Album Review: Songs For Early Learning — Itty Bitty Beats

The latest album by Itty Bitty Beats, Songs For Early Learning, really is an album for everyone. Teachers, parents, kids — whoever you are, if you want to dance, sing, share stories, or simply have fun, this is the album for you. Across seventeen original and heartfelt songs, the duo have once again provided a goldmine of material to wrap your ears around. From tidying up, to washing hands, and even learning how to relieve stress, it’s all here in one unified whole, where the crucial elements of early learning are explored with both delicacy and finesse.

What better way to start an album than by saying 'Hello', where we get to 'share a smile' through this delightful slice of melodic magic. The song is built around acoustic guitar, with wonderful harmonies and exotic chimes adding further texture to the overall vibe. It’s such a gentle introduction — one that delights and charms in turn — where the listener feels invited to share in the experience, because everyone is welcome and 'we are so glad to have you here'.

The album also features its fair share of animal references. Whether the songs describe a variety of animals on 'If I Had a Farm', or focus individually on ducks, bunny rabbits or even bees, we’re all given the opportunity to join in the fun. This happens through wonderful singalongs and actions tied to the music, because at the end of the day, 'that would make me happy'.

All you educators out there, take note. If you’re searching for useful educational themes to use in the classroom, this is the album for you. Whether the songs explore the intricacies of 'Opposites', 'The Days of the Week', or 'The Alphabet Song', the duo get their message across in fine style. The music is catchy and uplifting, and the lyrics are instructive without being overly complex. As a result, the songs really hit the target, providing the motivated teacher with everything required to bring lessons to life and enhance understanding through music.

How many parents out there have tried to get their children to comply with basic hygiene, only for it to fall on deaf ears? Well, the 'Handwashing Song' will no doubt provide some much-needed assistance, with its spirited instructions and cool groove. Here, instruction spars with sublime harmonies, with the inclusion of a Hammond organ providing additional flavour. 'Tidying Up' has a similar impact. With its jaunty vibe, it draws the listener in with consummate ease. Here, tidying up is celebrated — so much so that 'it’s so much fun to tidy up, I think I’ll tidy up some more'. 

After so much dancing, the album also provides space for more laid-back tunes, such as 'Rainbow', with its wonderful reciprocal vocals and delightful melody throughout. There’s also a soothing foray into mindfulness with the alluring 'Breathe In Breathe Out', where children get the opportunity to relax, chill out, and simply breathe. The arrangement is very simple, with just a vocal and what sounds like a cello competing for space. The vocal melody is superb, as are the lyrical instructions, which effortlessly hit the mark. If Lou Reed had written a song for children, I’m pretty sure it would sound something like this.

My favourite song is ‘5 Little Vampires’, which is an absolute must for any teacher looking for a Halloween-themed tune. Here, an acoustic guitar provides a delicate backing track as the duo describe the various actions of the vampires. Built around a playful numerical countdown, the song combines counting backwards with a subtle change of key that keeps the listener on their toes. It’s a very charming piece that delivers on its promise of stirring children’s imaginations, helping with counting, and providing a welcome addition to any Halloween classroom playlist.

The album finishes where it began, with something of a reprise of the opening track. Here, the band says goodbye and 'gives a little wave' before departing the proceedings. The song closes the curtain on the album, leaving the listener wanting more, despite having already given so much.

Itty Bitty Beats have slowly and deliberately reached for the stars and come out on top, doing so through a combination of vocal purity, lyrical dexterity, and magical melody. This is music with a message at its absolute best, and while there are many other excellent albums around for parents and teachers, this truly is a one-stop show. You don’t have to listen to anything else — it’s all here, across seventeen wonderful and enriching songs in just over thirty minutes. Where they go from here, who knows? One thing is for sure though: they have already made their mark, and I’m certain their music will be enjoyed across the world for many years to come.

Itty Bitty Beats – something for everyone.

Album Review: The Color Weasel — Todd'n'Tina

Todd’n’Tina are a dynamic duo from Minnesota, USA, who specialise in hilarious, upbeat songwriting. Blending power pop with melodic invention and a healthy refusal to take themselves seriously, their music serves up heaps of fun in generous portions. Your kids are sure to love this album, and if you have a soft spot for seventies new wave, or the kind of off-kilter energy that made The Rezillos famous back in the day, there’s plenty here for you too.

