsmith) – Rhymezwell
Throw Me Something Mister – Jazzy Ash
Callooh Callay – Pointed Man Band
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, February 6, 2014
Rattlesnake – Red Yarn
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Let's Go – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Pendulum – Pearl Jam
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Sunglasses – The Que Pastas
Recess – Justin Roberts
Endless Summer – Tim and the Space Cadets
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Let's Go – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Pendulum – Pearl Jam
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Sunglasses – The Que Pastas
Recess – Justin Roberts
Endless Summer – Tim and the Space Cadets
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Paper Moon – Laura Doherty
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Sing-A-Long Song – Lloyd H. Miller
I Got This! – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
My Secret Robot – Justin Roberts
I Am the Wind – Underbirds
Me Time – Chibi Kodama
Heart Attack – One Direction
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
I'm a Shark (I Rock, I Swim) – ScribbleMonster
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Sing-A-Long Song – Lloyd H. Miller
I Got This! – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
My Secret Robot – Justin Roberts
I Am the Wind – Underbirds
Me Time – Chibi Kodama
Heart Attack – One Direction
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
I'm a Shark (I Rock, I Swim) – ScribbleMonster
Monday, February 03, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Lightning Bolt – Pearl Jam
Unconditionally – Katy Perry
Guitar Pickin' Chicken – Ratboy Jr.
Washing Machine – Milkshake
I'll Be An Alien – Justin Roberts
Boo! – Trout Fishing In America
Electric Guitar – Laura Doherty
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Lightning Bolt – Pearl Jam
Unconditionally – Katy Perry
Guitar Pickin' Chicken – Ratboy Jr.
Washing Machine – Milkshake
I'll Be An Alien – Justin Roberts
Boo! – Trout Fishing In America
Electric Guitar – Laura Doherty
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, February 3, 2014
Blue Sky Time – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Show Me What You're Feeling – Tom Chapin
Great Is Better – Rabbit!
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Working On A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Everybody Dance – Josh And The Jamtones
Bigga Bagga – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Heartbeat – Laura Doherty
Vulture Vomit – Roger Day
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Show Me What You're Feeling – Tom Chapin
Great Is Better – Rabbit!
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Working On A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Everybody Dance – Josh And The Jamtones
Bigga Bagga – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Heartbeat – Laura Doherty
Vulture Vomit – Roger Day
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Josh, Jamtones Get Symphony Space Jumping
So we went to a children's music concert this morning and a dance party broke out.
For the second time in three weeks, we were off to Symphony Space, this time for Josh and the Jamtones. Straight from Massachusetts, the band has developed a following through live performances and airplay on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live.
The six-person ensemble is a well-oiled bouncing machine that set out to grab the audience (a mostly full house in the Thalia Theater) and make them move. Well, except for my three-year-old, who sat transfixed for the entire show. When he got home, he proceeded to act out the set list, song by song. When my wife asked, "What did they sing next?" he replied with the correct title and added, "And Josh changed his guitar."
The Jamtones are a family operation, including two-and-a-half people from Josh's immediate clan (himself, wife Patience, and a son-in-the-oven). So they are well aware of the dynamics of the typical kid's concert and tried to thwart parental expectations. "What holiday is coming?" Josh asked. Drummer Pat then threw back a number of incorrect suggestions, including Memorial Day. When Valentines Day was astutely named, a child in the audience yelled "Be my Valentine!" Josh replied, "That's sweet, we'll have to exchange information after the show."
Although their most recent CD was titled BEAR HUNT, the Jamtones did not engage in any bear-related activities, such as (but not limited to) trapping, stalking, skinning, or spoofing. To introduce themselves to the Upper West Side elite, they stuck with a 45-minute regiment of feel-good pop and reggae.
One could call the band "a group for all ages," as you can hear infants squealing on my video for "I Like to Move." That was one reason I reverted back to my primary position to grab one last video from the show.
As harmonica player Fred related after the show, "We like open source." And indeed, the Jamtones did go down the "old favorites" road, playing "Iko Iko" and "Monkey Man," as well as "Swing Lo Sweet Chariot."
Still, the kids didn't seem to mind. And their parents bopped their heads along with the tunes. For that short period of time, everybody forgot about the Super Bowl and what was for lunch. And that was enough, wasn't it?
You can get the schedule for upcoming performances at Josh and the Jamtones' website.
For the second time in three weeks, we were off to Symphony Space, this time for Josh and the Jamtones. Straight from Massachusetts, the band has developed a following through live performances and airplay on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live.
The six-person ensemble is a well-oiled bouncing machine that set out to grab the audience (a mostly full house in the Thalia Theater) and make them move. Well, except for my three-year-old, who sat transfixed for the entire show. When he got home, he proceeded to act out the set list, song by song. When my wife asked, "What did they sing next?" he replied with the correct title and added, "And Josh changed his guitar."
The Jamtones are a family operation, including two-and-a-half people from Josh's immediate clan (himself, wife Patience, and a son-in-the-oven). So they are well aware of the dynamics of the typical kid's concert and tried to thwart parental expectations. "What holiday is coming?" Josh asked. Drummer Pat then threw back a number of incorrect suggestions, including Memorial Day. When Valentines Day was astutely named, a child in the audience yelled "Be my Valentine!" Josh replied, "That's sweet, we'll have to exchange information after the show."
Although their most recent CD was titled BEAR HUNT, the Jamtones did not engage in any bear-related activities, such as (but not limited to) trapping, stalking, skinning, or spoofing. To introduce themselves to the Upper West Side elite, they stuck with a 45-minute regiment of feel-good pop and reggae.
One could call the band "a group for all ages," as you can hear infants squealing on my video for "I Like to Move." That was one reason I reverted back to my primary position to grab one last video from the show.
As harmonica player Fred related after the show, "We like open source." And indeed, the Jamtones did go down the "old favorites" road, playing "Iko Iko" and "Monkey Man," as well as "Swing Lo Sweet Chariot."
Still, the kids didn't seem to mind. And their parents bopped their heads along with the tunes. For that short period of time, everybody forgot about the Super Bowl and what was for lunch. And that was enough, wasn't it?
You can get the schedule for upcoming performances at Josh and the Jamtones' website.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 31, 2014
Family Tree (Featuring Jonatha Brooke) – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Everybody's a Baby 'bout Something – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
Getting A Sunburn – Recess Monkey
Fill It Up – Josh And The Jamtones
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
I'm A DuckvLloyd H. Miller
Bicycle – Laura Doherty
Taco Taco Tacos – Peelander-Z
Veo Veo – Mariana Iranzi
Everybody's a Baby 'bout Something – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
Getting A Sunburn – Recess Monkey
Fill It Up – Josh And The Jamtones
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
I'm A DuckvLloyd H. Miller
Bicycle – Laura Doherty
Taco Taco Tacos – Peelander-Z
Veo Veo – Mariana Iranzi
Wendy and DB Show Respect for the Kids
Positivity is well-respected as a character trait.
For children's music, it's practically a job requirement.
Some performers, however, make it their mantra to live by. As Wendy Morgan states on her website "I realized that I needed to make a difference in this world. We all need to help each other in whatever ways we can. I want to lead by example in my life by not giving up on my dreams and also inspiring others to move forward." Whew!
Wendy and Darryl Boggs recently released their debut children's music CD, POCKETS SEASONS RHYMES & REASONS. As you might imagine, it's chock full of positivity. Just listen to "People Are People":
People are people, black, white, tan, yellow, or blue,
People are people and I love you.
People are people, big, tall, short, small, between-sizes, too.
People are people and I love you.
Capice?
The CD is a collection of upbeat originals, as well as covers of "The Green Grass Grows All Around" and a novel take on "All the Pretty Little Horses." And hey! Lyrics come included in the CD packaging (if you don't order MP3s online).
If you want to give little ones positive (there's that word again) reinforcement and drill some basic concepts, then Wendy and DB provide a sensitive base. You can easily build from "Friends" to the rough and tumble of Justin Roberts.
But the biggest perk of buying this CD is knowing that a portion of the proceeds go to VH1 Save The Music to help bring music education into the lives of kids who can’t otherwise afford exposure to the world of music. There's another reason to (dip into your pocket) and spend some money this season. And it rhymes.
