Category Archives: Music

Check It Out: Sugar Free Allstars – All on a Sunday Afternoon

The Sugar Free Allstars are back with their third kids’ album, “All On A Sunday Afternoon.” This album, like other releases from the duo of Chris “Boom” Wiser and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin, contains the usual infectious funk/soul/rhythm and blues sound while also paying tribute to Motown and Stax Records.  And, they’ve brought some additional friends to, er, pump up the jam.

“All On A Sunday Afternoon” is filled with sentiment and love and feels as though it is coming from the personal parenting experiences and musical influences of its creators.  This is most evident in “Sunday Afternoon,” (featuring additional strings from Keith and Ezra of Trout Fishing in America) which talks about spending time with family, as well as, a couple of smoother jams like “Very Best Friend,” a sweet little song about love and companionship, “99 Questions,” a gospel number featuring Wiser preaching about gaining a better understanding of the world by asking lots of questions and “Ready To Give Up Teddy,” a heartwarming ballad expressing a child’s feelings about being ready to give up sleeping with their teddy bear.  But, instead of being sad about the separation, the child is reassuring Mom and Dad that they are ready for it.  The song coincidentally has some parallel melodies to “Easy” by the Commodores which further supports the bands appreciation for Motown.

The album starts out strong with the high-energy “Gotta Get-Up,” featuring the addition of Shawana Kemp from Shine and the Moonbeams and Jack Foreman from Recess Monkey who make excellent and very convincing advocates for getting out of bed in the morning.  I like to think of them as sort of a power-up brigade.  Along with the album release, the duo released a video featuring stop motion animation by Kyle Roberts of Reckless Abandonment Pictures.  The video is packed with action, literally and figuratively, as the duo are turned into action figures while other toys are taking over and trying to get Wiser out of bed which includes everything from cookin’ some eggs to a firetruck rolling Wiser’s clothes over to him.  And in true Sugar Free Allstars fashion, we are called to participate in a funky dance called the “Stretch and Yawn.”  It’s easy and gets your energy flowing.

The following song, “Hiccup” a fun and educational song which is filled with the beloved Allstars organ sounds and some handclaps while adding commentary informing us about the science behind those little buggers.

“Put ‘Em Away,” is a fast paced funk-venture that puts a fun little twist on the traditional clean up song and it features awesome auxiliary percussion by Marty Beller of They Might Be Giants, as well as some sweet bass by Jay Wilkinson.

Another notable song is “Love Train” which not only features Keller Williams giving the song a psychedelic edge with the addition of a guitar and kaosilator, but also features the family funk host Sir Groove-A-Tron.

As a big fan of the Talking Heads, I was pleasantly surprised to hear the Allstars perform their own version of “Stay up Late” which is an excellent rendition of the original version but with the bonus of some sweet organ noise.

The Sugar Free Allstars have once again produced a fun series of songs that are sure to be enjoyed by the 3 through 8 yr old crowd.  The 36-minute album also features a full-length concert DVD which provides some insight into just how energetic and powerful the live shows are.

I will leave you with one last thought that embodies the spirit of this album: Just like Mr. Don Cornelius used to say “we wish you peace, love and soul.”

You can stream the album below, as well as, view the video for “Gotta Get Up.”  Enjoy!

All On A Sunday Afternoon courtesy of YouTube

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the album  for possible review.  

Upcoming Release: Little Seed – Elizabeth Mitchell: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie

Posted in Upcoming Release by

In July, Elizabeth Mitchell will be releasing a new album from the Smithsonian Folkways label.  The album, “Little Seed,” is the only album containing Woody Guthrie’s children’s songs just in time to for his centennial celebration.

Mitchell is featured on the album along with her husband Daniel Littleton, daughter Storey and friends, including Amy Helm, daughter of the late Levon Helm, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, and Ruthy Ungar.

