Thursday, September 20, 2012

Music for Good Little Ghouls and Boys

What's a punk to do when his band breaks up?

If you're Kepi, late of the Groovie Ghoulies, you soldier on (like one of the living dead, I suppose).

The band's dissolution was a side effect from the breakup of his marriage to the band's lead singer. But Kepi continued his recording and performance schedule. And you would never guess that after his last solo effort, I BLEED ROCK 'N ROLL, he would turn to childrens' music.

KEPI FOR KIDS stays pretty far afield from punk. Except for a quick Ramones tribute in "Dee Dee Taught Me How to Count," the CD is standard kid fare. That is, with a song called "The Beast With Five Hands."

While Kepi is pictured on the cover playing an electric guitar, however, the sound is strictly acoustic. That proves to be a liability, as the songs mostly blend together with similar strumming and drumming. Clever, simple wordplay make "Nuts for Nuts" and the followup "Nuts for 'Nuts for Nuts'" enjoyable. And most kids don't need much encouragement to "Spazz Out."

Former Skankin' Pickle Mike Park's Fun Fun Records is a haven for punks of all denominations. And definitely kudos for Kepi and his concept of "Kepiland" for the little Keppers. I envision a busy tour schedule from September-November, unless he's willing to rechristen himself as "Kepi AND the Ghoulies." And if not, perhaps some more songs like "A Little Bit Weird" that cultivate the Ghoulie brand. That would be truly groovy.

KEPI FOR KIDS is available for pre-order from Fun Fun Records and will be released October 9.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 20, 2012

First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
What Will You Ever See?  - Lunch Money
I Can't Quit Her - Blood, Sweat & Tears
Call Me Maybe  - Carly Rae Jepsen
A Dog Named Bruce - Ralph's World
Our World - My Morning Jacket
A Friend Like You - Steve Weeks
White And Nerdy - Weird Al Yankovic
Flat Tire - Dean Jones
In Tents - Recess Monkey

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Summer Baby (Let It Ride) -  Caspar Babypants
Here Comes The Sun -  Ben Rudnick & Friends     
Be My Baby -  The Ronettes
All Around The World -  Ralph's World
Butterfly -  The Nields
Planes, Trains and Automobiles -  Henning Ohlenbusch
My Happiness -  Chris Isaak
Popcorn  -  Recess Monkey
I'm Dreaming -  Randy Newman
Kiss With A Fist  -  Florence + The Machine    
Dance Like A Monkey -  New York Dolls

Monday, September 17, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Yellow - Renee & Jeremy
Tongue Tied - Glee
I Am A Scientist  - Mates Of State
Overjoyed - matchbox twenty
Love Is A Superpower - Ben Rudnick & Friends 
Free To Be You And Me - Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys     
Gingerbread Man - Lunch Money
Little Willy - Sweet
Breath Of Life - Florence + The Machine       
Sojourner Truth - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Remembering 9/11 (new podcast)

9/11 has come and gone.

This week, my memories of being in Manhattan during the historic episode.

But first, some contextual remarks about former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. If you're a fan of his, you might want to skip this episode.

Never forget.


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 14, 2012

Daydream Believer - Renee & Jeremy
It Had to Be You - Esquivel
I Wish You Well - Elizabeth Mitchell     
Let Your Love Grow Tall  - Passion Pit
Bouncy House - Recess Monkey
 I Like How It Feels - Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Pop - Bari Koral
Get Up - Melissa Green
First Day - The Board of Education     
Ah Ahsima  - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Ben Rudnick Unveils His Musical Superpowers

What's the big deal about being a hippie?

No wait, that's a bad way to start a review of a children's CD.

But really, what's the big deal?

I've always had trouble with the intricate differences between "hippie" music and acoustic southern rock – some mandolins, some steel pedal guitar, harmonica... C'mon now, you'd have trouble, too.

But I'm getting ahead of myself again, although I don't think Ben Rudnick would have a problem being referred to as a "musical hippie." I mean, it's right there on his Web page and on his press release… "Affectionately nicknamed the Grateful Dead for kids." And with his 10th CD, LOVE IS A SUPERPOWER, he only reinforces that notion.

The title track flashes listeners back to the 70s with a blast of horns and the upbeat chorus:

I got love behind me
I've got a family tree
I've got love love love love love
Love is a superpower

Ben Rudnick and friends have been entertaining families in Massachusetts and surrounding states since 2000. They break little new ground on this CD, but stay true to their vision of positive songs with genial messages. "A Little Boogie" gets your feet moving, "Wheels" lists everything that locomotes and has an effect on your life, and "Chicken Soup Ballad" recounts the making of soup – from the perspective of the vegetables merrily cooking. "Scribbling" delights in the simple pleasure of putting crayon to paper, with a euphonium solo, to boot. Where else could you find an instrumental track paying homage to NBA star Ray Allen (who led the Boston Celtics to a memorable title run)?

