...or as close as he gets to it. Enjoy the video, and if you are so moved as well, you can click thru to donate to the NY Center for Autism.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The 2008 Birthday CD
Well friends, this is the annual CD that started it all and led to the blog. The annual mix cd that we give out at the twins' birthday party. It's a hot item and people long to collect them. It's whole premise has always been to provide music that isn't the same old tripe that's been put out for kids for years, nor is it music that is older than them.
This is true "kindie rock".
The songs have been vetted by my kids and they give them the thumbs up or down of approval. This year has expecially been put together by A&S - so yes some of the songs may be a bit naseating for some adults, but all in all, they represent the great movement that has exploded in kids music, fortunately around the same time our kids were born.
This year has a bare theme of pirates - we have 3 songs about pirates on the cd. The girls wanted a pirate party and for about 6 months we were geared up to something ridiculous at home. Fortunately, the pirate ship at Ultimate Play Zone did the trick.
So, without further ado (and a hearty welcome to you first time readers - explore the blog, you'll get some great music tips for you and your kids) - behind the CD 2008. Post your comments, tell me what you liked!
1. Pirates - Milkshake (from the album Play!) Milkshake also coincided with our own discovery of Kindie Rock. Lisa & Michael from Milkshake have been putting together great kids music for years now and I make it point to include their work on my cd. We're all big fans and whatever we can do to promote them is great. Go to milkshakemusic.com to hear and see more video.
2. My Green Kite – Peter Himmelman (from the album My Green Kite). As I previously wrote, in December 2007, the other son of Bob has put together a wonderful album full of funny songs that you can easily sing along to and that are smarter than the average bear. My Green Kite was even nominated for a grammy this year. It's solid. Check out www.peterhimmelman.com/kids.html for more as well as a link to free podcast of Peter playing some songs for the Land of Nod.
3. That’s How You Know – Amy Adams (from Enchanted OST). This song comes on from Disney's very funny Enchanted movie and the whole family starts singing. The steel drum and calypso sounds make this a perfect Disney song, even if the movie has its tounge firmly planted in cheek. Read my review from December 2007 as well, and go rent the movie.
4. What’s On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies (from Make Your Own Someday). Sounding a lot like early 80s alternapunk on some tracks, and sweet sing-a-long on others, The Jimmies come from NYC and deliver a great CD for the family. This track is the first my kids heard from it and they love it, especially the stains on the shirt. Look up http://www.gimmejimmies.com/ or their myspace page for more. The Jimmies are going to be hot - you heard it hear first.
5. Energy – The Apples In Stereo (from New Magnetic Wonder). Not a kids song, but my kids adore it. Its simple, catchy, Polyphonic Spree meets TMBG meets Schoolhouse Rock. If you like the weird brilliance of The Flaming Lips, then this is my present to you. http://www.applesinstereo.com/
6. High Five! – They Might Be Giants (from Here Come The 123's). Certainly this year's most hyped product, the band that many of us grew up with from the '80s has finally refined its kids product for our kids and manages to put together a canon of songs that fits neatly with much of their work. Sure, some of it is absurd, some of it drives my wife nuts, but the twins adore the cd. It's a new Schoolhouse Rock for a new century. Read my review http://finestworksongs.blogspot.com/2008/02/here-come-123s-they-might-be-giants.html and enjoy this hip disco single. View the video here
7. Let’s Go Everywhere – Medeski, Martin & Wood (from Let's Go Everywhere). Let's just start by saying that I have loved this jazz funk trio for 15 years since I saw them at CBGB's (yes I am dropping names). The fact they came up with a jazz funk disc, for kids, makes them awesomer. This modern update of the Johnny Cash classic (see track 18) is a hoot. Read the review http://finestworksongs.blogspot.com/2008/03/mmws-letmusic-for-kids-and-you-as-well.html and enjoy the music!
8. Smile Smile Smile – Dan Zanes & Friends (from Night Time!). I didn't "get" the Dan Zanes phenomenon when I first started listening 5 years ago. Maybe I wasn't ready for it, maybe it was the hype. Night Time! brought me around - this a great CD for your kids. This lead single, which gets lots of play on Disney, is a treat. It's just right for this age group and its sweet and safe. Musically, its real sharp.
9. Spanimals – The Jimmies. What makes this track standout is the cool latin salsa beat, the smart use of spanish to teach animals, and the excellent video that is way too cool for kids. Available on youtube, at their website http://www.gimmejimmies.com/spanimals.html, or here
10. Don’t Let Us Bug Ya – Andy Partridge (from The Best of The Land of Nod Store Music, Vol. 2). Here's a hard to find track, from the hard to find genius behind the great 80s band XTC. Partridge apparrently put together a proposed soundtrack to a kids movie that got scrapped. The songs however, are fine XTC work aimed at kids, and their parents.
11. Birthday - Milkshake (unreleased). Milkshake did a set of songs for Discovery's Todd's World, Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, and PBS. This was one of them, and its perfect for the Cd. Thanks Lisa!
