MICHAEL HEARST
“Songs for Ice Cream Trucks”
This CD of new songs for ice cream trucks by Brooklyn-based indie rocker Michael Hearst is less an album than a group of individual songs that, in an ideal world, would be heard blaring outside parks in the summertime. More relaxed and varied than the standard two or three jingles we usually hear, some of the highlights are the march-like “The Popsicle Parade” and “Chocolate, Vanilla or Swirl?,” which has a lot of strange sounds. The mostly instrumental disc might not hold a kid’s attention all the way through, but it’s bookended by two vocal numbers: “Ice Cream!” and “Before I Drive Away,” both extolling the virtues of (what else?) ice cream. And besides, listening to the whole thing at once isn’t the point, it’s to celebrate our unconditional love of ice cream!
JOE McDERMOTT
“Everybody Plays Air Guitar”
Behind the great album name lies a great album, incorporating many different styles of music, from the guitar rock of the title song, to the gospel tinge of one of the greatest versions of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” ever recorded. People of all ages will enjoy this work’s genuine upbeat feeling, and kids will relate to song topics like “Our Family Car Is a Helicopter” and “Roller Coaster.” As an added bonus, the booklet includes detailed instructions (if you need them) on how to play air guitar.
ROBBI K & FRIENDS
“Music Makes Me Happy”
Long Islander Robbi K – Robbi Hall Kumalo – who’s sung backup for Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte and many others, has cranked out a groov-alicious offering for all with her third children’s CD. It’s filled with guest appearances from Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na to her husband, Paul Simon’s bassist Bakithi Kumalo, and kids will enjoy the lyrics. But anyone can just sit back and feel the rhythm coursing through his or her body. Highlights include a great version of “My Favorite Things,” the bluesy (duh) “Got Me Laughing Blues” and the celebratory “Eating Some Pizza.”
LITTLE MO’ McCOURY
“Little Mo’ McCoury”
Ronnie McCoury, son of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, delivers a great bluegrass album for kids in “Little Mo’ McCoury.” Backed by the Del McCoury Band, of which he is also a member, Ronnie (recording as Little Mo’) gives a gentle, rootsy spin to Bob Dylan’s “Man Gave Names to All the Animals,” and his banjo propels the Woody Guthrie classic “This Land Is Your Land.” There’s plenty of traditional kid material, too, including “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” It’s is a great introduction to bluegrass – for anyone.