There's a lot of be said about dependability. Young children relate best to things that involve familiar activities and themes. Wendy and DB (Chicago's Wendy Morgan and Darryl Boggs) have partnered to serenade area kids with their music, and their second CD, IT'S A DOO DA DAY continues their enthusiastic initiative.
The title track segues smoothly into "You Are My Sunshine." The other 11 tracks cover a checklist of children's standard concerns, from animals to family to imagination play. "It's OK Being You" delivers a variation of the "every child is special" theme, although thankfully toned down and moved into the realm of individual colors rather than individual traits.
With bandmates Dean Rolando, Geoffrey Lowe, and Dennis Calito, Wendy and DB are also involved in key charities such as vh1's Save the Music and A Better Life for Kids. It's their way of giving back to the community as well as promoting music awareness and appreciation.
Wendy and DB use their talents to perform dependable, happy music for kids. IT'S A DOO DA DAY will engage and entertain its younger listeners. And look – there's even a "Pink Flamingo" song, to boot.
IT'S A DOO DA DAY is available from Wendy and DB's website and Amazon. You can also follow them on Tumblr.
Here is a video of the band performing the song, "Pink Flamingo":
The Bullfrog – Red Yarn
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Nose In A Book – The Not-Its!
Sponges – Ratboy Jr.
Trees – Molly Ledford & Billy Kelly
It's only natural to hope that shared interests and relationships bring forth the best from all those involved in a collaborative process. When you're talking about TREES (actual trees and the new children's music CD of the same title), it's literally and figuratively natural.
Produced in part from a grant from the Woodcock Foundation for the Appreciation of the Arts, TREES is the work of three distinctive recording talents – Billy Kelly, Molly Ledford (of Lunch Money fame), and ubiquitous producer Dean Jones. The disc is a paean to a specific aspect of our surrounding universe, namely, the importance of trees. Did you know, for instance, that 24 percent of New York real estate is taken up by trees? There are a total of more than 5.2 million trees in New York City alone. Just extrapolate that number across the entire state, let alone the United States and the world. Indeed, why has nobody else thought to address this shortfall before now?
Billy and Molly alternate lead vocals on TREES, with plenty of opportunities for each of them to put their considerable charms on display. This project bumped back future releases of their own material, however TREES is a delightful, admirable walk of wonder through the woods of imagination. That's an old chestnut, but heck, chestnuts grow on trees. Song topics range from obvious ("Trees") to the scientific ("I, Wood") to go deep inside their premise:
How does the water move From the roots To the leaves up in the canopy? I take it on up through millions of microscopic tubes In a tissue called ‘xylem’ And you’ll find it in Every tree from here to Timbuktu Who ‘s making sure that xylem’s working like it should? Who could? I, Wood
The overriding (but never anxious or strident) theme of TREES is preservation. Sadly, this has become timely in an era of drought, climate change, and record forest fires on the West Coast. There's only so much that an individual can accomplish to help any single tree. But voices in joined harmony can achieve mighty things. And TREES aims at low-hanging fruit (it's perfect for young listeners) with 14 tracks addressing "Coniferous Trees," "Meet You By The Roots," and "Two Trees, Old Friends."
What's that sound? Could it be a child falling for the music of TREES in the woods? If nobody is around to hear them listening, then who knows (and don't get me started about bears). TREES delivers for hardcore fans of Billy's snarky lyricism, Molly's sunny optimism, and Dean's instinctive choice of instrumentation (he is credited with more than a dozen on this collection). Your kids may not come away with a new lifestyle choice, but TREES should help them become more aware of the physical world around them.
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
No School Today – Danny Weinkauf
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Toothloser – Gustafer Yellowgold
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Coming Back For You – Maroon 5
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Keep The Hate Mail Comin' – Lloyd H. Miller
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
That's Just Us (Playing Rock-n-Roll) – Hullabaloo
It's monster time for the Hipwaders. The twangy SoCal trio (Tito Uquillas, Hal Imbrie, and Nick Baca) have taken the opportunity to address a couple of mythical creations on their new CD single, EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS.
As a reviewer, I appreciated the simplicity of the two songs, "The Boy Who Cried El Chupacabra" and "All That Krampus Wants (Is High-Fives For The Holidays)" as well as the interstitial instrumental connecting them. As a Hipwaders fan, I appreciated that the band continues to produce original music that provides intriguing concepts. I can think of no other children's act that would have tackled both of these subjects, let alone on one product. "Krampus" perhaps, as it was written by Dan Elliott (aka the Pointed Man Band). As a pro wrestling fan, I appreciated the dramatic irony of the design, which mimics a Mexican luche libra poster.
What are these creations, you might wonder? The chupacabra is a legendary critter rumored to inhabit parts of the Americas, with the first sightings reported in Puerto Rico. The name comes from the animal's reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock, especially goats.
In German-speaking folklore, the Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts.
'Waders leader Tito seems to have embraced the same "release it as you record it" mentality as Mista Cookie Jar, who is on the second hand of his "song of the month" program. In the end, there was a Hipwaders collection that somehow bundled them ("Year-Round Songs"). Perhaps Tito has a larger perspective at work and the concept of recording this pair of novelties will have a dramatic payoff next spring. In the short-term, EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS is an early-autumn curiosity. For many, just in time for Halloween, the monsters are coming out of the woodwork. For kids, it's a chance to daydream of candy as they return to classrooms. For adults, it's a few minutes of whimsy. For the Hipwaders, it's a pleasant return to form and a way to hold their place in your kids' musical rotations.
EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS is available on September 29 from their website, Amazon, and iTunes, as well as in a video that will be posted to the Hipwaders' YouTube channel.
