All I Do Is Hop

All I Do Is Hop. Performed by Grin Brigade. CD. Approx. 1 hour, 17 min. Song Wizard Records. 2019. $14.98.

Pre-S –  Gr 4

This primarily lively, high energy album features the Grin Brigade, made up of Dave Kinnoin, Randy Sharp, Red Grammar, Jimmy Hammer, Ellie Baer, Melanie Browoleit, Carly Riggs, Leslie Smith, and Oliver Kinnoin. The 29 original songs are performed in a variety of musical styles, including kid funk, rap, blues, pop, rock, country, anthem, ballad, calypso, and jazz. The excellent backup musicians perform on different instruments on each song, which include guitars, violin, bass, keyboards clarinet, pennywhistle, harmonica, and drums. Every child should be taught the concepts in “I Don’t Think So,” which teaches them two important things: to be aware of false advertising, and to never give out personal information over the phone or online. The “Dog Alphabet Song” features a variety of breeds, including Collie, Harrier, Mexican Hairless, Japanese Chin, Vizsla and more. The “Seaweed Café” is an underwater establishment serving bubble kelp sodas and algae hors d’oeuvres. “Mi Pelota” teaches a few Spanish words to English speakers. One traveling family goes “Bouncin’ on the Bumps” by taking the scenic route instead of the highway. “I Think I Can” encourages listeners to try things they haven’t done before. “Otter Facts” celebrates river otters—their appearance and activities. One child has a whole stack of “Night Lights” to choose from. Listeners are encouraged to “Look for the Helpers” when they are scared, sad, or lonely. One hyper-active child is always on the “Go, Go, Go.” The remaining songs include “All I Do Is Hop,” “Buttons,” “Just Like Magic,” “One Fuzzy Caterpillar” (counting song), “All Mixed Up” (diversity), “Dr. Ticklebone,” “High-Paying Job,” “Tiptoe” (encourages participatory movement), “The Good Life,” “Halloween Party Tonight” (in a haunted mansion), “What Can’t Be,” “Gotta Be Mine,” “Every Time We Hear a Sound,” “Keep on Shining” (following dreams), “Tookie, Tookie,” “Safe Here,” “Locomotivation,” “Let My Colors Flow,” and “Cool As a Cucumber.” This wonderful album is partly fun, partly silly, and partly informational.

Website: www.songwizard.com/grinbrigade