Regular readers know that I'm all over the map when it comes to these Monday Morning Smile posts -- they are, probably more often than not, unrelated to kids music. So I don't have much of a reason for embedding this stream of "She Walks in So Many Ways" other than I love the Jayhawks and I'm geeked that the band lineup from what most people consider the band's artistic high point of the early-to-mid-90s is back. Their new album, Mockingbird Time is out on September 20 from Rounder Records. This track sounds a lot like something that was on their last album, Rainy Day Music, but with the harmonies between Gary Louris and Mark Olson that helped give the band its distinctive sound.
Sometimes you just want to listen to your own music, you know?
Newborn: The Thinkers
After I heard Oh Zoooty!, the debut from The Thinkers, a couple times, I e-mailed the band, of which I knew very little, and said, "I hope you won't take this wrong way, but who the hell are you guys?"
Because what they've created is one of those utterly imaginative works that ten minutes in, you'll either have turned it off or -- more likely -- be totally smitten. So who they are is this: Bo (Bo Moore) and Moy (Matt Saporito), or as they replied in my e-mail, "two best buddies in our mid 20s from Boston & New York." They've actually been working on their album for more than a year now, but are only recently unleashing it upon the world. Listen to the album, I implore you, here. My favorites -- for the moment -- include "Chocolate Milk & Ice Cream Cake," "Froggy Hop," and "Mushy Berry Pie." It's a pretty unique sound, sometimes sea chanty, sometimes British Invasion, but if you miss the sounds of The Quiet Two or the Telephone Company (OK, they're still around), you won't want to miss this.
They'll also be making their way across the country this summer, starting in Boston in about a couple weeks, making their way to Sacramento by the beginning of August. Check out their tour schedule and if you see some gaps near where you live (like I have in Arizona in mid-July), I think you know what to do...Share: Hey Pepito! EP - Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke
Have you had your coffee yet? Your kids had their chocolate milk? No? Well, don't worry about it. Just stream the first song on this new EP from Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke, you'll all be ready to conquer the world. (Or at least power your bike up the hill.)
Titled Hey, Pepito!, the 6-song EP features four new songs, including the aforementioned title track, the only-slightly-less hyper "Don Mario's Song," "Talking Big Pet Pig," which is, well, the story of the "Big Pet Pig" as told by Bob Dylan, and a very sweet "Summer Lullaby." (It also features "It's So Good" and "Mary the Fairy.")
The EP is officially released July 1, but you can stream it below.
Listen To This: "Cooperate" - Sugar Free Allstars and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
I'm all about the collaboration and cooperation, so of course I dig the fact that Sugar Free Allstars and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo hooked up for a new single. Both of 'em hung out together a bit at Kindiefest, and their affinity is obvious on this funky track. Stream it below or buy it here or here.
Listen To This: "Uki Buki Kuki Duki Fuki Guki Huki Juki Island" - The Biscuit Brothers
OK, this is mostly a Tiny Scarecrow deal, but any new music -- especially TS music -- from Austin's Biscuit Brothers is always welcome. It's a "work in progress," according to the Soundcloud page, but it's amusing with very much of a Disney "Tiki Room" vibe. Reportedly it's from the next BB album, which is in progress, especially after their Kickstarter campaign reached funded status late last week.
Uki Buki Kuki Duiki Fuki Guki Huki Juki Island by The Biscuit Brothers
Listen To This: "Baby Loves Disco" - Various Artists (King Britt)
Need to take a dance break? Baby Loves Disco rides (sashays? boogies?) to the rescue, streaming the Baby Loves Disco soundtrack for your family's listening (and booty-shaking) pleasure. Curated by DJ King Britt, it's good stuff, featuring some familiar dance floor tunes like "We Are Family" and "Shake Shake Shake" as well as some new stuff. Stream (or purchase) the album below.