Here is the video from the band's song, "Just Not Me:
Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Runaway – Ed Sheeran
Snaggletooth – Dean Jones
Sugar – Maroon 5
Tunneling To Paradise – Pointed Man Band
The Way We Gets Down – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Ahava – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Another Good Year – Lori Henriques
Back To The Shack – Weezer
Change Your Ticket – One Direction
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Grapes – Andrew & Polly
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn
Right Here Now – Renee & Friends Featuring Freckles
Say Hey! – Mil's Trills
This Land – Rolie Polie Guacamole
This Little Light Of Mine – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
You Are My Sunshine – The Harmonica Pocket
All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose
Bird Belly – Rolie Polie Guacamole
Gratitude – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
Hot Air – Recess Monkey
This Bright Dream – Renee & Friends Featuring Tom Rossi
Trapped In The Attic – Lloyd H. Miller
What do you want to be when you grow up? Andrew & Polly have figured out that there's a future to be made in staying young. The married Los Angeles duo produce music for Nick's Wallykazam as well as film and television. But their passion is children's music, as they demonstrate with their nifty new kids podcast, Ear Snacks, and their second full-length CD, ODDS & ENDS.
Polly Hall and Andrew Barkan met in college and began a life partnership that includes the aforementioned projects (as well as one-year old Izzy). Their children's music is almost a distraction from the real world, however they've managed to squeeze in recording time in their home studio. It helps that they can play all the instruments (except banjo and trombone). ODDS & ENDS sprints along at a brisk 28 minutes with 10 tracks meticulously crammed into order. Highlights include a rousing kid chorus on "Ghostbusters" (which points out that in the Age of the Internet, it would help to have your phone or contact information in your theme song) and the lively summer single "Grapes," which is gaining momentum on SiriusXM's KidsPlace. A lilting version of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" defines Andrew & Polly's mission statement to remain young at heart. The often-recorded "Here Comes the Sun" closes out the disc by whistling through a nostalgic note of optimism.
The challenge with all recording artists is to continue sounding fresh and new while mining for material in their own lives. As their careers progress (and their son matures), we'll see how well Andrew & Polly deal with the curveballs that inevitably come everyone's way. As Roger Day once told me, he started out with simple movement songs that amused his young children, evolved into a storyteller to keep their interest, and now records educational tracks that are used in junior and high school science programs.
The line of delineation for any children's CD is whether or not the original songs hold their own against the covers. By using George Harrison and Bob Dylan as their yardsticks, it's almost an impossible task for Andrew & Polly. However young listeners may prefer "Little Bitta You" and "Fruitphabit" to the loftier and philosophical messages from those classic rock icons.
The world can be a confusing, messy place and kids in general often find themselves messy and confused. Andrew & Polly get down in the trenches and deliver wholesome, friendly music to redirect them from kiddie chaos back to the structured, nurturing arms of their parents. Not to mention their parents' CD player or portable music device. Life through Andrew & Polly some curveballs and it took them five years to mount their second CD. Let's hope their son Izzy isn't old enough to producing their music the next time they get around to recording another collection of songs.
ODDS & ENDS is available September 25 from Andrew & Polly's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes. Visit the website for a link to grab their Ear Snacks podcast.
Here is the video for Andrew & Polly's song, "Please Be Mine":
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Free Ride Everyday – Lori Henriques
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
I Am Not Afraid – Renee & Friends Featuring Caspar Babypants
Let's Be Friends – Mil's Trills
Mystery – Dean Jones
Rolie Polie – Rolie Polie Guacamole
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
In olden days, musicians would literally sing for their supper. Nowadays, children's musicians are more likely to sing about their supper. In the case of Rolie Polie Guacamole, you're clued in from their name. Now up to their fifth release, CHIPS AND SALSA, the Brooklyn-born ensemble recruited uber-producer Dean Jones to amp up their sound.
The South American-tingled nomenclature aside, Rolie Polie Guacamole is Frank Gallo (former child actor turned versatile musician) and Soviet emigre Andrew Tuzhilin. After meeting in high school in New Jersey, the duo turned their mutual interest into kindie's good fortune in 2008. Their output since then has been prolific and rhythmic.
CHIPS AND SALSA breaks little new ground if you're already familiar with the group. You get your food songs like "Açai," "Apples," and "Bird Bellyful" (a favorite of my older song). Then there are the prerequisite instructional tunes such as "Always Brush Your Teeth" and "Red Light Green Light." In the middleground are activity and locational numbers, represented by "Musuem of Natural History" and "Central Park."
Rolie Polie Guacamole employ steel drums, twanging guitars, and oodles of harmonies. Guest artists include the Chapin Sisters, Jen Chapin, Primus' Mike Dillon, and Mil's Trills' Amelia Robinson. Singer/songwriter Katie Mullins turns up on "Açai" to sing about delightful purple berries. Don't expect music that sets out to change the world and you'll find yourself satisfied with this latest collection. With its mix of easy listening beats and singable lyrics, CHIPS AND SALSA can fill your youngster's afternoon as well as subliminally quench their appetite for music.
CHIPS AND SALSA is available September 25 from Rolie Polie Guacamole's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is the video for the band's cover of "This Land Is Your Land":
Change is an integral part of life, moreso for children than anyone else. Simply growing older and (hopefully) growing up means new classrooms, new settings, new challenges, and new people. Sometimes it even means saying goodbye to your most cherished people and places. Mista Cookie Jar returns with this month's song selection, "BFF Goodbye," to chronicle that experience:
My best friend is leaving today. And hangin’ ‘round this town won’t ever be the same. We say that we’ll be friends forever so why’s it sad to say next time we meet it’ll be like nothing ever changed? ‘Cuz life it changes.
The most frustrating question a child can ask is "Why," especially when the only answer you can give is "because." CJ attempts to defuse this sensitive real-life situation and I personally root for him to succeed. I'm handling these matters with as much grace as possible these days. The more you can protect your children from the realities of the world until they're old enough and grown tough enough defense systems, the better for everyone in your family.
