Imagine, if you will, What to Expect: the Toddler Years as a kid's musical production on the Broadway stage. Relax in a plush, red velvet seat as you're treated to a toe-tappin' family performance with song & dance numbers about picky eaters, babies learning their first letters, haircuts and a newborn's most important wardrobe accessory.
What I've just described is not on the stage (although maybe should it be) but if the idea of such a collection of music sounds super cool, check out Max's Family Band. Yes, they are indeed a family and their children's album debut is one which, if I didn't know any better, I'd think was straight from the Great White Way. All the staples of a fine stage show recording are here: vocals high in the mix, bouncy piano, a smattering of punchy horns and a focus on annunciation (the key, really, in any great musical cast recording).
I hear shades of Dear Edwina on "Picky" and "Grandma Time", with it's sweet "Grandma Time / it's all fine" backing vocal. On "I'm Glad You Discovered M" and "Kiss all My Boo-Boos Away" - a great companion song to Dreyer Family Band's "BooHoo"-I can hear a little of A Year with Frog and Toad, too.
With roots planted firmly in musical theater tradition, the family's foray into the kiddie music world yields some truly unique and highly enjoyable results. As a point of reference, Sandra Boynton's work is probably Max's Family Band's closest cousin musically.
Max's Family Band, the album, is a hit and if it was indeed an off-Broadway show it would no doubt be extended by popular demand.
The Ivy & Bean's Secret Treasure Box is the ideal way for a young reader to dive headstrong into the world of Ivy and Bernice (Bean). This tidy set includes the 1st three books in the popular series and a 4th "book" that is actually a secret hiding spot for a cool little Ivy & Bean diary (included). Despite it's tempting fonts, stylish argyle covers and wickedly cool illustrations, I was a little apprehensive about starting the Ivy & Bean series. My oldest is a 5-year-old gal who still enjoys the infantile Maisy books, so I was in absolutely no hurry to usher in older (yet sometimes more juvenile) situations, words and behavior. I accept that such material may be a part of the growing up process for a 6, 7, 8-year-old but again, I found myself in no hurry to be the catalyst for it.
After reading the 1st Ivy & Bean book, most of my, call 'em fears, proved a bit over-reactionary. Yeah, Bean is a bit of a name caller, her big sis drops a 'booger-head' or two as well, and there's some light trespassing activity but really this is all just good, relatively harmless childhood fun through the eyes of a pair of precocious 7-year-old girls.
For the first half of the first book we discover Ivy only through the eyes of Bean, who perceives her neighbor in a negative light and, despite her mother's constant prodding, refuses to interact with her. Eventually, however, the girls do meet and the imaginary wall Bean constructed begins to crumble. The girls quickly find themselves inseparable and thus the series is born. The first book is a fantastic set up of the friendship, while the 2nd begins the series' pattern of zeroing in with a focused, self-contained story.
While each of the first 3 books in the series is outstanding on their own, the finest moment of the set comes late in "Ivy & Bean Set The Fossil Record", the 3rd book. In an attempt to set a world record in something, anything, and impress their classmates, the girls convince themselves that the bones too-easily discovered in the yard are those of dinosaurs. As a crowd gathers to inspect their junior paleontology, Ivy is unfazed. Bean, however, reacts quite differently. It's at this juncture that Bean understands a primary difference between herself and her BFF. She sees that for someone like Ivy, who is generally unaffected by the opinions of others, life must often be lead in a kind of solitude. Loneliness can be the trade-off for being fiercely independent.
This moment in the series marks an important introspective moment for Bean. She must come to grips with her fears of embarrassment and do so without the understanding or support of Ivy, who experiences none of it. Throughout these books, the development of the two primary characters is fantastic, climaxing right here towards the finish of the the third installment. As the series unfolds we learn more of Ivy & Bean's innocently-deviant ways, thoughts and desires through some lovely, delicate writing that shows, equally, the joys and frustrations of being a young girl.
The 4th "book" is the The Top Secret Treasure Box. It's a hollow book with a little nook containing a mini-journal/diary. The facade should prove the perfect hiding spot, allowing your girl to keep her private thoughts out of the hands of pesky brothers and sisters.
With the release of "Doomed to Dance" later this year, the Ivy & Bean series, which has sold more than 1/2 million books to date (yikes!), will be up to a 1/2 dozen books.
OWTK was inside the cavernous New York Public Library on 42nd and 5th this past Saturday afternoon. We passed through the imposing pair of Library Lions not to read or be silent, oh no. We were there to rock, dance and, in general, be merry along with Seattle's finest kiddie rock trio, Recess Monkey.
They played a mix of tunes, mostly from Tabby Road and Field Trip, making two trips back in time for "Aquarium" from "Animal House" and "I Got A Toy (but I Played with the Box) from "Welcome to Monkey Town". The band was tight, energetic and hilarious - as always.
Mayor Monkey, the band's outstanding manager and the monkey most responsible for the trio's success, sat front and center behind his brand new desk. During the hour long set, he endured the grabby fingers of numerous Manhattan children and came away a bit dazed, but overall, in good spirits.
Check out a couple highlights from the show.
