Share: Free Music from Justin Roberts, Bloodshot Records, VeggieTales (and more)

FunForAllAges.jpgNot really sure what Amazon's been thinkin', but somebody last month must have said, "Hey, you know what would be cool? Free kids' music!" And, then, actually followed through on that idea, because now there are a handful of free EPs for the digital downloading, with easily 15 to 20 good songs worth your time. Justin Roberts leads the pack with his, er, Snack Pack EP, featuring songs from 5 of his albums. You probably have some of these already, but maybe not the earlier songs ("Little Raindrop" or "Billy the Bully"), and if you don't have any of them, then get over there pronto. The real find in the craziness is Roberts' fellow Chicagoans Bloodshot Records' Fun For All Ages sampler, which includes seven tracks from four fine albums, Songs for Wiggleworms, Wiggleworms Love You, Animal Crackers, and The Bottle Let Me Down. Do not hesitate in picking up this album, the Alejandro Escovedo track is especially lovely. But that's not all. VeggieTales aren't for everyone (particularly if you're not religious and you're listening to their Bible-based stuff), but their silly secular stuff can be fun no matter your denomination or lack thereof. Their Five Super Silly Songs EP is exactly that; it includes versions of a couple songs that were big hits on Kids Place Live, "The Hairbrush Song" and "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything." What's that? You want more? How about some Sesame Street? Their Amazon sampler has a more energetic version of "Ladybugs' Picnic" than you might be familiar with (but it's still good) and also features "What's the Name of that Song?" You can also pick up an EP from the Wiggles as well as a Cedarmont collection and a sampler from a Rockabye Baby-style knockoff called "Cradle Rock." Not my thing, those last two, but your mileage may vary.

Andrew Bird: Indie Rock Guest Artist to the Kindie Rock Stars

bird_01.jpgIf you are a big name kids musician, who do you call in for a guest artist gig? It appears that Andrew Bird is the Justin Bieber of the kindie rock set, as he's made appearances on two big kid-friendly albums. First off was his take on Kermit the Frog's classic "Bein' Green" on The Green Album. Next up is the Dan Zanes album Little Nut Tree, which features a duet between Zanes and Bird on "I Don't Need Sunny Skies." Yes, Bird whistles. But every good "trend" piece requires a third data point to prove the thesis, and that's what I have for you below. It's Bird's first appearance with kindie rock royalty. At the very least, a proxy appearance. Here's Bird as "Doctor Strings" on Jack's Big Music Show from 2007. There's no Laurie Berkner here, but it's hard not to smile anyway. Andrew Bird as Doctor Strings on Jack's Big Music Show [YouTube] Photo credit: Cameron Wittig

Video: "Baby Cloud" - Caspar Babypants (feat. Rachel Loshak)

This video for the closing track on the new Caspar Babypants album Sing Along! is every bit as beautiful as the song itself. The video is for "Baby Cloud," which primarily features the vocals of Rachel Loshak (aka Morgan Taylor's wife and a recording artist in her own right.) It's a modern folk classic, and now it has a video worthy of the song. Caspar Babypants feat. Rachel Loshak - "Baby Cloud" [YouTube] But wait, there's more at his YouTube page.

Video: "Foot Notes" - Jim Gill

I've always enjoyed the playfulness in Jim Gill's music, and this new video for "Foot Notes" from his upcoming fall release Music Play for Folks of All Stripes is an excellent example of his playful word play. What it lacks in, say, melody, it makes up for in improvisational generosity. As a matter of fact, you can dance to it. You just need to think about it a bit. Jim Gill - "Foot Notes" [Vimeo]

Video: "My Little Chicken (Chopsticks)" - Beethoven's Wig`

What do you get when you cross Seven Brides with Seven Brothers with musically destructive poultry? I have no idea. But while you're pondering that, distract your kids for a minute or so by letting them watch the first video from the upcoming Beethoven's Wig album Sing Along Piano Classics, out next month. It's called "My Little Chicken," but you probably know the base melody as "Chopsticks." It's amusing. Perhaps your kids will be able to answer the question I've posed above. Beethoven's Wig - "My Liittle Chicken (Chopsticks)" [YouTube]

Video: "Ong Tal Sam (Little Spring)" - Elizabeth Mitchell

Y'know, Elizabeth Mitchell's version of "Ong Tal Sam," or "Little Spring" was always one of my favorite cuts off Sunny Day, and this video just makes me love it even more. Oh, the cuteness. (Yes, I am secure in my masculinity and still feel confident in proclaiming, "Oh, the cuteness" on the interwebs.) Elizabeth Mitchell & You Are My Flower - "Ong Tal Sam (Little Spring)" [Vimeo]