12. Feet – Peter Himmelman "Shmendick loves his feet" and so do my kids.
13. Pirate Girls Nine – They Might Be Giants Admittedly, this may be the song that has you question my choices - but its catchy, its quirky, it has twins, and its about pirates, so it had to make the cd.
14. Beadhead – The Jimmies I see all these kids (especially the boys) come into school with beadhead and I thought this was a perfect song for them. Its also a bit more punk like than the other Jimmies tracks.
15. If You Ever See An Owl … - The Terrible Twos (from If You Ever See An Owl). This is a cool cd that came out last year. The band does double time as The New Amsterdams and they have a great accoustic sound. It's really an enjoyable chill out cd for kids that satisfies throughout. Sort of like Ralph's World (absent from this CD but due for new material in May) without the weirdness. if you like it, sample the rest at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/theterribletwosband
16. Happy Working Song – Amy Adams Proving that this movie had a sense of humor, this track parodies the classic Disney clean up songs. If you've seen the movie, you'll laugh. Listen close to the words.
17. Down By The Riverside – Dan Zanes & Friends
18. I’ve Been Everywhere – Webb Wilder & The Blue Sea (from Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks). Johnny Cash did it first, and this cover by country music legend Webb Wilder kicks some butt here. Between track 7 and this one, you'll have been everywhere.
19. 7 Days Of The Week (I Never Go To Work) - TMBG
20. The Na Na Song – Dan Nichols & Ei8hteen (from Be Strong). Isaac, the guitar wielding pied piper from the kids school plays this song all the time. What kid doesn't like to go "na na na"? http://www.jewishrock.com/index2.asp
21. Lady Bug – The Terrible Twos
22. Hello Happiness - Milkshake (unreleased). Lisa and Milkshake demoed some songs for Club Med this year. Our local favorites have become their soundtrack. You can download the two chosen for Club Med here http://miniclubmedsong.fullsix.com/. But with apologies to those who voted, and with thanks to Lisa, this track which is included just for you is the best one. Hope it sees the light of day one day.
23. Pay Me My Money Down – Dan Zanes & Friends I wanted to include the longer Springsteen version from Live In Dublin, but it was too long for the disc. The kids love this one anyway.
24. Pirates Don’t Take Baths – Medeski, Martin & Wood A second great fun song from MMW and of course is pirate themed.
The Bonus Track 25. Mr. Rabbit - Paul Westerberg (from Stereo). Paul Westerberg is one of the great songwriter singers of the last 25 years. Between his groundbreaking early 80s post punk with The Replacements and his solo accoustic work, I always enjoy Westerberg. I figured since last year's bonus track was Birthday Gal, an unreleased 'Mats song, you all deserve some more Westerberg. This one came from a 2002 solo release and stuck in my head. It's kid friendly enough.
See you next year!
This is true "kindie rock".
The songs have been vetted by my kids and they give them the thumbs up or down of approval. This year has expecially been put together by A&S - so yes some of the songs may be a bit naseating for some adults, but all in all, they represent the great movement that has exploded in kids music, fortunately around the same time our kids were born.
This year has a bare theme of pirates - we have 3 songs about pirates on the cd. The girls wanted a pirate party and for about 6 months we were geared up to something ridiculous at home. Fortunately, the pirate ship at Ultimate Play Zone did the trick.
So, without further ado (and a hearty welcome to you first time readers - explore the blog, you'll get some great music tips for you and your kids) - behind the CD 2008. Post your comments, tell me what you liked!
1. Pirates - Milkshake (from the album Play!) Milkshake also coincided with our own discovery of Kindie Rock. Lisa & Michael from Milkshake have been putting together great kids music for years now and I make it point to include their work on my cd. We're all big fans and whatever we can do to promote them is great. Go to milkshakemusic.com to hear and see more video.
2. My Green Kite – Peter Himmelman (from the album My Green Kite). As I previously wrote, in December 2007, the other son of Bob has put together a wonderful album full of funny songs that you can easily sing along to and that are smarter than the average bear. My Green Kite was even nominated for a grammy this year. It's solid. Check out www.peterhimmelman.com/kids.html for more as well as a link to free podcast of Peter playing some songs for the Land of Nod.
3. That’s How You Know – Amy Adams (from Enchanted OST). This song comes on from Disney's very funny Enchanted movie and the whole family starts singing. The steel drum and calypso sounds make this a perfect Disney song, even if the movie has its tounge firmly planted in cheek. Read my review from December 2007 as well, and go rent the movie.
4. What’s On Your Shirt? - The Jimmies (from Make Your Own Someday). Sounding a lot like early 80s alternapunk on some tracks, and sweet sing-a-long on others, The Jimmies come from NYC and deliver a great CD for the family. This track is the first my kids heard from it and they love it, especially the stains on the shirt. Look up http://www.gimmejimmies.com/ or their myspace page for more. The Jimmies are going to be hot - you heard it hear first.
