A Mother’s Day Playlist

9 May 2014 by 4 Comments

Hey Dads out there, this one is for you. (Okay, Mom’s, you can certainly read this too!)

Are you looking for a super sweet gift idea for Mother’s Day? (Ahem…in case you didn’t know, Mother’s Day is THIS SUNDAY, May 11th). Well, if you haven’t helped your kids with gift ideas, and want to avoid the barren Mother’s Day aisle at Target, I’ve got something that will make you the Winner of Mother’s Day gifts.

Mother's Day Playlist

My good friends over at Sugar Mountain PR have put together an awesome, and I do mean AWESOME playlist of some amazing family musicians. And they’re letting you download it, for free.

That’s right. FREE. Get your CD burner ready, download this fantastic playlist, and give the gift of music this year. With heart-tugging tunes by some of my favorite musicians like Danny Weinkauf, Suzi Shelton, and The Okee Dokee Brothers, the mother in your family is sure to be touched by this musical gesture.

Here’s the complete list of participating artists and their song contributions:

The Not-Its • “Motorcycle Mom”

Lisa Loeb • “No Fairy Tale”

Brady Rymer • ”Ice Cream Girl” and “Red Piano Rag”

Danny Weinkauf (with Laurie Berkner) • “Our Love Fits”

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band • “Tu Eres Amor”

Suzi Shelton • “Mama’s House, Daddy’s House” and “Smile In My Heart”

Zee Avi • “Mockingbird”

The Okee Dokee Brothers • ”Black Bear Mama”

I know…right?  Pretty great roundup of artists and songs, if you ask me.  Consider it my Mother’s Day gift to all of you fellow Mom’s, Mama’s, Mommy’s, and Mami’s out there.

Want to take advantage of this perfect Mother’s Day gift?  You can download these songs here:

https://soundcloud.com/bethbcpr/sets/a-playlist-of-songs-for-moms

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Filed Under: kid music, Kid Tune Tuesday, Mother's Day, motherhood

New Music by Suzi Shelton: “Smile In My Heart”

6 May 2014 by 2 Comments

Not to brag or anything, but I used to have a reputation of being an Ice Queen.  And no, I don’t mean like Elsa.

I mean, I could see the sappiest, tear jerker of a movie and not get in the least bit misty.  I would sail through weddings without even needing to stock tissues in my purse.  And I certainly never choked up while listening to music.

That is, until I became a mother.

Now that I have given birth to and take care of two little people who have turned my world upside down and made me see life differently, I’ve become a softie.  Heck, I couldn’t even make it through that during the Winter Olympics without dabbing my eyes a bit and faking a yawn as a lame attempt at covering my emotions.

And then, I hear songs like “I See You For You” off of Suzi Shelton’s latest family album, and I get all blubbery.

Suzi Shelton

Seeing the world through the eyes of your child, and seeing your child for the simple beauty and joy that they are is something I get now that I’m a parent.  And Suzi Shelton, a parent herself, has penned some songs that mimic my heart’s hopes and aspirations for my own children.

Smile In My Heart CD - coverAward winning family musician Suzi Shelton has just released her third solo family album, “Smile In My Heart”.  With a voice that is clear and strong, Suzi Shelton sings tunes that speak to both young children and parents of young children.

While the lyrics and content of her latest album are a bit too “little kid”-sounding for my brood, Suzi Shelton’s latest album is perfect for kids in the 2-4 years old circuit. She reminds me of Laurie Berkner in the way you can actually hear these two musical gems smiling when they sing.

While “I See You For You” is my favorite song on the album, there are several tracks that get my heart all mushy and warm.

“Smile In My Heart” is the touching title track of the album, with strings adding a nice warmth to a song about spreading love.  The first time I heard it, I was reminded of a conversation I had with my daughter when she asked where she was before she set up camp in my uterus.  Surely, Suzi Shelton probably could have answered my daughter’s question much more eloquently than I did.

Another standout on the album is “Tomboy In a Princess Dress” which addresses my favorite little girl combination of toughness and femininity.  “Let Your Light Shine”, sung with Michael Messner, is an inspiring and empowering song about dreaming big, opening up to your heart’s desires and not giving up.

