In September, I wrote about a bunch of Brooklyn-based kids’ artists, ranging from (relatively) huge stars like They Might Be Giants (TMBG)to indie family artists like the Deedle Deedle Dees. And, not surprisingly, I think they’re all pretty great. But some of them might be a little bit too esoteric – not to you, understand, because you are undoubtedly a sophisticated hipster who listens to, and loves, Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music. But your kids probably have some friends who could use a gentler introduction to non-Barney, non-Wiggles, good kids’ music.
So this month, I’d like to suggest some albums that are creative, original, varied, and also immediately accessible. Let’s be clear – this music isn’t boring in the least, and “accessible” doesn’t mean “saccharine.” Instead, these are CDs that, in my experience, instantly connect with kids and parents. And they’re mostly less well-known than, say, Dan Zanes or TMBG. In other words, they’re the perfect last-minute birthday gift, and the recipient probably won’t already have them. After all, do your neighbors really need another set of beach toys?
Lunch Money
Silly Reflection LunchMoneyMusic.com
This was my favorite kids’ album of 2005 (okay, it technically came out in 2004, but who’s counting?), and in our house, we’re eagerly awaiting Lunch Money’s next project. This three-piece band, which includes two members of the indie South Carolina band The Verna Cannon, plays melodic and playful pop with a light touch (think Luna with more pep) with a clear and expressive singer in Molly Ledford. The lyrics reveal a recognition of what catches kids’ attention – the speed of bank drive-through pneumatic tubes (“Tricycle”), everyday rhythm (tennis and slapping mosquitoes in “Yes, We Have Rhythm”), and the appeal of, literally, little things (“Miniature Things”). In short, the songs are great for kids without being childish. When people ask me what kids’ music I recommend besides the “big names,” this is invariably my first answer. Hopefully, Lunch Money will be a big name soon, and you can say you knew about them back when.
Steve Weeks
Alphabet Songs Vols. 1 & 2 SteveWeeksMusic.com
Steve Weeks took a fairly obvious concept – record a song for each letter of the alphabet (he’s through “Q” so far) – and made it into two of the most irresistible albums I own. He is, simply, a great songwriter and storyteller, with a warm voice and solid production values. With clever jokes, word play, varied instrumentation, and evocative vocals, the music puts me in mind of Barenaked Ladies. The songs can get a little long for the youngest set (“Fred the Fish” tops out at nearly eight minutes), but they’re so compelling that impatience is uncommon. Volume 3 (R-Z) will be out by the time you’re reading this column.
Baby Loves Jazz Band
Go Baby Go! VerveMusicGroup.com
This Verve release is part of the “Baby Loves…” series (Get your miniature-rhinestone-studded velour cape out of storage: “Baby Loves Disco” parties will launch in Minneapolis this fall[[[CHECK]]]). This CD features Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings), John Medeski (of Medeski Martin & Wood) and many other people central to the New York jazz scene. And having real jazz musicians, rather than studio musicians between playing advertising ditties, is key. Trust me: “Baby Loves Jazz Band” is a lot better than the concept (“Hey, let’s make jazz palatable for kids!”) might suggest. Rather than dumbing down jazz, they jazzed up kids’ music. And this isn’t the soft-jazz-that-makes-you-sleepy-and-annoyed jazz of your dentist’s office, but real, albeit mostly classic-style, jazz. Interspersed with the re-imagined kids’ songs (“Ten Little Monkeys,” “Old McDonald,” etc.) are some originals (“Scat Song”) and brief introductions to the key instruments (drums, piano, bass). Look past the “Hey, we’re wacky!” cover art and give it a try.
Frances England
Fascinating Creatures FrancesEngland.com
This album was, remarkably, originally recorded in a home studio for a preschool fundraiser. But, though it’s certainly not slickly produced, it doesn’t sound like the four-track tapes that your high school buddies recorded to try out for the Battle of the Bands – instead, it’s got an intimacy that, at least in our house, engages kids and parents alike. Musically and lyrically, “Fascinating Creatures” strikes exactly the right balance between having buckets of appeal for kids and being a delight for grownups. The songs don’t sound complicated or overwritten, but the more I listen to them, the more I appreciate how they’re put together. The music has some similarities to Lunch Money as well, but throw in the mix Elizabeth Mitchell and (especially on “The Books I Like to Read”) Mary Lou Lord.
Other ideas: Elizabeth Mitchell (from the band Ida, absolutely lovely and peaceful but never boring folk, YouAreMyFlower.org); Happy Monster & Friends (kid-friendly hip-hop, HappyMonsterAndFriends.com); The Hollow Trees (folk music with silliness to spare, TheHollowTrees.com); Keith Munslow (storytelling and goofy songs, KeithMunslow.com); and everything from Putumayo Kids (amazing collections of international and regional music, Putumayo.com).
Bill Childs is a law professor in western Massachusetts but still answers “Minnesota!” when asked where he’s from. He and his 7-year-old daughter Ella (born in Minneapolis!) produce a kids’ music radio show weekly; check it out at SpareTheRock.com. Contact him at show@sparetherock.com and tell him other artists he should know about. H
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