“Little Seed” will contain 13 songs (totaling 29 minutes), 8 of which are new recordings while 5 are previously released recordings by Mitchell.  Below is a track listing plus 2 sample sneak peaks which existing fans and newbies are sure to enjoy.

We are eagerly awaiting this release!  Anytime we get to hear Elizabeth Mitchell (and family), it is always such a delight and the pairing of her with Woody Guthrie’s work just seems so right.

Enjoy a sneak preview of Bling Blang and This Land is Your Land.

TRACK LIST:
1. Riding in My Car
2. Bling Blang*
3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8*
4. Why, Oh Why *
5. Sleep Eye *
6. Who’s My Pretty Baby?
7. Rattle My Rattle*
8. This Land Is Your Land*
9. Merry-Go-Round*
10. One Day Old
11. Little Sugar
12. Grassy Grass Grass
13. Little Seed*

*Previously Unreleased

Check It Out: Ellen and Matt – It’s Love

Listening to the second release from Los Angeles-based Ellen and Matt is like a journey through time. “It’s Love” presents itself as a comprehensive music box containing classic sounds from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It also once again showcases the band’s musical talent and solid songwriting skills.

Since their debut “Best Friends,” released about 5-6 years ago, Ellen and Matt have been busy trying to balance raising their 3 sons, touring and producing a new record. And it’s from their familial experiences that the couple drew inspiration for “It’s Love,” which includes relatable topics packaged up with a retro vibe and some serious rock n’ roll.

The recording of the album was made successful due to the fund raising campaign that took place on indiegogo, a crowd funding site which provides a platform for people to raise money for the projects they are working on, much like Kickstarter. The money that was raised helped make this record possible and, in an offering of gratitude, the couple included a candid thank you song at the end of their album for those who made contributions.

Ellen and Matt’s music is honest and they stick with their roots which is what I think makes this album so special. With each song, “It’s Love” evokes a different emotion and overall carries a more diverse sound within the kids music scene. It reminds me of the awesome music we used to listen to on road trips growing up. Blending progressive rock, soft rock, new wave, punk and even some good ole country twang, the two clearly inject their musical influences into their sound, channeling greats like Karen Carpenter, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash and The Sex Pistols, just to name a few. Ah, sweet nostalgia.

As I’ve listened to the album, I’ve grown very fond of it. There are so many levels to each song and with each spin I hear something new that impresses me even more about the band’s musical talents, whether it be sweet guitar licks in “Tickle Bug,” overall composition, storytelling skills or Savannah Duplissea’s echoey vocals at the end of the funky disco track “Drive Thru” (which are reminiscent of Clare Torry’s vocals at the end of Pink Floyd’s “Great Gig In The Sky”). They even have a steady cowbell workin’ the beat in the title track “It’s Love,” which also features a killer guitar solo by Tony Atkinson. It reminded me a lot of the movie “Dazed and Confused” and is sure to be a regular summer jam in our house.

Ellen and Matt’s songwriting abilities are stellar but you might just find yourself falling into the groove of the music before catching onto the lyrics, which is not a bad thing, but more of a case to replay the album and listen to the message within each song. In general, I think the target audience is mainly the 5-8 crowd. However, there are some sweet songs that the under 5 crowd will catch on to and enjoy as well like “Playground” which goes through all the exciting things that can happen where “all the active kids meet,” “Shadow” which features Ellen’s soulful Carpenter-esque crooning and is E’s favorite song and “Your Body is a Zoo,” a fun little honky-tonk number with a catchy refrain (“moo oink bow wow chicka licka meow meow”). Even Matt does a solo in the sweet song “Teddy Bear” which is about the companionship that only a soft little friend can provide.

“It’s Love” provides an eclectic mix of music aiming to bring families together. And without a doubt, Ellen and Matt show us that rock n’ roll is here to stay!

You can find Ellen and Matt here as well as sample and download their album here.

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of the album for possible review.

Below are two videos which further show the band’s ability to get the kids’ movin’.

