I get lots of free kids music to review these days. It’s kind of great. But I wanted to mention something, lest you think me a shill for the powerful kindie music industry. I only write about my favorites. I get music that I do not write about because I am not that into it. I got one album that I thought was truly horrid, both in terms of the music itself and the production quality. I did not write a scathing negative review. We don’t need that in our lives. I am a liker. I want to share my opinions, but I want to give you guys the good stuff. So with that being said, here are some exciting new albums that I think you might want to check out this summer!
Red Pants Band, by Danny Weinkauf
You may recall Danny Weinkauf from such previous blog posts as “What’s the Deal With Danny Weinkauf,” and I am happy to say that his current deal is an excellent new album called “Red Pants Band.” With a sound that somehow straddles the sound of They Might Be Giants (of which he is a member) and the British Invasion bands of the ’60s, Weinkauf’s voice is both gentle and exciting as he passionately sings about everything from clouds to annoying parents. Plus he sings his own theme song, which I am always a fan of! (Red Pants Band is out now!)
- Only One You – If there was a hit single from the album, it might be this one. Featuring Tina Kenny Jones on lead vocals, this ultra-catchy tune about self-worth will be bouncing around your head for the rest of the day.
- Antithesis – A quick half-minute sketch of a song that hits me right in my vocabulary sweet spot.
- This Dog’s Best Friend – A sweet ode to the friendship between a kid and their dog, but cleverly told from the perspective of the dog. One of my favorites for sure.
- Picky Eaters – As a recovering picky eater myself I am completely drawn to this punk flavored throwndown. I’m not sure who’s singing it, because my children have now run off with my physical CD and they won’t tell me where it is, but whoever it is nailed it.
- Rubber Ball – This is an expertly crafted ball of fluffy love.
BONUS! – Today is the world premiere of the music video for “Only One You,” which you can see here!
Superhero, by Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner is back, and more powerful than ever! After releasing some fantastic compilations recently, she’s back with an album of all new music and I’m happy to report that it’s as fun as ever. Since this is Laurie Berkner, the songs are aimed at the somewhat younger set. Topics include counting how many hands and ears you have, as well as pajamas and swingsets, but even with a focus on the preschool and early school set my 9-year-old was still bopping her head along and laughing at the sweet silliness that is a hallmark of a Berkner album. (Superhero is out Sep. 23, but you can pre-order it digitally on Friday!)
- Superhero – Yeah, I know. I’m a sucker for superhero songs. I should probably recluse myself from this one, because I might like it even if it was bad. But it’s not. It’s good. There’s a reason it’s the opening track. Makes me want to go put on a cape…
- Tallulah Jones – Boy, I love clever and catchy songs about making music! Should I abstain from this one too? Am I just destined to love every track on this album? Or did Laurie Berkner just specifically make an album that I would love? I am so conflicted…
- Bubbles – This fun piece of pop (pun intended) is about bubbles. Specifically playing with bubbles in the bathtub, which is something that can be enjoyed (let’s be honest) at any age.
- Opelika, Alabama – Places names can be fun and funny. This is an upbeat look at a few of the sillier ones. The whole family will be dancing to this track.
Infinity Plus One, by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Do your kids love hip-hop, but you are having a hard time find good hip-hop music for kids? Well look no further! The beats fly fast and furious and the rhymes are being spit with precision and verve. The concepts are fresh and original and there is no shortage of the genius-level wordplay that one expects from great hip-hop and rap. Every song engendered a discussion with my children, from the serious to the sublime. That’s the kind of album you want to have in your house. (Infinity Plus One is out now!)
- My First Multiverse – An introduction to the concept of inifinty, this is the story of someone stepping into a room of mirrors and seeing so many of themselves that they start to wonder how many of them there really are out there!
- Secret Superhero – This is the freshest take on a superhero song that I have heard in a long time. The concept: kid knows he is destined to be a superhero, so he spends his days wondering what powers he is going to get whenever that lab accident finally happens.
- Monsters – Another cool new viewpoint, this song presents the theory that the heroes of the stories are really the villians, since they allow the heroes to be heroic. Mind=blown.
- Long Days & Short Years – With a catchy hook and some stories about growing up, this song sums up that old truth about parenting: the days are long, but the years are short.