POCKETS SEASONS RHYMES & REASONS is available through Wendy & DB's website, Amazon, and CDBABY.
Here is the video from Wendy & DB's song, "Pockets Seasons Rhymes & Reasons":
For children's music, it's practically a job requirement.
Some performers, however, make it their mantra to live by. As Wendy Morgan states on her website "I realized that I needed to make a difference in this world. We all need to help each other in whatever ways we can. I want to lead by example in my life by not giving up on my dreams and also inspiring others to move forward." Whew!
Wendy and Darryl Boggs recently released their debut children's music CD, POCKETS SEASONS RHYMES & REASONS. As you might imagine, it's chock full of positivity. Just listen to "People Are People":
People are people, black, white, tan, yellow, or blue,
People are people and I love you.
People are people, big, tall, short, small, between-sizes, too.
People are people and I love you.
Capice?
The CD is a collection of upbeat originals, as well as covers of "The Green Grass Grows All Around" and a novel take on "All the Pretty Little Horses." And hey! Lyrics come included in the CD packaging (if you don't order MP3s online).
If you want to give little ones positive (there's that word again) reinforcement and drill some basic concepts, then Wendy and DB provide a sensitive base. You can easily build from "Friends" to the rough and tumble of Justin Roberts.
But the biggest perk of buying this CD is knowing that a portion of the proceeds go to VH1 Save The Music to help bring music education into the lives of kids who can’t otherwise afford exposure to the world of music. There's another reason to (dip into your pocket) and spend some money this season. And it rhymes.
POCKETS SEASONS RHYMES & REASONS is available through Wendy & DB's website, Amazon, and CDBABY.
Here is the video from Wendy & DB's song, "Pockets Seasons Rhymes & Reasons":
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 30, 2014
Little Things – One Direction
Who Killed Poor Robin? – Red Yarn
End of the Day – Poochamungas
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
Ferris Wheel – Laura Doherty
The Flamingo Sun – Wee Bee Jammies
Sunflower – Josh And The Jamtones
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Little Cloud (Featuring Rachel Loshak) – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Who Killed Poor Robin? – Red Yarn
End of the Day – Poochamungas
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
Ferris Wheel – Laura Doherty
The Flamingo Sun – Wee Bee Jammies
Sunflower – Josh And The Jamtones
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Little Cloud (Featuring Rachel Loshak) – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Doherty Embodies Heartbeat of Kids Music
What elevates the traditional "local" children's musical act from the ones that break on a national level? Is it (A) commitment? Is it (B) pure talent? Is it (C) luck? Or is it (D) some combination of all of those?
When you talk about Laura Doherty, it's D (all of the above). With more than a decade of musical teaching experience and the chops to create some memorable ditties, Doherty has been recognized as one of the most "influential" kids musicians (by TIme Out Chicago Magazine).
With the release of her third studio CD, IN A HEARTBEAT, Doherty seeks to make further inroads and reach the brains and souls of your kids. Primed for the preschool set, Doherty sets her ducks in a row – "Bicycle," "Butterfly," and "I'm a Little Fish" are exactly what you picture for modern acoustic audiences. But the lively "Heartbeat" will get kids to dance and understand how expressions of love can make you feel good inside and outside:
And it goes thump thump thump.
When you love someone, your heart beats like a drum.
When you love someone, you're going to see the sun shining.
But that brings me back to my central theme – what breaks Doherty from the pack? Why does she deserve acclaim and not, say, Miss Mabel from Podunk? Perhaps that's where the luck comes into play. If you believe that true talent alone is enough to guide you through life, you better be damn lucky as well. Doherty took a leap of faith five years ago and concentrated on children's music. With a little bit of luck, her talent has taken her one step beyond.
Every children's artist seems to have a soft spot for songs from their childhood (or even further back). I've expressed reservations for the 400th version of "Wheels on the Bus." But Doherty has plucked two fine selections for this collection. "Paper Moon" hasn't gotten much love since the 1970s move of the same name. And "See You Later Alligator" sounds just fine stripped down from Bill Haley's pop version from the 1950s, rewritten for the post-Pampers set.
Awards have come Doherty's way (Parents Choice Gold and Silver for her first two albums) as well as airplay on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live. Her sound doesn't rock too hard and the concepts won't make little heads spin. You won't get any double entendre messages that require explanations later when the songs are endlessly re-sung in the supermarket. Which means you can feel free to sing along. When? In a heartbeat.
IN A HEARTBEAT is available February 11 from Amazon, Doherty's website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for Doherty's song, "Shining Like A Star":
When you talk about Laura Doherty, it's D (all of the above). With more than a decade of musical teaching experience and the chops to create some memorable ditties, Doherty has been recognized as one of the most "influential" kids musicians (by TIme Out Chicago Magazine).
With the release of her third studio CD, IN A HEARTBEAT, Doherty seeks to make further inroads and reach the brains and souls of your kids. Primed for the preschool set, Doherty sets her ducks in a row – "Bicycle," "Butterfly," and "I'm a Little Fish" are exactly what you picture for modern acoustic audiences. But the lively "Heartbeat" will get kids to dance and understand how expressions of love can make you feel good inside and outside:
You can feel your heart beating thump thump thump.
That's when your heart beats like a drum.And it goes thump thump thump.
When you love someone, your heart beats like a drum.
When you love someone, you're going to see the sun shining.
But that brings me back to my central theme – what breaks Doherty from the pack? Why does she deserve acclaim and not, say, Miss Mabel from Podunk? Perhaps that's where the luck comes into play. If you believe that true talent alone is enough to guide you through life, you better be damn lucky as well. Doherty took a leap of faith five years ago and concentrated on children's music. With a little bit of luck, her talent has taken her one step beyond.
Every children's artist seems to have a soft spot for songs from their childhood (or even further back). I've expressed reservations for the 400th version of "Wheels on the Bus." But Doherty has plucked two fine selections for this collection. "Paper Moon" hasn't gotten much love since the 1970s move of the same name. And "See You Later Alligator" sounds just fine stripped down from Bill Haley's pop version from the 1950s, rewritten for the post-Pampers set.
Awards have come Doherty's way (Parents Choice Gold and Silver for her first two albums) as well as airplay on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live. Her sound doesn't rock too hard and the concepts won't make little heads spin. You won't get any double entendre messages that require explanations later when the songs are endlessly re-sung in the supermarket. Which means you can feel free to sing along. When? In a heartbeat.
IN A HEARTBEAT is available February 11 from Amazon, Doherty's website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for Doherty's song, "Shining Like A Star":
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 29, 2014
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
I Love U – Josh And The Jamtones
Sell Out – Reel Big Fish
Slow – Trout Fishing In America
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Bully Bully – Shine and the Moonbeams
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Alove Alliteration – Mr. Palindrome
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Hootenanny – Jambo
I Love U – Josh And The Jamtones
Sell Out – Reel Big Fish
Slow – Trout Fishing In America
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Bully Bully – Shine and the Moonbeams
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Alove Alliteration – Mr. Palindrome
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Hootenanny – Jambo
Monday, January 27, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Nutritious – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Workin' Kid – Milkshake
Right Place Wrong Time – Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Don't Touch My Stuff! – Trout Fishing In America
Mr Wolf – The Short Films
Marfa – Mother Falcon
I Love the Rain – The Real Tuesday Weld
Rock Me – One Direction
Nutritious – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Workin' Kid – Milkshake
Right Place Wrong Time – Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Don't Touch My Stuff! – Trout Fishing In America
Mr Wolf – The Short Films
Marfa – Mother Falcon
I Love the Rain – The Real Tuesday Weld
Rock Me – One Direction
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 27, 2014
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
When the World Was New – Dean Jones
Raised by Trolls – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Baby, Don't Cry – The Twigs
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Caspar Babypants
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Now Let's Dance – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
The World Is a Wonderful Place – Nora and One Left
Laluna the Loon – Tanya Donelly
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
When the World Was New – Dean Jones
Raised by Trolls – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Baby, Don't Cry – The Twigs
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Caspar Babypants
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Now Let's Dance – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
The World Is a Wonderful Place – Nora and One Left
Laluna the Loon – Tanya Donelly
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 24, 2014
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Desert Dogs – Shiprock and Anchordog
Sanford and Son – Quincy Jones
Joy to the World (feat. Jay Ungar) – Elizabeth Mitchell
Everybody's Going Out To Play – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Melody In Me – Shine & the Moonbeams
Space Monkey – Davy Andrews
C-C-C-Cold Outside – Trout Fishing In America
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Working on A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Desert Dogs – Shiprock and Anchordog
Sanford and Son – Quincy Jones
Joy to the World (feat. Jay Ungar) – Elizabeth Mitchell
Everybody's Going Out To Play – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Melody In Me – Shine & the Moonbeams
Space Monkey – Davy Andrews
C-C-C-Cold Outside – Trout Fishing In America
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Working on A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Sun Will Shine Again – Frances England
Tonight – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Midnight Memories – One Direction
State Of Grace – Taylor Swift
My Sister Kissed Her Boyfriend – Trout Fishing In America
Rock Melon – Gustafer Yellowgold
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
On My Own – Miley Cyrus
Ooh Bubble – The Que Pastas
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Tonight – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Midnight Memories – One Direction
State Of Grace – Taylor Swift
My Sister Kissed Her Boyfriend – Trout Fishing In America
Rock Melon – Gustafer Yellowgold
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
On My Own – Miley Cyrus
Ooh Bubble – The Que Pastas
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Recess and Monkey Around at Symphony Space
And so we were off to Symphony Space again for Recess Monkey.
