The First Album - The Board of Education

Artist: The Board of Education

Album: The First Album (AKA their debut)

Description: As I said in my review of the album many years ago, it's for "that 9- to 12-year-old kid who's probably the smartest kid in class. School is the central part of their life, learning something so freakin' cool, even if the rest of the day doesn't quite measure up."  Also, it rocks.

Source: Bandcamp

Walk with Me - Little Miss Ann

Artist: Little Miss Ann

Album: Walk with Me

Description: Lo-fi rock meets upbeat vocals and lyrics on the Chicago artist's third album.  With support from Suzi Shelton and Charlie Hope.

Source: Bandcamp

Piñata Party - Moona Luna

Artist: Moona Luna

Album: Piñata Party

Description: Pop meets Alt-Latino (or Alt-Latina) meets Sesame Street meets (at least on one track) Dan Zanes

Source: Bandcamp / Zooglobble review

Songs For Learning - Future Hits

Artist: Future Hits

Album: Songs for Learning

Description: Chicago lo-fi alt-rock meets curriculum standards.  Features support from Chicago kindie stalwart Little Miss Ann and Chicago proto-producer Mark Greenberg.

Source: Bandcamp

John and Mark's Children's Record - John Upchurch and Mark Greenberg

Artist: John Upchurch and Mark Greenberg

Album: John and Mark's Children's Record

Description: I have long been on the record as being a huge fan of this album. So much so that I'm willing to make you jump through a couple hoops (when normally I'd just post an embedded widget) just so you can listen to the album one (mis-ordered) song at a time.  Trust me, it's worth it.  Go here and type "john and mark's children's record" (without the quotation marks) into the search box on the left.  Enjoy.

Source: Mayfair Workshop

Quiet Time - Miss Gail and the Jumpin' Jam Band

Artist: Miss Gail and the Jumpin' Jam Band

Album: Quiet Time EP

Description: Raucous rockers to keep the neighbors awake!  Erm, no.  Five calm original songs featuring Gail Burnett's lovely voice accompanied by guitar, cello, and bass.  Good wind-down music.

Source: Bandcamp

"Working Together" - Sugar Free Allstars & Recess Monkey

Artists: Sugar Free Allstars / Recess Monkey

Song: "Working Together"

Album: N/A

Description: Sugare Free Allstars meets Recess Monkey, duh.  Starts out a bit clunky, ends much more funky.  As message songs go, it's better than most.  (Purchase at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby.)

Source: Bandcamp