Drive-Thru

Shadow

Check It Out: Lucky Diaz and The Family Band – A Potluck

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

If you just take a look at the deliciously colorful album cover of Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band’s latest release, “A Potluck,” you will get a sense of how the album feels.  It’s bright, bold and filled with tons of charm.

Los Angeles-based Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band is led by the recently married Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis.  “A Potluck” is their second full-length release which brings us a diverse listening experience made up of many different musical styles aiming to bring fun and delight to children (and grown-ups alike!).  Throughout the album, you can feel the pleasure Diaz and his bandmates derive from making good kids music.  Each song is like a sweet piece of optimistic pie.

Right off the bat, the first 3 songs open the album with true (k)indie-pop flare.  Starting with their first single, the electro-pop appetizer “Lines and Dots,” followed by “On My Bike,” which actually includes the sound effect of a bike bell (true bike awesomeness), and “Lemonade Stand” are all hand-clapping, upbeat numbers that are sure to get your body moving.

My favorite song on the album is the fiesta filled “Monkey Jones” which includes a solid beat and lots of horns that take you to the Caribbean, dancing barefoot on the beach.  Even better is the fact that “Day-O” (The Banana Boat Song) can be heard echoing in the background as the song ends.

Kids will also enjoy crowing like a rooster in the swing-a-delic Lil’ Red Rooster and the “meow meow meow” chorus of “Tres Ratones,” which was inspired by Lucky’s Mexican heritage.  Although the song is in Spanish, E has already learned the words and exclaims “Oh, this is my song!” every time she hears it.

The album wraps up with another poem called “Night” which brings us to the start of the Potluck where people are gathering together for the delicious feast while reminding us that “…we’re all so different but connected every one.  We each bring something special to the table and that’s what makes it so much fun.”  I love how both “Morning” and “Night” act as a prologue and epilogue, tying the album together while making clever references to either a character or message within a song.

I can’t express enough love for Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band.  Their enthusiasm is infectious and “A Potluck” is sure to be a delicious summer treat!

Listen to samples and/or buy/download their album from Amazon here or iTunes here.
Read an interview with Lucky and Alisha (courtesy of Dadnabbit) here.

Check It Out: Charlie Hope – Songs, Stories and Friends: Let’s Go Play

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

Charlie Hope‘s third release, “Songs, Stories and Friends: Let’s Go Play”, comes at us again with some more charm.  This album, like her first album, “I’m Me,” combines familiar classics like a zany “Wheels on the Bus” and “Ants Go Marching,” as well as, lovely originals like “Best friends,” “One That I Love” and “Hot Air Balloon,” some of our family favorites.

Where “I’m Me” was a collection of songs, “Songs, Stories and Friends: Let’s Go” is broken up by some spoken word, cheerful verses like “Tiny Tim” and a story called The Bear Family, a tale about Goldilocks and the Three Bears in the city, as told by Charlie’s mom.

What I found interesting and unique about this album is that it was designed to be a story in and of itself.  The eighth track, aptly named, “Picnic Party,” welcomes us to play some games, sit on a blanket and share yummy snacks while enjoying music by Charlie and some friends.  The party starts out in the sunshine and, as such, you can hear kids playing in the background.  But then, it starts to rain (which you can hear at the end of the “Tiny Tim” track) and although that would promptly put an end to park fun, it is then that Charlie calls us over to the pavilion to stay dry.

While in the pavilion, we are entertained with a jazzy rendition of Robin In The Rain (which some of you may know from Raffi) and a duet with Caspar Babypants whose audible sloshing can be heard as though he is running through the puddles and mud in his froggy boots.  The two perform a duet of “Alouette” upon request from a little boy and the party is once again turned into some hand-clapping and foot-tapping fun.  The rain finally ends just in time for us to get in our boats and row along with “Row Row.” Hope wraps up with some soft melodies that once again feature her angelic voice encouraging us to remember the fun we had at our party and promising to see us again soon.