At three years old, Matthew is a veteran, perhaps artificially assisted by his older brother (Ben, 13), who started seeing shows here just before his third birthday (Dan Zanes, December 2003).
If there's one thing that Queens lacks, it's a regular program involving children's music acts. Occasionally a venue like Colden Center will cobble together 2-3 "kids acts" for its yearly agenda, but they usually fall under the touring puppet show or three-person vaudeville act.
New York City, on the other hand, is littered with those programs. If you don't get to the Just Kidding Kids (JKK) series at Symphony Space, the 92nd Street Y runs Kids Central. And the New Victory Theater is right in the heart of Times Square (although they concentrate more on theater, Dan Zanes used to play there as well).
But I digress. We've seen dozens of acts as part of the JKK, including Seattle's Monkey Men. But this would be the first time with incoming drummer Korum Bischoff. The boys recorded TWO CDs last year, DEEP SEA DIVER and DESERT ISLAND DISC, so there was plenty of new material to hear.
We piled the boys onto the LIRR and 25 minutes later descended onto the 1 train for the ride uptown. The trio (Drew, Jack, and Korum) were already signing merch in the back (they haven't recorded 10 CDs for nothing) and we said hello and welcomed them back to the Big Apple.
I've always been skittish about shooting video with our camcorder during these shows. But my new phone promised amazing video quality. And with second-row seats, I thought I might try to capture the essence of the performances. Indeed, the only failings of these recordings are my shaky hands. The songs (and the boisterous nature of the crowd) speak for themselves.
Ben sat and enjoyed himself thoroughly. He has no problem interacting with on-stage musicians. In fact, whenever they begin a "call and response" segment, Ben is ready to participate. Matthew on the other hand chose to sit on his booster seat and philosophically ponder just how a "mosh pit" of 20-30 youngsters miraculously appeared as the band ripped into "Tambourine Submarine."
The 50-minute performance contained a number of old favorites as well as songs from the 2013 "double concept set." The (nearly) packed house was euphoric, the Monkey Men were in sync, and the parents seemed to know as many (if not more) of the songs than their children. I'm always nervous for a band when one of the members jumps into the audience and leads a conga line or parade around the building. In many instances, the majority of the kids wind up back with their parents. But when Jack Forman led the children up and down the aisles for "Monkey Bars," they all seemed to find their way back to the front of the stage.
After the final song, "Jump in the Deep End," it was back to signing and photos in the back of the Peter Jay Sharp auditorium. In the past, Recess Monkey were booked for two shows in the smaller Thalia. This time around, they earned a shot at the big house and proved their worth – with as large a crowd as I can recall for a "fly-in."
We spoke with Drew Holloway, the titular lead singer for the band, about their upcoming plans. Apparently CD number 11 is coming this summer, with a "mechanical" theme. Recess Monkey has concentrated on "concepts" for the past several years, with some success. It will be interesting to see what directions they go to flesh out their theme.
When it was over, we tromped down Broadway (to Grandpa's apartment for lunch). Matt was so jazzed that he collapsed in Penn Station for a stroller nap. Ben was eager to get home and watch the songs captured on video (and shared here).
I have no doubt Symphony Space will bring back the Seattle trio for another showcase next winter. They drew a good house, and the larger theater means higher ticket prices. Hey, that's just good business sense. And with a name like Recess Monkey, good business sense is what's kept them around for almost 10 years.
At three years old, Matthew is a veteran, perhaps artificially assisted by his older brother (Ben, 13), who started seeing shows here just before his third birthday (Dan Zanes, December 2003).
If there's one thing that Queens lacks, it's a regular program involving children's music acts. Occasionally a venue like Colden Center will cobble together 2-3 "kids acts" for its yearly agenda, but they usually fall under the touring puppet show or three-person vaudeville act.
New York City, on the other hand, is littered with those programs. If you don't get to the Just Kidding Kids (JKK) series at Symphony Space, the 92nd Street Y runs Kids Central. And the New Victory Theater is right in the heart of Times Square (although they concentrate more on theater, Dan Zanes used to play there as well).
But I digress. We've seen dozens of acts as part of the JKK, including Seattle's Monkey Men. But this would be the first time with incoming drummer Korum Bischoff. The boys recorded TWO CDs last year, DEEP SEA DIVER and DESERT ISLAND DISC, so there was plenty of new material to hear.
We piled the boys onto the LIRR and 25 minutes later descended onto the 1 train for the ride uptown. The trio (Drew, Jack, and Korum) were already signing merch in the back (they haven't recorded 10 CDs for nothing) and we said hello and welcomed them back to the Big Apple.
I've always been skittish about shooting video with our camcorder during these shows. But my new phone promised amazing video quality. And with second-row seats, I thought I might try to capture the essence of the performances. Indeed, the only failings of these recordings are my shaky hands. The songs (and the boisterous nature of the crowd) speak for themselves.
Ben sat and enjoyed himself thoroughly. He has no problem interacting with on-stage musicians. In fact, whenever they begin a "call and response" segment, Ben is ready to participate. Matthew on the other hand chose to sit on his booster seat and philosophically ponder just how a "mosh pit" of 20-30 youngsters miraculously appeared as the band ripped into "Tambourine Submarine."
The 50-minute performance contained a number of old favorites as well as songs from the 2013 "double concept set." The (nearly) packed house was euphoric, the Monkey Men were in sync, and the parents seemed to know as many (if not more) of the songs than their children. I'm always nervous for a band when one of the members jumps into the audience and leads a conga line or parade around the building. In many instances, the majority of the kids wind up back with their parents. But when Jack Forman led the children up and down the aisles for "Monkey Bars," they all seemed to find their way back to the front of the stage.
After the final song, "Jump in the Deep End," it was back to signing and photos in the back of the Peter Jay Sharp auditorium. In the past, Recess Monkey were booked for two shows in the smaller Thalia. This time around, they earned a shot at the big house and proved their worth – with as large a crowd as I can recall for a "fly-in."
We spoke with Drew Holloway, the titular lead singer for the band, about their upcoming plans. Apparently CD number 11 is coming this summer, with a "mechanical" theme. Recess Monkey has concentrated on "concepts" for the past several years, with some success. It will be interesting to see what directions they go to flesh out their theme.
When it was over, we tromped down Broadway (to Grandpa's apartment for lunch). Matt was so jazzed that he collapsed in Penn Station for a stroller nap. Ben was eager to get home and watch the songs captured on video (and shared here).
I have no doubt Symphony Space will bring back the Seattle trio for another showcase next winter. They drew a good house, and the larger theater means higher ticket prices. Hey, that's just good business sense. And with a name like Recess Monkey, good business sense is what's kept them around for almost 10 years.