Their latest release, The Color Weasel, is quite superb, offering a mix of eccentric storytelling, infectious melody, and an approach that constantly pushes expectations. Across ten original, vibrant, and highly melodic blasts of sound, the duo’s boundless enthusiasm gives the album a remarkably broad appeal.

The album opens with the upbeat 'Hot Dog', a high-energy and incredibly catchy slice of power pop that sets the tone perfectly, providing just a hint of what lies ahead. Built around bass, drums, and acoustic guitar, the song harnesses an engaging melody throughout. The energetic music succeeds in providing a soundtrack for the lucky child who is fortunate enough to win a game of hide-and-seek. 

Speaking as a music teacher, 'Freeze' would be ideal for engaging children in a classroom setting, where in my experience musical statues is an absolute must. 'Spooky Cat' provides additional appeal, with its raw simplistic but highly effective approach, including a repitive refrain tailor-made for young listeners to latch onto. The call-and-response vocals work brilliantly here, with the male voice stepping up for the chorus leaving the female vocal to provide additional commentary during the verses. The song is both original and engaging, and I'm sure it would be a huge hit in the classroom.

This duo can really sing, and are equally comfortable taking turns between lead and backing vocals. Tracks like 'Chicken Pot Pie'  'Travelin’ Man' and 'Where's the Fun?' continue to make excellent use of this reciprocal vocal technique, leaving the impression that the vocals are joyfully sparring with each other. The songs race along at a hectic pace, carrying more than a hint of post-punk attitude on the way.

My favourite track on the album is '(Not Another) Dinosaur Song,' driven by an infectious rhythm and a chord sequence that could almost have been lifted from The Clash’s 'White Riot', or perhaps the Violent Femmes' 'Blister in the Sun'. The vocals are crystal clear, with an attitude that perfectly delivers the message. A minimalist keyboard duplicates the vocal melody, adding an almost childish innocence to the proceedings. Lyrically, the song is almost defiant, where copious requests for a dinosaur song are finally accepted — albeit reluctantly — resulting in something genuinely fresh and inventive.

The title track, 'The Color Weasel', is equally impressive. Its descriptive verses follow a painting expedition, essentially setting lyrics to music in a way that would translate beautifully into a children’s story. The chorus is warm and uplifting, serving to introduce the bridge which takes the song in an entirely new direction. The song culminates with a mesmerising burst of electric guitar that adds additional impact to the track.

'Popsicle Party' is simple, direct, and very engaging, although it opens on a surprisingly bleak note, reflecting on how life can feel tough when 'everything you try is never enough'. Refusing to linger there for too long, the song soon explodes into life with all the energy of an Olympic athlete. Here, joy is discovered in a freezer, and the party that ensues celebrates the idea of living in the moment, letting go, and embracing fun, even if it means changing the colour of your tongue along the way.

The album closes with the majestic 'Safe Harbour', which adopts more of a stripped-back, minimalist approach. Acoustic guitar and lead vocals carry the song beautifully throughout, with dexterous fingerpicking that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Dylan record. Lyrically, it reflects on the idea that while 'nothing’s ever perfect', there is always room for optimism. It’s an important message for young listeners: you can’t always get what you want, but you’re never alone, and you can always come home. The song wraps the album in a comforting sense of security and love.

All in all, The Color Weasel is a wonderful album from a fabulous duo who perform with exactly the energy, generosity, and enthusiasm that children deserve. Every song feels like a winner, and their infectious optimism shines throughout. There's never a dull moment here, because, Todd’n’Tina have developed a genuinely unique style and sound that I'm sure will have wide appeal. They're clearly unafraid to experiment, and are sure to hit the spot in their quest to 'go where no one has gone before'.

Todd’n’Tina — unforgettable music.

Album Review: Just Want to Be Me — Mishy Katz

Mishy Katz is a singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist whose music blends folk, pop, and rock, with both heart and imagination. Since 2018, the artist has been creating original music, delighting listeners with thoughtful lyrics, catchy melodies, and a creative spirit that shines through every song. Her latest album, Just Want to Be Me, is a special project dedicated to her mother, who always encouraged her to make a children's album. She has certainly succeeded, having created a superb collection featuring thirteen new songs guaranteed to hit the mark. If you are a fan of Edie Brickell, the Carpenters or Simon & Garfunkel, then you'll love this album, and I'm sure your kids will too.