Charlie Hope once again provides a fun and interactive experience for kids and their families.  It’s a party you’ll want to attend over and over again.  I can especially see it as a companion for some car rides.  Recommended for the 0-5 crew for sure and it would probably even work for slightly bigger ones that are a year or two older.

Tracks from the album can be heard here.  Songs can also be previewed and downloaded here.

Check It Out: Charlie Hope – I’m Me

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

Want to fall in love? Perhaps that’s a presumptuous way to start a review about kids music, however, that is what happened when I first heard Charlie Hope.  Love, just love.  Her soft, enchanting voice instantly transports you to a place filled with flowers and sunshine.  In fact, you can even hear birds chirping throughout the album.

As a multi-award winning artist, the path that led her to success has been one filled with music, family and children. Hope earned a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy With Children and has worked in preschools and privately as a nanny.  In fact, “Blue Balloon” and “Cowboy Boots” were inspired by a boy she was nannying for at the time the album was being written.

Hope’s approach to music is much like her education and experience.  “It’s Me” is filled with love and appreciation for who children are as individuals.  Imagination makes anything possible and is encouraged while listening to “I’m Me.”  The album is interactive and provides a comfortable platform for kids to express themselves in their best animal voices like in the title track “I’m Me,” move their bodies to the beat of a train in “Train Song,” drive a fire truck in “Fire Truck” and even blast off in a rocket ship to the moon in “Zoom Zoom.,” which provides an educational element as Hope counts backwards from 10 to 1 before the rocket takes off.

“I’m Me” contains familiar classics like a sweet-as-candy “Mr. Sun” (which some may recognize from Raffi), “Mulberry Bush” and “Pop Goes the Weasel, as well as, some wonderful originals which address relevant topics like the addition of a new baby and nap time all wrapped up in some catchy hooks that aim to deliver a positive message to little ears.

Parents should appreciate the “Frog Song” as Hope starts with 5 frogs and counts backwards to 1 frog while making up random things that the frogs are eating on their log (toast with jam, steamed carrots, edamame and applesauce).  Throughout the song, Hope is interrupted by kids pointing out that frogs don’t eat those things until they get to the last frog which correctly eats flies and the children then acknowledge that.  We like to turn it into a fun game and change up some of the food the frogs eat.  Although, to the 3yr old in our home, poop is apparently something hilarious that frogs like to eat. But that’s a whole other post.

With regard to Charlie Hope, there is something to be said about an artist who wholly understands how essential music is to our well-being and just how much it can educate and empower children.  “I’m Me” is a wonderful collection of songs that welcomes acceptance of who we we are while acknowledging the silly we all have inside of us.

While listening to Charlie’s sweet voice, I can’t help but be reminded of the quote “sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching and live like its heaven on earth.”

You can listen to the entire album here and download tracks here.  Below is a video for “Train Song” courtesy of You Tube but it is also featured on the main page of Charlie’s website.

Check It Out: Renee & Jeremy – A Little Love

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

Renee & Jeremy are back again with their latest release, “A Little Love,” and this time it’s a little different.

The fourth release from the L.A. based duo is a series of covers built on the theme of universal love. The duo hand-picked some of their favorite songs with very specific criteria: the lyrics should encompass this theme and be family friendly.

I was initially intrigued when I first heard that the duo was going to do a cover album.  Cover albums come in all kinds of flavors and some try very hard to recreate an original but sometimes fall short.  “A Little Love” is a perfect example of how Renee & Jeremy don’t try to imitate, they simply and effortlessly recreate in a very natural and harmonious way, resulting in a folksy groove that just makes you feel good inside.

The new release will bedazzle you with mellow renditions of  Coldplay’s “Yellow,” Supertramp’s “Give A Little Bit,” Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” and, perhaps the most surprising, The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away.”

What I also love about the album is how well it transitions from track to track. The songs flow together like a clean baton hand-off during a relay race.