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 22, 2014
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Life Is Better With You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Everybody's a Baby 'bout Something – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Nonsense – Davy Andrews
I Found You – Caspar Babypants
Gotta Get Up – Sugar Free Allstars
Up All Night – One Direction
Rooting For My Baby – Miley Cyrus
Cocodrilo – Mister G
Chuckers – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Life Is Better With You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Everybody's a Baby 'bout Something – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Nonsense – Davy Andrews
I Found You – Caspar Babypants
Gotta Get Up – Sugar Free Allstars
Up All Night – One Direction
Rooting For My Baby – Miley Cyrus
Cocodrilo – Mister G
Chuckers – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Monday, January 20, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Lose My Mind – The Wanted
Upside Down – Ratboy Jr.
Till There Was You – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Unicorns R Real – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Electric Lady – Justin Timberlake
We Can't Stop – Miley Cyrus
Flat Stanley – Steve Songs
Upside Down – Ratboy Jr.
Till There Was You – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Unicorns R Real – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Electric Lady – Justin Timberlake
We Can't Stop – Miley Cyrus
Flat Stanley – Steve Songs
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 20, 2014
Blue Sky Time – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Shine – Shine and the Moonbeams
LMNOP – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Combination Pizza Hut – Das Racist
Hola Hello – Mariana Iranzi
Circle – The Watson Twins
Only When I Walk Away – Justin Timberlake
Adore You – Miley Cyrus
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Shine – Shine and the Moonbeams
LMNOP – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Combination Pizza Hut – Das Racist
Hola Hello – Mariana Iranzi
Circle – The Watson Twins
Only When I Walk Away – Justin Timberlake
Adore You – Miley Cyrus
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 17, 2014
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
I Got a Great Idea – The Twigs
Imagination – Shine and the Moonbeams
Robots From The 4th Dimension – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
All Together Now – Caspar Babypants
Rainbows and Onions – Sweet Diss & the Comebacks
Thingamajig – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
You Got It On – Justin Timberlake
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
Playground – Astrograss
I Got a Great Idea – The Twigs
Imagination – Shine and the Moonbeams
Robots From The 4th Dimension – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
All Together Now – Caspar Babypants
Rainbows and Onions – Sweet Diss & the Comebacks
Thingamajig – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
You Got It On – Justin Timberlake
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
Playground – Astrograss
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 16, 2013
Great Big Stars – Elizabeth Mitchell
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Sandwiches – Davy Andrews
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
Pockets – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Take Back the Night – Justin Timberlake
Si Fuese – Mariana Iranzi
What Will You Ever See? – Lunch Money
Sandwiches – Davy Andrews
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
Pockets – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Let 'em Know – Milkshake
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Take Back the Night – Justin Timberlake
Si Fuese – Mariana Iranzi
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 15, 2013
Just a Normal Day – Lesley and the Flying Foxes
My Eraser – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Change – Jack Johnson Feat. Ben Harper
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Roar – Katy Perry
Garbage Bugs – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
New – Paul McCartney
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Turn! Turn! Turn! – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
My Eraser – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Change – Jack Johnson Feat. Ben Harper
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Roar – Katy Perry
Garbage Bugs – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
New – Paul McCartney
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Turn! Turn! Turn! – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
Monday, January 13, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 14, 2013
High Five – Shine and the Moonbeams
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Love The Way You Lie (Part II) – Rihanna Feat. Eminem
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Brave – Sara Bareilles
Join a Rock and Roll Band – Dean Jones
Early Days – Paul McCartney
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
My Treasure – Recess Monkey
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Love The Way You Lie (Part II) – Rihanna Feat. Eminem
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Brave – Sara Bareilles
Join a Rock and Roll Band – Dean Jones
Early Days – Paul McCartney
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
My Treasure – Recess Monkey
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 13, 2013
Little Little Baby – The Harmonica Pocket
Mother Nature's Sun – Caspar Babypants
Real Real Gone – Van Morrison
Shrimp – Recess Monkey
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
Alligator – Paul McCartney
Show Me A Sign – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Rock Me – One Direction
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Mother Nature's Sun – Caspar Babypants
Real Real Gone – Van Morrison
Shrimp – Recess Monkey
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
I'm Your Boyfriend Now – They Might Be Giants
Alligator – Paul McCartney
Show Me A Sign – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Rock Me – One Direction
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Ben's 13th Birthday Playlist - Friday, January 10, 2014
In The Sun – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions
The Ground – Underbirds
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Anybody Got A Watch? – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Millions of Things – Like Totally!
Stand Up – Kira Willey
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Radiate – Jack Johnson
BroOKlyn – Mil's Trills
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions
The Ground – Underbirds
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Anybody Got A Watch? – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Millions of Things – Like Totally!
Stand Up – Kira Willey
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Radiate – Jack Johnson
BroOKlyn – Mil's Trills
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, January 9, 2013
Effervescing Elephant – Cat Doorman
I'm Me! – Charlie Hope
Shine – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
The Fox – Red Yarn
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Size Of The Problem – Tom Chapin
Playground – Astrograss
This Moment – Katy Perry
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Heart Attack – One Direction
I'm Me! – Charlie Hope
Shine – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
The Fox – Red Yarn
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Size Of The Problem – Tom Chapin
Playground – Astrograss
This Moment – Katy Perry
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Heart Attack – One Direction
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 8, 2013
Move Like Saturday Night – Frances England
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
In The Group – Tom Chapin
Otis Dooda Theme – David Heatley
Breakfast – Ratboy Jr.
It's Not Fair to Me – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Closer To You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
You Remind Me Of You – Jack Johnson
Up Periscope – Recess Monkey
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
In The Group – Tom Chapin
Otis Dooda Theme – David Heatley
Breakfast – Ratboy Jr.
It's Not Fair to Me – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Closer To You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
You Remind Me Of You – Jack Johnson
Up Periscope – Recess Monkey
Monday, January 06, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 7, 2013
Prehensile Grip – Dean Jones
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
Young Girls – Bruno Mars
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
National Hiccup Day – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Love Me Do – Caspar Babypants
International Smile – Katy Perry
All People – Michael Franti & Spearhead
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
Young Girls – Bruno Mars
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
National Hiccup Day – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Love Me Do – Caspar Babypants
International Smile – Katy Perry
All People – Michael Franti & Spearhead
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Monday, January 6, 2013
Rattlesnake – Red Yarn
Don't Believe A Thing I Say – Jack Johnson
Everlovin' Water – Lori Henriques
Shake it Out – Florence + The Machine
Kids in America – The Muffs
Gravy Stain – Mr. Saxophone
Coney Island Avenue – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
This Is How We Do – Katy Perry
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Don't Believe A Thing I Say – Jack Johnson
Everlovin' Water – Lori Henriques
Shake it Out – Florence + The Machine
Kids in America – The Muffs
Gravy Stain – Mr. Saxophone
Coney Island Avenue – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
This Is How We Do – Katy Perry
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Friday, January 03, 2014
Rock Band Land Takes Kids on Deep Musical Journey
Aah, San Francisco. Land of liberal ideals, decent coffee, the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and cable cars. Oh, and the Hipwaders, one of Ben's favorite children's music groups. Another concept that's trying to gain traction there is Rock Band Land, a collaborative program that offers a venue for elementary-age kids to express thoughts through original music and stories.
Have you ever met a kid who didn't feel somehow frustrated by their creative "process"? Rock Band Land seeks to alleviate their inhibitions, 90 minutes at a time. In addition to classes and performances, they solicit contributions from outside the Bay Area for their occasional podcasts (no new ones since September at last check).
The RBL trio (Marcus Stoesz, Brian Gorman, and Jen Aldrich) started in 2009 and have exceeded even their own expectations, I imagine. With all the music they've helped mine (150 songs to date), RBL have shaped a new CD, TALES FROM THE MONSTROSITY SCROLLS by Rainbow Beast and the Rock Band Land Rockers. Much like the thoughts of elementary school students, the themes are all over the place. In fact, our first casual listening experience was a mess. This is a concept album which requires more than playing it as background music for dinner. Although in an amusing coincidence, we were eating shrimp as they sang "Lola Versus the Giant Shrimp."
Did you ever wonder about what an early (Syd Barrett era) Pink Floyd album for kids would sound like? How about the Polyphonic Spree without all the constant vocal overplay? Shazam! Rainbow Beast is the creature for you. You'll need to hit the website for lyrics and prepare to do some 'splaining for the wee tots who can't read along.
