Video: "Mr. Pickle" - Michael and the Rockness Monsters

Let's face it, the era of silly novelty songs is pretty much over -- really, the presence of the occasional "What Does the Fox Say?" is a case of the exception proving the rule.  The only outlet at this point is Dr. Demento who continues to produce a weekly online radio show featuring, no doubt, plenty of songs that are silly but not necessarily solely comedic in intent.

So I sort of think that Michael and the Rockness Monsters' "Mr. Pickle" (off Funny Faces) would be an excellent addition to an upcoming Dr. Demento playlist.  The song features the nasally ramblings of the titular character and his musings on his way to leading the pickle parade.  And that's about it.  No homilies about changing the world, or feeling good about yourself, or standing up to bullies.  Just a song about a talking pickle.  And now, a video that gives visual life to those silly lyrics.  Bless 'em, we need a few more songs like that.  And maybe Dr. Demento back on the radio.

Michael and the Rockness Monsters - "Mr. Pickle" [YouTube]

Radio Playlist: New Music May 2017

Summer is drawing nigh, and kids music continues to cross my doorstep (and iTunes and Spotify and Bandcamp playlists).  Ten songs, less than 30 minutes, and if you don't like these -- well, I think you'll like a lot of these, but if the ratio is insufficient, feel free to check out the April list here.

As always, it's limited in that if an artist hasn't chosen to post a song on Spotify, I can't put it on the list, nor can I feature songs from as-yet-unreleased albums.  But I'm always keeping stuff in reserve for the next Spotify playlist.

Check out the list here (or right here in you're in Spotify).

**** New Music May 2017 (May 2017 Kindie Playlist) ****

"I'd Like to Live in Your Hat" - Froggins & Bug

"Shooting Star" - Shine and the Moonbeams

"Marco Polo" - Walter Martin

"Jack and Jill" - Matthew Valcourt

"Poppy" - The Salamanders

"Poopy Dogs" - Spring Bees

"Squirrel Fight" - Michael and the Rockness Monsters

"I Despise Flies" - Todd Downing

"Jump and Jive" - Dana

"Tipping Point" - Matt Heaton

"Plastic Duck" - Remington Super 60

Catching Up (with Reviews)

Let All the Children Boogie cover

As I noted a couple months ago, I'm trying to re-think how I write in-depth about music and how I write album reviews in particular, and promised I'd clear a number of albums off my plate, as it were.  Although it's not terribly well-known, I have a separate section of the site dedicated just to album reviews, which generally included shorter takes on albums.

Over the past week or so I've written a number of briefer reviews, and I didn't want folks who normally just stop by this main part of the site to miss them.  So here's my list...

The Playground Zone - Alphabet Rockers

Sugar Free Allstars - Sugar Free Allstars

Lemonade - Justin Roberts

Could Come True - Timmy Abell

Music Is Everywhere - Mista Cookie Jar

Let All the Children Boogie: A Tribute to David Bowie - Various Artists

The Rocket Went Up!: Sing-A-Long History Vol. 2 - The Deedle Deedle Dees

Funny Faces - Michael and the Rockness Monsters

Video: "Cosmic Vacation" - Michael and the Rockness Monsters (World Premiere!)

Michael and the Rockness Monsters cover

It's super-cute-video time!

The self-titled debut album from Michael and the Rockness Monsters got its official release yesterday (you can get it from iTunes and Amazon if you're so inclined), and to celebrate they've released an adorable video for the song "Cosmic Vacation."

Seriously, this computer-animated trip around the solar system (and back) is candy-colored and super-sweet and will captivate the nearest preschooler at hand.  So I'm happy to be world premiere-ing here today.

Michael and the Rockness Monsters - "Cosmic Vacation" [YouTube]

Listen To This: "Pretty Little World" - Michael and The Rockness Monsters (World Premiere!)

Pretty Little World single cover

There will always be a need for simple pop songs for pure pop kids, and I've got one such song for you today.

The song's called "Pretty Little World," and it's a single from the upcoming 2016 debut album from Michael and the Rockness Monsters titled, well, Michael and the Rockness Monsters.  Which is just a long way of saying that it's the first album meant for the general public from Michael Napolitano, founder of the Preschool of Rock.  The New Jersey/New York-based program provides music classes and birthday parties for, um, preschoolers (and younger ones).

In any case, this song is gentle with a spirit of wonder.  Also, it features bells.  I love the bells.  If you want to grab a copy of the single for your very own, you can do so on iTunes and Amazon.  Or just stream the rainbow goodness below.

Michael and the Rockness Monsters - "Pretty Little World" [Soundcloud]