"Bubble Factory" - one of the best cuts from "Field Trip". This disco-infused number should be a staple of Recess Monkey live shows for many years to come. A Robbert Bobbert style bubble machine would be a nice addition to the performance of this cool tune.
"Aquarium" - this one goes back a ways, to the "Animal House" disc. It's most enjoyable to hear Jack and Daron singing "Aquarium" as if they're under water.
'Twas only a matter of time before a link was made between my old record label and the ever-expanding family music world - ya know 6 degrees of separation and all. It could be said that I myself am that connection (through the kid's CD reviews I write here). Well, now there is another.
John of John and Mark's Children's Record is the linkage. Mr. John Upchurch is known by most as a player in the late-great Chicago band The Coctails (as well as a member of the fantastic indie chamber orchestra The Rachels). I too know John from those Chicago outfits, they were all in my late-90's musical wheelhouse, and I've seen him (and Mark) perform live a few times throughout the years. For me though, John Upchurch will always be, first and foremost, the proprietor and artist behind Fireproof Press, the printing press responsible for the prettiest pair of MindWalk's 5 releases. John & Fireproof also worked with June of '44, Tortoise and numerous other semi-legendary (and way more well-known) indie rock bands. It's no surprise that Fireproof, in association with the uber-talented Archer Prewitt, also designed J&M's Children's Record. It's also no surprise that the packaging is once again lovely.
When I learned that Upchurch, along with Co-Coctail Mark Greenberg (also of Archer Prewitt's band), had recorded an all-ages CD, I did a little happy dance. I was genuinely giddy and couldn't wait to hear what these two guys had made for our children's listening pleasure. As I popped the CD in, I had just one wish: that John and Mark's kiddie music would still possess their unique, jazzy musical stamp.
Boy-o-boy, does it ever! Their debut collection of curious tunes for kids is out of left-field, and out of this world.
The disc begins with "The Lawnmower", a strong candidate for kid's song-of-the-year honors. The first verse paints such a hilarious picture of kids trapped inside their house, held back from outdoor fun by an overgrown yard. While Dad & Mom tend to the unruly lawn, we all get to sing all long as the "Lawnmower goes off / and the lawnmower goes on".
"A Counting Error" alternates between a pair of distinctly different musical themes. The first uses punchy horns, whistling (that for some reason makes me think of Guns and Roses), and some left/right panned, raspy-voice utterances. The second musical idea employs soothing piano beneath a vocal exercise in counting and the letters of the alphabet. The payoff comes in the 3rd and final verse, in the form of an inventive alpha-numeric jumble. Enjoyable doesn't quite cut it. "A Counting Error" is super cool.
Every single track here, including the gorgeous instrumental piano piece "In My Blue House", will stick with you for days. Whether your singing about a trip to "Pat, the Alligator Lady's House" (a line that I simply CANNOT get out of my head), "a giraffe all brown and yellow singing a capella" ("The Elephant Leads the Way"), putting on your "Honey Boots", or about a friend who "says that he can see Ultraviolet" ("Colors") will depend only upon where the disc stops when you stop the car.
Much like Johnny Bregar's "Christmas Cove" and "Two Thumbs Up", the 10 songs here aren't about kids or kid situations necessarily, and that's perfectly okay. Let John and Mark's Children's Record serve as the template for what I'm calling Family or All-Ages music - an entire album of music that's gentle enough lyrically so as able to be enjoyed by infants, tweens and grandparents alike yet musically adventurous enough to be taken seriously as art.
John and Mark's Children's Record certainly has musical credibility and while you will be singing along easily enough, you may need to lean in a bit to appreciate this one fully. Pay close attention to the 30+ minutes of music on this disc and it's likely that you'll agree with me when I say John and Mark's Children's Record is among the best children's music albums to be released this year. Feeling like a delightful mix of vintage Sesame Street and late 60's Bob Dylan, the old school sentimentality of this surprising debut will charm the pull-ups right off your kids.
John and Mark's Children's Record has an organic, loose feel to it yet at the same time is refined and immaculately constructed & recorded. This casual elegance, if you will, ultimately becomes the album's strength. It's also what gives the music a timeless quality that should lend to an elongated shelf life. John and Mark's Children's Record is sublime. Buy it and love it, for a long long time.
Talk about luck. Today's Secret Agent 23 Skidoo show had the feeling of a private house concert. The show took place in the front room of the intimate Grindstone Coffee shop on 5th Street, just south of South St. in Philly. The 15 square foot space is bordered with well-worn sofas, mismatched chairs, striking artwork, old books and vinyl records.
One could tell that 23 Skidoo felt at home in the space. Although knowing him the little bit that I do, I get the sense he's relaxed and at home just about anywhere he lays down his hat. The friends, family and fortunate fans who made their way to South Philly on this warm Sunday afternoon were treated to what ended up being a free 1 hour gig with the best kid's hip hop artist working today (that statement isn't nearly as provocative as it may sound as Skidoo's main challenger for the crown is Hip Hop Harry)
Cactus was joined by his wife Brooke and their adorable lil' gal Saki. The incredible Mahira was also on hand lending backing vocals and gorgeous harmonies. The set included 3 new tunes, from the forthcoming re-release of "Easy" on Tor Hyams'Happiness Records. The best of the new trio was "Robots Can't Cry", featuring both Mahira and Brooke on vocals. Check it out below - watch for Saki entering 1/2 way through doing the robot back and forth across the floor and then, right on queue with the lyrics, becoming a very sad robot. Terrific song. Brilliant performance.