Bile Them Cabbage – Red Yarn
Drive My Car – Caspar Babypants
Every Day's A Holiday – Alastair Moock & Friends
Great Big Sky – Mil's Trills
I've Got Friends In New Jersey – Rocknoceros
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Paper Airplane – Recess Monkey
Sing in the Sun – The Harmonica Pocket
Starfish and Coffee – Renee & Friends Featuring Maya Rudolph
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Follow The Drinking Gourd – Lloyd H. Miller
Gather Round – Renee & Friends Featuring Lisa Loeb
Jelly Beans! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
The Word – Caspar Babypants
The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Carry a Tune – Recess Monkey
From Scratch – Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
Gypsy Whale Waltz – Pointed Man Band
I Love U (Jz Remix) – Josh And The Jamtones
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
It pays to have friends. Vocalist Renee Stahl (of Renee and Jeremy fame) has called upon a laundry list of celebrated names for her latest children's music release, SIMPATICO. From her longtime producer, Rich Jacques to Men at Work frontman Colin Hay, everyone "Gather Round" to hear the lilting SoCal harmonies and dreamy acoustic arrangements.
Renee is among the performers who quantify their work as for "families of all ages," not limiting their music to the small fry set. To that end, I'd stock the Renee & Friends CD under "Unplugged" or "Easy Listening." You won't find crashing drums, thumping dance beats, or electric guitar solos. Renee has built her reputation on the Brian Wilson book of values – love thy neighbor as if they are family.
Among the most poignant of the tunes on this collection is the ode from a parent to child, "You Were Meant To Be," performed with Glen Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket:
I can't promise you won't need to cry. I'll help you wipe the tears from your eyes. There's one thing that you wanna know is true, Please don't forget that you were meant to be here Through hard days and sweet years. Through laughter and warm tears, You were meant to be here. You were meant to be.
My two sons have gotten me through some pretty dark clouds and "You Were Meant To Be" hit me in the solar plexus. I cannot underplay the visceral emotion reaction I had to that song, as well as the Broadway classic, "Happiness," from "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," warbled with Renee's former Cleveland school classmate, SNL's Molly Shannon. I attempted to sing along to the latter for my kids and could not get my voice to stop cracking. Gosh thanks for ruining the song, dad!
My kids were excited to hear such favorites of theirs like Caspar Babypants ("I Am Not Afraid") and Lisa Loeb ("Gather Round"). It's ironic to use such a term about this kind of laid-back music, but it's appropriate under these circumstances. Rich Jacques is a consummate studio general and the production values are crystal clear and crisp. With the number of performers on SIMPATICO, I hate to leave anyone out. There are a dozen songs and 15 people listed as "friends" on the website. With that many friends, Renee is in good company. It makes Renee & Friends good company to be around, providing music for families of all ages.
SIMPATICO is available August 28 from Renee and Friends' website, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is a video of Renee and Friends' song, "Gather Round":
Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
God Bless America – Rocknoceros
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Pj Party – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Spatula Vs Sun – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips
Tunneling To Paradise – Pointed Man Band
Apodidae Reggae – Pointed Man Band
Baldy – Lloyd H. Miller
H.B.D., Dude! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Mayim – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Rocksteady – Josh And The Jamtones
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Sponges – Ratboy Jr.
That Way – Chibi Kodama
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Future Days – Pearl Jam
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn
Poofy – Ratboy Jr.
Raise Your Hand – The Not-Its!
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Weirdos On Parade – Chibi Kodama
B.F.F. Goodbye – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
H-U-L-L-A-B-A-L-O-O – Hullabaloo
Keep The Hate Mail Comin' – Lloyd H. Miller
Monkeyman – Josh And The Jamtones
Something I Need – OneRepublic
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Bile Them Cabbage – Red Yarn
Flannel Jammies – The Not-Its!
I've Had It Up To Here – Weezer
In My Room – Chibi Kodama
Mi Chamocha (Wade In The Water) – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
When You're Gone – Mil's Trills
What if you could take your favorite adult music and distill it for children? That's when John Cullimore decided to do after hearing his kids rock out to Weezer. He liked the band's style, he liked their sound, he just didn't want to be a rip-off. That's when Cullimore decided to incorporate his family (wife Yvonne and kids Aletheia, Aderyn, Chasah, and Story) as a family band and take it from there.
Thus was born Chibi (small) Kodama (magical beings) and their second new children's music CD, WE'RE NOT GOING CRAZY. It's a dozen chunky alt-rock tunes filtered though a child's perspective. You get the positive affirmation message "Who You Are" with sci-fi keyboards and guitar fills. But you also get the comically strident "I'm Always Right," which declares:
They are all wrong and I am always right. And I merely do not want to have this big of a fight. I'm leaving this conversation right now. I don't care when and I don't care how. You all need to agree with me.
There are bands that sing about children and musicians who sing songs that tell children's stories. As well as children's musicians who are storytellers. Chibi Kodama actively solicits song ideas through their web page to make its music as child-accessible as possible. Cullimore has achieved his goal – Chibi Kodama is potentially the most democratic of all children's music acts. Sometimes a kid just wants to be alone as in the opening track, "In My Room." Other times, they deal with conflicted emotions ("Real Friends Fight" and "Not Always Fine"). In the end, a family comes together even when the adults have real-world responsibilities and things have to be "That Way."