On one level, there's profound goofiness with titles like "Fish Wife," "Hot Air Balloons Over Tapailo," and "Alone at Home With a Bus." But remember, these songs were written with the input of children. Actual children. And like I said, kids can be all over the place. Which makes for one trippy experience to begin with. Set the recording in San Francisco, turn up the dials to 11, and you get Rainbow Beast, a glorious cacophony.
TALES FROM THE MONSTROSITY SCROLLS will be available on February 11 from the band's Website, Amazon, CDBABY, iTunes, and Bandcamp.
Here is the video for their song, "The Truth About Polar Bears":
Have you ever met a kid who didn't feel somehow frustrated by their creative "process"? Rock Band Land seeks to alleviate their inhibitions, 90 minutes at a time. In addition to classes and performances, they solicit contributions from outside the Bay Area for their occasional podcasts (no new ones since September at last check).The RBL trio (Marcus Stoesz, Brian Gorman, and Jen Aldrich) started in 2009 and have exceeded even their own expectations, I imagine. With all the music they've helped mine (150 songs to date), RBL have shaped a new CD, TALES FROM THE MONSTROSITY SCROLLS by Rainbow Beast and the Rock Band Land Rockers. Much like the thoughts of elementary school students, the themes are all over the place. In fact, our first casual listening experience was a mess. This is a concept album which requires more than playing it as background music for dinner. Although in an amusing coincidence, we were eating shrimp as they sang "Lola Versus the Giant Shrimp."
Did you ever wonder about what an early (Syd Barrett era) Pink Floyd album for kids would sound like? How about the Polyphonic Spree without all the constant vocal overplay? Shazam! Rainbow Beast is the creature for you. You'll need to hit the website for lyrics and prepare to do some 'splaining for the wee tots who can't read along.
On one level, there's profound goofiness with titles like "Fish Wife," "Hot Air Balloons Over Tapailo," and "Alone at Home With a Bus." But remember, these songs were written with the input of children. Actual children. And like I said, kids can be all over the place. Which makes for one trippy experience to begin with. Set the recording in San Francisco, turn up the dials to 11, and you get Rainbow Beast, a glorious cacophony.
TALES FROM THE MONSTROSITY SCROLLS will be available on February 11 from the band's Website, Amazon, CDBABY, iTunes, and Bandcamp.
Here is the video for their song, "The Truth About Polar Bears":
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Friday, January 3, 2013
Take A Little Walk With Me (Featuring Elizabeth Mitchell) – Alastair Moock
Is She a Girl or Is She a Monkey – Randy Kaplan
Follow Me When I Leave– Underbirds
Hide & Seek– Princess Katie & Racer Steve
S.S. Brooklyn – Lloyd H. Miller
Blue Underwear– Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Shot Reverse Shot – Jack Johnson
Unconditionally – Katy Perry
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Is She a Girl or Is She a Monkey – Randy Kaplan
Follow Me When I Leave– Underbirds
Hide & Seek– Princess Katie & Racer Steve
S.S. Brooklyn – Lloyd H. Miller
Blue Underwear– Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Shot Reverse Shot – Jack Johnson
Unconditionally – Katy Perry
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, January 2, 2013
Fart Like a Pirate – Papa Crow
Space Kid And Banana – Ratboy Jr.
The Owie Song – David Tobocman
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
No, No, No – The Little Rockers Band
Smooth Sailing – Recess Monkey
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
I Got You – Jack Johnson
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Space Kid And Banana – Ratboy Jr.
The Owie Song – David Tobocman
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
No, No, No – The Little Rockers Band
Smooth Sailing – Recess Monkey
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like) – Michael Franti & Spearhead
I Got You – Jack Johnson
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, January 1, 2014
With Linked Arms – Cat Doorman
Tell Me A Lie – One Direction
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Show Me What You're Feeling – Tom Chapin
Out Of The Box – The Bazillions
When I Grow Up – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Is This a Joke? – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Lightning Bolt – Pearl Jam
What's My Name? – Rihanna Feat. Drake
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
Tell Me A Lie – One Direction
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Show Me What You're Feeling – Tom Chapin
Out Of The Box – The Bazillions
When I Grow Up – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Is This a Joke? – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Lightning Bolt – Pearl Jam
What's My Name? – Rihanna Feat. Drake
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
Monday, December 30, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 31, 2013
When I Look Into The Night Sky – Lori Henriques
California King Bed – Rihanna
Born To Rock – David Tobocman
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Duck Ellington – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Potted Plant Guy – David Heatley
Sirens – Pearl Jam
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Hootenanny – Jambo
California King Bed – Rihanna
Born To Rock – David Tobocman
Ride In My Little Red Wagon – Willie & The Wheel
Duck Ellington – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Potted Plant Guy – David Heatley
Sirens – Pearl Jam
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Hootenanny – Jambo
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 30, 2013
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Till the Sun Goes Down – Poochamungas
Tambourine Submarine – Recess Monkey
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Bananas (Plum Crazy) – Tangerine Tambourine
Great Is Better – Rabbit!
Getaway – Pearl Jam
Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna
Rock Me – One Direction
Guitar Pickin' Chicken – Ratboy Jr.
Thank You and Goodnight – Uncle Rock
Till the Sun Goes Down – Poochamungas
Tambourine Submarine – Recess Monkey
Music Makes Me Feel – Astrograss
Bananas (Plum Crazy) – Tangerine Tambourine
Great Is Better – Rabbit!
Getaway – Pearl Jam
Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna
Rock Me – One Direction
Guitar Pickin' Chicken – Ratboy Jr.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 27, 2013
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Looking For Trains – Justin Roberts
Love Factory – Mary Kaye
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Cool Watermelon – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Metaphor – The Alphabeticians
I Got This! – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Bonsai – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Buy Nothing Day – The Go! Team
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Try it – Milkshake
Looking For Trains – Justin Roberts
Love Factory – Mary Kaye
Shakin' Shakin' – The Little Rockers Band
Cool Watermelon – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Metaphor – The Alphabeticians
I Got This! – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Bonsai – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Buy Nothing Day – The Go! Team
Peace Sign – David Tobocman
Try it – Milkshake
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 26, 2013
Dessert Island – Recess Monkey
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Did You Feed My Cow? – Ella Jenkins
Yes And No – Caspar Babypants
Up In Cat's Room – David Heatley
Washing Machine – Milkshake
Heart Attack – One Direction
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
In A Timeout Now – Randy Kaplan
Why is the sky blue? – Nick Cope
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin
Did You Feed My Cow? – Ella Jenkins
Yes And No – Caspar Babypants
Up In Cat's Room – David Heatley
Washing Machine – Milkshake
Heart Attack – One Direction
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Sylvie – Elizabeth Mitchell
Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes – Kristin Andreassen
Little Things – One Direction
I Am the Wind – Underbirds
Similes And Metaphors – The Bazillions
Busy – The Not-Its
Robots Can't Cry – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes – Kristin Andreassen
Little Things – One Direction
I Am the Wind – Underbirds
Similes And Metaphors – The Bazillions
Busy – The Not-Its
Robots Can't Cry – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
They're Red Hot – Randy Kaplan
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Monday, December 23, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Changes – David Bowie
Over Again – One Direction
Long Gone – Recess Monkey
Slow – Trout Fishing In America
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
The Bullfrog Opera – Morgan Taylor; The Okee Dokee Brothers
Pleadia – Andy Z
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Over Again – One Direction
Long Gone – Recess Monkey
Slow – Trout Fishing In America
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
Here Comes Peter Cottontail – The Hipwaders
The Bullfrog Opera – Morgan Taylor; The Okee Dokee Brothers
Pleadia – Andy Z
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 23, 2013
First Day of School – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
When You Wish Upon a Star – Gene Simmons
You Are My Sunshine – AshebA
Sunglasses – The Que Pastas
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Ferris Wheel – Laura Doherty
Face the Bird – Pete Donnelley
I'm A Duck – Lloyd H. Miller
Chuckers – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I Walk The Line – Chris Isaak
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
When You Wish Upon a Star – Gene Simmons
You Are My Sunshine – AshebA
Sunglasses – The Que Pastas
Mind Over Matter – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Ferris Wheel – Laura Doherty
Face the Bird – Pete Donnelley
I'm A Duck – Lloyd H. Miller
Chuckers – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I Walk The Line – Chris Isaak
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Friday, December 20, 2013
"Duck" the Dynasty, Cheer the Boo-Boo
A bunch of my right-wing "friends" on Facebook have leaped on the "Support Our Racist" bandwagon for Phil Robertson. They point out that even the racist Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal and known racist Sarah Palin are supporting longtime, outspoken racist Phil Robertson.