The album also includes songs with a variety of sounds and styles.  “It’s a Beautiful Day “ transports me back to the days I wore bellbottom corduroy pants and bounced around on our velour couch to The Brady Bunch’s “Sunshine Day”.  The breezy tune “Wings Of a Bird” has a bit of a calypso feel to it, and the Appalachian folk song “Jubilee” lends itself to toe-tapping and dancing.

Suzi Shelton cover’s “Ice Cream Man by Jonathan Richman (remember him from Something About Mary?) in an ode to that diary king of summer, complete with a fake-out ending and rocking reprise.

“Go, Fire Truck, Go” was co-written by one of Shelton’s 4 year-old students and gives little ones plenty of room to interact in call and response style, with prompts to go and stop.  The video is pretty adorable as well!

Rounding out the album are the fun tracks “Banjo Pickin’ Girl”, “Pony Boy” and “Cinnamon Bear”.

If you’re lucky to live in New York, be sure to check out Suzi’s lineup of shows in Brooklyn this May:   http://www.suzishelton.com/gig/

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving one lucky winner a copy of Suzi Shelton’s CD!  All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter widget below by 11:59pm on Friday, May 9th.  Open to anyone 18 and over in the contiguous United States.


And to all of you mothers out there, hope you have a fantastic Mother’s Day!

 

Filed Under: Giveaway, kid music, Kid Tune Tuesday

New Music by Danny Weinkauf : “No School Today”

15 April 2014 by 10 Comments

I can remember the first time I gave my mom a lame excuse for missing school.  I believe I woke up sweaty, feverish, a tad nauseous, and completely unable to attend 3rd Grade.

Two hours later, I was driving my Barbie around the living room in her Corvette without any hint of a temperature, and ate my grilled turkey sandwich without a hitch.

To say I got busted would be an understatement.

Once my parents sniffed out I was perfectly fine, I got an earful, along with my Barbie privileges taken away.

Calling in sick to school or work when you’re really not is something that probably everyone has attempted at some point.  So, naturally, that topic is perfect fodder for a children’s music song, and Danny Weinkauf has stepped up the plate to deliver an album that’s perfect for both sick and healthy days.

Danny Weinkauf, best known for his work as a bassist for They Might Be Giants, is personally responsible for the  awesome “I Am a Paleontologist” on TMBG’s album Here Comes Science.

No School TodayHe has an impressive list of song-writing credits for television, commercials, and film.  And now he can add solo children’s music album to his list of credits.  No School Today will be released on April 29th.

Weinkauf’s album feels like a relative of his work with They Might Be Giants but taken many steps further.  His sound makes me think of my college days, spent listening to Robyn Hitchcock (and NOT skipping class, I should say, in case my mother is reading this) with it’s rock-pop tunes and driving, “stick with you” melodies.  Reason enough to make this album a hit with both parents and children, alike.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Marsupial”, with its groovy baseline and syncopated chorus.  Another favorite is “Ballad of Ben”, a tribute to the artistic genius of Ben Folds with Folds-like “soft punk” and sophisticated piano-work.

Weinkauf wrote “Archaeology” as a follow up to the popular “I Am a Paleontologist” because fans often confused the two fields when approaching him.  The song has a very Elvis Costello feel, and explains what an archaeologist does, much like his take on paleontology.

Beloved children’s musician Laurie Berkner lends her distinctive voice to “Our Love Fits.”  This tune shows off Weinkauf’s sharp wit and humor, and Berkner and Weinkauf’s vocals go together, so the song says, like “the Mia to the Farrow.”

“No School Today” is an alternative rock list of ailments to skip school, with a great beat and lyrics that force you to bob your head in both rhythm and familiarity.

Danny Weinkauf premiered the video for this song last week, and I’m hooked! My first thought was remembering those cult classic sock puppets .  Anyone?

But I digress.  Check out this awesome video!

“Ice Cream” starts by doing it’s due diligence in touting the nutritional benefits of healthy eating, then confesses the truth that most of us know too well:  ice cream just tastes better.  The slightly-punk “The Moon is Made of Cheese” is a theory that would make Neil DeGrasse Tyson quiver in his shoes.  And “The Kidney That Lived in Four People”, featuring Hank Green, closes the album with lyrics based on a true story of one kidney that was donated many times over.

