Todd & Cookie Back After Playing Hooky

The multimedia experience known as Todd & Cookie has returned with their new three-song EP, SUPER DELUXE ACTION FIGURES, comprised of three tracks – "eMutt," "Ice Cream Time Machine," and "In the Backseat."

As you might expect, Todd McHatton (who has max kindie supergroup cred with his other collaborative effort, the Underbirds) is the right person to draw out the best rap verses from Mista Cookie Jar. And CJ returns the favor by pushing Todd to conceive more improbable, amusing scenarios – a talking car seat? What happens when technology and dessert co-mingle indeed.

McHatton is all over the map, but in a good way – songs, comics, and now even a podcast, "Imaginary Accomplishments." It's enough to give a mere mortal blogger pause. Mista Cookie Jar is a near-endless font of rapper's delights, from his guest spots for Andrew & Polly and other performers. Versatility and fun are the two factors that make these two such a good combo, and their latest joint effort feels almost effortless.

Grab your copy of SUPER DELUXE ACTION FIGURES on CDBABY.

Here's a (slightly dated) cartoon video from Todd & Cookie:

Bringing the Silly With Andrew & Polly

A good (no, great) portion of children's music is about getting silly. And the more psyched the performers are about getting in touch with their inner silly child, the better the music gets.

Andrew & Polly are really silly, in that good way. They have compiled songs from their kid's podcast, Ear Snacks, into a new collection. Titled sensibly EAR SNACKS: SONGS FROM THE PODCAST, you get a dozen tunes that resonate instantly with listeners. We just returned from a long road trip and "Grapes" and "I Wanna Be a Giraffe" were big singalongs. As far as the silly, "Why is Fruit Fruit?" is actually two songs in one, since it meanders from the central theme to a tale of lost house keys.

Sarcasm is an acquired taste and Andrew & Polly tend to shy away from that particular brand of humor, based on their audience age range (3-7). Matt hits that sweet spot and Ben, while older, does not really appreciate top-notch snark. He enjoyed the gentle "How Can You Tell If It's Going to Rain?" and farfisa-organ opener "Dancing Pants," featuring LA kindie rapper extraordinaire Mista Cookie Jar.

Andrew & Polly visit old concepts with new eyes (using the vantage point from their two-year-old son Izzy). EAR SNACKS may lack a central theme but listeners can hear genuine enthusiasm as well as stellar production values. I'll take that over another acoustic lecture about family values any day.

EAR SNACKS: SONGS FROM THE PODCAST is available on September 30 from Andrew & Polly's website, iTunes, CDBABY, and Amazon.

Here is the video for Andrew & Polly's song, "Ballphabet":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 22, 2016

Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Don't Fence Me In – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Small Bird – Caspar Babypants
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
The Ultimate Frisbee –  Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 18, 2016

Clap Your Hands  – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips
Eyes on the Prize  – Cat Doorman Cat Doorman
Hammer  – Aaron Nigel Smith
Have You Ever Been Real  –  Dean Jones
The Only One   – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Rattlesnake  – Caspar Babypants
Run For The Sunshine  –  Sunshine Collective

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Banana Bread – Caspar Babypants
Forever Young  – Andrew & Polly
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
To and Fro – Cat Doorman

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Because I Love You – Caspar Babypants
Brain Freeze – The Not-Its!
Fourth Day Of July – Red Yarn
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
People Watching – Dean Jones
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy

Caspar Babypants Takes Us Away Once More

The ever-prolific and versatile Caspar Babypants (aka Chris Ballew) has returned to Stompy the Bear's home territory for his newest kid's CD, AWAY WE GO (artwork as always by illustrator spouse Kate Endle).

The world of Caspar Babypants is filled with such fantastic creatures as "Sleepy Snail And Speedy Spider" and "Jellyfish Jones." And Chris loves to take cherished nursery rhyme songs and add his own signature twist – and additional verses. This time it's "Pop Goes The Weasel." In Chris's mind, the song is now about a 1960s band from London that sings for shillings in the streets.

As a prodigious baker, I was quite taken with "Banana Bread," the saga of fruit gone nearly-bad but still salvageable. In going through the "stories behind the songs," I learned that Chris wrote this tune with his late father. He has completed an amusing tribute that has already inspired many car singalongs:

Me and the boys have been together for so long
We grew up on a banana tree and learned to sing this song
All the young bananas learned it in case they get forgotten
So people don't throw them out just because they look a little bit rotten

Chris tends to deal with simple, gentle concepts with a whimsical, friendly access point for young children. Chris's alternative past has led him through a looking glass to a similar vantage point for kids. Everything is possible, everything can be fun, away we go. Caspar Babypants CD come out at quite an incredible rate. This is apparently the age of Babypants, so enjoy "Tiny Horse," "Moody Susan," "Chicken In The Cornbread," and all the characters who join the parade in this 2016 edition.

AWAY WE GO! is available from Caspar's website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.

Here is the first video from the CD, "Mr. Cloud:"

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 15, 2016

Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith Loving Cup – Cat Doorman Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective Washington, Dc – The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Forever Young – Andrew & Polly
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer
Cow Cow Yippee – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Tomorrow's People  – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 9, 2016

All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 8, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Hello – Adele
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
New – Paul McCartney

Ben's Playlist - Friday, August 5, 2016

Fun – Coldplay Feat. Tove Lo
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
California Kids – Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, August 4, 2016

River Lea  – Adele
One After 909  – Caspar Babypants
What Kind Of Fruit  – Dean Jones
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Thank You (feat. R. City) – Meghan Trainor
Wind in Our Sail – Weezer
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday August 3, 2016

Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
Amazing Day – Coldplay
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Bad Haircut – the Bazillions
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith

Vids from 23 Skidoo and M.O.M., Sara Lovell's Got You

My five-year-old does not play video games much. I mean, I practically beg him to play something, anything. But he'd rather watch videos on the iPad. And never mind when the 15-minute timer goes off. He's got a response: "It's almost over," which buys him anywhere from 2-10 minutes.

I try to stay focused so he doesn't wind up spending 30 minutes immersed in video, but with his big brother diverting attention, it's a lot like cat herding – you can try, but you don't often succeed. New York-based rapper Princess Superstar (aka M.O.M.) feels my pain. Her new video, "Put Down Your iPad I'll Put Down My Phone!" deals with this dilemma. You can also contribute to her Indiegogo campaign, "These Are Magic Days," a collection of songs and videos to help program a high emotional intelligence in kids.


Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is wasting no time in promoting his new CD, INFINITY PLUS ONE. The video for a non-space-related tune, "Young Soul," has hit the Web. And frankly, you can't watch it sitting down. Just try. And I'm in an open workspace.


Single mom Sara Lovell has written a musical love letter to her six-year-old child. YOU'VE GOT ME is a sweet, ethereal odyssey; 18 tracks that cover a gamut of topics with warmth, clarity, and charm. Lovell is nearly a Sarah MacLachlan for the toddler set.

Sara segued from her adult contemporary to parent conventional sound while missing nary a drum beat. You can tell who inspired such songs as "Dance Like There's Music in Your Pants" and "Oh I'm Bored." There's a soothing calm to "Tell Me Who's the Monster." And the title track paints a plaintive bonding mantra:

You can reach for my hand
I'll be there
You can call for a friend
And you turn around, oh you turn around
Now you know you've got me
You've got me

Sara has embraced the principles of elementary children's music. YOU'VE GOT ME is a primer for early listeners, nearly an hour of tunes that alternately amusing and informs ("Everybody Has a Body"). Single parenthood is something that Sara embraced. She is now spreading that embrace to families through her music. She's got her son and as a result, listeners now have a chance to get her songs for families.

YOU'VE GOT ME is available from Sara's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes (link to come).

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
Boredinary – Chibi Kodama
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time
L.A. Girlz – Weezer
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, August 1, 2016

Water Under The Bridge  – Adele
King of the World – Weezer
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
That Way – Chibi Kodama
Long Days & Short Years – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 29, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Stardust – Chibi Kodama
Say Word  – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 28, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Wild  – Chibi Kodama
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Young Soul – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Washington, Dc – The Not-Its!

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The Grass Is Always Greener  – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Secret Superhero – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
This Love – Maroon 5

Quick Hits: Fan-tastic New Video for Red Pants Band, Prolific Schwartz

I know I sound like an old codger when I say something like, "When I was 15." However I feel compelled to do it again right now. " Especially when the new video from Danny Weinkauf and the Red Pants Band was created by 15-year-old Madison Durand from Rhode Island.

Animation teacher Tim Labonte found out about Danny's crowdfunding efforts for RED PANTS BAND (the new album) via They Might Be Giants social media. He offered to help create a lyric video for the upcoming release. In fact, Labonte mentioned a talented student (Durand) who wanted the experience of making a music video.

Now at 15, "back in the day," I had tried my hand at creating short Super 8 videos. They were pretty poor in quality. In fact, when I saw the works by other students in my class, it only emphasized that I should stick to what I knew best – writing. But Durand has technology and talent at her disposal; a lethal combination for such a young person.

Here is her creation, debuting via Danny Weinkauf and the Red Pants Band, for "Only One You":


Stephen Michael Schwartz is nothing if not prolific. He and his band, Parachute Express, have released a dozen albums over the course of 25 years. Now his second solo CD, BUCKET OF WOW! is here. A fast, bouncy jaunt for kids of young ages, Schwartz's music is familiar to anyone who has patronized Gymboree and his song "We The Children" was incorporated into (then) First Lady Hillary Clinton's fight against child abuse.

 Five years ago Stephen and Parachute Express toured China and it left a lasting impression. They continue to make biannual treks across the globe to perform. And "The Panda Bear" is definitely inspired by the experience. The title track is punchy and upbeat, the tandem of "My Rainbow World" and "One Rainbow" describe the color spectrum in vivid detail, and 'I'm Being Followed By the Moon" debunks an "original conspiracy theory" that many youngsters believe.

Matt (5) has only lost his two bottom front teeth and is in constant anticipation of the rest following suit. Stephen demystifies the process on "Losing a Tooth," a duet with a young girl. Three decades and tens of thousands of miles in, Stephen and company are still overwhelmed by the reactions to their music from youthful audiences. That's the underlying theme behind "Bucket of Wow," and wouldn't you like to have one, too?

BUCKET OF WOW! is available from Stephen's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
The Start of Things – Alison Faith Levy
The Word – Caspar Babypants
Driving Me Crazy – Danny Weinkauf
Laugh With Me – Chibi Kodama

Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 25, 2016

Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
You Love You  – Lori Henriques
Picky Eaters – Danny Weinkauf

23 Skidoo's Infinite Moonwalk Through Hip-Hop

There's a vast space between religion and spirituality. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo does a deep exploration of that chasm on his latest CD, INFINITY PLUS ONE. There was a time when the Beastie Boys could sing "Intergalactic" and people flew off their couches to dance. But Asheville boldly goes where no hip-hop artist has gone before.  An entire track (and post-track) for "Tastes Like Space" is devoted to and concepts and sounds found by the Voyager 1 and 2 probes.

Hip-hop for kids is decidedly different from adult contemporary rap (i.e., everything else). The more complex the beats, the more universal the concepts. "My First Multiverse" delves into individuality, using the simple idea that a mirror is just a reflection and that every action can result in a plethora of possibilities. The first video, "Secret Superhero," shows kids in costumes demonstrating their powers but is really about growing up:

I'm a secret superhero
I don't got powers yet
But I wonder what I'm gonna get

Certainly a concept that every kid can relate to, provided on INFINITY PLUS ONE with a rapturous Motown horn section.

It's only a recent development (standard operating procedure for any emerging artform) that hip-hop is incorporating second- and third-generation performers into the tent. Skidoo has co-written songs with his daughter, Saki, who performs again on "Monsters." It's a laundry list of creatures who are just that – fictional beings that are nothing to be afraid of. I've said it before (and even to him) that the best inspiration is seeing somebody your own age doing something that you might want to do. At Kidstock and Symphony Space, I've witnessed young girls go from boppers to slack-jawed statues when Saki goes center stage. In the next decade, I'm sure we'll hear from at least one of them crediting their early exposure to kid-hop to their decision to go into the biz.