Chibi Kodama is a deceptively simple concept, however I get the idea that Cullimore wants all input, positive and negative. When you always hear what you want, you learn to tune out what the exceptions that you don't want to hear. There's enough originality here to ease his conscience about being a "rip-off." If anything, I would advise that children's music is best in small doses – the tracks on WE'RE NOT GOING CRAZY are regimented at around 3:30-4:30 minutes apiece. My younger son tends to space out at the three minute mark of virtually any song, regardless of artist. And that means the "graveyard of never-again-played CDs" for scores of musical acts I've reviewed over the years. Not every concept requires three verses, a chorus, and a bridge or solo. We get it – now we want to make sure the kids get it as well, which is what everyone wants. I love Weezer too. It would be cool for Chibi Kodama to sit side-by-side on the "recently played" shelf of the CD library.
Alligator – Paul McCartney
Back To The Shack – Weezer
Duck Ellington – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Great Big Sky – Mil's Trills
Haircut – The Not-Its!
Hot Air – Recess Monkey
Slow – Trout Fishing In America
Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Supporting their new release, ROCKSTEADY, Josh and crew have released their video, featuring guest artist Jesse Wagner from the Aggrolites:
Renee and Friends is Renee Stahl (from Renee and Jeremy fame) plus a number of familiar faces. They are released SIMPATICO on August 28. Here is the pre-released of the first single from the collection, "Gather Round," featuring none other than Lisa Loeb:
Last but certainly not least, are Ratboy Jr. When I reviewed their latest CD, HAMSTER PANTS, I specifically singled out the song "Sponges" for its callback to 1980s vocalist Billy Ocean. And sure enough, here's the video to bring that revelation to the masses:
The Bullfrog – Red Yarn
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
Let's Be Friends – Mil's Trills
Nose In A Book – The Not-Its!
NOW That's What I Call Polka! – Weird Al Yankovic
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Size Of The Problem – Tom Chapin
All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Animals – Maroon 5
Groove – Lori Henriques
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Say Hey! – Mil's Trills
Somebody Somewhere – Sunshine Collective
This Little Light Of Mine – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
I Can Still Say I Love You – Keith Munslow
Run For The Sunshine – Sunshine Collective
Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Word Crimes – Weird Al Yankovic
A World Alone – Lorde
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Closer To You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Half Of Me – Rihanna
I Love the Beach – Keith Munslow
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Drive My Car – Caspar Babypants
If I Could Fly – Riff Rockit
Mama – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips
Paper Airplane – Recess Monkey
Sugar – Maroon 5
Up To Something Good – Sunshine Collective
Sunshine Collective and Mil's Trills are releasing new CDs that hope to resolve the musical conundrum, can children's music be relentlessly upbeat without being redundant? Sunshine Collective delivers a California power-pop message with verve and smiles. Mil's Trills represents the East Coast with a public tip of the hat from first lady Michelle Obama's "Songs for a Healthier America" program.
Stephanie Richards and Brian Arbuckle take their real-life collaboration to the next level with their music. Lightly evangelistic (the couple have released a pair of Christmas singles), Sunshine Collective are emphatic about warmth and togetherness. The new CD, UP TO SOMETHING GOOD, radiates goodness through tracks like "I Love You," "Misplaced Love," and "Love Is the Way." And if you're still feeling down, remember that life is about journeys, as instructed by "The Ride."
Sunshine Collective refuses to label themselves as children's music, insisting that their CDs are for families and listeners of all ages. UP TO SOMETHING GOOD delivers a catchy, punchy, earnest feel-good playlist of tunes. Kids won't feel they're being sung down to and adults shouldn't wonder if Richards and Arbuckle are preaching the wrong message. Sunshine Collective sees nothing wrong with leaving yourself exposed in "The Open" and experiencing what life has to offer. And they're presenting 11 songs on their second CD as evidence of their theory.
UP TO SOMETHING GOOD is available on September 16 on the band's website, iTunes, and CDBABY.
Here is the video for Sunshine Collective's song "Together - Busking in NYC":
Amelia Robinson (Mil of Mil's Trills) is emphatic that childhood is tough. Once in a while, everybody needs somebody to offer some assistance. NOW THAT WE'RE FRIENDS is about as self-explanatory a title as you will ever hear. The CD stresses life lessons and acceptance, although I caution parents that not every child needs to be told they are "Special." Every child is unique, from my experience. "Yay! You Are You!" works a little better for me.
A global traveler, Robinson percolated her voyages and brought them back to New York, where they are regularly distilled as an interactive performance series under the nom de plume Mil's Trills. Kindie auteur Dean Jones finds himself surrounded by a host of talented musicians such as bassist Rob Jost, guitarist Thad DeBrock, and woodwind player Steve Elson.
Mil's positivity paints a broad spectrum of musical genres. The reggae beat of "Everybody's Got a Body" devolves into girl-group harmonies by the end, however the Caribbean influence pervades the entirety of the next track, "Just a Little Bit." And there's a twinge of sadness in "When You're Gone":
We could be holding hands We could exchange a smile I just don't understand Why you can't come back for a while
The underlying message of Mil's CD theme is summarized in the closing anthem, "Be Kind" – the world may be a big place but every life revolves around the constant constellation of your family and friendships. It's a solemn counterpart to the rousing opener, "Say Hey!" And in the end, neither Sunshine Collective nor Mil's Trills are repetitively inspirational. Both CDs seek to instill (not indoctrinate) and engage their audiences with youthful exuberance. And you can never have enough of that rare and exalted commodity.
Another Good Year – Lori Henriques
Future Days – Pearl JamLightning
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
Iko Iko (feat. Josh and the Jamtones & Little Goose) – Father Goose
My Heart Is Open – Maroon 5 Feat. Gwen Stefani
Mystery – Dean Jones
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
The Way We Gets Down – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Free Ride Everyday – Lori Henriques
Germs – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Up In Cat's Room – David Heatley
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Follow The Drinking Gourd – Lloyd H. Miller
Go Jump in the Water – Keith Munslow
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Motorcycle Mom – The Not-Its!
