Giggle and Burp Ballet

Giggle and Burp Ballet. Performed by Randy & Dave. CD. Approx. 34 min. Song Wizard Records. 2020. Price: CD: $14.98.

K—Gr 3

Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin perform these 12 original songs in rock, country, ragtime, vaudeville, Latin, and pop musical styles. Randy and Dave play most of the instruments, with a few guest musicians, including guitar, keyboards, bass, piano, unspecified strings, ukulele, Dobro Mandolin, banjo, saxophone, harmonica, and drums. Their vocals are smooth and mellow and adapt easily to the various song lyrics. A couple of children and their dog take a ride in the broken-down “Red Jalopy,” which is parked in a shed. Although nothing is working out like the narrator wishes, “Other Than That,” everything’s all good. “Cranky Children” should get everything they want, because when they grow up, they’ll have time to moan over their own cranky children. A child’s dog begs for him to “Scratch” the itch he can’t reach. A fly crawling on the “Screen Door” is desperately in love with the fly on the other side of the screen. “What Kind of Animal” is jumping on the bed, stealing bananas, and laughing hysterically? An unwise mother, who purchased soda pop (and allowed the student actors to drink it) right before the school show, is responsible for the “Giggle and Burp Ballet.” Poochie accomplishes all kinds of amazing feats “For a Biscuit.” A group of dirty “Grunge Babies” get together in the basement for a jam session with their guitars. Beginning “I have some Gubble Bum in py mocket,” this song has fun with spoonerisms. Although the chef offers amazing food, Cynthia only says, “Quiero Queso.” One child wants to be “Nobody,” because Nobody is the only one who can do what people say is impossible. This fun and laugh-out-loud production is sure to please young listeners.

Website:  http://songwizard.com/randyanddave/

I Am Kind

I Am Kind. Performed by Lindsay Munroe. Approx. 31 min. Troubadour Music. 2020. CD: $10.98; Digital: $9.49.

Pre-School – Gr 3

After they met at one of his concerts, Raffi encouraged Lindsay to record this album, and he joins in on several songs, playing instruments and beautifully harmonizing. Lindsay performs 16 original and traditional songs in folk musical style. Lindsay’s vocals are lovely, and even more so when harmonizing with Raffi. Lindsay’s three autistic children also join in on several songs. Backup instruments include guitar, ukulele, mandolin, fiddle, bass, piano, electric piano, glockenspiel, accordion, bongos, cajon, and train whistle. The traditional songs are “Little Red Caboose,” “The More We Get Together,” “This Little Light,” “De Colores,” “Peace Like a River,” “Frere Jacques,” and “Bluebird Bluebird.” 

“I Am Kind,” brave, love, wise, and strong. “I Can Try New Things,” I might even like it. The sound of birds singing, green grass, and reading a book are all “Something Good.” When I have to wait my turn or wait in line, I can “Wait Nicely,” with a quiet and calm body. When I get fidgety, I can “Ask for Help,” and ask for a break. It is “OK to Make Mistakes,” don’t give up, try again. “Every One of Us Belongs,” and together our voices make a beautiful song. “Problem Solvers” realize that every problem has a solution. Now when it’s time to rest, “I Can Dream.” This is a lovely, calm album that both children and adults will appreciate.

Website: https://www.lindsaymunroemusic.com/

Hi-YA!

Hi-YA! Performed by Go Banana Go. Approx. 23 min. Go Banana Go. 2020.

K – Gr 5

Go Banana Go is Jim Roach, Emmy Award winning songwriter and producer, and Brian Wecht, a former theoretical physics professor. In this debut album, they perform 13 outrageously funny and silly songs in rock, pop, polka rap, ska, and country. The band’s own children sing backup on several tunes.