Skidoo likes wordplay (who doesn't) and his passion comes through on songs like "Lucktricity" and "Smardi Gras." His vision is fulfilled by 40 musicians including an entire New Orleans brass band. To list a few would omit many more, suffice to say that the mission is accomplished – man has hip-hopped on the moon. CD closer "Long Days and Short Years" is a revved-up southern rock and rap track that celebrates everything that comes between the happiness and the tears.

Any CD that cleverly gives equal footing to Carl Sagan and James Brown wins points for originality and 23 Skidoo does not skimp on extras – INFINITY PLUS ONE comes with a trippy 13 bonus tracks (mostly instrumentals so the kids can kick out their own jams). The final "Track 23" (as least that's what came up in GraceNote) is all space noise. There's even a secret code if you hang in there. So keep your eyes to the skies and move your feet in time with the music. Kid-hop is Skidoo's religion and you just might be converted.

INFINITY PLUS ONE is available from Secret Agent 23 Skidoo's website, Amazon and iTunes.

Here is the video for the new song, "Secret Superhero":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 22, 2016

All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
She Looks So Perfect – 5 Seconds of Summer
Botany – Danny Weinkauf
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 21, 2016

Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Forever Young  – Andrew & Polly
Good Old Times – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Only One You – Danny Weinkauf

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Me Too – Meghan Trainor
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Look At Those Clouds – Danny Weinkauf
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 19, 2016

All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
This Love – Maroon 5
Cow Cow Yippee – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Eyes on the Prize – Cat Doorman
Fourth Day Of July – Red Yarn

Get Up & Dance With Danny & Red Pants Band

Danny Weinkauf knew it was time for something different. Sure, he was the longtime bass player for They Might Be Giants. Absolutely, he had produced an acclaimed first solo CD for kids. But now came the next evolution – front man for his own ensemble, the Red Pants Band. And what better way to kick off the celebration then with a CD entitled RED PANTS BAND?

Oh, all the pieces fell into place. Beach Boys musical director Scott Totten signed on, as did Staten Island's Tina Kenny Jones. And guest vocalists? Don't get me started – from his own son, Kai Weinkauf ("Picky Eaters") to Robin Goldwasser ("Love Is in the Air").

The songs are delightfully goofy ("This Dog's Best Friend") to Bryds-style fanciful ("Look at Those Clouds"). "Groovy Red Pants" sounds like a Fountains of Wayne/That Think You Do 60s throwback.  Danny throw in a little science as well, continuing a trend he started with his contributions to TMBG's kid discs. "Botany" Admittedly, the Johns seem to have cooled on the genre. They've ceded the playground to Danny, who is ready, willing, and able to populate the place with power-pop pleasures.

Like Chuck Folds' snarky Big Bang Boom, the Red Pants Band go under deep cover. They are not just a "for kids" band, they are singing from the perspective "for kids." That is no more clearly evidenced than in "Eyes in the Back of Her Head":

I tried to sneak a cookie
Wiped all my crumbs away.
But when I start to smile, 
She says "No more snacks for you today."

A 15-year tenure with a band is a remarkable feat, but that's how long Danny has been associated with TMBG. Considering that TMBG have logged more than 30 years, it's understandable that Danny would be itching to stretch his legs – and it takes mighty big pantaloons to get out from under that ginormous legacy. Belted or with suspenders, the Red Pants Band are just the ticket.

RED PANTS BAND is available from Danny's website, Amazon, iTunes, and CDBABY.

Here is the video for Danny's song, "Champion of the Spelling Bee":

Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 18, 2016

The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
River Lea – Adele
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time
The Great Divide – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Bop Bodiop! – Cat Doorman
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 15, 2016

Wake Up – Red Yarn & Morgan Taylor
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Water Under The Bridge  – Adele
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
To and Fro – Cat Doorman
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 14, 2016

Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Airplanes – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith
So Gazed Upon – Cat Doorman
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions

Kindie Quick Hits: Funkinships & Cat Doorman, Brady Rymer Video

War does terrible things, especially for the survivors. How's that for an inspirational opening for a children's music review? Iraq War vet Derek McGee turned to philanthropy upon his return to civilian life, volunteering on the Mystic Whaler on the Hudson River. After hooking up with professional musician Charlie Chamberlain (also through the environmental education program), the duo transformed Derek's free-flowing original lyrics into compositions that became an ensemble – Funkinships was launched.

The first CD, POST FOLK ABSURDIST, promises that kids can "be a little weird, there's nothing wrong with that." Or so they sing on "The Platypus And Steve Buscemi." Um, the buscemi is a fish. I told you, they're a little silly. The ten tunes include "Nightmare On The Kids Menu" and the instructional "If You Cant Sing Well Sing Loud."

The Funkinship crowd stays true to the seas, with "The Great Whale Ball," "Sea Legs," and "The Shad And The Eel" completing the nautical sound. For kids who seek a seafaring treat, there's more ship than funk. But – ah, they point out the name can be subdivided into "Fun-kinships," which is exactly what Derek and Charlie and company have formed. You like your friends? You like music? You like the share? You do the math.

POST FOLK ABSURDIST is available from Funkinships web site, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

You know what they say about the best-laid plans. Cat Doorman intended to release semi-regular EPs as she produced new music. Well, that was more than one year ago and the second EP, BOP BOPIOP! is now here.

A co-production from Cat (Julianna Bright and husband Seth Lorinczi, accomplished collaborator with Modest Mouse and others), BOP BODIOP! is a mashup of folk and funk, with horns and guitars and doubled vocal harmonies from Cat. The common themes are originality, creating things, and having fun adventures. As Cat sings on "To and Fro":

In all that’s good and green that’s where we make the scene
Cartwheeling through the grass like a cartwheeling machine
You bring the ball and I’ll, I’ll bring the game
Oh, I’m so glad we came

Usually the problem with an EP is that you get all hopped up and then it's over. But Cat uses the shorter medium as an opportunity to explore a particular message. The songs on this sampler are different than CALLING ALL THE KIDS TO THE YARD (her 2015 RP). Now, does she produce a third EP or build enough "surrounding" track to expand into a full CD? That's the beauty of digital music; she can do either or neither. And between us, I prefer BOP BODIOP! to Kidz Bop any day.

Grab BOP-BODIOP! from Cat Doorman's website, iTunes, or Bandcamp.

