It seems like forever since my last music article. This month, I am focusing on delivering to you some of my girl’s favorites right now…that means a healthy dose of Mary Poppins, ChittyChitty Bang Bang, Gustafer Yellowgold and Justin Roberts (who we hope to see live in about 5 weeks.)
“Jolly Holiday” from The Official Mary Poppins Soundtrack
There are so many amazing tracks I could have selected from this brilliant soundtrack but I went with “Jolly Holiday” which today (and this changes daily) is our girl’s favorite. The best part of this one are the farm animals taking the lead in the middle of the song. Just a great vocal performance by the pig! Plus, how many songs are able to squeeze in the word “forbearance”?
“I’m From The Sun” from Gustafer Yellowgold DVD (video is from their MySpace page – no audio-only copy of music available)
My girl surely keeps it yellow and has gone Gustafer crazy since seeing the band live last month. OWTK cannot wait to see them in Philly again in early May 2007!
We are all hoping they play “Mint Green Bee” at that show.
Congrats to Morgan and the band are due as they have signed to Little Monster Records, a new kids’ imprint of V2 records.
“The Roses of Success” from The Official Chitty Chitty Band Band Soundtrack (remastered)
Still going strong in our house is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The interest has not died, although the magical car is currently taking a backseat to a magical lady, Mary Poppins. This track has Grandpa singing with the other elders captured and locked away in the Vulgarian castle. The Baron, thinking he has snatched up Mr. Potts the inventor, demands that Grandpa turn an old wreck into a flying car, ala Chitty. This is a song about never giving up and learning from mistakes.
“Our Imaginary Rhino” from Justin Robert’s new CD “Meltdown!” released on Carpet Square Records
Justin Roberts rocks. His music has a little bit of an edge to it, unlike many kid’s acts who seem to lean, to often in my opinion, towards the soft, safe folkie approach to songwriting for little ones. “Meltdown!” is a very new addition to our collection and is quickly becoming a household fave. Roberts sounds like an eclectic mix of Paul Simon, Billy Joel, James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett depending on the track. There is not a bad song on this record. I highly recommend picking it up.
“My Children Be Joyful” from Rock Plaza Central “Are we not horses” CD (self-released)
This song screams NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL! Right from the start with the strumming of the acoustic guitar…I love it. I just ordered and received this self-released CD from the band and emailed them a bit in the process. They seem like a swell bunch of guys and gal. This song has everything my little lady likes: Catchy chorus, tambourine and trumpet…your kids may not stick around for the more instrumental ending but you should hear the beautiful violin to close out this track. Oh so lovely!
Now, for something a little different. Here are two tracks that I personally am loving big time right now. I have not yet shared these numbers with my girl:
“St. Rosa and The Swallows” from The Thermals “The Body, The Blood and The Machine” (live on KEXP)
This song is awesome. The entire album is a terrific exercise in political punk rock, but this is the finest tune of the bunch. The disc is the soundtrack to my 35 minute workout routine.
“House of Regret” from Wild Sweet Orange (live on KEXP)
This band is so very intriguing. KEXP plays them a bunch. This song sounds a lot like Bright Eyes, which is cool by me. I do not believe they have a proper full length out yet, but when they do I will certainly be picking it up straightaway. I have heard about four songs from them and they are all very solid.
Want to see what songs were suggested last month?
Disclaimer: If you are the artist, band, label, or publisher of a song featured on OWTK and would not like your track to be available in digital form, Simply email us and we will remove it.
Thanks and enjoy the music!