With the same words repeating loudly, then softly, “Go Banana Go” is heavy on the drumbeat, causing listener’s feet to tap non-stop. When one has dough, sauce, and cheese on one’s feet, they are aptly named “Pizza Feet.” Comedian Flula Borg gives “German Lessons,” incorrectly translating the German words he speaks into silly English sentences. Before one goes to bed or school, he must “Brush and Brush and Brush,” so the dentist will cry tears of joy. In “Music to Put Your Shoes On To,” a child races to put on his shoes before the song ends, with two sports announcers reporting on his progress. Every baby has “Stinky Diapers.” If one gives a “Dinosaur Tickles,” it might wet its pants. “I Love Cookies” including chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar, macaroon, gingerbread, round, and square. The “Super Cow” moos super loud and wears a super brown cape. The “Lovely Little Letters” stand for such words as amazing, beautiful, charming, delightful, excellent, fantastic, etc. “Mark and Mark,” a unicorn and cupcake with the same name, are best friends; they go to park, meet Spark the Shark and several more rhyming words. The “Dinosaur Chicken Nugget” tries to run away but has no legs. “The Queen of No Share,” who speaks with an exaggerated English accent, lives in a castle, and never shares any of her many of toys, but when she realizes that no one wants to play with her, she learns to share. This is a great album to share with children, especially those who may be bored from having to shelter inside.

Website: http://gobananagoband.com/

Never Mind the Blocks, Here's Jumpin' Jamie

Never Mind the Blocks, Here’s Jumpin’ Jamie. Performed by Jumpin’ Jamie. Approx. 35 min. 2020. Digital: $12.00.

Grades 3 – 5

In his second album, Jamie performs 12 original songs, most in high energy rock, with some folk, folk rock and bluegrass for variety. But the catchy tunes and foot-stomping rhythms will appeal to adults as much as to young listeners. Jamie is joined by musical guests Rick McMurray (Ash), Tina Kenny Jones (Red Pants Band), and Chris Palmieri (Universal Kids’ Snug’s House). “Greta Says” stop stealing our future as Jamie salutes teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg. “I Don’t Wanna Dance (Just Like Everyone),” I dance how I please. “Stand Up” for freedom, for love, and for animals. Jamie also salutes suffragist “Susan B. Anthony.” I’m “Grateful” for everything you do. Teacher, father, mother, and grandpa won’t answer my questions because “Adults Don’t Always Know” what they are talking about. When new girl “Lonely Lisa” comes to school, one student is encouraged to say hello to her. “Honesty’s the Policy” because cheaters never win. In “Same as You and Me” Jamie tries to convince listeners that cow’s milk is for baby cows, not humans. “Wolves” get a bad rap in fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood. The final two songs are “Whistleblower” and “Great to Know You.” Not everyone will agree with Greta Thunberg’s extremist views or with tossing out all their dairy products, but these tunes are appealing and easy on the ears.
Website: http://www.jumpinjamie.com/ 

All the Ladies

All the Ladies. Performed by Joanie Leeds. CD. Approx. 36 min. Zameret Music. 2020.

Grades 4 up

As a conservative, Bible believing Christian woman, this was a difficult album for me to review, since I had problems with the lyrics of three of the songs.

            The award-winning Joanie Leeds and her guests, including Lisa Loeb, Lucy Kalantari, Sonia de los Santos, and Lori Henriques, performed the 11 songs with lovely vocals and harmonies, and in various styles of folk music. In addition, the backup musicians made excellent performances on guitar, violin, fiddle, djembe, bongos, percussion, cajon, keyboards, piano, ukulele, cello and drums.

            First, the songs I did like:

Don’t let anyone stand in your way, you can be “Anything” you want to be. This includes girls who want to be stay-at-home mothers, without feminists sneering at them and denigrating them for their choice. In “Glass Ceilings,” it is stated that little girls are precious. I agree, and because they are precious, they have a right to life and should never be aborted. “All the Ladies” encourages girls and women to support each other. “Lioness” is an ode to motherhood, and her role to protect, keep safe, feed her children, and love them with sacrificial love. Speaking of her child, the narrator asserts that she will do anything “For You.” We all look different on the outside, but what is on the inside is “Beautiful.” This song actually agrees with scripture when the Lord states that He does not judge a person by their outward appearance, but by what is in their heart. (1 Samuel 16:7).

“Rosie Darling” is a sweet love song to Leeds’ daughter, as they go on a camping trip together. “Half of the World” is made up of females.