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could recently put out a new CD, PRESS PLAY. The second video is now live, bringing the psychedelic 60s back for the title track. It's straight from the Monkees, right down to the wigs. Check it out here:

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 13, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Bile Them Cabbage  – Red Yarn
Mom (feat. Kelli Trainor) – Meghan Trainor
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Laugh With Me – Chibi Kodama

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
NO – Meghan Trainor
Done With The Science Fair – The Not-Its!
Ground Food – Ratboy Jr.
One  – Aaron Nigel Smith
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 11, 2016

Hello – Adele
A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
King of the World – Weezer
Have You Ever Been Real – Dean Jones
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 8, 2016

Ghost Riders in the Sky – Andy Z
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Fly Like A Bird – Dean Jones
Airplanes  – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, July 7, 2016

Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
People Watching – Dean Jones
Boredinary – Chibi Kodama

Kindie Quick Hits: Grin and Bear It, Vids from 123 Andres and Recess Monkey

Songwriter Dave Kinnon believes in saving for a rainy day. Musically, that is. His latest project, Grin Brigade, brings together 24 singers, 13 musicians, and six producers across two continents for a CD, CRAZY WITH HAPPINESS.

Twenty-six songs cover a gamut of familiar topics. The shifting lead vocals give the impression that there's a factory line of people checking in, nailing their parts, and heading back to the outside world. The material, which Kinnon culled over the years, delivers some basic messages, such as "Wake Up in America":

When I wake up in America,
I see my neighbors there
With every kind of clothes and shoes,
Hats and skin and hair,
Every strange belief and custom,
Scores of songs from who knows where.
When I wake up in America,
Our stories fill the air.

Contributing artists include Lori Petty, Randy Sharp, and new Three Dog Night singer David Morgan.  You won't be surprised by the songs on CRAZY WITH HAPPINESS but you also won't be disappointed. Even the press release describes the CD as "a wild jumble of songs about a whole mess of things." Dave and company cover a lot of ground in nearly 80 minutes. You can sing along or just listen to the tunes. Would that be so crazy?

CRAZY WITH HAPPINESS is available from Dave's website, and iTunes.

Recess Monkey has delivered the latest video from their new Amazon Music CD, NOVELTIES. One of the most famous, elusive creatures in history comes to life in "Sweaty Yeti"!


123 Andres (Andrés Salguero) continues to promote his new bilingual music CD, ARRIBA ABAJO! with two videos (English and Spanish) for the same song. Here is "La Semilla," followed by "The Seed":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
By The Light – Red Yarn
Tomorrow's People – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
Don't Fence Me In – The Okee Dokee Brothers
L.A. Girlz – Weezer
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Do You Talk To Yourself – Dean Jones
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, July 5, 2016

River Lea  – Adele
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
Humans Are Still Evolving – Dean Jones
Wild  – Chibi Kodama

Ben's Playlist - Monday, July 4, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
The Word – Caspar Babypants
What Kind Of Fruit – Dean Jones
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay

"Dreams" Keeping Up Dean Jones

Dean Jones is ubiquitous. I mean, he produces just about everyone who's anyone in the kindie biz (I don't dare even start a list for fear of missing someone). Now he's gone back to the recording board and released a new solo offering – IN MY DREAMS. Jones' Dog On Fleas group seems to be turning into his E Street Band; there when he needs them, but otherwise he's got his finger paints in lots of projects.

IN MY DREAMS is a pretty accurate description for this dreamlike assortment of tunes. "Do You Talk To Yourself" is what we've been saying to our son Ben for years. "In My Dreams I Have A Dog" is a list by a pet-longerer, who manages to work Danger Mouse and Modest Mouse into his wish list. "People Watching" deconstructs the art and importance of reading the emotions and expressions of others. It's also about as close to Paul Simon as Dean Jones gets. "Monkey C Monkey" harkens back to Harry Nilsson. In fact, IN MY DREAMS seems like a throwback to the 1970s, when artists would put out an eclectic collection of songs every so often.

The rockingest tunes may be "Feline" and "What Kind Of Fruit," but then again, there are not many guitars floating through the ether on IN MY DREAMS. There are keyboards and steel pedal drums and lots of echo. Jones is very invested in silly things and if your kids like silly, he's your Dean. The CD front cover depicts a "Where the Wild Things Are" child with his menagerie, illustrated by Giselle Potter, while fruit-headed children dance on the back cover. It's fanciful, flighty, and fun and firmly in line with the music.

Jones says he wrote all the songs while walking in the woods with his dog and there's no reason to doubt him. Strange that the dog does not receive co-writing credits on any of the tracks, though. But then again, on the Talking Heads-esque, "Humans Are Still Evolving," he sings:

I know it's coming soon
We're gonna be more peaceful.
We've got to get rid of that caveman brain.

With IN MY DREAMS, Grammy-winning Jones does not set the kindie on its head. Rather, the CD is a playdate inside a child's imagination, with "Swiss Cheese Angels" and "Fly Like A Bird" wafting out like sonic waves. You can't cage imagination and Jones takes young listeners soaring, time and time again. Are you going to be the fuddy duddy who clips those wings?

IN MY DREAMS is available from the Dog on Fleas website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the song, "What Kind of Fruit":

Leeds Sings Bilingually (English, Hebrew) at Sunny NYC Show

The boys and I continued our June 30 "two-for-Thursday" music trek after stopping by my office for a bathroom break, visit with Grandpa, some much-needed air conditioning, and a lunch stop.

We headed for the subway and arrived at Union Square Park in plenty of time for Joanie Leeds' afternoon set for "Summer in the Square," courtesy of PJ Library and the 14th Street Y. With the temperatures starting to rise (settling in the low 80s), I directed the kids to a park bench in the shade and handed them bottles of water. "When are we going?" they asked every few minutes. But I made them tough out 15 minutes of inactivity to recharge their batteries.



The 30-minute performance included Joanie singing a number of acoustic songs (in English and Hebrew, which surprised many in the multi-ethnic crowd) and a PJ Library storytime led by Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein of "Baxter, The Pig Who Wanted to be Kosher." The audience skewed heavily towards 5-and-under (naturally, since teens don't normally gravitate towards these activities). But they were engaged and enthusiastic and got more into the "jumping and motioning" after the reading, when it's usually the opposite.