Ben Rudnick effortlessly straddles the invisible line between southern rock and laid-back, jam band music. The songs are almost sui generis (although I'm sure Mo Phillips would have words with me if I said that). LOVE IS A SUPERPOWER and Ben Rudnick is its noble practitioner.

And you thought it was a bad thing, being called a hippie.

LOVE IS A SUPERPOWER will be released on Tuesday, September 25 through their Web site, Amazon, CDBABY, bigkids.com, and independent retailers.


Here's the video for "Scribbling":

And the brand new video for "Love is a Superpower":

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 13, 2012

At The Zoo  - Simon & Garfunkel
The Monkeys are Breaking Out   - Too Many Cookies
I Walk The Line  - Chris Isaak
A Dog Named Bruce  - Ralph's World
Great To Be A Kid  - The Not-Its! 
Puzzle Pieces Within  - Lunch Money
Rocketfuel  - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Do What You Do  - XTC        
Subway  - Bari Koral
How Will I Know  - Glee 
Green Green Rocky Road  - Randy Kaplan
Big Blue Whale  - Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 12, 2012

When the Bells Start Ringing (feat. The Head & the Heart) - My Morning Jacket
Because I Said So! - Big Bang Boom  
Kindhearted Babysitter Blues - Randy Kaplan 
Thank You - Dan Zanes & Friends
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen 
Good Bad Boy - Joe Jackson     
If You Want a Mustache - Space Balloons
Hot Sauce - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
She's So Mean - Matchbox Twenty      
The Great Outdoors - Ralph's World

Monday, September 10, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Christmas Song - The Raveonettes
Hippie Mom - Big Bang Boom     
I Can't Quit Her - Blood, Sweat & Tears
Zou bisou bisou  - Gillian Hills
Odd Girl Out - Alexandra
(I Feel Like) Busting Loose - Rebirth Brass Band
Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Henning Ohlenbusch
The Dancin' Bear - Recess Monkey
In A Timeout Now - Randy Kaplan
Mammal - They Might Be Giants

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 10, 2012

Parents Need Sleep  - The Nields
I Just Had an Idea  - Elska      
Treehouse   - Dog On Fleas
Are We There Yet?   - Big Bang Boom    
We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monae)  - fun.
Want U Back  - Cher Lloyd ft. Astro
A Friend Like You   - Steve Weeks
Everybody Here is a Cloud  - Cloud Cult
Uncharted   - Sara Bareilles

The Paperboy (new podcast)

Decades ago, I worked two distinct stints as a paperboy.

This week, I recount those experiences. They did not end well.

Plus, it's time for a look at the stingy nature of one of the country's largest fast food chains.


Thursday, September 06, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Friday, September 7, 2012

Life's A Happy Song -  The Muppets
Because I Said So  -  Keller Williams
There's a Band in My Head  -  Dog On Fleas
Sugar Ant -  Caspar Babypants
The Science Fair -  Ashley Albert
Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart -  Fountains Of Wayne
Subway -  Bari Koral 
Harry Elefante -  Rocknoceros
Make Me -  Big Bang Boom     
Chloe -  Grouplove
Here's To Us -  Glee

Big Bang Boom Rocks, Because I Said So!

There is no applicable response.

"Because I said so."

You've hit a parental dead end.

Big Bang Boom empathizes with kids. They feel the frustration. And so their song of the same title (off the new CD of the same title) laments the titular response - BECAUSE I SAID SO.

I've often said that as a husband, I empathize with kids when I get that response as well.

"I told my mother we would stay at her place this weekend."

"This weekend? But it's a national holiday and they're doing construction on the freeway and the car has been making a funny noise. Why do we have to go to your mother's?"

"Because I said so. Get packing."

BBB takes umbrage at this sort of shenanigans. Surely you jest! But that's the point of their music – rocking out your frustrations, while still getting home in time for milk and cookies.

This goes for all ages. BBB tackles the subject of family road trips, always a prickly topic. Even at 21 months, Matt starts squawking from the back seat, babbling a version of "Are We There Yet," while his older brother sits calmly next to him.

Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, the power-pop trio took a turn for the kindie side in 2007 and Big Bang Boom have discovered a whole new fan base (which in turn reinvents itself every 5-6 years). Multiple awards followed, including a grand prize in this year's John Lennon Songwriting Contest, for "Monster Under the Bed," from their second CD, SONGS YOUR MOTHER WILL LIKE.

