These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the January, 2002 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| I'm a big fan of Gunnar Madsen's first recording, Old Mr. Mackle
Hackle, so I was eager to hear his new release, Ants In My Pants
(Gee Spot Records, 2001). I wasn't disappointed. Ants In My Pants delivers
on many levels. Madsen is a multi-talented artist. He founded and toured
with the very hip a cappella group, The Bobs. He has written music for feature
films and lent his talents to a variety of other creative projects. He also
happens to be blessed with all the traits necessary to produce cutting-edge
children's music: a great sense of humor, superb musical sensibilities,
and the ability to move effortlessly from one musical style to another.
The first time I listened to Ants In My Pants, it swept me off my feet. These are great songs arranged and performed with a tangible exuberance. And while kids ages 5 and up with enjoy them, they appeal to adults, too, because they help connect them with the joys and complexities of childhood. It wasn't until the second listening that I began to focus on the underlying messages in the songs. For instance, the title track, "Ants In My Pants," comes off at first as a fun rockabilly, Elvis-induced dance number full of fun word play. But it also speaks about adults (in this case, a teacher) who lose touch with the need to be active and move around. "Welcome To My Fog" is a catchy and singable little song, but it also provides a light look at the trials and tribulations of ADD. Another outstanding song is "And The Children Rolled," with its anthem-like, Pied-Piper march feel--a sort of modern day "Frog Went A-Courtin'." Children also will appreciate the rhythmic fun of "Like Two Coconuts," the very danceable "Old Baloney," and indisputable wisdom of "Don't Shake Hands with a One-Eyed Pirate." Madsen's strength is his eclectic approach, encompassing many musical styles. Ants In My Pants is great fun! Go Back to Top Bill Harley is another of my favorite children's musicians. He's an award-winning storyteller and a gifted singer and songwriter. His new recording, Down In The Backpack (Round River Records, 2001), may be his finest children's music recording yet. His recordings just seem to get better and better. It's impossible to separate Bill Harley the storyteller from Bill Harley the songwriter. At the heart of any good song is a good story and Bill Harley knows how to weave a tale and bring it to life with music. You won't find much better listening for kids ages 7 and up. He sets the tone with "Milky Way," an easy-to-sing-along tune not unlike the traditional folk song "The Green Grass Grew All Around." Next is the title track, "Down In The Backpack," in which Harley cleverly uses the Drifters' hit "Under The Boardwalk" as his musical inspiration. My favorite song tells the tale of the "King of Calibar." Harley plays the straight man, and a great-sounding young boy provides the punch lines. Other family-friendly songs include "You're Driving Me Crazy," "Macaroni and Cheese," a rhythm-and-blues dance number about a boy who won't eat anything except macaroni and cheese; and "Mom and The Radio," about the struggle that many families have once they get into the car and turn on the radio. "Most Valuable Player" will help kids understand what it really takes to become a winner. Go Back to Top Tom Chapin, one of the most recognized names in quality music for children, also has a new release. Great Big Fun (Music For Little People, 2001) is a collection of 12 previously-released favorites along with four new songs. This compilation is ideal for folks just getting to know Chapin's work, but existing fans will want to own it, too. The recording includes some of my all-time favorite songs for the 7- and 8-year-old crowd: "Uh Oh, Accident," "Parade Came Marching," "Big Rock Candy Mountain" and "State Laughs." The new songs ring with classic Tom Chapin style and substance. I particularly like his advice in "Ask Someone Who Knows" and his take on the choices children have to make in "I Would If I Could." Go Back to Top Speaking of established names in children's music, Raffi tops the list. Country Goes Raffi (Rounder Records, 2001) is a wonderful new tribute album featuring an eclectic array of country music artists singing Raffi songs. This has quickly become my favorite Raffi album. Artists include Kathy Mattea ("One Light, One Sun"), Marty Stuart ("Naturally"), Lee Roy Parnell ("Rise and Shine"), Alison Krauss ("Blessed Be"), Asleep At The Wheel ("The Bowling Song") and Lari White ("Shake My Sillies Out"). The 13-year-old rising country-music star Billy Gilman is also featured singing his version of "Baby Beluga." Raffi contributes a new song, "Blue White Planet," to the project. Even if you're not a Raffi fan, you'll certainly enjoy these tasty arrangements of classic Raffi songs. Go Back to Top All of these titles are nationally distributed, so you should be able to find them in stores. For more information on Gunnar Madsen's music, visit www.gunnarmadsen.com; for Bill Harley, go to www.billharley.com; for Raffi, visit www.raffinews.com or www.rounder.com; and for Tom Chapin, go to www.mflp.com or www.tomchapin.com. And feel free to let me know your thoughts about my reviews or any other topic relating to children's music. My e-mail address is 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 |