One of their main tactics is to point out that left-wing people supported Martin Bashir, when he alluded to moronic remarks by Sarah Palin and suggested someone should poop in her mouth. He quit before MSNBC received any intense pressure to fire him. Classy move.
The comparison is apples to oranges. Bashir is an educated Brit who made one stupid, on-air remark. Rather than engage a cause celebre, he quit. Backwoods entrepreneur Phil Robertson simply voiced an opinion he's had for decades: Homosexuals are bad. It ain't Biblical.
Back to Bashir...Um, he didn't say anything racist. He made a poop joke. Not the best, not the worst, not the most obvious. But when the chips were down, he decided to take a break.
I do not despise A&E, the network that broadcasts Duck Dynasty. Nor do I detest whatever network airs HONEY BOO-BOO. I've never watched one second of either show, nor do I intend to. But millions of people like to watch "train wreck" television; viewing the antics of morons is intensely pleasurable. Otherwise COPS wouldn't have lasted 20+ seasons and remain a top program in syndication.
If anything, the producers of HONEY BOO-BOO should send Phil Robertson a fruit basket. Duck Dynasty has made BOO-BOO irrelevant. WGAS about a morbidly obese woman and her hillbilly clan when you have swamp people and their business? But if A&E doesn't blink in their showdown with the Robertsons, then BOO-BOO regains the dubious crown as "Queen of the Lowest Common Denominator."
If anyone is truly suffering from this incident, it's Martin Bashir. Forever until the end of time, if you enter his name in Google, the system will auto-fill either "racist," "poop," or "Phil Robertson." The latter's 15 minutes should soon be over, replaced by a legless, armless cigarette roller or a rapping Pinhead. America needs its morons freshly hewn. Bashir will land on his feet somewhere, out of the media swampland, and return to making erudite commentary. Robertson? I'm happy to let him clean his guns and make his duck calls and say whatever he wants, which is another of his rights as an American. Just not on my TV.
One of their main tactics is to point out that left-wing people supported Martin Bashir, when he alluded to moronic remarks by Sarah Palin and suggested someone should poop in her mouth. He quit before MSNBC received any intense pressure to fire him. Classy move.
The comparison is apples to oranges. Bashir is an educated Brit who made one stupid, on-air remark. Rather than engage a cause celebre, he quit. Backwoods entrepreneur Phil Robertson simply voiced an opinion he's had for decades: Homosexuals are bad. It ain't Biblical.Back to Bashir...Um, he didn't say anything racist. He made a poop joke. Not the best, not the worst, not the most obvious. But when the chips were down, he decided to take a break.
I do not despise A&E, the network that broadcasts Duck Dynasty. Nor do I detest whatever network airs HONEY BOO-BOO. I've never watched one second of either show, nor do I intend to. But millions of people like to watch "train wreck" television; viewing the antics of morons is intensely pleasurable. Otherwise COPS wouldn't have lasted 20+ seasons and remain a top program in syndication.
If anything, the producers of HONEY BOO-BOO should send Phil Robertson a fruit basket. Duck Dynasty has made BOO-BOO irrelevant. WGAS about a morbidly obese woman and her hillbilly clan when you have swamp people and their business? But if A&E doesn't blink in their showdown with the Robertsons, then BOO-BOO regains the dubious crown as "Queen of the Lowest Common Denominator."
If anyone is truly suffering from this incident, it's Martin Bashir. Forever until the end of time, if you enter his name in Google, the system will auto-fill either "racist," "poop," or "Phil Robertson." The latter's 15 minutes should soon be over, replaced by a legless, armless cigarette roller or a rapping Pinhead. America needs its morons freshly hewn. Bashir will land on his feet somewhere, out of the media swampland, and return to making erudite commentary. Robertson? I'm happy to let him clean his guns and make his duck calls and say whatever he wants, which is another of his rights as an American. Just not on my TV.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 20, 2013
I Just Wanna Play – Sunshine Collective
With Linked Arms – Cat Doorman
Big Green Party Machine – David Heatley
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Working On A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins
Forever Friends – The Bright Siders
Flat Stanley – Play Date
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Candy Garden – The Bazillions
Kiss You – One Direction
With Linked Arms – Cat Doorman
Big Green Party Machine – David Heatley
Shake It Off! – Uncle Rock
Working On A Bridge – Lloyd H. Miller
Wag More (Featuring Indigo Girls) – Boxtop Jenkins
Forever Friends – The Bright Siders
Flat Stanley – Play Date
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Candy Garden – The Bazillions
Kiss You – One Direction
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 19, 2013
Bike – Charity And The JAMband
Getting A Sunburn – Recess Monkey
Punkin' Patch – Andy Z
The Flamingo Sun – Wee Bee Jammies
Riverside – Baze And His Silly Friends
Workin' Kid – Milkshake
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Mothership – Mr. Saxophone
Sell Out – Reel Big Fish
Human Bean – Dean Jones
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Getting A Sunburn – Recess Monkey
Punkin' Patch – Andy Z
The Flamingo Sun – Wee Bee Jammies
Riverside – Baze And His Silly Friends
Workin' Kid – Milkshake
Full Tilt – The Not-Its
Mothership – Mr. Saxophone
Sell Out – Reel Big Fish
Human Bean – Dean Jones
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 18, 2013
I Wanna Party – Hot Wings
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Boo! – Trout Fishing In America
Row Row Row Your Boat – Caspar Babypants
Speeding Motorcycle – The Pastels
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Grumpy Boy – Steve Songs
Boo! – Trout Fishing In America
Row Row Row Your Boat – Caspar Babypants
Speeding Motorcycle – The Pastels
Go Plane Go – Kira Willey
Music – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Monday, December 16, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Sun Will Shine Again – Frances England
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
Love Will Remember – Selena Gomez
Dear One – Jim James
Bigga Bagga – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer
Jump Right In – The Twigs
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
Snow Day – Zak Morgan
Mother Nature's Son – Aaron Nigel Smith
Talkin' Bout Love – The Little Rockers Band
Love Will Remember – Selena Gomez
Dear One – Jim James
Bigga Bagga – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer
Jump Right In – The Twigs
Just Not Me – The Hipwaders
Hippie Mom – Big Bang Boom
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 16, 2013
I Just Had an Idea – Elska
Jump On The Moon – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
My Secret Robot – Justin Roberts
Bully Bully – Shine and the Moonbeams
Veo Veo –Mariana Iranzi
Right Place Wrong Time – Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies
Baby, Don't Cry – The Twigs
Better Than Words –One Direction
Hootenanny –Jambo
Freak Out –Astrograss
Jump On The Moon – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
My Secret Robot – Justin Roberts
Bully Bully – Shine and the Moonbeams
Veo Veo –Mariana Iranzi
Right Place Wrong Time – Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies
Baby, Don't Cry – The Twigs
Better Than Words –One Direction
Hootenanny –Jambo
Freak Out –Astrograss
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 13, 2013
Right Now – One Direction
Otis – Justin Roberts
Let's Be Friends – Jambo
Melody In Me – Shine & the Moonbeams
Rainbows and Onions – Sweet Diss & the Comebacks
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Caspar Babypants
No Homework – The Bazillions
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Playground – Astrograss
Tonight – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Otis – Justin Roberts
Let's Be Friends – Jambo
Melody In Me – Shine & the Moonbeams
Rainbows and Onions – Sweet Diss & the Comebacks
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Caspar Babypants
No Homework – The Bazillions
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Playground – Astrograss
Tonight – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 12, 2013
Swinging on a Star – Zak Morgan
Everybody's Going Out To Play – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Blink Of An Eye – Frances England
Are We There Yet? – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Frog – Artichoke
Raised by Trolls – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Liza Jane – Jr. Madness
Strong – One Direction
Sunshine – The Twigs
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
The Flying Fox – Davy Andrews
Everybody's Going Out To Play – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Blink Of An Eye – Frances England
Are We There Yet? – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Frog – Artichoke
Raised by Trolls – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Liza Jane – Jr. Madness
Strong – One Direction
Sunshine – The Twigs
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
The Flying Fox – Davy Andrews
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Who Killed Poor Robin? – Red Yarn
We Are All One Kind – Jambo
Nonsense – Davy Andrews
Copycat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
So Many Words – Cat Doorman
If I Had a Rainbow – Haley Bonar
Midnight Memories – One Direction
I Got a Great Idea – The Twigs
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
We Are All One Kind – Jambo
Nonsense – Davy Andrews
Copycat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
So Many Words – Cat Doorman
If I Had a Rainbow – Haley Bonar
Midnight Memories – One Direction
I Got a Great Idea – The Twigs
A Dog Named Bruce – Ralph's World
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Better Than Good: The Twigs' Bicoastal Sister Act
Being sisters is tough. Being twin sisters in even tougher.