Bubble Wrap, by Eric Herman and the Thunder Puppies
The first YouTube video that my daughter ever fell in love with was “The Elephant Song,” by Eric Herman. Seriously, that song informed much of our family humor. Now he’s back with a new album of tunes for your kids to enjoy, but it isn’t all fun and games this time around. Herman’s wife died while he was making this album, and the themes of not only loss, but resilience permeate the music and, quite frankly, are an inspiration. (Bubble Wrap is out now!)
- Bubble Wrap – This is the perfect song for an ADHD-addled brain like my own. Yeah….so I was going to do that thing, but then, ummm…. BUBBLE WRAP! I mean, I had no choice.
- Phone – Yeah, okay, I get it. I’ll get off my phone more often.
- What I Want – I think this is a song about being grateful for what you have. Either that it’s a song about privilege. Ah, who cares. It may not be the song I need, but it’s the song I want. Whoa oh.
- Fun Times – I was listening to this album again, getting ready to review it, and when this track came on my son immediately stopped what he was doing and got up to dance. So there you go.
- Okay – This heartbreaking track about the death of a parent is going to help some kids out there get through similar experiences. Eric Herman, by sharing your pain with us, you have created something beautiful and important. Thank you. And thank your children, who can be heard at the end of this track singing “Love you always.”
- Hello – Ending an album with a track called “Hello?” Brilliant. And a perfect way to move on.
You’ve Got Me, by Sara Lovell
This album is exactly what kindie music should be. It’s fun and silly, but it’s also sentimental and sweet without being cloying or condescending. The music will keep both adults and children happy, and the lyrics are witty and crisp when they need to be, and heartfelt at all times. Starting as we wake up, the songs take us through the day, winding down slowly as the stars come out and we head back to bed. This is Lovell’s first album for kids and families, but I sure hope it isn’t her last. (You’ve Got Me is out Sep. 16!)
- – We Get Up in the Morning – Unlike Laurie Berkner, Sara Lovell seems determined to write songs she thinks I will hate. I mean, a song about how mornings are…good?! And yet…this might be my favorite song off the album. An a cappella jam reminicent of “16 Tons” that has a kickin’ beat and a minor key, it hits every sweet spot. Maybe I can write a parody of it that involves hating mornings?
- I Can’t Wait – This is the “likers” theme song. Please play it at the beginning of all of our club meetings from now on.
- Dance Like There’s Music in Your Pants – Who needs ants when you have music?! At least I have always felt that way. I sang a concert last night with a serious vocal ensemble during which I definitely had some hip action going on. I get it. And why aren’t there more club dance remixes for kids? Well, at least we all have this song now.
- Midnight Secret Sock Party – Do I need to even say anything about this song? It is called “Midnight Secret Sock Party.” ‘Nuff said.
- You’ve Got Me – An anthem of love for a family of any kind. I kind of want to do this with my church choir. Is that weird?
Camp Songs Volume 1, by KB Whirly
I hated camp. Seriously. Ask my mother. She will be happy to show you the letters I wrote, begging for her to come and rescue me. But if there was one thing I didn’t hate about camp, it was the music, Camp songs, while often simple and cheesy, are just transcendentally awesome. Sorry, haters. Camp songs are fun to sing, and they are perfect for long car rides. KB Whirly takes some classic tunes, throws in some originals, and strikes up a jam that will keep your toes tapping on hour 6 of your drive. (Camp Songs, Vol, 1 is out now!)
- Reveille – Yeah. THIS is how it feels to wake up in the morning. Sara Lovell, take note.
- Hello Mudda – Literally the greatest camp song of all time. The tubas were a nice touch.
- Not Goin’ Swimmin’ – Ok, I think KB Whirly was actually at camp with me, because this is exactly how I get into the water. One tiny toe at a time.
- Hole in My Bucket – Jazzy Ash joins Whirly for this new take on my daughter’s favorite camp song. She and I love to extend the already super long song and add new verses, so this track is going to be a family favorite for a long time.
- Peter Piper’s Pickle Palace – A love story between two tongue-twisters. Yeah, you just have to listen to it. Trust me. It’s fabulous.
- Theft of the Red Canoe – This dixieland/cuban-afro heist number is both hilarious and catchy. What more could you want?