Tag Archives: videos

Videos!

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It’s been quite a year. Big changes are coming to the Kids Can Groove household (to be revealed shortly!). While I’ve been busy on the home front, lots has been happening in the world of kids’ music and it is time to catch up on some excellent music videos.

Here are a few gems that have crossed my path recently, perfect to lovingly place in the back pocket of your favorite jeans. Or in any pocket you have handy.

“Smiles Are Contagious” – Bobby Beetcut
While this isn’t Bobby Beetcut’s latest video (see “Energy” from Up in A Tree), “Smiles Are Contagious” is a catchy, timely contrast to the anxiety-producing (and frown-inducing) nature of current events. “What you put out comes back to you. When you feel love, you see that it’s true.” The video offers a powerful message behind a simple, yet equally powerful, gesture.

“Cousin Party” – Karen K
Next up is some sweet country flare by Karen Kalafatas (of Karen K & the Jitterbugs) with a song and accompanying video that capture the joy and mischief of hanging with your ancestral brethren. “Cousin Party” is the second single release from Kalafatas’ bold solo effort, The Blue Bike Chronicles, which is meant to reach the more evolved, mature pre-tweenage crew. The single runs like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” but without the Louisville Slugger and automobile fury. You’ll dig it, as will your pre-tween.

“Love Light Shine” – KB Whirly & Mista Cookie Jar
Sometimes in music, you get collaborations that seem to be written in the stars, and you wonder, “What took them so long?” So it is with the gelling of KB Whirly and Mista Cookie Jar, two soul-fueled, super funktified, multifaceted kids’ music masters. They are so very well paired and really smooth. “Love Light Shine” was produced by Patrick Hanlin of Josh and the Jamtones and the result is a groovy vibe with far-out visuals that just makes you feel allll kinds of good.

“Lemonade” – Justin Roberts
What happens when life hands you lemons? You dress them up and cast them in your video “Lemonade.” The latest release from Justin Roberts’ forthcoming album of the same name, “Lemonade” celebrates the nostalgia and refreshment on the dog days of summer and the tradition of setting up a stand to earn your first dollars. Justin’s delightful style echoes that of Paul Simon, both in his lyrical wit and his on-screen demeanor. A real treat to watch.

“Dream Too Much” – Amy Lee
Amy Lee is known in the grown-up world as the golden voice of Evanescence (see “Bring Me To Life”). Now, after having a child of her own, she has partnered with Amazon Music to premiere her debut album for kids. The album’s first single, “Dream Too Much,” peeks into the surreal landscape of a child’s dream world, complete with animated paper imagery (such as flying sandwiches and jellyfish). The song’s mantra “there’s no way you can dream too much” gives kids (and parents) permission to let their imagination run free and wild because “once in a while you’ll have dreams that come true.”

 

“Dance Like There’s Music In Your Pants” – Sara Lovell
Bay Area artist Sara Lovell encourages all happy feet to get on up and dance. Just like singing, moving your body is a therapeutic way to express yourself and lift your mood. Whether you’re dancing in your room, with your kids or friends, give this video a whirl and get ready to shake it. “Dance Like There’s Music in Your Pants” also features a special guest appearance by the son of Tommy Shepherd, Jr. (Alphabet Rockers).

Concerts: The Hipwaders play Tricycle Music Fest 2013

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tmf-headerTricycle Music Fest is chugging along nicely and has proven to be pretty awesome thus far. This weekend The Hipwaders, another beloved Bay Area band, will be joining this year’s exciting Kindie lineup.

Catch one or both of the following shows:

This energetic trio has acquired quite a name for themselves in the Kindie music scene with their catchy power pop that speaks from a kids perspective. They take their music seriously and have created a series of videos that also prove their dedication to providing a wholly entertaining experience for audience members of all ages.

I recently had a chance to catch up with the lead singer, Tito Uquillas, who shared what inspired him to write his first kids’ song and some thoughts on the importance of making videos.

“As a kid, I was always drawing, painting or attempting some sort of three-dimensional sculpture or craft of some sort.  As an adult (and father), I would always use the family camcorder with the mindset of “telling a story” while filming the kids at an outing or during holidays. The first time I actually set out to write a kids’ song was when I wrote, “Song of the Paleo Pirates.” I only wrote the song because I needed some music to go along with the video I wanted to make of my son’s dinosaur and pirate toys.”

Uquillas continues, “My kids have always enjoyed watching music videos and when opportunities have arose for [The Hipwaders] to have some made for us, we’ve jumped at the chance.  We’ve had high school students make some of our videos and, of course, Planet Sunday has created some wonderful animated videos. I think it’s important for Kindie artists to create a visual component for kids when it comes to their music.  Videos can enhance a story or concept that some kids can’t fully enjoy just by listening to the lyrics.”

You can enjoy a series of Hipwaders’ videos below, including the video for the song that inspired it all.

View These: “I Found You” & “Too Dirty To Love” – Caspar Babypants

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casparbabypants6

Caspar Babypants has a new record out called I Found You, which also happens to be Caspar’s sixth release in just 3 years.  Much like the other Caspar Babypants albums, this one does not disappoint.

Below are two new videos from the album which will surely whet your appetite for more.  And, it just so happens that tracks from I Found You can be sampled and purchased from Caspar Babypants’ official site.

The first video is for the title track, “I Found You,” and features lots of funny little creatures.  Each piece is unique with lots of character, much like the song itself.

[“I Found You” – Caspar Babypants via YouTube]

The second video is for one of my favorite songs on the album. “Too Dirty to Love” features animation by Charlotte Blacker (Stompy the Bear) and additional vocals by Rachel Flotard.  As the parent of a little girl who happens to love the mud just as much as it loves her, I can proudly say that this video hits home!

