Andy's Wild Amphibian Show! - Andy Offutt Irwin

Andy Offutt Irwin - Andy's Wild Amphibian Show album cover

Artist: Andy Offutt Irwin

Album: Andy's Wild Amphibian Show!

Age Range: 5 through 10

Review: With a blurb from king of the kindie storytellers Bill Harley (and a figurative push from longtime occasional touring partner Cathy Fink), this was a pretty safe bet when I put the CD in  and hit "play."  Sure enough, the first kids CD from the Georgia-based storyteller hits the same pleasant storyteller notes as Harley -- the feeling that childhood is every bit as adventurous as adulthood, empowerment in small bites, and, of course, the occasional silly voice.  Most of the album is taken up by two stories told in front of a live audience, "I Have a Loose Tooth" and the title track.  It also features a live recording of the sweet sing-along lullaby (not an oxymoron) "The Light Went Away" and a studio rendition of "I Love To Whistle," which features Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer.  (Did I mention that Irwin's a whistler?  He's a really good whistler.)

Unlike Bill Harley's tales, in which many of them I've often felt a bit of wistfulness, these stories stick to a more triumphant tone.  Which is also fine.  Just a bit different.  Irwin is just as engaging with the kids, regardless of whether it's through the occasional encouragement to repeat a loooong vocabulary word or just through his silly voices or compelling narrative.  Worth a spin if you're looking to expand your family's storytelling collection.  Recommended.

Note: I was provided a copy of this album for possible review.

It's Not Fair To Me - Bill Harley & Keith Munslow

Artists: Bill Harley & Keith Munslow 

Album: It's Not Fair To Me 

Age Range: 5 through 10

Description:  Let's see, an album featuring Harley and Munslow -- probably a somber, abstract, mostly instrumental album, right?

Of course not.

The two musicians have helped with each other's albums in the past, but this is the first featuring both of them equally.  Most of the ten songs on the 34-minute album go for humor, if not broad (the title track, featuring some very funny banter between the two, "Copycat") then just in attitude ("My Eraser," an ode to, yes, an eraser).  Their observations about squabbling siblings resonate because they're true to life generally (not just families.  Harley and Munslow know their way through slightly older musical styles, exemplified best by "Give Me Back My Hat," a rollicking 12-bar blues and one of the album's highlights.  The duo's enjoyment of the other's company is never more obvious than in the album closer, "Hideous Sweater."  Give it to your kids' aunt or uncle -- they'll understand.  Recommended.