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Runaway – Ed Sheeran
Show Me A Sign – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Yawn – Gustafer Yellowgold
Animals – Maroon 5
Baldy – Lloyd H. Miller
Bionic (feat. Shiz & Lady Asha) – Father Goose
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
No School Today – Danny Weinkauf
Sawdust And Spangles – Ralph's World
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Follow The Leader And Dance – Ralph's World
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Maps – Maroon 5
Monkeyman – Josh And The Jamtones
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Music can change your mood and it can also change your future. Chris Ballew (aka Caspar Babypants) had his world rocked at the age of two by the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." More than four decades later, he is returning the favor with his second collection of covers for kids and parents, BEATLES BABY!
Avoiding many overly familiar (and more mature-themed) numbers, Caspar still finds 21 tracks to reinvent and reintroduce. If you're tired of hearing the melancholy of "Hey Jude," try this CD's skiffle version. The timeless psychedelia of "Strawberry Fields Forever" is effervescently amped-up to new speeds. And "Baby You're A Rich Man" gains an '80s new-age feel.
If you don't know Caspar Babypants, the capsule is simple – he's the sideline venture for Ballew, front man for The Presidents of the United States (warning: web site not frequently updated). Ten albums later, Babypants is in regular rotation on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live as well as in homes across the nation and around the world. Producing CDs at a Brian Wilson-esque output level, Ballew took a step back from original compositions in 2013 for BEATLES BABY! A noble venture, the CD was hampered by the (copyright- and legal-rights) quagmire of not being able to produce videos to promote it. Love for the source material won out and inevitably, much like a container of Pringle's potato chips, he could not stay away from a second helping.
Musically, BABY BEATLES! is as satisfying and solid as anything in the Babypants oeuvre. A home studio fanatic, Ballew is ridiculously competent. "With a Little Help From His Friends" is provided by vocalists Rachel Flotard and Jen Wood and spouse Kate Endle, whose cherubic illustrations and cover artwork have helped define the Caspar Babypants persona.
Part of the Babypants recording process is to document the "story behind the music." As such, you never have to wonder "Why did he choose..." any particular song. From the seemingly-obscure "For You Blue" to the omnipresent "The Fool on the Hill," Ballew is refreshingly transparent. When you have an inquisitive four (near five) year-old, this helps answer a lot of "why" questions. Our older son (14) has heard all the Beatles' originals, but not his younger brother. Which negates any comments about altered arrangements – as far as the little guy is concerned, this is it. Never mind the Beatles, these are Babypants songs now. And as far as I'm concerned, that's fine. As long as this music has changed his future as well as his mood.
Alligator – Paul McCartney
Gratitude – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn
Groove – Lori Henriques
I Love U (Jz Remix) – Josh And The Jamtones
No Control – One Direction
Poofy – Ratboy Jr.
Be a Little Angel – Mista Cookie Jar & The Chocolate Chips
Change Your Ticket – One Direction
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Keep The Hate Mail Comin' – Lloyd H. Miller
Raised by Trolls – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Rocksteady – Josh And The Jamtones
Sugar – Maroon 5
Jelly Beans! – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Nose In A Book – The Not-Its!
Race U – Josh And The Jamtones
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Thingamajig – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Turned Out – Paul McCartney
You wouldn't think that the kindie genre leaves much room for evolution. After all, the average lifespan of your audience is 2-5 years before they "grow up" into more age-appropriate music or seek out other interests.
Two recent CD releases belie that argument. Josh and the Jamtones' ROCKSTEADY shows that you can serve two masters – the rambunctious tyrants of youth and your own unshakeable rhythmic island desires. Bandleader Josh Shriber and producer/bandmate Pat Hanlin have followed their instincts and taken the band's third family album down south for a Caribbean-flavored party mix.
The band's previous two CDs, JUMP UP! and BEAR HUNT! saw the Jamtones moving in many directions; musical Silly Putty. But ROCKSTEADY shows a maturity and certainty in creativity. Josh and company want to see kids move their "Tailfeather." Even the closing ballad "1 Of a Kind" still whistles with a reggae bop.
Guest artists include Secret Agent 23 Skidoo ("I Heart Your Face") and returning champion Father Goose, on a dubbed-up remix of BEAR HUNT's "I Love U." A highlight is a cover of Toots and the Mayall's "Monkeyman," already a concert staple for the band. If you're a Beach Boys fan (and really why shouldn't you be?), prepare to have your mind blown with the Jamtones' version of "Sloop Jon B." Adding to the chaos are request breaks and drop-ins from WJAM, the group's fictional radio station.
Parental warning: ROCKSTEADY is not bedtime music. Parental alert: ROCKSTEADY will get your kids jumping on the couch. Parental advisory: If it's a family dance party you crave, get ROCKSTEADY and build a freestyle, preschool rave.
Here is a video of the band performing "Monkeyman," shot by yours truly, at a 2014 concert at New York's Symphony Space:
Meanwhile somewhere in the Chicago area, Ralph Covert is enjoying his second decade in the kindie biz with a retrospective CD comprised of his favorite songs based on his children's books, RALPH'S WORLD ROCKS AND READS. A lifelong musician (for kids of all ages), Ralph enjoys a slot in our kids' lifetime Top Ten for many of the tunes included in this collection such as "Surfin' In My Imagination," "Sunny Day, Rainy Day, Anytime Band," (see the 2009 video below from the lamented Kindiefest) and "Happy Lemons," co-written by Ralph's daughter, Fiona.
