Artist: Mr. Harley
Song: "These Rhyming Friends of Mine"
Album: Blue Shirt
Description: I am not the biggest fan of the framing device -- what's the point? -- but those puppets, those puppets are made of win, I tell you.
Source: YouTube
"Go Fire Truck, Go" - Suzi Shelton
Artist: Suzi Shelton
Song: "Go, Fire Truck, Go"
Album: Smile in My Heart
Description: I can't say that this video is terribly complicated. Even the song itself -- from Shelton's forthcoming album -- is comparatively simple, structurally -- but considering that the songwriter, Henry Rivetti, was FOUR YEARS OLD when he wrote the original song, that's kind of expected. Right in your 4-year-old's wheelhouse.
Source: YouTube
"Girls Wanna Dance" - Milkshake
Artist: Milkshake
Song: "Girls Wanna Dance"
Album: Got a Minute?
Description: Ah, the awkwardness of the junior high dance -- that's the subject of Milkshake's song, and their video for the song, the first from their latest album, goes back in time to when DINOSAURS ROAMED THE EARTH. No, wait, that's not right. It's when live bands played junior high gigs. Which was before my time, at least.
Source: YouTube
"Grand March from Aida" - Dog on Fleas
Artist: Dog on Fleas
Song: "Grand March from Aida"
Album: Buy One Get One Flea
Description: Further proof that simple ideas, even low-budget ones, well-executed can be delightful. The "Backyard Dorkestra" rendition of Verdi's famous "Grand March" from his opera Aida is a silly goof, so why not have a parade of assorted stuffed animals -- including a certain kindie favorite -- represent it? The kids'll be amused -- so was I.
Source: YouTube
"Yellow Banana" - NikosKids
Artist: NikosKids (aka Nikolai Moderbacher)
Song: "Yellow Banana"
Album: In This Moment
Description: I suppose I could complain about the color/fruit choices -- I, myself, am a D'Anjou pear man myself, and therefore can't countenance the implied Bosc (brown) pear in the lyrics -- but this is a fun video. Think of it as a much more kid-friendly version of Kafka's The Metamorphosis.
Source: YouTube
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"If I Had a Mariachi" - Andrés Salguero
Artist: Andrés Salguero
Song: "If I Had a Mariachi"
Album: ¡Uno, Dos, Tres con Andrés!
Description: The Colombian native Salguero takes to Mexico City for a simple video for his cumulative song about the instruments in a mariachi band. Those violins at the end look a little small, however...
Source: YouTube
"Feelin' Fine" - Alex Mitnick
Artist: Alex Mitnick
Song: "Feelin' Fine"
Album: Love Songs for My Baby
Description: If there was ever a sun-dappled kindie video, this is it. And if there was ever a weekend during which the East Coast could use a sun-dappled kindie video, this is it. (Bonus: head here if you'd like to download a free copy of this song from Mitnick's upcoming solo album.)
Source: Vimeo
"I Must Be a Genius" - Dog on Fleas
Artist: Dog on Fleas
Song: "I Must Be a Genius"
Album: Buy One Get One Flea
Description: A sweet love song just in time for Valentine's Day from the New York band's upcoming release. You know who they say is man's best friend, right? Directed by Tim Sutton of Ratboy Jr. (By the way, if you buy one song -- specifically this one -- you can get one flea, er… free. Just send 'em an e-mail after you've bought the track.)