Later in the set, Saki joined Mom and Pop on the mic for "Family Tree", which is the Bear's favorite track from "Easy". The live version was pretty true to the record, Saki even sounds the same despite having aged at least a year since it's recording. Adorable, funny song and seeing the entire family singing it together was pretty special. Check out "Family Tree" live:
As it was the last time we saw 23 Skidoo, "Gotta Be Me" closed the show. This time the Bear took the microphone for one go around of the chorus. She shouted out the song's title a half dozen times - loud and proud!
We're going to be seeing Secret Agent 23 Skidoo & Family again in less than 48 hours. This time at the more expansive Philadelphia Zoo.
It's not like it was invitation only or anything, but still, I feel kinda honored to have seen such an intimate 23 Skidoo show, especially 'cause his audiences are bound to start expanding as his star in the family music world keeps rising.
Post-show, the Mouse was spotted on the streets of Philadelphia sporting her new 23 Skidoo Tee.
Charity and the JAMband are giving away a free song download every single month in 2009.
The single songs are great...but the JAMband has really upped the ante today. In celebration of Charity's son turning 7-years old, she is giving away a full album download for FREE. That's right, you can get the entire "Rock Your Socks Off" album for absolutely zero dollars, simply by using the code SiSiJAMS at checkout. Awesome.
Happy Birthday Silas!
Gotta act quick though, as this deal goes bye-bye tomorrow morning 10am PST. Download Rock Your Socks Off (full album) for FREE! Use discount code SiSiJAMS at checkout. Offer good until 10am PST tomorrow 7/7.
From snappy album art to punchy power-pop, this Seattle quintet makes quite a splash in the kiddie pool with their debut "We Are The Not-Its!"
Fans of Sub Pop Records and mid-90's indie rock will likely recognize the lead vocalist of The Not-Its. Sarah Shannon (of Velocity Girl) picks up right where she left off with 1994's "I Can't Stop Smiling", laying her voice over top of some fantastic danceable pop gems about gettin' fancy, birthday parties, bath time and intergalactic play dates. Fast forwarding 15 years, her audience probably doesn't look a whole lot different, justswap out the chain wallets for diaper bags.
While Shannon's voice is the one you may know, it's not the only one you'll hear on "We Are The Not-Its!" In fact, the album's two coolest tunes are sung by one of the boys in the band and the results are outstanding. "I Love Camping"uses a sweet "We're going camping / oh yeah" chorus, funny clap & sing-along breakdown, and crunchy guitars to make certain that you won't need more than half a listen before you'll fall in love with camping as well. "When I'm Five" peeks in on a youngster's mindset as kindergarten fast approaches. The tune has really captured the Bear's attention, as she is only 6 weeks away from entering the school system herself. It's opening line of "When I'm Five / Off to school I will go / o-oh" oozes awesomeness. Listen and watch for yourself:
"The Great Compromise" and "Watch Me Share" prove that life lesson infused songs can be fun when the subject matter is in the hands of a nimble songwriter who understands that a nuanced story is far more compelling then a sermon. "The Great Compromise" proves excellent at delivering it's pro-middle-ground message without the feeling of being beaten over the head. "Watch Me Share" does the same, with a softly harmonized "You're a great friend / watch me share" chorus. The Not-Its! have arrived with an arsenal of four part harmonies, catchy pop music ideas, and a pair of pink tutus. Their debut, "We Are The Not-Its!", with it's smile-all-the-time vibe, uptempo backbeat and sugary sweet vocals, is an easy record to like. The disc's a treat, one that your kids should be allowed to gobble up as often as they wish. Head over to The Not-Its! website to hear and buy the album.
OWTK is a daddy blog where musings on parenthood, society and culture mingle with kid's music reviews, children's book reviews, and reviews of various toys and films. If you're a PR rep looking for some exposure for your family-oriented product(s) please contact OWTK (email address in the logo)
Imagine, if you will, What to Expect: the Toddler Years
as a kid's musical production on the Broadway stage. Relax in a plush, red velvet seat as you're treated to a toe-tappin' family performance with song & dance numbers about picky eaters, babies learning their first letters, haircuts and a newborn's most important wardrobe accessory. 
With roots planted firmly in musical theater tradition, the family's foray into the kiddie music world yields some truly unique and highly enjoyable results. As a point of reference, Sandra Boynton's work is probably Max's Family Band's closest cousin musically.
is the ideal way for a young reader to dive headstrong into the world of Ivy and Bernice (Bean). This tidy set includes the 1st three books in the popular series and a 4th "book" that is actually a secret hiding spot for a cool little Ivy & Bean diary (included). 
" later this year, 
(as well as a member of the fantastic indie chamber orchestra The Rachels). I too know John from 
