Video: "2nd Grade Show" - Tim and the Space Cadets

I think most observers would agree that Tim and the Space Cadets' "Superhero" video was one of the most stunning debut videos in modern kids music -- excellent tune, great production values, fun video all around.

So I wondered whether or not the long-in-the-making second video from the band for their new song "2nd Grade Show" (off Anthems for Adventure, out January 29th) would even come close to the impact of the first video.

Question answered: yes, mostly.

I think I like "Superhero" the song more than "2nd Grade Show," but in terms of the video itself, its scope and shininess, it's every bit its predecessor's equal.  As someone who never watched the TV series Lost, I'm sure I missed 80% of the references to the show in the video, but I guess I'm proof that you (or your kids) can enjoy it even if you don't know your Hurley from your Smoke Monster.

Tim and the Space Cadets - "2nd Grade Show" [YouTube]

Video: "Sleep Eye" - Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower

I'll have more to say on Elizabeth Mitchell's Grammy nomination for Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie anon, but in the meantime, Mitchell is celebrating with the release of her latest video from the album, for "Sleep Eye."

The track is one of Guthrie's lesser-known tracks, but it's a sweet lullaby, and the gorgeously-filmed video features lots and lots of babies.  It's a pleasant little visual break.

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower - "Sleep Eye" [YouTube]

Video: "Hair" - fleaBITE

This video from New Zealand band fleaBITE should amuse the kids and adults, particularly if they're listening to the lyrics.  There might even be an inappropriate chortle or two, which would not be the first inappropriate chortle generated by the fine and mischievious folks behind the band (who also were responsible for Fatcat & Fishface).  A very Seussian samba.

fleaBITE - "Hair" [YouTube]

Video: "Froggy Went a Courtin'" - Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower

I've never been a huge fan of the song "Froggy Went a Courtin'," if only because it just seems so linear -- this happens, then this happens, then this happens -- in nature.  But Elizabeth Mitchell is a cover artist par extraordinaire, and on her latest album Blue Clouds she and You Are My Flower turn the centuries-old song into lovely song you could envision hearing at a wedding -- amphibian or otherwise.

So it's probably appropriate that the video is set at a (non-amphibian) wedding, with a few simple animations mixed in.  Who wouldn't want Elizabeth Mitchell playing at their wedding?  Lovely all around.(Source: Goodyblog)

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower - "Froggy Went a Courtin'" [YouTube]

Video: "40 Things To Do in a Blackout" - The Pop Ups

I don't think write, record, and film a video for a benefit song was one of the 40 things the Pop Ups mention in their new song, "40 Things To Do in a Blackout," but singing along definitely was.  The new track was inspired by (if that's an appropriate phrase) Hurricane Sandy, and all proceeds benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.  (Purchase the track via Bandcamp, Amazon, and -- soon -- iTunes.)  The song takes a while to get a head of steam, but once it does, it's a ton of fun and worth a buck.  The video is just that much more fun.  After all, everything's better with puppets (another suggestion from the band, of course).

The Pop Ups - "40 Things To Do in a Blackout" [YouTube]

Video: "Count Them As They Go" - Justin Roberts

Ah, a new Justin Roberts album, perfect for seasonally-appropriate gift-giving.  His new album Lullaby comes out next week, and with a title like that, you can surmise that it won't contain raved-up power-pop confections.

It is, however, perfect for these rapidly shortening days of diminishing light and nesting feelings.

The leadoff single is "Count Them As They Go," and the video from the fine folks at ALSO is, like Roberts' songwriting, a model of precision, with everything in its right place.  Lovely and reassuring.

Justin Roberts - "Count Them As They Go" [YouTube]