These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the August, 2000 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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Father's Day has come and gone, but we don't have to wait until next June to highlight some rockin' daddies who know their way around music and kids and have the award-winning recordings to prove it. Take, for example, John Boydston, an at-home dad with a passion for rock & roll and first-hand experience in child-rearing. Boydston and Walt Brewer (ex-Jody Grind band member) have teamed up to record children's music under the name Daddy A Go Go. Their first release, Cool Music for Cool Kids (Boyd's Tone Records, 1998) is a unique and very hip album of children's songs. Unlike many children's releases it's not sugar-coated or character-driven. It offers themes such as toothbrushing, diaper-changing and carpools set to the beat of undistilled, basic retro-rock (guitars, bass, drums) with hints of surf and rockabilly thrown in. "Our music is a little out-of-the-box for children's music," admits Boydston. But for parents who are ready for edgier children's music that doesn't sound like everything else, Daddy A Go Go fits the bill. Resting comfortably in the '60s three-chord rock & roll format, these songs are kid-centered, infectious and fun. Some of my favorites include "Ants In My Pants," "I Can Swing By Myself," cover versions of the themes from Scooby Doo and Speed Racer, and several guitar-twangin' instrumental numbers. Go Back to Top Daddy A Go Go's second release, Monkey In The Middle (Boyd's Tone Records, 2000), also offers guitar-driven, retro-rock tunes that are fun and upbeat. Though Daddy A Go Go's children are boys, and it shows a little bit in their songwriting, I think everyone will enjoy the energy, laughs and rockin' good time that Parents' Choice award-winner Monkey In The Middle provides. I especially liked "Coulda Shoulda Woulda," "You're Not The Bossa Nova Me," "The Girls Are Always Chasing Me" and "Knock Knock," which quickly spits out lots of jokes. Again, you get a couple of instrumentals, too. Go Back to Top Dave Kinnoin has made a living as a songwriter for a whole host of child-oriented projects including "Bear In The Big Blue House," "Muppet Treasure Island" and "Goofy's Greatest Hits." Luckily, every few years he finds time to record some of his songs and travel around to promote his recordings. I especially like his CD Getting Bigger (Song Wizard Records, 1997). Kinnoin has a good producer's knack for varying the musical grooves on a CD, and using gifted musicians to bring the songs to life. And, having written over 200 songs, he has the luxury of picking and choosing only stand-out tunes. Getting Bigger has received the Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence and a National Parenting Publications Honors Award, and deservedly so. This is a wonderful collection of songs covering a wide variety of subjects that matter to kids. The self-esteem building title track is followed by a mix of tunes that range from the warm, fuzzy "Teddy Rockin'" to "Monday Again," a bouncing ode to the week. Other topics include scary fun ("Cellar Door"), stinky little toes ("Smelly Jellies") and the importance of love ("When You've Got Heart"). Kinnoin's warm, intimate singing voice lends itself especially well to the CD's more tender tunes. I can't wait until he rustles up another batch of songs for us to enjoy. Go Back to Top Vince Junior's Swing For The Sky (Rhythm Rodeo Records, 1999), subtitled "Best of the Children's Songs 1991-1999," is another gem. From the first few strains of this bluesy acoustic-oriented recording, it's clear that Vince Junior is, first and foremost, a fine musician (his specialty is slide guitar). It's also evident that this former Peace Corps teacher, who now hides out in North Carolina teaching music, really enjoys children. Parents will appreciate the focus on self-esteem and multiculturalism; kids will relate to the playful songs. My 6-year-old students love "Freeze." Other standouts in this Parents' Choice award-winning recording include the Louisiana-seasoned "Hey, Zydeco," the playful "Cows At The Zoo," and "Dancing Around The World," which is set to a world music beat. Overall, Swing For The Sky is a nice package--cool songs, great musicianship and a wide variety of musical styles. Go Back to Top With many retail outlets cutting back on stocking children's audio products, it is best to get in touch with these artists/labels directly for ordering information. Daddy A Go Go can be reached at 770/730-0042 or online at www.daddyagogo.com; call Dave Kinnoin at 800/678-7664 or visit www.songwizard.com; and reach Junior at 877/846-2357 or www.vincejunior.com. Please feel free to drop me a note with your thoughts and recommendations. Send e-mail to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com or write to me in care of Chicago Parent. Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator and a nationally recognized children's musician. His new children's music website, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, provides recommendations and information about selecting quality children's music, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son. Go Back to Top |