There were a number of Y and PJ Library staffers on hand to sing the Jewish choruses along with Joanie and Rabbi Epstein. You can see in the videos that some of the kids made attempts to join in. Music truly does smooth over cultural differences, as we saw earlier in the day with Father Goose and his Jamaican and Island-tinged tunes.


Later that night, rather than ask about upcoming concerts, Matthew informed me that our next music outings are Recess Monkey (July 17 in Yonkers) and Kidstock on Long Island (August 21 in Port Washington). I explained that I shot many videos from the two Thursday shows to create a "summer concert" DVD for him and his older brother. "Good," he replied, yawning. "Maybe you will film five Recess Monkey songs." Don't rush me, kid.

The "Summer in the Square" program continues throughout July on Thursdays at 2 pm (Joanie returns on 7/7). 

No Bother, Time for Father Goose Live

We started our summer music series in earnest this week. The boys and I trekked into Manhattan for not one, but TWO children's music shows in TWO separate public parks. I'll talk about the morning show first – Father Goose in Madison Square Park.



MSQ has kind of a quirky setup – kids performances are sequestered to a side lawn near the playground. Meanwhile, you can look over the fountain to the main lawn, where there's a huge platform stage for adult music performances happening in the evening.



But their free summer concert series has been a boon. We took in Recess Monkey last summer, and this year's end-of-school, camp-hasn't-started concert turned out to be the Gooseman and Company. Luckily the weather was not as hot or humid (yet) and it was a breeze to walk with two kids in tow. Ben's knapsack contained a blanket to sit on. I carried waters and snacks (and a camcorder). Matthew, now too big for a stroller, handled the walk with aplomb.



Father Goose is coming back from some major medical issues and noted that this was his first full performance. The band did play two numbers on their own, which gave him a slight breather. The cast of characters also included "Little Goose," who contributed vocals for most of the set. Goose went through his catalog and kept the crowd entertained, stopping songs a couple of times to fill in background for the adults.



For some reason, I thought it would be fun to document more than 1-2 songs. I did not realize I would wind up shooting five of the numbers in the one-hour set. But it will give the kids more than a snapshot of their day to remember. Goose lets the band do most of the heavy lifting but his vocals and command of the crowd kept things lively. Ironically, one of the most spontaneous moments – a little girl dancing crazily as he stepped from the small stage – was not captured in my videos.



Goose is not touring a new album, rather getting back on the road and showing people that he still has it. And he still has it. I would suggest following him on social media for future appearances, as his web site stops at today's show. The kids grooved, the kids moved, and then we got the show on the road. There was some sadness on my part to today's travels but the kids buoyed my spirits. But that's something I'm writing about elsewhere in a more appropriate forum.

Stay tuned for part two – Joanie Leeds in Union Square Park.

Ben's Playlist - Friday, July 1, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer
Water Under The Bridge  – Adele
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
Sugar – Maroon 5
One Day By The Riverside – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Turned Out – Paul McCartney

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 30, 2016

Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Toothloser – Gustafer Yellowgold
Music is Everywhere – Mista Cookie Jar & the Chocolate Chips
Clap Your Hands – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips
Chain Reaction – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
California Kids – Weezer

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Carry a Tune – Recess Monkey
A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5
The Great Divide – The Okee Dokee Brothers
The Only One  – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Wake Up – Red Yarn & Morgan Taylor
Hello – Adele
Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
This Love – Maroon 5
New  – Paul McCartney
Wind in Our Sail – Weezer
Me On The Map – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
The Start of Things  – Alison Faith Levy

Ben's Playlist - Monday, June 27, 2016

The Grass Is Always Greener – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Fun – Coldplay Feat. Tove Lo
Airplanes – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Favorite Book – The Bazillions
Uh Huh – Dean Jones
Hamsterdam – Ratboy Jr.
Press Play – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith

Press Play: All-American Summer Sound from Brady Rymer and Co.

Hard to believe that we are deep into the second decade of the kindie era. Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner helped kick off the first wave just prior to 9/11. Now I am gobsmacked by the wall of sound that envelopes the movement – from the Okee Dokee Brothers to Ziggy Marley to Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could.

Whither the Little Band That Could. They've been an integral part of our children's music experience going back eight years. We purchased Brady's first CD and Ben remembers the first time we saw the group live (Jalopy, Kindiefest 2009) and I have the video to prove it (2,800+ views to date). Since then, I've lost track of all the shows but the annual Kidstock gigs in Port Washington are always a delight.

Hailing from Long Island, Brady Rymer and crew deliver a tightly-honed all-American sound. "It's a Beauty" is a country charmer about an antique fire truck being restored for (what else) a parade. "Me On The Map" would not feel out of place on any Bon Jovi CD from the past 15 years. "Chain Reaction" and its Stax sound (horns, harmonies) should get the most recalcitrant kids up and dancing. The poignant "Hold This Home Together" describes the efforts of new parents negotiating responsibilities for their new child:

You say a prayer and I'll knock on wood.
You be the bad guy and I'll be the good.
You take the night shift and I got the dawn.
You sew a stitch and I'll sing a song.

The Little Band That Could (Claudia Mussen, Liz Queler, Seth Farber, Jeremy Chatzky, and Larry Eagle with Dan Myers on saxophone) need no compliments but I'll dole some out anyway for good measure. Many ensembles go through a feeling-out process that is sometimes discernible in the mix. No problems here as the band charges through the message-intensive "I Surprised Myself" and "Switcheroo Day," which asks children to consider how the world looks from other perspectives. The band operates as one cohesive unit and everyone gets their chance in the spotlight to shine.

For a while we thought Brady might be putting his group on the back burner to concentrate on his side gig, playing bass for the Laurie Berkner Band. But the band continues to record and perform and hasn't missed a step. We've felt a strong personal connection to Brady since the release of his 2011 CD, LOVE ME FOR WHO I AM, which grew out of his experience performing for and working with kids with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and related disorders. This is not an intermittent or transient choice that coincidentally comes and goes depending on the release date of a new CD. Brady works with these kids every year. NEWSDAY caught a recent performance in May.

Many high-functioning special needs children want to "pass" as typical. It's easier for them to get through the day if their idiosyncrasies don't draw undue attention. But Brady's music promotes kids being kids and celebrates their differences. Ironically, we've found that the best children's music is produced by artists who "pass" as typical; It doesn't matter if there are kids around, Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could will get you rocking with PRESS PLAY.

