British artist Heidi Hutchence has a just-released album, Lala Landing, out, and now she's released her first video from the album. It's for the title track off the new disk, and as with her last video, while the song itself is OK to my ears (it's really just a preschool-targeted theme song, and those are always tricky), the video is a-DOR-able. (Say that last word in sort of a high-pitched voice, it'll make more sense.)
Heidi Hutchence - "Lala Landing" [YouTube]
Interview: John Crooke (PlayNetwork)
I was in a Chuck E. Cheese's for a party early this fall and while I was absent-mindedly watching the video loop on the TVs next to the giant (and silent) animatronic animals, I was shaken out of my reverie by the appearance of the great video for "$9.99" by Caspar Babypants (AKA Chris Ballew). Hunh? When exactly did Chuck E. Cheese enter the kindie scene?
I sent off an e-mail to Ballew, and he mentioned that he'd licensed the video for use to PlayNetwork, which, among other things, provides in-store background music and video media. Which then led me to John Crooke, Senior Director for Creative Development, who answered some questions about PlayNetwork and what it looks for in music.
Zooglobble: First off, can you briefly explain what PlayNetwork does?
John Crooke: PlayNetwork produces experiences for consumers that are centered around media for retail environments. From music to TV, video and design, we’re telling stories through media and building partnerships with the most talented and creative individuals in those areas. We create, produce and deliver exceptional content and media experiences.Share: "K.I.D.S." - Luv Clowns
Trying to explain Luv Clowns is not the easiest thing to do. Or, rather, doing so makes the project sound really, really odd. Which it isn't. Quite.
So, simply put, Luv Clowns consists of four well-known Memphis musicians - Harlan T. Bobo, Doug Easley, Alex Greene, and Tim Prudhomme - whose album was released late last month on Goner Records. Oh, and they all dress up in clown costumes when performing. I'm not sure if it's a kids music album for adults, or an adult album (relatively) safe enough for kids, but I do know that the song below, "K.I.D.S.," is a bunch of fun. Stream or download it below, courtesy of Goner.
Luv Clowns - "K.I.D.S." [mp3]
Monday Morning Smile: "Tatooine" - Jeremy Messersmith
Ever since seeing him at SXSW this spring, I've been a big fan of Twin Cities musician Jeremy Messersmith, whose album The Reluctant Graveyard will end up near the top of my Top 10 list of non-kids-music related albums for 2010. And while I haven't had too many chances to mention him here on the site, this video for his song "Tatooine" definitely qualifies. At least, if your kid is at all a Star Wars fanatic. Eric Power sets Messersmith's lovely and lo-fi piano-accompanied Star Wars-inspired tune to the Star Wars Trilogy, illustrated via paper animation. The video justifiably went viral when it was released a couple months ago. Pay what you'd like for the track here (and you can do so for Messersmith's other albums), or simply watch it below.
Jeremy Messersmith - "Tatooine" [YouTube]
Listen To This: "Old MacDonald... Zulu Style" - Ladysmith Black Mambazo
The South African men's vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo is probably most familiar to American ears from their appearance on Paul Simon's Graceland album, but the group founded by Joseph Shabalala has been singing for about fifty years now. Songs from a Zulu Farm is their next album. It's due out next month and it's essentially a kids music album -- stories in songs from the youth of the group's members. This track off the upcoming album is "Old MacDonald... Zulu Style" and, yeah, Old MacDonald has moved his farm to Africa. It's charming.
"Old MacDonald Zulu Style" by Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Photo credit: Luis LealChristmas 2010 Family Music, Part 2
You know, I was going to just update my original Christmas music post, but it's clear that too much stuff is being released as singles or on YouTube -- it'd make that post unwieldy. So here's the second post. (It won't be the last, either -- more stuff is on its way.)
The Hipwaders' Kindie Christmas was one of last year's crop of excellent Christmas CDs. They've made the jangly "Wake Up" a free download for a limited time -- pick it up here. (Remember the video? Good stuff.)
This video from DidiPop is almost ridiculously cute. It's lo-fi animation but in all the right ways.
DidiPop - "Let's Make Santa Happy Tonight" [YouTube]
It's not a Christmas song, but as soon as I saw that Charity and JAMband was giving a song called "Loving Kindness" away as a free download this month, I thought it'd be perfect. It's based on a Buddhist practice, but I think it's totally appropriate for the season. Go here for the song and activities, or just grab the song below.
Putumayo Kids is offering a free download of "Jolly Old St. Nick" from the always interesting Brave Combo for the price of an e-mail address (here). It's from last year's A Family Christmas.
Finally, last week Brooklyn represented for Hanukkah -- this week, they turn their attention to Christmas. Dan Zanes turns in a very peaceful rendition of what he says is his favorite song of the season, "Silent Night." It's a very simple version (and video), but I like how Zanes retains my favorite part of the song when sung at a church service, and that's how the instrumental accompaniment virtually disappears on the last verse.
Dan Zanes - "Silent Night" [YouTube]
The Deedle Deedle Dees' Lloyd Miller also has put up some Christmas-related songs up on YouTube, including "Silent Night" (a little bit faster than Dan's) and "Jingle Bells". But I thought his version of "We Three Kings" on a very fuzzed-out bass was most unique. "Awesome," indeed.
Lloyd Miller - "We Three Kings of Orient Are" [YouTube]
The Hipwaders' Kindie Christmas was one of last year's crop of excellent Christmas CDs. They've made the jangly "Wake Up" a free download for a limited time -- pick it up here. (Remember the video? Good stuff.)
This video from DidiPop is almost ridiculously cute. It's lo-fi animation but in all the right ways.
DidiPop - "Let's Make Santa Happy Tonight" [YouTube]
It's not a Christmas song, but as soon as I saw that Charity and JAMband was giving a song called "Loving Kindness" away as a free download this month, I thought it'd be perfect. It's based on a Buddhist practice, but I think it's totally appropriate for the season. Go here for the song and activities, or just grab the song below.
Putumayo Kids is offering a free download of "Jolly Old St. Nick" from the always interesting Brave Combo for the price of an e-mail address (here). It's from last year's A Family Christmas.
Finally, last week Brooklyn represented for Hanukkah -- this week, they turn their attention to Christmas. Dan Zanes turns in a very peaceful rendition of what he says is his favorite song of the season, "Silent Night." It's a very simple version (and video), but I like how Zanes retains my favorite part of the song when sung at a church service, and that's how the instrumental accompaniment virtually disappears on the last verse.
Dan Zanes - "Silent Night" [YouTube]
The Deedle Deedle Dees' Lloyd Miller also has put up some Christmas-related songs up on YouTube, including "Silent Night" (a little bit faster than Dan's) and "Jingle Bells". But I thought his version of "We Three Kings" on a very fuzzed-out bass was most unique. "Awesome," indeed.
Lloyd Miller - "We Three Kings of Orient Are" [YouTube]
