All Together Now!

 

All Together Now! Performed by Jenn Cleary. CD. Approx. 32 min. 2021. CD: $12.99--$15.; Digital: $9.99. Ages 3 – 10

            Jenn Cleary performs ten songs on her upbeat album in rock, rockabilly, blues, zydeco, and pop musical styles. Accompanied by excellent performances on guitar, banjo, mandolin, cello, upright bass, organ, piano, accordion, harmonica, drums, and tambourine, Cleary also includes an enthusiastic children’s chorus on several songs. We need wild places to make us happy and feel free, so we need to take care of “Our Wild Family.” From the viewpoint of a honeybee, “My Sisters and Me” explains how they live in community together to accomplish their tasks. “Scat’s the Word for That” is the scientists’ word for animal poo. “Clean Water” encourages listeners to gather up all sorts of trash off the streets, so it doesn’t flow into storm drains. In order to “Love Right Now,” listeners should care, share, and love one another. It is fun to pop “Bubbles” and watch the wind blow them away. On the “Backyard Farm” ducks, goats, dogs, bees, horses, and birds make all sorts of sounds. One child’s imaginary best friend is her “Dinosaur Friend.” Life would be better with “Less Gravity” because one could move more easily. “Families of All Kinds” might consist of mommy and daddy, auntie, grandparents, siblings, single parents, or foster parents. This thoughtful album will encourage listeners to make their world a better place.

Website: https://jenncleary.com/

Slow Clap

Slow Clap. Performed by Koo Koo Kanga Roo. CD. Approx. 33 min. Uniroo Records. 2021. Price: CD: $15; Digital: $10.  K – Grade 5

I will be honest—I am not a fan of the hip hop musical style. Having grown up in the 1960s, I much prefer rock and roll. However, I realize that there are many much younger people who embrace this musical style, so this album is perfect for them. “Slow Clap” is anything but slow—these 11 songs are intended to be a hip hop dance party for kids, with the goal to encourage listeners to get off their backsides and get moving. Guest vocalists Murs, Sims, and Mega Ran join in on three songs. “Sticky Icky” is honey provided by bumblebees. “Ice Cold Lemonade” celebrates that cool, summery beverage. “Putt Putt Butt Butt” encourages listeners to move their “bottoms” when playing mini golf. In “Backyard Swimsuit,” children enjoy playing on the slip and slide plastic strip. A “Forklift” lifts pallets and puts them on trucks. A child goes “Sneakin’ Downstairs” when he needs a midnight drink of milk. Children play “Pranks a Lot” when they ring doorbells and run away. “Ink” tells listeners about ink-squirting squids. “Lazy Life” is when one commits oneself to a lifestyle of chilling. “200 Worms,” each one of which he has named, actually live in band member Bryan’s compost pile. Children must know the “Password” in order to gain access to the secret club. These energetic and bouncy songs will keep listeners hopping and bopping.   

Website: https://kookookangaroo.com/