Newly-shorn concert/potluck promoter Bill Childs recently wrote of his appreciation for the Replacements.
That discussion, along with comments in this Justin Roberts Pop Fly review about how people have "linked" me with Justin Roberts, made me think about musical antecedents and current influences. Who would be the most important musicians (of any genre) throughout your entire life -- the ones, even if you don't listen to them on a regular basis now, who profoundly affect who you listen to now and, heck, who you are, period? And who are the kids' musicians who have done the same?
My answers are after the jump -- hopefully yours will be in the comments.
KidVid Tournament 2008: Final - Mr. Richard vs. They Might Be Giants
Here we go, everyone, the final of KidVid Tournament 2008. This contest pits "Cheese" from Mr. Richard's Polka Dot Puzzle (video directed by Banks Helfrich) against "The Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)," from They Might Be Giants' Here Come the 123s CD/DVD (video directed by David Cowles and Sean McBride).
As always, vote once per family only, please, in the comments below. Votes are due by 9 PM West Coast (midnight East Coast) tonight (Tuesday). And, remember, vote nicely.
Mr. Richard - "Cheese"
They Might Be Giants - "Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)"
KidVid Tournament 2008: Renee & Jeremy vs. They Might Be Giants
While yesterday's matchup was a live-action affair, the 2nd semifinal in KidVid 2008 is an all-animation competition. Renee & Jeremy offer "It's A Big World," a soft lullaby from their It's A Big World disk (review). They Might Be Giants counter with "The Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)," a zippy anti-work/pro-trumpet practice tune from Here Come the 123s (review).
You know the rules by now. One vote per family -- one per family, folks! -- in the comments below, due by 9 PM tonight (Thursday). As always, vote nice, y'all.
Renee & Jeremy - "It's A Big World"
They Might Be Giants - "Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)"
KidVid Tournament 2008: They Might Be Giants vs. David Tobocman
Let's start off the 2nd week of KidVid Tournament 2008 with a battle for supremacy in the Leadbelly Region -- the #1 seed They Might Be Giants' "Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)" (from their recently-released Here Come the 123s CD/DVD) taking on the #2 seed, David Tobocman and his track "Home" (from I Count to Ten and Other Helpful Songs, also recently released).
Go forth, watch both videos, then You. Make. The. Call. (Or, rather, vote in the comments below by 9 PM Thursday night. Vote once per family. Play nice, y'all.)
They Might Be Giants - "Seven Days of the Week (Never Go To Work)"
David Tobocman - "Home"
If Spring is Too Early and Summer Too Late for Your Kids Music Festival Needs...
Kansas City kids musician Funky Mama (aka Krista Eyler) pointed out yesterday that Kansas City, Missouri will host its host its own kids music festival, the first Kansas City Jiggle Jam Family Fest, Memorial Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25).
"Don't forget the Midwest family music," asks Eyler, and with a lineup including They Might Be Giants, Justin Roberts, Trout Fishing in America, Tom Chapin, John McCutcheon, not to mention KC-area favorites Jim Cosgrove and Funky Mama, it would be hard to. Especially when the cost per day is $10/kid ($8 in advance, kids under 2 free) and $5/adult. Heck, at those ticket prices, you're losing money if you don't pack those kids of yours into the car/minivan/refurbished school bus and head out.
(Hey, I spent a number of years in the Midwest -- can't ever forget the Midwest family music.)
Anybody else have some sweet tours or multi-multi-artist festivals they know of? Let me know...
The Last TMBG Post... Until the Next One
It's time I dial back a bit on the They Might Be Giants Here Come the 123s madness. The album's been out for more than a couple weeks, and there's plenty of other music to talk about. Before I completely turn things over to my Here Come the 123s archive, a pair of final thoughts.
First, my conjecture that the album might break the Billboard Top 10 proved too optimistic. Thus far, their peak chart position is #172. Given that Herbie Hancock's sales of 5,044 albums that same week put him at #159, it would appear TMBG probably sold just under 5,000 copies their first week. Now, given that they also debuted at #9 on the Kid Audio Chart, and only dropped to #10 in week 2, it's not unlikely that they'll continue to sell four or five thousand albums a week, especially given the ongoing promotion. But doubtful that they'll make the Billboard Top 10.
And for those of you who are already awaiting the next TMBG kids' album, the reported album on the planets and science is definitely a go. This article quotes a Disney executive as saying that the album could be released as early as next year. The podcasts will go on forever, one can only hope...
