Is This "Lunchbox" For Your Kids?
While I think that the Asylum Street Spankers' Mommy Says No! was definitely one of the best dozen or so CDs from last year, there's no doubt that it was definitely on the edge as kids' CDs go -- it's not for everyone, and some families won't like it at all.
On top of that, one song -- "You Only Love Me For My Lunchbox" -- has achieved what I believe to be a singular achievement in the kids' music genre. It is, to my knowledge, the only kids' song -- recorded specifically for kids -- to be edited for language. That's right, XM Radio is playing the song, but without the last part of the tongue-twister breakdown.
Why? Well, you'll have to watch this video from a Spankers' show in Dallas back in March.
So, anyway, to answer my own question - from about 4:00 to 4:30 or so, most definitely not, unless you want to have a lengthy and probably unproductive discussion with your impressionable child. (Note: the actual cursing is not part of the CD, just to make that clear.)
Asylum Street Spankers - "You Only Love Me For My Lunchbox"
Comments
This is offensive and disgusting. Obviously this is a band that does not care about children whatsoever and this is a really, really sad video and posting. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
Posted by: Jenny | May 1, 2008 02:59 PM
Yeah, like I said, the album itself is a bit on the edge, though I should make it clear that the language barriers completely broken through here aren't breached on the album.
And the performance itself is from one of their "adult" shows, so, basically, they've just re-purposed a kids' song for their adult audience.
But, like I said, not for everyone.
Anyone else OK? Not OK?
Posted by: Stefan | May 1, 2008 05:28 PM
Besides the language in the middle of the tune, I am offended at the joking nature of the alternate album titles. Like, "Daddy Drinks Because You Cry" which (although a joke for an adult audience) is a sad commentary on the band's thought process. Not only is this title offensive to any one that is a child of an alcoholic, it also is offensive to the child. Essentially saying: "your feelings are not valid". I know it's just a joke. But the whole mood of this is truly horrible, and often jokes are actually what a person really wants to say.
For the record, I have had a few Asylum St. Spankers records in the past but have since moved on. Am very glad I did.
Just my two cents
Jen Beth
Posted by: Jenny | May 1, 2008 08:45 PM
I am actually really happy this band did this, because it reconfirmed that I don't feel they should be making music for kids. Initially I heard them on Sirius, and thought "This song is gimmicky and they are really just trying to make a clever joke for moms and dads using kids themes as subject matter". I wasn't impressed. What this video confirms, and what offends my sensibilities more, is when a band thinks its acceptable to bridge the gap between crass adult music or music for children - you can't have it both ways. If you are making products for kids and families, you can't be a fly-by-night operation just trying to capture another market - you have to make a commitment to kids and make the choice to self-edit. Its a matter of business ethics. Plus it showed bad judgement to allow it to be video taped. I just don't have much respect for this group on a whole.
Posted by: ryan | November 19, 2008 09:53 AM