Although the album falls under the genre of kids music, I could absolutely see it being played on adult contemporary radio stations as well.  Suitable for all ages, “A Little Love” once again makes a point of reminding us just how lovely and talented these two artists are.

You can view samples of the album, as well as, purchase digital copies at Renee & Jeremy’s website.  Physical copies of their albums are also available at the usual places, i.e. CDBaby and Amazon. I’ve also included a hauntingly beautiful video of Coldplay’s “Yellow” performed by Renee and Jeremy and directed by Jon Izen.

**Updated: Renee & Jeremy also released a video from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ cover of “Give It Away” which can be viewed here.

Check It Out: Renee & Jeremy – It’s A Big World

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

Sometimes we need a hug, no matter how big or small we are, we just need the warmth of something to surround us and let us know that everything will be ok.

Over the weekend, my 3yr old was overtired and simply tapped out. We are going through the lovely transitionary period where the nap is no longer an option but either is staying up all day. So, last Saturday evening when my daughter couldn’t quite hold it together, she just stood in front of me with tears streaming down her face. She was defeated. So, as we sat on the floor and I held her in my arms, I turned on “It’s A Big World” and for the next 15 minutes we were enveloped in the calming embrace that is Renee & Jeremy.

Renee & Jeremy is made up of two wonderful L.A. based artists who, aside from this effort, are parents and solo artists in their own right. One half of the duo is Renee Stahl, who has released solo albums for film, TV and advertising. The other half, Jeremy Toback, current member of Chop Love Carry Fire, released a couple of solo albums in the late 90’s, and formed the band Brad with Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam. As a whole, these two produce soothing sounds that pull you in and sweep you up into an aura of love.

Renee & Jeremy’s debut, “It’s A Big World,” was released in 2007. The first 2 songs written (“Welcome To This World” and “Falling Star Lullaby”) were inspired by Jeremy’s youngest son. What’s even sweeter is that the album was recorded while Renee was pregnant with her first child (they actually recorded the album in the baby’s nursery). Knowing this further increases the depth and sincerity in the sound and spirit of this album. It’s totally authentic and filled with so much love.

While “It’s A Big World” was intended to be a lullaby album, there are a few upbeat songs. One in which I absolutely love and how I came to know Renee & Jeremy is “Night Mantra.” The song’s lyrics are “I will be your home/I will be your guide/I will be your friend/always on your side/sleep now in your room/quiet of the night/surrounded by the moon til you see the light.”

Other great songs include “It’s A Big World”, “Free”, “Powder Blue Solo”, “Sleep My Love” and “Shoorahlaywho.”

“It’s A Big World” should definitely be listened to in it’s entirety and on repeat. It is suitable for the 0-5 crowd but can also be heavily consumed by grown-ups whether you are a parent or not. We enjoy it during quiet time and really anytime the environment is calling for a more chilled out vibe, as was the case last Saturday when my daughter was having a rough time.

Please check them out and perhaps purchase a copy for yourself and a friend.

You can listen to four tracks from this album at the duo’s website. They also have an extra track on their MySpace page. You can get a free download, as well as, purchase digital copies of their album from their website. Non-digital copies of their albums are also available at other regular outlets, i.e. CDBaby and Amazon.

Below are some additional videos for your viewing pleasure:

Check It Out: Sugar Free Allstars – Funky Fresh and Sugar Free

When my 3yr old brought out her Parum Drum kit and started slapping some serious skin, I knew we had just stumbled upon some great music. She even looked at me beforehand and said “now we are going to jam.” And we really did.

So, what can I say about the Sugar Free Allstars besides the fact that they bring the funk. Hard! Listening to this album makes you fist pump and head bob harder than you every thought you would listening to “kids music.” At least that is what happened to us. We couldn’t help ourselves and the body rock didn’t stop til the album was over!