PRESS PLAY is available from Brady's website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Here is the video for the band's song, "One Day By the Riverside":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, June 24, 2016

All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Rest Easy Now – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
All Around the Kitchen – Andy Z
Good Old Times – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
One – Aaron Nigel Smith
My Guitar – Recess Monkey
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 23, 2016

Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Best Friend – In The Nick Of Time
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
Right Side of the Bed – Ratboy Jr.
Caught in the Screen – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
Hello Goodbye – Caspar Babypants
Time to Make the Donuts – Recess Monkey
Yawn – Gustafer Yellowgold

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 22, 2016

LA Christmas – Andrew & Polly & Mista Cookie Jar
Hammer – Aaron Nigel Smith
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Mustaches of the World – Recess Monkey
Mama Don't Allow – In The Nick Of Time

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer
I Dreamed I Could Fly – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Forever Young  – Andrew & Polly
Fourth Day Of July – Red Yarn
Loving & Kind – Aaron Nigel Smith
Snowball – Recess Monkey
The Word – Caspar Babypants

Ben's Playlist - Monday, June 20, 2016

The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
Amazing Day – Coldplay
Every Flavor – Recess Monkey
Amistad (Featuring Dan Zanes) – Hot Peas 'n Butter

Never Mind 12 Monkeys – NOVELTIES is Recess Monkey's Lucky #13

Curios. Indulgences. Treats. Oddities. Recess Monkey, the Seattle trio that personifies the current independent children's music scene, returns June 17 with NOVELTIES, its 13th (!) collection, available exclusively through Amazon Music.

How do I describe Recess Monkey? Imagine if three guys with day jobs as school teachers elected to use their musical abilities outside the classroom as entertainers? Hence the concept of "recess." Performing for the merriment of children? Hence the "monkey." What about a little wink to let the adults in the room know that the music is enjoyable for all ages – well, I remember some of the looks I got when I told people the name of my kids' favorite band. "Rhesus Monkey?" "Oh never mind..."

The band's original logline has undergone some changes – Jack Forman now hosts SiriusXM Kids Place's "Live from the Monkey House" (Memo to SiriusXM – update that bio page). Fellow founding Monkeyman Drew Holloway is one of the most consistently appealing vocalists, providing character ("Sweaty Yeti") as well as emotion ("My Guitar"). Drummer Korum Bischoff anchors the trio, filling in harmonies and rhythmic patterns.

Every summer for the past decade, Recess Monkey has added to possibly the strongest discography in the burgeoning genre of children's music. Somewhere along the way, we jumped on board for the ride, much like Nemo's dad Marlin in "Finding Nemo" when he met Crush the turtle and rode the East Australian Current. Coincidence alert! "Finding Dory" comes out June 17 as well.

How does NOVELTIES stack up? For a CD with an ice cream truck on the cover, it's remarkably warm and approachable. The one/two power punch of "Every Flavor" and "Sweaty Yeti" opens the disc, segueing from ice cream (753 choices) to imaginary creatures. Family dance anthem "Piggyback" gives the band a chance to rap over a raging horn section about fun times that result in a piggyback ride from dad. "Mustaches of the World" brings a rarely-heard electric guitar into the mix for facial hair so fierce it can be seen from traffic helicopters. "Time to Make the Donuts" (video below) delves into a specific confectionary obsession:

Realize that it's getting rough
When one dozen is never enough
So you head on back down to the donut store.
Here I am as sure as rain
Put the steaming donuts in the window pane
I bake them all and then I bake some more.

The 14 tracks on NOVELTIES traverse making music ("The Band Next Door") to toys ("Wind Up Robot") to fantasy ("Lovestruck Unicorn") to pets ("Chasing My Tail" and "Smitten for Kitten"). The brother singing "Snowball" plots warm weather revenge after a winter sneak attack. Recess Monkey long ago began to brand each new CD with a "theme." The originality and scope on NOVELTIES demonstrates the band's playful nature and serious professional chops, under the production aegis of fellow Kindiependent Collective member Johnny Bregar.

I've had mixed feelings about the Amazon Music program incorporating kindie artists such as the Pop-Ups. Following a promising start, there was a lengthy lull and frankly, I believed there was a possibility we wouldn't hear another release. But signing Recess Monkey is like snaring the brass ring on the carousel at the carnival. Amazon Music is making a clear statement that they are committed to children's music. Recess Monkey and its simian siren song have taken us far from home (to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, actually). Next month we'll trek to Yonkers or the Bronx (or both!) to see the fellows ply their groovy trade. The future looks bright for these NOVELTIES, indeed.

NOVELTIES is available through Amazon Music (streaming service or physical CD).

Here is the brand-spanking new video for "Time to Make the Donuts":

Ben's Playlist - Friday, June 17, 2016

Start Of The End – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
A Mapmaker's Song – Andrew & Polly
Water Under The Bridge  – Adele
Voodoo Doll – 5 Seconds of Summer
A Head Full Of Dreams – Coldplay
The Start of Things  – Alison Faith Levy

New Kid Vids from Eric Herman, Hollow Trees & Recess Monkey

Wanted to share links to a couple of fun new kids vids:

Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies have released "Take a Bath," an animated short featyring contributions by special guests Keith & Ezra from Trout Fishing in America, Kenn Nesbitt, Mister G, Roger Day, and more. Hate to bath? Have a kid who hates to bathe? You get the picture. The track is from the band's new album, BUBBLE WRAP.


The Hollow Trees have released a throwback/novelty track, "My Dog Has Fleas." The track was written by noted Los Angeles musician/voiceover actor Will Ryan, known for The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, among other things.

