Oh, look, it's a new album from Chicago's Little Miss Ann. It's Follow Me, and although it's officially released May 1, she's put it up for the world to stream. The album, pushed out into the world courtesy of a Kickstarter campaign, features some sprightly originals like the title track and "Can You Make a Circle?," not to mention the classic "Bushel and a Peck" from Guys and Dolls. Worth some time to check out.
Little Miss Ann - Follow Me [Bandcamp]
Let's see... a new Portland band attempting to Kickstart a brand new album that features guitars, middle school choirs, and pots and pans. Whose first song, I would add, celebrates the Krampus. And whose album titles echoes -- intentionally or not -- Tom Waits.
This could be hipster overload.
But I think after you listen to "Grandmother's Invisible Duck," a demo track from the album, I think you might just be interested in pledging to Dan Elliott's Kickstarter for the Pointed Man Band. I think most of the readers here would think there's already no distinction between children's music and real music, but I also think those same families will warm to the handmade sound.
A little bit Telephone Company, a little bit Dog on Fleas, with a touch of Sufjan Stevens (and not just song-title-wise) -- I'm eager to hear the final result.
Also: If the criterion was solely new kindie bands, Portland has probably taken over the title of Kindiest City in America.
It's been a long time since Dan Zanes compatriot Elena Moon Park announced her plan to Kickstart her debut album of Asian kids' music. Now, nearly 18 months after Rabbit Days & Dumplings was offered to the world at large for its support, the album is complete and has cover art (from Kristiana Parn) and a release date (September 25). While there's no tracks for your public listening pleasure (yet), Dan Zanes fans will find the often festive sounds somewhat familiar. (The album also features folks like Wu Man, the Kronos Quartet, and members from Bang on a Can.) Track listing below.
Just as news of They Might Be Giants' releases is worthy of celebration, so is more detailed news of Elizabeth Mitchell's latest album, a tribute to Woody Guthrie in time for the 100th anniversary of his birth. The album's been in the works for quite some time now, and a couple weeks ago, the album got a title (Little Seed) and a release date.
Now we have a tracklisting and -- even better -- a couple of tracks to listen to. As with previous albums, Mitchell's accompanied by her husband Daniel Littleton and their daughter Storey. (She's also got a few guest stars onboard -- Amy Helm, daughter of Levon Helm, and Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, among others.)
It's not an entirely new album -- it does feature 5 previously-released tracks along with the 8 new recordings. But if you're familiar with the previously-released tracks, then you'll be eagerly awaiting the new stuff. Go here to listen to "Bling Blang" and "This Land Is Your Land." Those two tracks definitely whet your appetite for the rest of the album.
TRACK LIST (new tracks in italics):
1. Riding in My Car
2. Bling Blang
3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4. Why, Oh Why
5. Sleep Eye
6. Who's My Pretty Baby?
7. Rattle My Rattle
8. This Land Is Your Land
9. Merry-Go-Round
10. One Day Old
11. Little Sugar
12. Grassy Grass Grass
13. Little Seed
Yes, I'm excited and I'll use a few more exclamation points!
It is not hyperbole to call They Might Be Giants' 2002 album No! a seminal album in kids music, one of a handful of albums that actually altered the direction of the genre.
It was also a darn fine album.
So am I geeked to hear that the band is reissuing the album with bonus tracks to celebrate its 10-year anniversary? Darn tootin' I am!
On June 26, 2012 exactly 10 years (and, er, 15 days) to the day after it was originally released, you can pick up No! in all its glory along with seven bonus tracks.
The bonus tracks include some live recordings ("Robot Parade" and "Clap Your Hands") as well as a brand new extended studio recording of "Alphabet of Nations." (I can confirm that this new version is no less excellent than the original.) The rest of the tracklisting I'm not at liberty to reveal at the moment, but I think TMBG fans of all ages will be pleased.
Anyway, I am pleased as punch to offer a download of "Clap Your Hands," one of the live bonus tracks, courtesy of the band (or feel free to simply stream it below). If that doesn't merit an exclamation point or four, I don't know what does. Yeah!
They Might Be Giants - "Clap Your Hands (Bonus Live Version from No! Deluxe Reissue)"
A Potluck album coverAm I a big Loog Guitars fan? Am I a big Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band fan? I dig my Loog guitar, and Diaz crafts some earwormy hooks, so let's answer in the affirmative.
And now, like some sort of kindie Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, they've joined forces. Diaz has written "One To Ten," a short, sharp pop tune written and recorded by Diaz on the Loog guitar. I can vouch that the Loogs have that very percussive sound.
Diaz features other instruments on his upcoming album with the Family Jam Band, A Potluck, which is due out May 15 (with a new single, "Lines and Dots" out later this week). But, you know, Loog hasn't figured out how to manufacture horns and accordions. Yet.
Lucky Diaz - "One To Ten" [YouTube]
Zooglobble
Zooglobble helps you find kindie music -- news, videos, mp3s, reviews -- for your whole family.
DIY for the kindie world.