The Sugar Free Allstars are an Oklahoma City duo made up of Chris “Boom!” Wiser (Hammond B-3 organ, lead vocals, saxophone) and Rob “Dr. Rock” Martin (drums, back-up vocals). Two guys, that’s it. Together they bring a dynamic mix of humor, energy and serious sound. Their sound is comprised of some New Orleans soul, funk, disco and rock the likes of which could probably be found at Jazzfest or even along Beale Street in Memphis. The addition of the organ and saxophone are much welcome guests to the party.

Starting from the resounding “Rock Awesome,” you are immediately pulled into participating in the whole experience that Funky Fresh and Sugar Free has to offer.

It’s hard to name which tracks are my favorite because it’s all so goooood!! After you finish “rocking awesome,” the album progresses into some funkier tracks, leading up to “SFA Disco Dance Party,” which starts off with Sir Groove-A-Tron luring you in with the incentive of getting all funky and learning some new dance moves “that you can do every day.” Yes, Sir!

“In My Pocket,” a particularly relatable song, talks about stashing treasures in your pocket, some of which include “a little green army man/ and a rubber ball/17 cents in change/ and that’s not all/some rocks I found in my backyard/and a marble or two/and a handful of play-doh/i like to mix yellow and blue.” I think most parents should be able to relate to the regular accumulation of random and most prized posessions.

Other great tracks include “6th Grade Band,” “Cars and Trucks,” “Obla-di, Obla-da,” and “Tiger in My Backyard.”

After participating in the call and response of the “Train Beat Song,” the album ends with an applause and a “Thank You, Goodnight, We Love You.”

But, it’s not just about the music with these two. There is humor, which is most evident in their lyrics, as well as their videos and photos. I especially love the applause and concert-like intro to “Rock Awesome,” as well as, the concluding applause after the “Train Beat Song.”

All wrapped up, it’s a delicious package that can be savored any time of day. I dig it.

Recommended, but with the volume turned way up!!!

Below you will find a selection of videos from SFA but I also wanted to include two collaborative efforts. “Cooperate”, a collaboration between Sugar Free Allstars and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is featured on “All About Bullies Big and Small”, the anti bullying compilation that just won the Grammy for Best Children’s Album!


Check It Out: Elizabeth Mitchell – You Are My Sunshine

Posted in Album Reviews, Reviews by

“So glad I’m Here Every Day” is how this album first opens up and, frankly, that is really how I feel when I listen to this album. And really anything that Elizabeth Mitchell produces. She has such a sweet way of luring me and my daughter into every word she sings. It’s beautiful music.

Although this is her second release, and she has done several releases and projects since then, I decided to review this album first since I am new at reviewing and it was my very first love, er listen, to Elizabeth Mitchell.  Plus, we have been listening to it a lot lately.

This album is wonderful in so many ways. First off, it covers various styles of music and is diverse enough that parents may just find themselves listening to and/or singing songs from this album when the kids are not around. And not just because those darn kids songs don’t leave our heads, but because they are cool enough to be a part of the grown-up community.  The tempo of the album starts off upbeat and slowly winds down with some great folk numbers.

Let’s start with the alphabet song. Yes, you’ve heard and sung this a million times, but when it’s put into a hip, dub-reggae composition such as Mitchell has done here it works, and works really well.  Then there is the fun Bo Diddley which is set to the tune of Bow Wow’s “I Want Candy.”  Brings back such memories for me.  I still remember my Dad coming home with their LP.

The album contains a number of covers the likes of which include Ladybug Picnic, featured on Sesame Street and 3 is the Magic Number from The Magic School Bus. There are also other covers like Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad which was sung by likes of Woody Guthrie and even the Grateful Dead.

I have several favorites on this album but instead of listing them here, I would just urge you to visit her site, listen to her album and get into the groove.

You can get to know Elizabeth Mitchell at her site You Are My Flower and even listen to the album (and others) here.

This album probably works best for kids under 6.  It’s been a toddler favorite in our household since E was a teeny little monster at 1.5 yrs old.  Enjoy!