Remember when I told you about those cool songs from Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke?
Well, there's another song up at their website, and it's just as winning. Entitled "Pekepoo," it puts a dreamy new spin on the phrase "raining cats and dogs." Track #7, go now.
Listen To This: Central Services Board of Education
What is in Seattle's water? Johnny Bregar, Recess Monkey, not to mention Eric Herman and Eric Ode... they're really approaching critical mass, kids-music-scene-wise.
And now there's Central Services Board of Education, an offshoot of the indie-pop band Central Services.
Go listen (and download, should you desire, and you likely will) their first four songs, which I'm going to describe as "Schoolhouse Rock!-meets-The-Shins." Or maybe "Ben-Folds-meets-Dr-Demento."
Or maybe "awesome."
With densely-packed wordplay and pop-cultural allusions, it's probably more for (or most appreciated by) kids ages 6 and older. My favorite track is "The Lonely Tomato," which somehow manages to be highly educational, metaphorical, and catchy all at the same time. All four tracks are worth checking out.
(And then go over to Central Services' myspace page while you're at it.)
Little Monsters, Big Expectations
So with the collapse of V2 Records, one might be wondering what the future of Little Monster Records is.
I have word that Little Monster Records will be announcing a new home soon, which I'm very excited about, because even though I found their Beatles release underwhelming, I'm increasingly excited about the rest of their release schedule.
To wit: yesterday's WNYC Soundcheck, which included Little Monster's Kevin Salem. About 10 minutes in they play a portion of the title track to their upcoming Let's Go Everywhere CD, and it's nothing less than what would you get if you combined Johnny Cash (specifically "I've Been Everywhere") and jazz funk. In a good way. In an awesome way. Folks, John Lurie is performing on the album -- this is going to be interesting at the very least and could be great.
To wit, part deux: Well, sadly, I don't have a part deux, because Ralph and Ralph have deleted a blog post where they talked about their goals for the new album. But now it's gone (or they've deleted their old myspace page with the post) and I can't really say anything other than "I read it, and it made me excited to hear even more tracks than what's on their myspace page. Knew I should've posted it at the time...
Exclusive: Terrible Twos E-Card
Want to hear the first three songs from The Terrible Twos' debut album If You Ever See An Owl? Well, I'm happy to introduce to the world this e-card, courtesy of Vagrant/Poquito Records.
The album, from The New Amsterdams getting all kids' music on us, is getting a national release on April 10 and the e-card lets you listen to the first three tracks from the CD, "Ladybug," "When I Get To Eleven," and "We Can All Get Along With Dinosaurs," in their entirety. Take a listen, and pass it on. Your friends and your friends' kids will thank you.
(And if you don't understand the fuss, read the review or listen to more songs here.)
Listen To This: "Juggle The Stars" - Charity and the JAMband
In time for Valentine's Day (mostly), San Francisco-based Charity and the JAMband have posted a new mp3 on their website, the lullaby "Juggle the Stars." It's a good song, but different stylistically from the funky jams Charity's best known for. (Makes me wonder what their upcoming album will sound like.)
If you're looking for a more uptempo Valentine's Day song, try their song "No Doubt About It."
Both songs are available at the band's Songs page.
It's Already February, And I Have A Third Most Favorite Song
Yes, "I Wish I Lived In Michigan" is awesome. So is "I Hog The Ground (Groundhog Song)".
But I have a third awesome song to share: Georgie James' "The Grizzly Jive."
The track is off the forthcoming DeSoto Records kids' compilation Play!, which I've been anticipating for awhile now.
I got an advance copy this week, and while you'll have to wait awhile for my review, this bubbly indiepop track from the new-ish DC-based duo is just so great that I need to spread the word now.
And I find to my delight DeSoto Records is super-obliging, offering up a full mp3 of the song at its Downloads page. You can also download "Always Check For Holes," from Channels w/ Damon Locks. (Channels includes former Jawbox member J. Robbins and Janet Morgan, who supplies the British accent on the track.)
Go. Now.