No School Today also includes interjects short and sweet tunes in to the mix, with the quirky “Whipped Cream” (a list of favorite treats with a funky backbeat), “Hey!” (the leadoff song to the album), “Oh No Oh Yeah”  and “Lullaby for Quinn.”

Danny Weinkauf’s son Kai sings lead vocals on many songs on the album, including “Champion of the Spelling Bee”, “Ambivalent”(a song for flip-floppers, short and to the point) and “Cast My Vote.” He also sings lead on the most mellow tune of the album, “Together We Can Fly” and while Kai’s voice is unique and fitting, I would have liked to hear Danny’s take on this one.

Whether you’re home with that “nasty cough” you’ve called in sick with, or alive and well and looking for music to dance with your kids in the kitchen to, Danny Weinkauf’s No School Today is sure to cure what ails you.

For a limited time only, you can access a FREE song download of the song “No School Today” by going HERE.

Danny Weinkauf’s No School Today will be available on iTunes and Amazon on April 29th, but  because I adore this album so much, I’m giving one away to a lucky reader who can give me the best No School Today excuse!  C’mon, let’s here them! What is the silliest/funniest/most creative tactic you’ve either used or heard for skipping school?

All you have to do is enter the Rafflecopter widget below, leaving a comment and doing a couple of social media things, by 11:59pm on Friday, April 18th.  Open to anyone 18 and over in the contiguous United States.


Good luck, and I can’t wait to hear what excuses you have!

Filed Under: Giveaway, I Am a Paleontologist, kid music, Kid Tune Tuesday, They Might Be Giants, TMBG

Grab a Quick Sound Bite: New Music for March

18 March 2014 by Leave a Comment

This week, I have some fun videos to introduce you to.

QSB Martin and Mista Cookie Jar.jpg

The first comes from Walter Martin, who wrote the lovely “Sing to Me” that I featured on Valentine’s Day.

He’s just released the first music video from his family album “We’re All Young Together”, and it’s as adorable “Sing To Me” is.

Walter and friends perform the new song “The Beatles (When Ringo Shook His Mop)”.  I love the live recording and seeing these musicians enjoy making music together.  Walter sings about the Beatles and the members, giving listeners a quick lesson in Beatles history.  I dare you to watch this and not smile.

 

You can pre-order Walter Martin’s “We’re All Young Together” on iTunes, which comes with an instant download of the beauty, “Sing To Me” featuring Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, here: http://smarturl.it/WalterMartin

 

Mista Cookie Jar’s “The Love Bubble,” with its blend of reggae and hip-hop and a catchy hook, became one of my favorite family music songs from the moment I first heard it.  Now, Mista Cookie Jar and the Chocolate Chips have released a video that is absolutely mesmerizing.   Beautifully and vividly animated by Mista Cookie Jar (a.k.a. C.J. Pizarro) and Missis Cookie Jar, “Call Me Mista Cookie Jar” is the 5th video release from their album, “Ultramagnetic Universal Love Revolution.”

It utilizes stop-motion techniques to transport viewers back in time to the silent moving picture realm.  With it’s smooth tempo, delightful melody and lyrics that easily flow from rap to singing, Mista Cookie Jar gives listeners a little insight as in to who Mista Cookie Jar is.  Which is cooler than cool.

Be sure to check more of Mista Cookie Jar out at www.mistacookiejar.blogspot.com/‎

 

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Like what you read?  Want more?  You can follow me on  or .  But the best way to stay in touch is by subscribing to Full Of It to get posts in your inbox! Just click here.

Filed Under: kid music, Kid Tune Tuesday

15 More Adult Songs That Make Great Kid Tunes

11 March 2014 by 4 Comments

This post may contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through my links, Amazon will provide me with a commission.  It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but helps me keep this site running.  And I’m providing links because I think it’s music that you need to have in your collection.  You and your kids will thank me. 

 

Since I last posted my list of 15 Adults Songs That Make Great Kid Tunes over a year ago, people have come to this site for that page more than anything else I’ve written.