Looking at the enclosed postcard of content from Ralph is almost humbling. In addition to 11 fun-filled CDs, there are performance DVDs, and books. And the DVD for Time Machine Guitar, Ralph's upcoming children's television venture. At this unique juncture in his life, Ralph finds himself with two older children (daughter Fiona has become a performer in her own right) and a six-year-old, which draws him closer to his source material at a time when many recording artists begin to stray from their core audience. To whit, how do you keep the mojo for the tots when your own brood "grow up" into more age-appropriate music or seek out other interests.
ROCKS AND READS demonstrates how Ralph bridged that divide…repurposing his material in a new medium (books). You get 17 tracks (three previously unreleased) as well as the story "Do the Math," featuring Tony Triangle and the Polygon Band, illustrated by Rita Roquite. It's educational, it's musical, it's amusing (the new girl is Poly Hedron, which will go over the heads of the intended audience).
It's always fascinating to watch musicians expand their repertoire. At the same time, it's frustrating when you're not prepared for them to leave you behind – as adults, we looked forward to the next Ralph's World CD and the next local concert appearance. ROCKS AND READS show how Ralph has matured and comfortably straddles different forms of children's entertainment. It's something for Josh and the Jamtones and other artists to emulate. And it's definitely something to hear and read with your kids.
RALPH'S WORLD ROCKS AND READS! is available from Ralph's website, Amazon, and iTunes.
Here is the video for "Sunny Day, Rainy Day, Anytime Band" from Kindiefest 2009. Hey, more than 1,300 viewers can't be wrong!
Best Friends Forever – Hullabaloo
Coming Back For You – Maroon 5
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Free Ride Everyday – Lori Henriques
Stay in the Pool – Jason Didner And The Jungle Gym Jam
Trondaxx Berserker – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
The Way We Gets Down – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Da Vinci – Weezer
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Kings & Queens – The Hipwaders
Manatee – The Whizpops!
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Trapped In The Attic – Lloyd H. Miller
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Baldy – Lloyd H. Miller
Closer To You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Haircut – The Not-Its!
Mayim – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
New – Paul McCartney
Sponges – Ratboy Jr.
Clouds – One Direction
Duck Ellington – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Guitar Pickin' Chicken – Ratboy Jr.
Hold On to Your Dreams – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
I Can Still Say I Love You – Keith Munslow
Pendulum – Pearl Jam
Pj Party – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Alligator – Paul McCartney
Flannel Jammies – The Not-Its!
Follow The Drinking Gourd – Lloyd H. Miller
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
Mi Chamocha (Wade In The Water) – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Show Me A Sign – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Wander 'Round the World – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Ahava – Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
Firefly – Jazzy Ash
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Runaway – Ed Sheeran
This Little Light Of Mine – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Together We Can Fly – Danny Weinkauf
The effervescent Joanie Leeds has birthed another CD for kids (her seventh). That's good news for those of us who continue to mine her previous albums (as my son does). For an added bonus, if you happen to be a "member of the tribe," Hebraically-speaking, MESHUGANA will be right down your synagogue's center aisle.
In the past, Joanie has recorded music for PJ Library, which disseminates paperbacks and CDs to Jewish children, at no cost to families. One track herein, "PJ Party," even pays tribute to the service. Her new CD features 13 tracks sprinkled with a conservative dose of terminology (a translation guide is provided, as well as a list of which songs correspond to which holiday – and when those holidays happen to fall this year).
Joanie and her band, the Nightlights (Thomas Eaton, Scott Stein, Jeff Malinowski, and drummer/husband/co-producer Dan Barman) have been playing the kindie circuit for close to a decade. A healthy portion of those appearances have been at summer camps, Jewish tot shabbats, nursery schools, and High Holy Days programs. They are releasing MESHUGANA just in time for the palindrome Hebrew year 5775.
The CD starts with the title track, an homage to "crazy" how family life can become. No matter what, you still have "Ahava," your family, friends, and their love. A Beatles tribute "Hello Goodbye Shalom" continues the theme of home and health. The holiday portion of the album begins with the farfisa-infused "Sukkah Shakin'." A dreidel-gaming good time is promised in "Spinning." And birthday of trees is celebrated in "Tu Tu Tu B'shevat. Joanie and the Nightlights get bluesy with "Mi Chamocha (Wade in the Water)," a blending of the traditional Passover story with a gospel tune.
I'm aware of the double standard inherent in too enthusiastically promoting liturgical music. In the past, I've shied away from endorsing children's music that emphasizes a religious message in an over the top fashion. There is a clear line of differentiation between entertainment and prostelytizing. Joanie has no hesitation...this is a CD for true believers and she's happy to share the positive values of a virtuous Jewish upbringing. And there's no creepy "don't be afraid of the light" message, that I recall hearing on a past spiritual kid's CD.
Joanie is into the music for the kids. MESHUGANA is music for Jewish children of all persuasions and to help persuade Jewish kids to get more excited and take pride in their culture, language, and of course, their music. There are people who are born to perform and there are people who can't stop performing, except for short breaks to introduce a new generation. Joanie is taking a sabbatical to give birth to her first child, but promises to get back on the road in time to promote MESHUGANA.
MESHUGANA is available on September 4, but you can pre-order from Amazon. The CD will also be available through Joanie's website, CDBABY, and iTunes.
While you're waiting for Joanie (and while she's waiting to deliver an even bigger summer offering), why not drop by Zooglobble and sample the July song of the month from Mista Cookie Jar. "Sunshine Family" delivers a blast of good-time reggae with guest artist Aaron Nigel Smith. The one-world chorus dictates:
Sunshine family! Every single one is a part of we. Together we can help the world to see That we should be living in harmony.
You can grab the MP3 directly from Bandcamp as well. Open your mind, be one, and be well as the hot, hazy days of summer drift on.
While we're opening our minds, something that everyone goes through is being celebrated in the latest video episode from The Pop-Ups. In an effort to make potty training fun, the Brooklyn duo demonstrate a talking toilet. Yes, potty humor. It's "Make a Puppet" time.
Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Grizzly Bear – Red Yarn
Ice Skates – Jazzy Ash
Let The Records Play – Pearl Jam
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Poofy – Ratboy Jr.
Raise Your Hand – The Not-Its!
All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Heebie Jeebies – Jazzy Ash
Odd Socks – Dean Jones
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
Sunshine Family (feat. Aaron Nigel Smith) – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Yawn – Gustafer Yellowgold
You Can Do This – Hullabaloo
Buddy – Jazzy Ash
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Deep In The Dirt – Caspar Babypants
Domino Town – Dean Jones
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Half Of M – Rihanna
Sittin On A Cloud – The Whirlygigs
The early development years are very important, duh. We prided ourselves on selecting only the finest children's music to play for our progeny. Of course, that was the intention...until they began to crave repetitive plays of Sesame Street CDs, the Wiggles, and any assortment of other performers they heard through osmosis or the outside pernicious influence of relatives, playmates, and kindie-related social media.
It's eye-opening to watch a child cultivate their own musical tastes. I reviewed Miss Nina a few years ago and put her CD in a pile with other kid's discs. Our (then) two-year-old could not operate the CD player and was intrigued by the puppets on the cover. My wife then reported he was requesting it every day. Yes, every day. If only she had been doing appearances in Queens, he would have been in for a shock one morning.
I have a feeling he would have had similar feelings for Michal "Peanut" Karmi's second CD, CUDDLEBUG PARADE, a ukelele-charged burst of caffeinated energy. With her earnest, not cloying sincerity, Peanut delivers easily (and organically sustainable) messages on "How Are You Feeling," "Six Little Pickles," and "Chew and Swallow," the last sung in English, Spanish, and Hebrew.
Then again, there's something to be said when that early development period begins to wane, and your child's tastes become a little more sophisticated. In that way, I don't envy Peanut and her never-ending quest to renew her audiences and stay relevant. It's a noble pursuit and anyone down there in the trenches deserves support and encouragement.
Speaking of older kids' tastes, the Bazillions have released a video from their brand, spanking new CD, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. It's an old-fashioned, singalong educational song in the style of "Schoolhouse Rock." Give it a try, it's "Q and U":
Brick By Brick – Recess Monkey
How Great Can This Day Be – Lori Henriques
I Love the Beach – Keith Munslow
That's Just Us (Playing Rock-n-Roll) – Hullabaloo
Together We Can Fly – Danny Weinkauf
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Word Crimes – Weird Al Yankovic
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
Great Day – The Not-Its!
Lazy Raisins – Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Stay Up Late – Dean Jones
A Who? (feat. Joanie Leeds) – Father Goose
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Back To The Shack – Weezer
Fill It Up – Josh And The Jamtones
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Ice Cream Man – Suzi Shelton
Look, Think, Guess, Know – Tom Chapin
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Tacky – Weird Al Yankovic
Groove – Lori Henriques
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
I've Had It Up To Here – Weezer
Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
NOW That's What I Call Polka! – Weird Al Yankovic
Show Me A Sign – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
Earn It – Hullabaloo
I Lived – OneRepublic
Jamaica Ska (feat. Coolie Ranx & Little Goose) – Father Goose
Lightning Bolt – Pearl Jam
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
National Hiccup Day – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Sons and Daughters – The Bazillions
Where were you when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans 10 years ago? For me, it's bittersweet – a family vacation to Sesame Place with our (then) four-year-old son. On a selfish personal level, that was the vacation where gas prices went up 40 cents overnight and another 75 cents by the next morning. We sat in an air conditioned hotel dining area watching peoples' homes being swept away by torrential weather.
The country rallied around New Orleans. The phrase "We are New Orleans," appropriated by later devastations, was heard. And the music – marginalized by many as quaint and archaic – received a reprise, as people learned of the plight of aging area musicians. Ten years later, we are still reminded of what happened in the Big Easy. Even Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters paid homage to the city in an episode of his documentary series, Sonic Highways.
We've played cajun, funk, and homespun music for the kid(s) going way back to Putumayo Kids' New Orleans Playground. But compilations don't compare to an individual artist or group sharing their passion. Ashli Christoval's mom grew up in New Orleans and her father hailed from Trinidad. That's one recipe for jambalaya on the boombox and sure enough, "Jazzy Ash" grew to embrace many musical cultures. Her third recording for children, BON VOYAGE, promotes her dedication to New Orleans, its traditions, and sounds. Assisted by her group, the Leaping Lizards, Ash peppers the CD with inspired novelties such as Louis Armstrong's "Heebie Jeebies" and "Hide and Seek," which brings listeners back to the 1940s in its chorus of "Never gonna find me!"
At heart, BON VOYAGE lives down on the bayou. The album follows the daily routines of New Orleans kids, including many things Ash herself enjoyed as a child while vacationing during the summers with her aunts and grandparents. "Leap Frog," "Tandem Bike," and "Buddy" celebrate the simple pleasures of childhood, with warm vocals and a jazz band that keeps your toes tapping and your head bobbing.
Grammy award-winner Jennifer Gasoi drops by to harmonize sweetly on "Ice Skates" and mirthmaker Chris "Boom" Wiser from the Sugar-Free All-Stars turns back the clock to Duke Ellington era Big Bands with "Tandem Bike." While that song nearly concludes with a crash, BON VOYAGE soars with optimism for sunny days in New Orleans in the future, for kids of all ages.
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Duck Ellington – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
It Suits You – Gustafer Yellowgold
Marsupial – Danny Weinkauf
No Control – One Direction
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Keep The Hate Mail Comin' – Lloyd H. Miller
Nobody's Business – Rihanna Feat. Chris Brown
Nose In A Book – The Not-Its!
Sponges – Ratboy Jr.