Traci from the Trees sings and performs in the video with a cooperative pooch. Although I doubt he would seek legal remedy for being branded as "flea-ridden." But then again, it's a light little tune. You have two minutes? Here it is:


Recess Monkey is back! And that means new videos! Here is the first video from the new CD, NOVELTIES. We've been singing "Time to Make the Donuts" for the past two weeks, and I don't see that abating now that it's accompanied by moving pictures.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 16, 2016

Loving Cup – Cat Doorman
Bile Them Cabbage  – Red Yarn
My Teacher's An Alien – The Bazillions
Cheese World – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Harder To Breathe – Maroon 5
The Ultimate Frisbee – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Sourwood Mountain – Red Yarn
Extraordinary – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Fresh Spokes (Featuring Susan Lapidus) – Hot Peas 'n Butter
This Love – Maroon 5
Hymn For The Weekend – Coldplay
Bad Haircut – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Don't Fence Me In – Andy Z
Crazy Mountain Road – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
That Way – Chibi Kodama
Take Me Away – Sunshine Collective
Cow Cow Yippee – The Okee Dokee Brothers

Ben's Playlist - Monday, June 13, 2016

Here Comes The Sun – Andrew & Polly
Domino Town – Dean Jones
By The Light – Red Yarn
River Lea – Adele
Jersey Dinosaurs – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Hey Jude – Caspar Babypants
Favorite Book – The Bazillions

Ben's Playlist - Friday, June 10, 2016

Everything I Didn't Say – 5 Seconds of Summer
One After 909 – Caspar Babypants
Snaggletooth – Dean Jones
Road Trip – In The Nick Of Time
Extinction Really Stinks – The Whizpops!
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5

Kindie Quick Hits: Free Recess Monkey Single, Music from Jammin' Randy and Alphabet Rockers

Recess Monkey is back! The Seattle-based kindie trio will be releasing their 13th (!) CD, NOVELTIES, next week (watch for my review). In the meantime, you can grab the first single, "Time to Make to Donuts," from Amazon Music, for free, through June 23.

Both kids were super-anxious to get their hands on this release as Jack, Korum, and Drew are among their favorite recording artists – that includes music for grown-ups, too. They are already walking around the house singing along to this tune (and "Every Flavor"). So click wisely and click often, before June 23.

Speaking of children's music from all over the place, Kansas-based Randy Sauer (Jammin' Randy) recently released his new CD, BE KIND (and yes, the title track does end with "Rewind"). A longtime music educator and award-winning teacher, Randy's guitar-twanging tunes have them rocking in the great plains. There must, I mean must be children's music everywhere and especially live music. His original compositions delighted his students. Smash-cut to 25 years later and Randy performing throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

Rap has completely infiltrated the heartland, as evidenced by "Hip Hop Shake." Guest vocalist Natalie Metcalf delivers soothing vocals to the elementary-school ballad "I Need a Friend." Any Nick Lowe fans out there? "Cool to be Kind" is a title that harkens back to days of Rockpile but delivers a positive message about doing the right thing. Having just written about the Crazy Frog, I'm sure that "Rusty the Robot Gets Fit" is one of the best ways to use vocal distortion to get kids to exercise while driving parents up the wall.

Inspiring kids, creating a love of music, and promoting values are the holy trinity of kindie music. Randy Sauer has spent a lifetime, in-school and independently, delivering on those promises. The least I can do is draw some attention to his activity and his music.

BE KIND is available from Randy's website and iTunes.

Heading back to the West Coast, the Alphabet Rockers dropped their latest EP, THE PLAYGROUND ZONE. The duo of Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd use the culture of hip-hop much in the same way as Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Mista Cookie Jar – heavy on the beats and easy on the lectures.

Even the song titles play off the tropes of hip-hop. "Players Life" is all about respecting the rules of authority, such as in the playground. "Wiggle Jiggle" is a party-in-the-bouncy-house kind of jam. "That's Your Name, Wear It Out" is about pride, pronunciation, and performance (as in dancing). "Gimme Some Skin" refers to high-fiving your peers of all shades. "Oddball" points out that everybody has something that makes them a little different. The EP concludes with power ballad "Change the World":

Wishing for a day when we don't have to hide who we are
How we pray how we love
Where people stand up, stand up for what's right

The nature of kindie demands inclusion; that's the very heart of every kindie song – are you enjoying yourself? Are you singing along? Do you want to participate? While mainstream artists struggle with declaring what side they're on, kindie artists have consistently been on the right side, forward-facing for the future. With THE PLAYGROUND ZONE, the Alphabet Rockers may have crafted only 17 minutes of music, but the songs are right for the times and right on.

THE PLAYGROUND ZONE is available from the Alphabet Rockers' website, Amazon, CDBABY, and iTunes.

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 9, 2016

Forever Young  – Andrew & Polly
Don't Fence Me In – The Okee Dokee Brothers
Don't Stop – 5 Seconds of Summer
This Land Is Your Land – Alastair Moock & Friends
Your Happy Place – Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam
Everybody Out There – Paul McCartney
Gulo Gulo (Wolverine) – The Whizpops!
Clap Your Hands – Red Yarn & Mo Phillips

Springman's Happy Beach Makes Waves

Sometimes children's music speaks to me, and that's great. Sometimes it speaks directly to the kids, and that's great, too. If I had to explain the appeal of the Crazy Frog, I'd give myself a migraine. Headaches aside, Canadian recording artist Perry Springman has released his first children's music CD, HAPPY BEACH. Perry and his four children travel throughout Canada, the United States, and overseas and promote the World Vision Child Sponsorship Program at their music performances. So whatever I think of the music, he's a man on a mission, in more way than one.

With a title like HAPPY BEACH, the target audience is knee-high. And those are the people who would most enjoy "Bouncy Bouncy" and "Chimichanga." There's also a pretty overt message of faith, with God being directly addressed in "Unh-Uh, No Way," "Me and Buddy," and "Mommy and Daddy," among others. If you're into directing thanks and praise to your Almighty, that's cool with me. We've taken our boys to temple since they were born. But generally, the yarmulke stops there. Perry's website talks about the wonderful people he works with in his ministry. Also cool with me. Families can make their own assessments, with song samples and video links on the website.

After 10 albums for adults, Perry and company have turned to the light side (i.e., daytime performance audiences). He and producer
Mark Heimermann (Toby Mac and many spiritual artists) have crafted a breezy, pleasant collection of tunes with a heavenly undercurrent (i.e., the "little bit of Heaven" sung about on "Happy Beach"):

You and I will know an everlasting life
In my eyes I see God smiling back at me
If the faces of my friends
On a happy beach without end

Um, are they truly singing about the seashore? As Freud once said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. But that's cool with me. There's an audience for children's music for people of faith and Perry Springman is directing his dioscese concisely and precisely. If that's your idea of a HAPPY BEACH, then dive right in. God only knows what he'd do without you.