I’d like to think that parents are wanting to expose their children to some kick ass music and legendary musicians at an early age.

But what it really means is that there are a TON of parents out there that are starving for music suggestions that won’t make them throw their devices streaming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for the 400th time out the car window.

I hear you, Parental Units of the Internet! And I am here to help you out.  If you didn’t get a great playlist the first time around, here are 15 more adult songs that make great kids music.

15 More Adult Songs For Kids.jpg

Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder

With a great groove, who can resist this classic by Stevie Wonder?  Not only is it a great dance tune, it’s also a crash course in the legends of jazz music.

Celebration by Kool & The Gang

I’m sure this dates me more than I should broadcast, but I can remember jamming out to this infectious song on the school bus in Elementary school on the way to Field Day.  FIELD DAY.  Do they even do that anymore?

On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

I jumped on the Imagine Dragons bandwagon a long time ago and my kids love this band as well.  Then we saw the Warner Bros. preview of their new movie Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, and now my kids jump from sofa to love seat like an ebullient, endangered jungle creature when this song comes on.  So…there’s that.

 

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

This song is the ultimate lullaby.  I sang this classic to both of my kids when I was pregnant, and then again when I brought them home.  And as an adult, every time I hear it, I’m reminded to slow down and stop fretting.

Mayor of Simpleton by XTC

I’m introducing a little New Wave music to the list by way of this fun song by XTC.  It’s meaning is simple, and, given the title, would you expect any less?  Because sometimes all we need to know is love.

Brave by Sara Bareilles

I’ve been singing the song’s chorus to my daughter when I see her acting skittish. Nervous.  Apprehensive to join a new crowd or activity.  Because beneath Sara Bareilles’ gorgeous vocals is the empowering message of personal strength and courage.

Birdhouse In Your Soul by They Might Be Giants

This was one of the first non-children’s music songs we introduced my son to.  It felt like a breakthrough.  An epiphany.  We could actually listen to songs we liked too!  And still, after all these years, this song still makes us all happy.

Shake Your Rump by the Beastie Boys

Okay, I realize that there are a couple of lyrics here that may raise some eyebrows.  I’m also hoping that your children are like mine and can’t make out most of the words to the Beastie Boys’ raps to begin with.  Because it took me about 15 years to make them out myself.  But this song has an awesome beat that my kids can’t refuse to dance to.

Upside Down by Jack Johnson

Technically, this easy-going song comes from the Curious George soundtrack and not necessarily an “adult” song.  But this Jack Johnson tune sounds like other songs of his, making it more tolerable to an adult.  It’s a great one to play while doing homework, cleaning the house, and enjoying some sunshine.

Praise You by Fatboy Slim

Sure, the chorus sample is from a civil right’s movement protest song, but if taken at face value, this is just a fun song with a terrific beat that everyone can groove to.  And if you’re lucky, I’ll show you my back spin.

Into Your Arms by The Lemonheads

I know a cuddly preschooler or two who would say this hit by The Lemonheads is their theme song.

 

This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads

I can’t sing this song around my children without breaking down in to tears as David Byrne sings “And you love me till my heart stops, love me till I’m dead, eyes that light up, eyes that look through you.” Because my kids?  They are Home and where I want to be.

Our House by Madness

From the first distinguishable guitar notes of this 80’s classic, I’m up and dancing.   And so are my kids.  I loved this song as a kid.  It has a catchy hook and fun energy that appeals to young and old alike.  Or at least, to this old lady.

 

Apache by the Sugar Hill Gang

My kids were first introduced to this song on a Just Dance Wii game, and since then have watched this scene from Fresh Prince of Bel Air, which is only one of the Best. Scenes. Ever.  We can’t help but boogie to the boogety beat when this comes on.

Lullabye by Ben Folds Five

What parent hasn’t said “Goodnight, goodnight, sweet baby” in the wee hours of the morning? I love Ben Folds’ voice on this song.  And how often do you get to sing the name James Earl Jones in a lyric?


 

 

What adult songs would you contribute to this list? I’d love to hear them!

 

 

Filed Under: kid music, Kid Tune Tuesday
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