Funny Faces - Michael and the Rockness Monsters

Funny Faces album cover

Artist: Michael and the Rockness Monsters

Album: Funny Faces

Age Range: 4 through 8

Description: For his second Rockness Monsters album, New York musician Michael Napolitano turns up the funny a little bit more.  The standout tracks include the '70s groove leadoff track "Cardboard Cutout Man" and the epic "Squirrel Fight."  (It's like the Thrilla in Manila, except it's about squirrels.)  And while normally I'm not a big skit fan, the concept of "Elevator Song" -- the band's found a great, free rehearsal space, the only bad news is that it's an elevator -- is amusing, and the execution comedically solid.  I admire the commitment to silliness on many of the tracks here, but note that that the approach probably overshadows the less silly tracks like "Together Forever" (featuring Sonia de los Santos) and "Who I Am."  (Napolitano and co-producer Dean Jones play all the instruments, so musically the entire album is tight.)  Fans of the pop-rock goofiness and sweetness Recess Monkey brings will find a lot to enjoy here.  Recommended.

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

Turkey Andersen 2 - Turkey Andersen

Turkey Andersen 2 album cover

Artist: Turkey Andersen

Album: Turkey Andersen 2

Age Range:

Description: The follow up "full-length" (at 18 minutes, it's barely 2 minutes longer than the debut EP) from the mysterious Turkey Andersen (could he be related to Northampton, Massachusetts musician Henning Ohlenbusch?) is every bit as whimsical as its predecessor.  I gravitate toward the sillier tracks, like the irrepressible "I'm Not Scared," whose narrator isn't scared of anything (e.g., ghosts)... especially in unrelated situations (e.g., in the supermarket juggling fruit).  But the dreamier tracks, like "Rhonda Bubbles" (which sounds like an ode to a toddler with a typically toddler-y mind of her own) and "What An Animal'll Do", have their own allure.

You can stream (and purchase) the 18-minute album here.  The mix of silly and sweet and pop-rock happiness is a very appealing concoction, perfect for the ride to and back from school.  Definitely recommended. 

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