Kids' Music CD Reviews
Kathy O’Connell of Kids Corner reviews kids’ music CDs from Recess Monkey, Joanie Leeds and the Plants.
Somewhere near you, live family music is happening. GO! Support the venues (including libraries) that bring joyous noise to summer. When you’re not out enjoying live music, check out these new CDs.
Recess Monkey: Deep Sea Diver
Recess Monkey’s Deep Sea Diver continues the band’s string of brilliant concept albums, combining inventive lyrics with musical excellence. This undersea journey embarks on a danceable “Tambourine Submarine,” then moves to a pun-filled celebration of the drummer “Fish Sticks.” The depth of these Seattle teachers’ songwriting is most evident on “The Deep End,” a Paul Simon-ish approach to the daily dive kids (and adults!) take into life’s challenges. This CD is typical Recess Monkey, which means it’s a brilliant mix of imaginative imagery, high-quality production and musical diversity. This is why they’re at the top of the genre.
Recess Monkey's "Tambourine Submarine"
Joanie Leeds: Bandwagon
Joanie Leeds’ Bandwagon is worth climbing aboard for high-energy rock. Family music’s usual themes get new fresh life from Leeds. “Are We There Yet” captures the essence of backseat complaining. Leeds gets a little bit country on the title cut, celebrating making music. “Nutritious” parodies Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” about good eating. “I Love New York” is a bouncy cheer from a hometown girl. Bandwagon is a delight.
Joanie Leeds at CMEE
The Plants: In Full Bloom
The Plants’ In Full Bloom CD showcases the wide range of musical mastery these Philly favorites have achieved. Adults respond to their musicianship. Kids respond to silliness like “The Spinaround” and “Lost My Tooth.” The Plants are the future of kids’ music. Pick them now.
The Plants' "Spin Around"
Kathy O’Connell is a contributing writer to MetroKids and host of Kids Corner, weekdays 7-8pm on WXPN 88.5 FM. Read all her reviews and music notes here.