HAPPY BEACH is available from Perry's website, Amazon, and CDBABY.

Here is the video for Perry's song, "Bouncy Bouncy":

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, June 8, 2016

All the Pretty Horses – Cat Doorman
Animal Kingdom – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Thank You for the Box – Andrew & Polly
Sons and Daughters  – The Bazillions
California Condor – The Whizpops!
The Harmony Hills – Hollow Trees

KB Whirly Goes Camping

Hey an actual children's music album with an appearance from Dean Jones that is not produced by Dean Jones! Rather, KB Whirly (frontman for the Whirlygigs) has enlisted Patrick Hanlin (backbeat for Josh and the Jamtones) to helm the production of his new collection, CAMP SONGS VOLUME 1. In concert Whirly is a one-man band. But it takes a village (picture teepees) to build a better trek to camp.

There's a lot to say about the classic kid's camp experience and music is an integral part of it, from morning "Reveille" to "Taps" before bedtime. I spent a summer at Camp Cejwin in Port Jervis (which closed in the 1990s) and another at the NJ Y Camps. Neither was my thing, but I did enjoy the escape into music – a commonality where I could excel among the more athletically-minded. In fact, if not for one stomach-grumbling unauthorized lunch break, I would have been a featured extra in that summer's production of "Guys and Dolls." But the very temperamental drama coach wanted to send a clear message to a roomful of 13-year-olds.

Mr. Whirly turns "The Littlest Worm" into a Spike Jones romp, duets with Jazzy Ash on "Hole In My Bucket," and uses a kid's chorus on the chestnut "Say Say My Playmate." No camp compilation gets a gold star without Allan Sherman's "Hello Muddah," wisely included here. There are five original tunes such as the tongue-twisting "Peter Pipers Pickled Palace" and "Not Goin Swimmin." I sympathize with the latter, as the Cejwin lake was miserably cold the first week but if I was not "with the group," I was banished to my bunk. I guess the counselors figured out of sight, out of trouble (for them).

I always say my kids are the best arbiters of what gets played in our house, once it's been sampled at dinner time. Matt (5) decided "The Bumblebee Song" was his favorite and began crafting new verses. Camp season will soon be upon us and KB Whirly's CAMP SONGS VOLUME 1 is a nifty throwback reminder of bygone (and evergreen) camp traditions. I recall name labels in my underwear, pre-address postcards to mail to my relatives, and 10 cent comic books that I could quickly trade with my campmates. And now I've got a ready-made soundtrack.

CAMP SONGS VOLUME 1 is available on June 17 from KB Whirly's website, Amazon, and iTunes.

Here is the video for "Dessert Song in Skowheegan":

Dessert Song in Skowheegan from KB Whirly on Vimeo.

Bens Playlist - Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Bright Side Of Me – Alastair Moock & Friends
Calling All the Kids to the Yard – Cat Doorman
Gettin' My Ya Ya's Out – Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
The Tale Of The Sun And The Moon – Eric Herman And The Invisible Band
My Favorite Sneakers – In The Nick Of Time
Poor Papa – Hollow Trees
Hey Everybody! – 5 Seconds Of Summer

Ben's Playlist - Monday, June 6, 2016

Other Days – Andrew & Polly
Permanent Vacation – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Rainbow Tunnel – Alison Faith Levy
20 More Dollars – Chibi Kodama
Hello Friend – Hollow Trees
Danceology – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band

Ben's Playlist - Friday, June 3, 2016

Ghostbusters – Andrew & Polly
All In A Day – Alastair Moock & Friends
Unwind – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Airplanes – 5 Seconds Of Summer
T.L.C. – Alison Faith Levy
Super Hero Rock Band – The Bazillions
What Do You Want On Your Taco – Hollow Trees
Mystery – Dean Jones

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, June 2, 2016

Shake a Friend's Hand – Andy Z
Alligator Get-Together – Key Wilde And Mr. Clarke
Kid Of The Week – The Not-Its!
DJ All Day – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
San Francisco – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Stardust – Chibi Kodama
Oh Island in the Sun – Aaron Nigel Smith

Can't Keep 'em Down on Animal Farm

Teachers who make music. Where have I heard that concept before? It's practically a nationwide epidemic, although that might be the wrong word. I should probably say worldwide epidemic. It was only last month that I wrote about the Montana-based educators behind the Whizpops. And if you're into kindie music yet you don't know the backstory for the school teachers in Recess Monkey, please click on their link and come back in a few minutes. I'll wait.

Now comes RUN FREE, the debut CD from Animal Farm. The band played live for several years in the Boston area, only to see founding member Seth Adams move to Chicago in 2012. Cofounder David Ladon found himself in the Windy City the following year, fortuitously allowing the band to reform, regroup, and re-strategize with new management. With savvy boardwork by renowned producer Mike Hagler (Wilco),  Animal Farm is finally ready to roam free range with its genre-jumping brand of kid's music.

Animal Farm (insert your own George Orwell joke here) uses RUN FREE to bring eight initial songs to the spotlight. "When Pigs Fly" is a power-pop ballad complete with conditions from the air traffic controller. There's a countrified "Vegetarian Spider," a South African/world music-infused "The Hippo Song," and they use the metaphor of physical growing pains for the snake-infested "Shed Your Skin":

Everybody's got something they eventually outgrew,
Everybody gotta shed a skin or two.
Because it's out with the old and in with the new,
Everybody's gotta shed a skin or two.

I feel a certain kinship with Hagler, who worked as a parts manager at a car dealership before getting into music. With a day job at a software company, who knew that one day I would reviewing children's music at a prodigious clip? Many kindie acts find themselves in the same position – it starts as a side project or develops after putting together a simple act for a birthday party. it's fun, it's infectious, and to paraphrase the catchy Pringle's slogan, betcha can't do it just once.

Time will tell if distance will divide Animal Farm once more. Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke produced a stellar Animal Kingdom CD last year and numerous other artists circle the terrain. Geography works to their advantage, as I have yet to be inundated with CDs from other Chicago-area kindie musicians. You can play some samples for your kids here. Party down with your children like it's 1984 with Animal Farm (sorry, couldn't help myself).

RUN FREE is available on Animal Farm's website, BandCamp, and CDBABY.

Here is a live performance of the band playing their song, "Glitter Bug":