Lots of kids’ bands are coming out with new CDs over the summer and we’ve had the chance to preview some really good ones. Here are our favorites…
My favorite song is Statue of Me where the singer imagines what it would be like to have a statue made of herself and wonders why people would honor her. I love the lines,
When they make a statue of me
Hope it’s cause I helped people see
The magic of the starry skies
or mysteries of the deep blue sea.
This song picks up on themes that run throughout the album: Helping others, thinking positively, self-esteem, and setting goals. These are great lessons for any kid!
Great Day
I’m not generally a fan of reggae style music (and that’s odd considering I was born and raised in Hawai’i), but I decided to give Asheba’s new album, In the Kid Zone, a chance. I’m very glad I did!
Songs like Calypso teach kids about life in the Caribbean. In the song, Asheba says “I’m from Trinidad, yes it’s my rhythm, it’s the way I talk, it’s how I’m livin’,” while songs like Baby Bouncin’ are just so full of dance and rhythm that you can’t help but move while you listen.
Ivan’s favorite song is Keskidee, a song about a little bird and the whistle he makes. It makes him giggle every time he hears it!
Asheba explains that being In the Kid Zone is “being firmly connected to nature, in tune with the moment while at the same time, keeping it real as can be.” Sounds like good advice to me!
In the Kid Zone was released on August 11th. Go check it out!
Ivan just loves music sung in Spanish, so the new CD from Hot Peas ‘n Butter, Best of the Bowl
Hot Peas ‘n Butter are great at combining English and Spanish in their songs as well as different musical styles, from traditional Latin sounds to Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz to pop-rock. This makes for a really full set of tunes, rich in both sound and message.
Ivan’s favorite song is Mi Cuerpo
I love the song about rain, Que Llueva
Best of the Bowl
Hullabaloo’s new album, High Roller, is a must-listen for any family that loves country rock. The band’s style is definitely influenced by country legends like Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, as well as a nice background in American folk traditions.
Combine this style with high energy and really very witty lyrics and you’ve got yourself a winner. I love seeing bands remake old classics like Oh, Susanna! and This Land is Your Land (one of my favorites), but I also appreciate the work it takes to create pristine original tunes, like the title song, High Roller, or Princess Bluejeans, a modern twist on the traditional princess fairy tale.
At the end of the day, though, Hullabaloo is all about enthusiasm. The band connects with kids through their fast-paced rhythm and creative lyrics, and, as Steve Denyes says, “As much energy as I put out, I get it all back and more from the singing, dancing and smiling.”
High Roller is set for release on September 29th.
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Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it.
Take care,
Steve/Hullabaloo
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