Win a Jelly of the Month Club CD or House of Blues Anaheim Concert Tickets

Well, after setting up a giveaway for a contemplative modern-folk Christmas CD and concert tickets in New York City, I guess the (relative) West Coasterner in me couldn't resist offering a sunny West Coast alternative (no California residence required).

It's for the fun debut album from the Southern California all-star band Jelly of the Month Club and their Sunday, January 19 family-friendly concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim.  The debut Introducing Jelly of the Month Club is a bunch of danceable fun, and I think their energetic ska-punk sound will translate well to a live setting.

So, by Friday, December 6 at 8 pm West Coast time, enter to win either the CD or the concert tickets by leaving a comment below (one per family, please) about your favorite Southern California memory (either real or just via book, music, or movies).  I'll pick two winners the randomly -- the first winner will get the choice of the CD or the tickets, and the second winner will get what the first didn't select.  Please remember to leave your e-mail address (shown only to me) so I can e-mail you if you're a winner.

Thanks for reading and entering, thanks to the House of Blues Anaheim for the CD and the tickets, and good luck!

Itty-Bitty Review: Introducing: Jelly of the Month Club - Jelly of the Month Club

Another day, another album by a collection of artists best known for their music for adults.

Yes, it's possible to be a kids music reviewer jaded by news that members of Southern California-area bands like Sublime, the Ziggens, and more came together to record as Jelly of the Month Club.  Been there, done that, right?

But as I am constantly reminded in this neck of the musical woods, it's possible to be surprised by people, and their debut album Introducing: Jelly of the Month Club is a blast of energy from beginning to end.  There's a ska-punk feeling to a lot of the songs, of course (Exhibit A: "The English Language," which is Schoolhouse Rock by way of the Clash perhaps), but there are more diverse sounds, such as the mellower album opener, the strumming "Brand New Friend."  Some songs like "Tell Someone" contain lessons of a sort, but that's a song that namechecks Cheryl Ladd and Chaka Khan, to name a few, so clearly there's a playfulness that cuts through any overt "Learn. This." approach.   There are points at which I wondered who the songs were for (I sort of feel sorry for any kid who understands the CSNY reference on "Gone Squatchin'"), so it's possible that some kids might not care. On the other hand, I don't know if "Girlfriend" is really a kids' song (it was originally recorded by the Ziggens), but there's such gleeful joy, especially in the chorus, that kids'll probably hook into it immediately.  And there's a fart song, too ("Timmy Turtle Head"), so it's got that.

The album is probably most appropriate for kids ages 3 through 9.  You can stream some of the songs from the 35-minute album here.  Introducing: Jelly of the Month Club won't be for every family -- it all depends on how energetic and inner-7-year-old boy your family likes their music.  But there's a lot here to enjoy and dance along with.  Definitely recommended.