Chuck Folds, Steve Williard, and Eddie Walker want kids to know that it's alright to love your "Hippie Mom," it's alright to let people know that "I Can Sing," and that sometimes they need a push to "Make Me."

For parents who detest "little kids" music, here comes the best news: When played for the first time, you may not even realize it's a children's CD. BECAUSE I SAID SO is inspired crunchy pop music, without hard rap or metal edges to hurt young 'uns tender minds.

Take the plunge. Why? Because I...you know the drill.

BECAUSE I SAID SO is available on September 18 from Amazon, CDBaby, and iTunes.

Oh, Chuck's brother is Ben Folds.

Here is the video for "Make Me" from the CD:


Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Thursday, September 6, 2012

Summer Baby (Let It Ride) - Caspar Babypants
Tomorrow Will Be Really Great  - Dan Israel
If You Wanna Dance Say Yeah! - Dog On Fleas
My Magic Trick  - Ralph's World
You Yes You - Tune-Yards
Don't Call Them Twinkies - Craig Finn & the Baseball Project
Put A Little Love In Your Heart - Renee & Jeremy
My Uncle, the Ant - Duke Otherwise
Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Willie & The Wheel
Come To California - The Hipwaders

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Hipwaders Book Trip to Sesame Street

The kindie (kids independent music) scene inspires lots of crossover.

Just looking at any of the recent spate of releases that I've reviewed show dozens of unexpectedly delightful collaborations – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Lunch Money, for instance.

Kindie musicians mine the mainstream for interesting selections to record, in kid-ified form. Not to mention "classic" tracks presented anew for this generation. Two CDs this year alone had different takes on "Free to Be...You and Me."

There are also the occasional cover versions of kindie songs by other artists. San Francisco's the Hipwaders are releasing a CD single featuring their take on Frances England's "The Books I Like to Read." Need another reason to buy a CD single? The "B" side is the theme from "Sesame Street."

Both tracks have been staples of the Hipwaders' live shows for several years, and now they have recorded them for posterity. It's a real treat to have them both in our possession. Matt (21 months old) immediately started singing along when he heard the opening notes of "Sesame" and did an unprompted dance. You may dance as well, if you have any child left inside.

The Hipdwaders do not play many shows on the East Coast. They were in New York for Kindiefest in 2010, but only the Saturday night "industry showcase." A part-time blogger like myself did not make the cut, alas. But we always keep our eyes on the venue calendars and who knows. The Hipwaders are worth the trip if they're appearing in your area.

The CD single will be available on October 2 through Amazon, CDBaby, iTunes, and other music retailers.

Ben's Playlist - Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Sourwood Mountain - Carolina Chocolate Drops
Accentuate the Positive - NRBQ
First Warm Day - The Incredible Chandler Travis Catual Birdomonic
We Are Young (ft. Janelle Monae) - fun.
Pop  - Bari Koral
Twirl! Twirl! Twirl! - Mr. Leebot
Bunny Brown - Caspar Babypants
Born to Be Loved - Lucinda Williams
Party - Dog On Fleas
A Road Song - Fountains Of Wayne
Flat Tire - Dean Jones
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together - Taylor Swift       

Monday, September 03, 2012

Ben's Playlist - Tuesday, September 4, 2012

What Katie Did  - The Libertines
El Jefe  - Mexican Institute of Sound
The Monkey Song  - Jesse Friedberg
The Robot Looked At The Stars    - Ralph's World
Shiny Happy People  - Renee & Jeremy
Bouncy House  - Recess Monkey
Cool Papa Bell   - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Sleepover   - Ellen & Mark
They Got Feet   - George Carver
We Found Love (Feat. Calvin Harris)  - Rihanna
Butterfly  - The Nields

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Pay One Price (new podcast)

As you get older, your vacation time ceases to be YOURS. It becomes "family time."

Just as sick days become reserved for days when your KIDS are sick, vacation days are booked for "family time."

We recently spent some "family time" at a local amusement park, waiting for an expected downpour and hoping to squeeze in some fun.

This week, that experience.

Plus "Death Wish 2000," a very dated comedy bit from close to 30 years ago, when the year 2000 WAS the far future.

Ben's Playlist - Monday, September 3, 2012

Lonely Glove - Caspar Babypants
Yellow  - Renee & Jeremy
Edwina Mae - Recess Monkey
Henry (Hudson), How Ya Gonna Find a Way? - The Deedle Deedle Dees
Something's Coming - Glee
Wrong Thing - The Hipwaders
Bag of Dreams - Steven Courtney
Mind Over Matter  - Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Want U Back - Cher Lloyd ft. Astro 
Turning Tables - Adele