BVGB - Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies

Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies BVGB cover

Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies BVGB cover

Artist: Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies

Album: BVGB

Age Range: 2 through 6

Description: With relatively little fanfare nationally, Seattle-based Vogan has released six albums (including this latest one) targeted at the older preschool/kindergarten set over the past seven years.  All of them have had some good songs to recommend them, and BVGB is no exception.  "Big Bad Dump Truck" is a shuffling rocker with, appropriately enough, a hint of dirt to it.  "Dinosaur in My Drawer" features some nifty guitar work and some "la la las."  "Marla Has Two Moms" will help fill out your family diversity playlist, while "Presidents' Day" celebrates even the least celebrated chief executives.  Even the songs I didn't hear saying much new say them with obvious thought as to how to convey the lyrics (like the rough sound of "I'm a Nasty Cavity").

At barely 25 minutes in length, the album almost feels like an extended EP than a full album.  But for those families looking for an artist that might complement artists like Laurie Berkner to serve their favorite four-year-old, this is a good introduction to an artist who might fit that bill.  Recommended.

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

Yes! - Wayne Potash

Yes.jpg

Artist: Wayne Potash

Album: Yes!​

Age Range: 3 through 6

Description:​ Boston-area musician Potash has always been a little retro in his approach -- no revved-up post-ironic alterna-pop for him, nosiree.  When I reviewed his 2005 album Don't Forget the Donut​, I praised his goofy lack of pretense, and time has not changed Potash's approach much.  Get past the lo-fi album cover and song titles like "I Like Trucks," which make it sound like the accompanying songs would be bereft of any creativity or production values, and you'll find some great preschooler tracks.  "I Like Trucks," for example, is a slow-moving country-folk song that is so ear-wormy and familiar that I could've sworn I'd heard it on a previous record.  I hadn't.  It is an instant transportation song classic, and "Allis Chalmers," a love song to a tractor with a great singalong chorus, is almost one as well.  Listen to clips from the 46-minute album here.  Rootsy originals and traditionals with a dash of classic rock, gentle and empathetic, Yes!​ is a sweet album for the wee ones.  Recommended.