This Little Light Of Mine – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Backyard – Riff Rockit
I Can Still Say I Love You – Keith Munslow
Like I'm Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor Feat. John Legend
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
Secret Fox – Gustafer Yellowgold
Something I Need – OneRepublic
Space Kid And Banana – Ratboy Jr.
Dad Is Takin' a Nap – Keith Munslow
Germs – Joanie Leeds And The Nightlights
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
Robots From The 4th Dimension – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
Toothloser – Gustafer Yellowgold
An unexpected turn of phrase. An amusing second meaning. A lesson learned through song. If you guessed, "What are three things the Bazillions do on their new CD?" you are correct. ON THE BRIGHT SIDE gathers 12 tunes for elementary-age children and spins out literacy ("Favorite Book"), science ("Water Cycle"), and grammar ("Use a Contraction").
Five years ago, founding Bazillions Adam and Kristin Marshall (elementary school teachers) thought it would be "fun" to record a children's record. Performances, merchandise, and videos were not even a thought. Two-million-plus YouTube views, one DVD collection, shirts, and two prior CDs later, the group has lodged itself firmly into the middle school firmament of Minneapolis and the surrounding region.
First and foremost to any children's music that's going to succeed in my house are the hooks. My kids have tuned out CDs that I looked forward to hearing myself. Conversely, I won't name a number of artists they keep in rotation despite my protestations. I knew the Bazillions were a keeper when Matt (4 1/2) started to sing along during the first listening of "Q and U":
They've quickly become quite unique. And their quirkiness adds to their mystique. They're frequently at the aquarium because they're quite a big fan of Aquaman, yeah! Hey there's Q and his best friend, U. Wherever Q goes, U goes too.
Now ask me in two or three years if Matt retains this ditty's lesson or even realizes that it contained one. In the meantime, I'll take it over another refrain of "Hot Potato." No offense, Wiggles – he'll see you in September.
The Bazillions credit a laundry list of musical influences, with nary a world music reference among the latest batch. ON THE BRIGHT SIDE harkens back to the Kinks on "My Teacher's an Alien" and you can't fault them for cribbing Beatles-esque harmonies on "Use a Contraction." If you've been longing for Fountains of Wayne to emerge from their latest hibernation and don't mind a literal sixth-grade feel, here's your fix.
There's an institutional prerogative to foist early learning on children of all ages. Kindergarten begat pre-K. Pre-K begat Mommy and Me classes. Pre-natal education is now a growth industry. But the sweet spot is still there on a park lawn, plopped down on a stained blanket. Or sitting in a school auditorium not knowing what to expect from the act in an enforced musical assembly. Or driving into the city for some classical thing called "Tubby the Tuba." The Marshalls (and bandmates Mike Senkovich, Matt Maccoli, and Joe Letness) reject that institutional prerogative while embracing it at the same time. We'll teach your children well, the Bazillions insist, but we'll also teach them good.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is available July 17 from the Bazillions' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
Here is a live performance of the Bazillions performing "Career Day":
Speaking of videos, here's a new one from Harmonica Pocket for their song, "Are You A Monster, Too"?
Closer To You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
If I Could Fly – Riff Rockit
Mooshpie – The Whirlygigs
Motorcycle Mom – The Not-Its!
My Own Detective – Tom Chapin
Thingamajig – Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Flannel Jammies – The Not-Its!
I've Got Friends In New Jersey – Rocknoceros
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Snaggletooth – Dean Jones
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
Baldy – Lloyd H. Miller
The Ballad of Ben – Danny Weinkauf
Best Friends Forever – Hullabaloo
The Bullfrog – Red Yarn
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
I'm Not the Sharpest Tool – Dean Jones
Thinking Good Thoughts – Dog On Fleas
Yawn – Gustafer Yellowgold
Mom, apple pie, and children's music. The foundation that our country was built on.
For their 10th anniversary as a band, Rocknoceros returns to those traditional values with their fifth CD, PLYMOUTH ROCKERS. But wait – it gets better. The 15 tracks are state-themed. That's right, this is the first of an ambitious reclamation project to sonically boost kindie spirits across these great United States of ours. You start with "Would You Like to Visit Kansas" and traverse through "Louisiana" (not the Randy Newman version), "Minnesota," and wind up in "South Dakota."
Along their trip, Rocknoceros return to Irving Berlin for a streamlined, Virginian take on "God Bless America." It's a clear reminder of where their interest lie, in keeping parents invested in listening as well. The trio (Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bernie) are more about authenticity than history (sorry about that, Lloyd Miller).
School is done, that was fun, and I made some friends. But where I live, there's other kids, let's start again. Saturday, it's time to play and they've closed the street. Teams are formed, and they ain't warmin' up to me. But hey I learned from the best (I've got friends in New Jersey) References by request (I've got friends in New Jersey) I'm right here, why second guess (I've got friends in New Jersey) Don't be shy, stop and say hi.
State songs is not exactly a new concept. In fact, They Might Be Giants' John Linnell called his lone solo CD STATE SONGS. But Rocknoceros commands attention for a commitment to their music (more than 2,000 shows over the past 10 years), their verve maintaining regional flair (a lilting "Aloha," for example), and what appears to be a "throw-a-dart-in-the-map" selection process. "Squeakers" is about Wisconsin. Now what's that all about? Wait – Rocknoceros has a self-explanatory song for you. "Tennessee" is practically a history lesson while "Colorado Rockies" lets the boys indulge in some reggae.
Had I learned more from music in my youth, perhaps I'd sound as happy as Rocknoceros. These PLYMOUTH ROCKERS are loading up their tour bus for songs and shows to share their lyrics and music from sea to shining sea.
PLYMOUTH ROCKERS is available on July 4 (appropriately) from Rocknoceros' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.