Located in Los Angeles (Linda Good) and Charlottesville, Virgina (Laura Good), the Twigs did not get on the same page, musically, until there was an ocean of distance between them. After high school, Linda went to London to study music and exchanged tapes of song ideas with her sister. Eventually (long story short) they evolved into The Twigs.
The duo recorded several contemporary CDs, before embarking on an album for kids. They would ask Laura's three-year-old daughter Alena (a featured performer) for suggestions. They would tailor the songs around her concepts, which turned into many of the tracks on JUMP RIGHT IN.
Undeniably a children's CD, JUMP RIGHT IN plays with harmonies and instruments and even attempts "Frere Jacques," as if Raffi's version wasn't definitive for the young 'uns. Past that song, there's the uplifting title track, as well as the ukelele-tinged "I Got A Great Idea":
I've got a great idea, inside my head.
I've got a great idea, that's what I said.
Lucky me and lucky you
I've got a great idea that's coming true.
C'mon let's go outside all day
We can build a fort or write a play
Climb a tree or plant some seeds
I've got a great idea that's coming true.
Other aural highlights include "Sunshine," "Baby, Don't Cry," and "Blueberry Jam," the story of when peanut butter went to jail. The vocals were reminiscent of the East Coast-based Nields (Merissa and Katryna). The Twigs have a soft-rock sensibility (which comes from their early days listening to Bread, according to their bio) and are earnestly seeking to "expand" their audience by growing fans, literally. JUMP RIGHT IN is a quick (26 minutes) easy listen, perfect for car rides with a built-in "fade out" one-two punch of "Pretty Ponies" and "Time to Sleep." You can spend your time looking for other female vocalists who can harmonize so effortlessly. Or you can jump right in with the Twigs.
JUMP RIGHT IN is available from the Twigs website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Here is the video for the song "Baby Don't Cry":
Located in Los Angeles (Linda Good) and Charlottesville, Virgina (Laura Good), the Twigs did not get on the same page, musically, until there was an ocean of distance between them. After high school, Linda went to London to study music and exchanged tapes of song ideas with her sister. Eventually (long story short) they evolved into The Twigs.
Undeniably a children's CD, JUMP RIGHT IN plays with harmonies and instruments and even attempts "Frere Jacques," as if Raffi's version wasn't definitive for the young 'uns. Past that song, there's the uplifting title track, as well as the ukelele-tinged "I Got A Great Idea":
I've got a great idea, inside my head.
I've got a great idea, that's what I said.
Lucky me and lucky you
I've got a great idea that's coming true.
C'mon let's go outside all day
We can build a fort or write a play
Climb a tree or plant some seeds
I've got a great idea that's coming true.
Other aural highlights include "Sunshine," "Baby, Don't Cry," and "Blueberry Jam," the story of when peanut butter went to jail. The vocals were reminiscent of the East Coast-based Nields (Merissa and Katryna). The Twigs have a soft-rock sensibility (which comes from their early days listening to Bread, according to their bio) and are earnestly seeking to "expand" their audience by growing fans, literally. JUMP RIGHT IN is a quick (26 minutes) easy listen, perfect for car rides with a built-in "fade out" one-two punch of "Pretty Ponies" and "Time to Sleep." You can spend your time looking for other female vocalists who can harmonize so effortlessly. Or you can jump right in with the Twigs.
JUMP RIGHT IN is available from the Twigs website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Here is the video for the song "Baby Don't Cry":
Monday, December 09, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Stand With Me – Dean Jones
Upside Down – Ratboy Jr.
Don't Touch My Stuff! – Trout Fishing In America
Sandwiches – Davy Andrews
Bandwagon (Featuring Rachel Loshak, Dean Jones & Justin Lansing) – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Escalator – David Tobocman
Best Song Ever – One Direction
Combination Pizza Hut – Das Racist
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Upside Down – Ratboy Jr.
Don't Touch My Stuff! – Trout Fishing In America
Sandwiches – Davy Andrews
Bandwagon (Featuring Rachel Loshak, Dean Jones & Justin Lansing) – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Escalator – David Tobocman
Best Song Ever – One Direction
Combination Pizza Hut – Das Racist
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 9, 2013
Great Big Stars – Elizabeth Mitchell
When the World Was New – Dean Jones
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Royals – Lorde
Shrimp – Recess Monkey
Groovy Day – Jambo
I Found You – Caspar Babypants
Robots On the Dance Floor – Rhymezwell
Space Monkey – Davy Andrews
Rock Me – One Direction
Continental Geography – Astrograss
When the World Was New – Dean Jones
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! – Mr. Leebot
Royals – Lorde
Shrimp – Recess Monkey
Groovy Day – Jambo
I Found You – Caspar Babypants
Robots On the Dance Floor – Rhymezwell
Space Monkey – Davy Andrews
Rock Me – One Direction
Continental Geography – Astrograss
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Friday, December 6, 2013
Little Little Baby – The Harmonica Pocket
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Shine – Shine and the Moonbeams
You Are An Astronaut – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
Let's Go – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
I Love U – Josh And The Jamtones
Brave – Sara Bareilles
Taco Taco Tacos – Peelander-Z
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Playground – Astrograss
All Together Now – Caspar Babypants
Me and My Brand New Haircut – Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs
Shine – Shine and the Moonbeams
You Are An Astronaut – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
Let's Go – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
I Love U – Josh And The Jamtones
Brave – Sara Bareilles
Taco Taco Tacos – Peelander-Z
Blue Underwear – Ethan Rossiter And The Jamberries
Playground – Astrograss
All Together Now – Caspar Babypants
QA: Dad Confidential Illustrator Robert Wallman
This week marked the publication of DAD CONFIDENTIAL, a novel I started in January, with copious illustrations by Robert Wallman, whom I met in high school in 1979. I asked Robert some basic questions so people could get a little insight into him and his process.
Why did you become an illustrator?
I drew well early on, and the encouragement of family and friends made it seem natural to pursue as a career. By college graduation I realized very few people really earn a living this way. So I also began doing pre-press print production, from paste-up and mechanicals transitioning to computer graphics, in order to stay afloat.
Where were some of your earliest creative outlets?
Throughout high school and college, I contributed cartoons to student publications and designed posters for shows. I studied character animation at the California Institute of the Arts, then switched to graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. While the animation study was brief, it greatly influenced my illustration skills.
Post-college, while doing print production for industries such as advertising, corporate communications, and textbook publishing, my illustration skills were known to co-workers, who would request personalized greeting cards and caricatures. Those occasionally led to job-related art projects. It was at one of those companies where I worked with Jeff, whom I'd originally met in our high school's health class.
What was your DAD CONFIDENTIAL work process?
Having once contributed to Jeff's popular wrestling fanzine (and previously unfamiliar with that "world"), I was glad to join forces again on his ebook project. He would send me excerpts of chapters in progress, with suggestions for a few illustrations per each. At first, I'd scan rough sketches for refinement in Photoshop, until it became easier to draw everything onscreen, duping images, flipping things around, etc. Unlike more critical collaborators, Jeff OK'd most of my first drafts, in some instances even revising the text to reflect a particular art detail.
Do you have any other illustration projects in the works?