“Too Dirty To Love” – Caspar Babypants via YouTube]

View This: “Sleep Eye” – Eizabeth Mitchell and Your Are My Flower

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45072hirescoverimageIn celebration of her 2012 Grammy Nomination for Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie Songs, Elizabeth Mitchell just released a beautiful video for the  track “Sleep Eye.”  It’s probably my favorite song on the album and I am so glad there’s a video for it.  “Sleep Eye” contains sweet, innocent images of little ones in a peaceful state.  The effects in the video are dreamy and the accompaniment of the flute and balafon create a perfect rhythm for rocking, swaying or bouncing with your little one.

View This: “Don’t Make Fun Of The Goobler” – Elska

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“Yes, another Elska music video!” This is what was exclaimed by my 3yr old as I showed her the latest video from Elska’s release Middle of Nowhere.

Directed and animated by Alex Funke, who was awarded Oscars for his work in The Lord of the Rings movies as the Visual Effects Director of Photography: Miniature Unit, “Don’t Make Fun of the Goobler” introduces us to yet another one of the inhabitants on the Island of Elska.  The “Goobs,” is a happy little green fellow who is a very special friend to Elska as we are informed through her lyrics “my little green homeslice, the goobs is so nice.”  And we think so too.

Middle of Nowhere was an instant hit with Em and we still continue to play it on a regular basis.  Elska brings us so much joy and with each new music video we get more excited to meet new friends.  Although the video is simple, mainly featuring Elska, gorgeous Icelandic landscaping and the Goobler, it’s the mixture of the bouncy electro-beats and the colorful wonder of this “otherworld” that continues to draw us in.

We’ve got nuttin’ but love for the Goobs and so will you!  You can read an interview and learn more about Elska and her friends here.

[Courtesy of YouTube]

View This: “Give It Away” – Renee & Jeremy

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From their latest release, A Little Love, Renee & Jeremy bring us a breathy, ethereal cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ classic “Give It Away.”

Created by the stop motion film company, Shipmate Title, the video for “Give It Away” takes us on a psychedelic musical voyage spreading peace along the way in the form of ice cream! Even the Man in the Moon is sent a confectionary offering.

When I watch this video I can’t help but think of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine. It’s a pretty trippy video that combines fantasy with a bit of science fiction while still retaining its innocence in the form of an adorable mouse and his ice cream truck. It’s certainly not what I expected but I love how Renee & Jeremy weave in an underlying theme, which becomes apparent at the end of the video, tying it all together.

Renee & Jeremy stay true to who they are while delivering a bit of “eye candy.” It will definitely catch the attention of all ages.

[Courtesy of YouTube]

View This: “Five Little Monkeys” – Story Laurie

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“Five Little Monkeys” is a song from Story Laurie’s most recent album, “Groovin’ In the Garden.” The video portrays Laurie’s take on the classic, beloved tale of those silly little monkeys. The video has the same elements as the book, except in this version the Mama is wearing funky striped socks. Jazzy sounds along with a special appearance by Dean Jones from Dog On Fleas who can be seen helping a monkey play the cuica, as well as, playing a little whistle solo himself make both the video and the song more fun than a barrel of well…you know…

Now that I’ve seen this video I think I’ll go have a little jump on the bed as well. Who says Mamas can’t have fun, too?

Enjoy!
Video Courtesy of [YouTube]

Weekly Re-cap: April 29, 2012

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Since a few songs seem to be in heavy rotation this week, I thought I’d end the week with a Top 5.  This not only includes songs that E enjoys but songs I enjoy as well.  Both kids and parents deserve it!

Reviews on the entire albums related to these songs are on the way!  I would encourage you, in the meantime, to check out the artists and take a listen if you can.

The songs are listed in random order and have no correlation to number of plays.

1.  Butterfly Boucher – I’m Different
I found a video on YouTube which was not created by the artist, but the artist did comment on it.  The song itself can get a bit tedious (especially once your 3yr old decides it’s fabulous while also learning how to replay it on the iPod at the same time).  however, it’s quite upbeat and catchy on first listen.  The best part is that it carries a great message letting kids know it’s ok (and quite fun!) to be different.

You can also listen to the track here and view a fanmade video below.


2.  Todd McHatton – I Think I’m a Bunny
Adorable vid and very singable song.  E had the lyrics down VERY shortly after hearing the song and smiles every time she hears it, as do I.

3.  Elizabeth Mitchell – Little Bird Little Bird
From the You Are My Little Bird album (track #4).  Below is a sweet little YouTube video but you can also sample (sans video) and buy the album from her website here.

4.  Kira Willey – Underneath the Rainbow
From her latest album Kings & Queens of the Forest.  You can listen to a snippet of the track here as well as get to know and purchase her album from her website Fireflies.

5.  Robbie Schaeffer – LaLaLove
As Robbie puts it “A new single in honor of, and inspired by, the OneVoice project of the same name. Featuring the Vienna Elementary School 5th Grade Choir!”  Take a listen here.

Honorable Mentions

1.  Caspar Babypants – Buckeye Jim and Mister Rabbit 
Really anything Caspar Babypants needs to be heard and is heard ALOT in our home.  Enjoy both tracks on the artist’s website or here as well as the video for Mister Rabbit below from You Tube.  Also, their new album is OUT and you can grab a sample listen to it here.  Elizabeth Mitchell also does a great rendition of Buckeye Jim which you can listen to here.

2.  Kira Willey – Caterpillar Caterpillar

3.  The Alphabeticians – Metaphor

4.  Yo Gabba Gabba – All My Friends Are Different

Phew..That was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Looking back it seems like this week was a little mellow for us.

If there are songs that you enjoyed this week, I’d love to hear about it!