Kids Music (Not) at SXSW

Well, there's some but you have to look hard. Although there are a number of artists here who have a kids' album under their belt (I'm listening to Tom Freund right now), this isn't a kids music friendly conference. Which is fine. I've got my kids music panel with Tor Hyams, Karen Rappaport McHugh, Matt Pryor, and more. 2 PM, don't miss it if you're here. And if you need a kids music fix and want to brave the crowds at Auditorium Shores, Walter T and the Rated G's, Big Don, and Daddy-A-Go-Go isn't a bad set of music. Starts at noon. But really, this isn't about the kids. First day in the books - eight artists. I'll have to tell you about it. When it's not 1:30 AM.

Winners Announced in the Create the Best Fake Children's Music Album of All Time Contest

figment_logo2a.jpgWhew. That's a mouthful. Last month I partnered with the cool website Figment ("All Bands, No Music") for a contest that challenged Figment's users to create the best fake children's music album of all time. Well, the time is at hand to announce the winners. It wasn't easy, because how exactly do you judge it? Sure, quality of album cover is a key component, but trying to create a backstory and set of song titles that paid homage to the kids music genre without going over the edge, now that's hard. The winner and two runners-up are below, with top prize going to the self-titled debut from Mac & Cheese -- somebody needs to steal the phrase "Funshine Records." Click on the album cover to find out more about each album. (Warning: the Strum Pets album, as you might expect from that album title, was created with a tongue planted firmly in cheek and elsewhere on the body. Do not click if anyone has ever said you lack a sense of humor.) Thanks to everyone who entered -- choosing between 'em all was not an easy task. And thanks to Eric and Larry for letting me play along. Mac&Cheese.jpgBubblegum Stew.jpgJourney to the Land of The Strum Pets.jpg

Justin Roberts' Jungle Gym: Sarajo Frieden's Album Art

JG_(CS07)_back1.jpgI've been trying not to publish album art and tracklists unless it's a really big deal. Well, a new album -- Jungle Gym -- from Justin Roberts is a really big deal. I know, Jeff already published the tracklist (which you see also there to the left), but I also wanted to be able to share some album art, which Roberts was kind enough to do. The lovely cover art (as always) from Sarajo Frieden, along with a story from Justin about recording one of the tracks, follows...

Down Here in the States, We Call It Spring Break

While I'm on the whole Canada tip, I thought I'd draw your attention to a couple of notable playlists put together for the Bunch Family website originating out of Canada. They're for "March Break" (which we call "Spring Break" and must come a week or two before ours) and come courtesy of Dan Zanes and Broken Social Scene's Jason Collett. They're both kinda cool lists -- the easiest way to distinguish between the two lists is Marley-wise -- Dan votes for kid-friendly Ziggy, Jason for Bob. Oh, and Collett picks not one, but two Flaming Lips songs. Also, Canada's a big country -- those lists are barely long enough to get you out of the Toronto suburbs, no?

Juno 2010 Children's Music Nominees Announced

Sure, I talk about the Grammy Awards (a lot), but let's not forget our neighbors to the north. That's right, the nominees for the 2010 Juno Awards have been announced, and I feel compelled to give props to the Juno Children's Album nominees... Action Packed - Bobs & Lolo I'm Me! - Charlie Hope Love My New Shirt - Norman Foote We Share the Earth - The Bee's Knees Walk On - The Kerplunks I've heard the Bobs & Lolo and Kerplunks disks, and they're not bad, but my favorite here is Charlie Hope's I'm Me!. Having said all that, even though the Kerplunks were nominated in this category just last year, I expect the Juno to go to veterans Foote or The Bee's Knees. The Juno Awards will be announced April 18, 2010.