I don't want to be too specific before anything's finalized, but I'm creating graphics for a documentary, an online comedy show, a law firm's website, even a health(!) organization. And someday it might be fun to try creating a more fully illustrated graphic novel based on either an existing manuscript or one of my own composition.
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, December 5, 2013
Delicious – Orange Sherbert
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
I Love New York – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
I'm a Shark (I Rock, I Swim) – ScribbleMonster
Ice Cream Soup – Jambo
Monsters – Edukator, Jr.
Roar – Katy Perry
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) – Ylvis
Till There Was You – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
I Love New York – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
I'm a Shark (I Rock, I Swim) – ScribbleMonster
Ice Cream Soup – Jambo
Monsters – Edukator, Jr.
Roar – Katy Perry
Beach Ball – Recess Monkey
The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?) – Ylvis
Till There Was You – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Joy to the World (feat. Jay Ungar) – Elizabeth Mitchell
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Bus Ride – Mary Kaye
Little Bob's Big Day – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
Up All Night – One Direction
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions
State Of Grace – Taylor Swift
Nutritious – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Peaceful – Cat Doorman
Whole lotta fun – Nick Cope
Sleepover – Ellen & Mark
Bus Ride – Mary Kaye
Little Bob's Big Day – Human-Tim + Robot-Tim
Up All Night – One Direction
You're Embarrassing Me – The Bazillions
State Of Grace – Taylor Swift
Nutritious – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
Monday, December 02, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, November 3, 2013
Lose My Mind – The Wanted
Angels We Have Heard On High – Dan Zanes
High Five – Shine and the Moonbeams
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Move Like Saturday Night – Frances England
Just a Normal Day – Lesley and the Flying Foxes
Robots From The 4th Dimension – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
LMNOP – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Angels We Have Heard On High – Dan Zanes
High Five – Shine and the Moonbeams
Brilliance – The Underbirds
Move Like Saturday Night – Frances England
Just a Normal Day – Lesley and the Flying Foxes
Robots From The 4th Dimension – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
LMNOP – Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
I'm So Glad – Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Monday, December 2, 2013
Prehensile Grip – Dean Jones
My Sister Kissed Her Boyfriend – Trout Fishing In America
Size Of The Problem – Tom Chapin
You've Got A Friend In Me (Featuring Chris Smither) – Alastair Moock
Alove Alliteration – Mr. Palindrome
The Ground – Underbirds
Pockets – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Mr Wolf – The Short Films
Real Real Gone – Van Morrison
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Freak Out – Astrograss
My Sister Kissed Her Boyfriend – Trout Fishing In America
Size Of The Problem – Tom Chapin
You've Got A Friend In Me (Featuring Chris Smither) – Alastair Moock
Alove Alliteration – Mr. Palindrome
The Ground – Underbirds
Pockets – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Mr Wolf – The Short Films
Real Real Gone – Van Morrison
Give Me Back My Hat – Bill Harley And Keith Munslow
Freak Out – Astrograss
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Thursday, November 28, 2013
Mr. Rabbit – Red Yarn
End of the Day – Poochamungas
Shine – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
Hola Hello – Mariana Iranzi
In The Group – Tom Chapin
Garbage Bugs – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Gotta Get Up – Sugar Free Allstars
C-C-C-Cold Outside – Trout Fishing In America
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Playground – Astrograss
End of the Day – Poochamungas
Shine – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
Hola Hello – Mariana Iranzi
In The Group – Tom Chapin
Garbage Bugs – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Gotta Get Up – Sugar Free Allstars
C-C-C-Cold Outside – Trout Fishing In America
The Plumbing Song – Weird Al Yankovic
Playground – Astrograss
Hanukkah Already? Never Too Early for Mama Doni's Jewish Holidays DVD
There is life after "The Dreidel Song" and Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song."
Hard to imagine that it took decades for a second "mainstream" Jewish holiday song to pervade the airwaves...and it was by the guy who brought us "Happy Gilmore" and "The Waterboy."
Well, fear not for the ears of your family's younger set. The MAMA DONI BAND has released MAMI DONI'S JEWISH HOLIDAY PARTY on DVD (with accompanying soundtrack CD).
"Mama" Doni Zasloff and instrumentalist Eric Lindberg have set in motion three half-hour episodes (Hanukkah, Passover, and Shabbat) that explore the concepts, spirituality, and uplifting qualities of those events. Furthering her persona as a "spiritual cowgirl," the duo used bluegrass music. See, you don't need to engage a klezmer band to evoke the traditions of the Hebrew people. If "Bluegrass Dayeinu" doesn't change your perspective, then go right back to Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt.
The episodes include songs, stories, and even cooking segments (sponsored by Streit's Matzos, a longtime Mama Doni support institution). According to Doni, the most exciting aspect of creating this DVD and CD was joining forces with Eric Lindberg in writing contemporary bluegrass music. "The Hora has a type of energy and similar beat and feeling to bluegrass music," she said. "We've taken that energy and the Jewish context...like our old time rendition of the traditional Shabbat song, 'Bim Bam' and our lively bluegrass theme song, 'Livin' the Now'."
Based on the standards for kid TV (Sesame Street remains the high bar and Teletubbies remains the drizzling crud), Mami Doni lands much closer to the top of the spectrum. Don't try to pitch these episode to teens, however, unless you want to be destroyed by sarcasm and much eye-rolling. They are best for little ones and pre-teens.
I would be hard-pressed to come up with a list of secular recording artists. The Singing Nun was another generation. Cat Stevens (aka Yusam Islam) preaches muslim values now. And Mama Doni and company are keeping it real for kids who don't want to be too cool for Shul.
MAMA DONI'S JEWISH HOLIDAY PARTY is available at Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble.
Here is the Hanukkah video for "Eight":
Hard to imagine that it took decades for a second "mainstream" Jewish holiday song to pervade the airwaves...and it was by the guy who brought us "Happy Gilmore" and "The Waterboy."
Well, fear not for the ears of your family's younger set. The MAMA DONI BAND has released MAMI DONI'S JEWISH HOLIDAY PARTY on DVD (with accompanying soundtrack CD).
"Mama" Doni Zasloff and instrumentalist Eric Lindberg have set in motion three half-hour episodes (Hanukkah, Passover, and Shabbat) that explore the concepts, spirituality, and uplifting qualities of those events. Furthering her persona as a "spiritual cowgirl," the duo used bluegrass music. See, you don't need to engage a klezmer band to evoke the traditions of the Hebrew people. If "Bluegrass Dayeinu" doesn't change your perspective, then go right back to Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt.The episodes include songs, stories, and even cooking segments (sponsored by Streit's Matzos, a longtime Mama Doni support institution). According to Doni, the most exciting aspect of creating this DVD and CD was joining forces with Eric Lindberg in writing contemporary bluegrass music. "The Hora has a type of energy and similar beat and feeling to bluegrass music," she said. "We've taken that energy and the Jewish context...like our old time rendition of the traditional Shabbat song, 'Bim Bam' and our lively bluegrass theme song, 'Livin' the Now'."
Based on the standards for kid TV (Sesame Street remains the high bar and Teletubbies remains the drizzling crud), Mami Doni lands much closer to the top of the spectrum. Don't try to pitch these episode to teens, however, unless you want to be destroyed by sarcasm and much eye-rolling. They are best for little ones and pre-teens.
I would be hard-pressed to come up with a list of secular recording artists. The Singing Nun was another generation. Cat Stevens (aka Yusam Islam) preaches muslim values now. And Mama Doni and company are keeping it real for kids who don't want to be too cool for Shul.
MAMA DONI'S JEWISH HOLIDAY PARTY is available at Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes & Noble.
Here is the Hanukkah video for "Eight":
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Join a Rock and Roll Band – Dean Jones
In The Sun – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
Rattlesnake – Red Yarn
Otis Dooda Theme – David Heatley
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Waiting Room – Fugazi
Young Girls – Bruno Mars
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Flat Stanley – Steve Songs
Continental Geography – Astrograss
In The Sun – Elizabeth Mitchell & Dan Zanes
Rattlesnake – Red Yarn
Otis Dooda Theme – David Heatley
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Waiting Room – Fugazi
Young Girls – Bruno Mars
Holidays – Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Flat Stanley – Steve Songs
Continental Geography – Astrograss
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