            I had problems with these songs:

“If Girls Ruled the World” states that women would lead in love, peace, and empathy. This does not take into account the sinfulness of people in this world, including women! In fact, my personal experience has been just the opposite. All except one of my female bosses have been unloving, unpeaceful, and not at all empathetic. I have never had a bad male boss, but most of the female bosses were terrible.

I have a huge problem with “RPG” (Ruth Bader Ginsberg) being an anti-life, pro-death proponent of aborting innocent babies. Why not celebrate accomplished women like Phyllis Schlafly, Anne Coulter, or Laura Ingraham instead? Leeds opines that everyone, every plant and every landscape feature comes from “Mother Earth.” However, the Bible says that Father God created everything in six days. (Genesis 1 and 2).

            A mixed bag.

Website: www.joanieleeds.com

A Place to Call Home

A Place to Call Home. Performed by Dana Cohenour. CD. Approx. 40 min. Music Playground. 2020. Digital: $7.00.

K—Gr 3

Dana Cohenour performs on piano, keyboard, organ, and synth steel drums for her 11 original songs. Her clear, soaring vocals adeptly handle the various musical styles of pop, rock, bossa nova, bluegrass, and reggae. Dana’s heartfelt melodies are professionally backed up by guitars, bass, fiddle, viola, dobro, banjo, mandolin, saxophone, flute, drums, and percussion. An enthusiastic and cheerful children’s chorus joins in on several of the songs. Everyone and every creature needs “A Place to Call Home.” Creatures digging tunnels create an “Underground Traffic Jam.” Accompanied by humpback whale song, "Migration" tells of the annual tug felt by the whales. Beavers tell each other “Let’s Build a Dam,” in this rollicking, driving rock tune, complete with guitar riffs. Bird calls enhance the “Rainforest Symphony,” as do gentle sounds of splashing water. The “Honey Bee Bee Bop” shines a light on the bee’s waggle dance to direct other bees to flowers. A “Bluebird” flies high in the sky accompanied by a lovely flute descant. It’s hard to sleep with a “Dog on My Head.” For a hermit crab, every day is “Movin’ Day.” Lots of animals like to play “Animal Hide and Seek” and reach home base. “Home” can be many things: a cabin on a lake, a castle, an apartment, etc. Partly bouncy and lively, and partly gentle and soothing, this album ably presents young listeners with different concepts of home.

Website: www.danasmusicplayground.com

Night Life

Night Life. Performed by Sara Lovell. CD. Approx. 45 min. Unbreakable Chord Music. 2020. Price: CD: $15.00.

Pre-School – K

Multi-award winning Sara Lovell performs 13 rocking and beautiful songs of the end of the day on her 3rd album in rock, disco funk, R & B, pop, and folk musical styles. Sara’s lovely voice handles each musical style with aplomb and is joined by other vocalists who contribute gorgeous harmonies and descants. Great musical performances can also be heard on guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, piano, horns, synth, shaker, tambourine, triangle, chimes, glockenspiel, whistle, harmonica, kalimba, drums, and percussion. This Parents’ Choice Gold Award winning album starts off with the lively “I Don’t Want to Go to Bed,” (I just want to keep playing on). Planet hopping, trapeze flying, and deep-sea diving are among the activities in one child’s “Nightlife.” A variety of animals are making too much noise, so send them outdoors, but “Leave the Monkey.” There’s a “Rocket” in the sky and it’s waiting there for me. An owl keeps a log of the miles of dreams that the “Sleepwalkers” travel. Furry intruders, “Scooter and Skeeter” produce vibrating purrs at the end of the song. “I Don’t Sleep in a Bed” because I am sleeping in a tent with my dog. A child makes friends with “Little Bug.” Another child begs “Bed Oh Bed” to be allowed to stay awake and play. A parent encourages their child to “Wear Yourself Out Now” so they can sleep later. “Rock-a-Bye My Baby,” “How the Jungle Sleeps, and “Lullaby for Grownups” will help young ones drift off to sleep. Well-deserving of the award, Lovell’s catchy tunes and clever lyrics will please adults as well as children.

Website: www.saralovell.com