5. Energy – The Apples In Stereo (from New Magnetic Wonder). Not a kids song, but my kids adore it. Its simple, catchy, Polyphonic Spree meets TMBG meets Schoolhouse Rock. If you like the weird brilliance of The Flaming Lips, then this is my present to you. http://www.applesinstereo.com/
6. High Five! – They Might Be Giants (from Here Come The 123's). Certainly this year's most hyped product, the band that many of us grew up with from the '80s has finally refined its kids product for our kids and manages to put together a canon of songs that fits neatly with much of their work. Sure, some of it is absurd, some of it drives my wife nuts, but the twins adore the cd. It's a new Schoolhouse Rock for a new century. Read my review http://finestworksongs.blogspot.com/2008/02/here-come-123s-they-might-be-giants.html and enjoy this hip disco single. View the video here
7. Let’s Go Everywhere – Medeski, Martin & Wood (from Let's Go Everywhere). Let's just start by saying that I have loved this jazz funk trio for 15 years since I saw them at CBGB's (yes I am dropping names). The fact they came up with a jazz funk disc, for kids, makes them awesomer. This modern update of the Johnny Cash classic (see track 18) is a hoot. Read the review http://finestworksongs.blogspot.com/2008/03/mmws-letmusic-for-kids-and-you-as-well.html and enjoy the music!
8. Smile Smile Smile – Dan Zanes & Friends (from Night Time!). I didn't "get" the Dan Zanes phenomenon when I first started listening 5 years ago. Maybe I wasn't ready for it, maybe it was the hype. Night Time! brought me around - this a great CD for your kids. This lead single, which gets lots of play on Disney, is a treat. It's just right for this age group and its sweet and safe. Musically, its real sharp.
9. Spanimals – The Jimmies. What makes this track standout is the cool latin salsa beat, the smart use of spanish to teach animals, and the excellent video that is way too cool for kids. Available on youtube, at their website http://www.gimmejimmies.com/spanimals.html, or here
10. Don’t Let Us Bug Ya – Andy Partridge (from The Best of The Land of Nod Store Music, Vol. 2). Here's a hard to find track, from the hard to find genius behind the great 80s band XTC. Partridge apparrently put together a proposed soundtrack to a kids movie that got scrapped. The songs however, are fine XTC work aimed at kids, and their parents.
11. Birthday - Milkshake (unreleased). Milkshake did a set of songs for Discovery's Todd's World, Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, and PBS. This was one of them, and its perfect for the Cd. Thanks Lisa!
12. Feet – Peter Himmelman "Shmendick loves his feet" and so do my kids.
13. Pirate Girls Nine – They Might Be Giants Admittedly, this may be the song that has you question my choices - but its catchy, its quirky, it has twins, and its about pirates, so it had to make the cd.
14. Beadhead – The Jimmies I see all these kids (especially the boys) come into school with beadhead and I thought this was a perfect song for them. Its also a bit more punk like than the other Jimmies tracks.
15. If You Ever See An Owl … - The Terrible Twos (from If You Ever See An Owl). This is a cool cd that came out last year. The band does double time as The New Amsterdams and they have a great accoustic sound. It's really an enjoyable chill out cd for kids that satisfies throughout. Sort of like Ralph's World (absent from this CD but due for new material in May) without the weirdness. if you like it, sample the rest at their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/theterribletwosband
16. Happy Working Song – Amy Adams Proving that this movie had a sense of humor, this track parodies the classic Disney clean up songs. If you've seen the movie, you'll laugh. Listen close to the words.
17. Down By The Riverside – Dan Zanes & Friends
18. I’ve Been Everywhere – Webb Wilder & The Blue Sea (from Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks). Johnny Cash did it first, and this cover by country music legend Webb Wilder kicks some butt here. Between track 7 and this one, you'll have been everywhere.
19. 7 Days Of The Week (I Never Go To Work) - TMBG
20. The Na Na Song – Dan Nichols & Ei8hteen (from Be Strong). Isaac, the guitar wielding pied piper from the kids school plays this song all the time. What kid doesn't like to go "na na na"? http://www.jewishrock.com/index2.asp
21. Lady Bug – The Terrible Twos
22. Hello Happiness - Milkshake (unreleased). Lisa and Milkshake demoed some songs for Club Med this year. Our local favorites have become their soundtrack. You can download the two chosen for Club Med here http://miniclubmedsong.fullsix.com/. But with apologies to those who voted, and with thanks to Lisa, this track which is included just for you is the best one. Hope it sees the light of day one day.
23. Pay Me My Money Down – Dan Zanes & Friends I wanted to include the longer Springsteen version from Live In Dublin, but it was too long for the disc. The kids love this one anyway.
24. Pirates Don’t Take Baths – Medeski, Martin & Wood A second great fun song from MMW and of course is pirate themed.
The Bonus Track 25. Mr. Rabbit - Paul Westerberg (from Stereo). Paul Westerberg is one of the great songwriter singers of the last 25 years. Between his groundbreaking early 80s post punk with The Replacements and his solo accoustic work, I always enjoy Westerberg. I figured since last year's bonus track was Birthday Gal, an unreleased 'Mats song, you all deserve some more Westerberg. This one came from a 2002 solo release and stuck in my head. It's kid friendly enough.
See you next year!
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