The opening track is the fabulously funky 'We Ain't Got That', a positive celebration of life and love perceived here as life's great equaliser. The track bounces along with irresistible charm, built on a simple but highly effective arrangement: introducing a tight rhythm section jamming alongside what sounds like a ukulele, with additional strings adding both atmosphere and warmth. 

If you're looking for music to get the kids up and moving, then 'All Wound Up' is the perfect choice. Its upbeat optimistic lyrics  search for 'a light in the dark' paired by a soundtrack that feels 'wound up tighter than a spring'. There's an almost disco-like flavour here, with hints of Madonna-esque pop on display, including a noticeable techno edge, and an esoteric electric guitar weaving magic in the background. The rhythm section is relentless, driving in uncompromising intensity from start to finish.

Variety is another real strength on this album, with Katz often lightening the mood through playful experimentation. 'My Sock is Broke' is hilariously descriptive, full of clever rhyming couplets, as we are informed  'my foot is going to get cold, because the material just won't hold'. 'How To Play a Kazoo' walks us through the trials of learning a new instrument in a conversational style punchy and direct. The title track, 'Just Want to be Me', emphasises the importance of self-acceptance and achieves this with delightfully bizarre references to bats, bug, and flies. 

'Something Yummy to Eat' captures the universal pangs of hunger and the frustration of not always been able to eat when you so desire. Along the way children are reminded that 'nutrition is your fuel', and 'a good meal brings renewal'. It is, in essence, a celebration of one of life's most underrated pleasures — a truly charming song that manages to introduce complex scansion while remaining effortlessly easy on the ear.

'Little Bits of Magic' is a delightful ditty that celebrates the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the simple things in life. Here, a shuffle beat jams along with an imaginative bass line, creating the necessary space for piano and guitar to chop away in the background. The song also features some fabulous harmonies, providing further depth and momentum. The expansive chorus unfolds as a gentle singalong, joyfully celebrating the small things  'that lighten up my life'.

The hypnotic 'Too Many Mice' takes on a darker and more mischievous turn. Built around a staccato beat, it carries an almost sinister charm as an 'army of mice' are set to 'invade'. As the narrative unfolds, increasingly dramatic solutions are proposed, including the tossing around of 'a butchers knife'. While such imagery may seem somewhat controversial on a children's album, it worked wonders for Roald Dahl in the past — and the song no doubt taps into that same deliciously dark appeal.

The album also makes room for moments of tenderness. 'Lavender Lullaby' is a standout ballad, where keyboards and some of the most beautiful vocals you are every likely to hear take centre stage. 'My Promise to You' is awash with melody, buoyed by exquisite harmonies that captivate and delight in turn. It's a song centred on kindness, its gentle musical backdrop perfectly mirroring the message. Here, Katz's vocals reminded me a little of Dido at her best, culminating in the emotional line, 'promise me to your heart you'll be true'. Simply brilliant.

My personal favourite is the magnificent 'Shine a Brighter Light', a song overflowing with optimism. Its alluring melody is supported by a sparse arrangement that gently nudges the song forward. Nostalgic references tug at the heartstrings as Katz reflects on magical memories and the importance of family connection. 

'Rainbow Dream' is an absolute delight. The song serenades the soul with imagery as tender as 'a butterfly kiss', celebrating freedom and the miracle of childhood. Its lyrics beautifully remind adult listeners that while some of us believe miracles don’t exist, for children, every day can feel like a miracle. Where for a fleeting moment, they get to 'live in a rainbow dream' before the harsher realities of life inevitably appear.

The album closes with the acoustic 'I’ll See You Soon', offering a gentle farewell to the proceedings. When Katz sings 'I love you' with such heartfelt conviction, you believe every word. The raw acoustic guitar lends an intimacy that suggests the song was played straight from the heart, untouched by any unnecessary production, providing a deeply moving and fitting conclusion to a truly extraordinary album.

Mishy Katz is an outstanding artist — a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and poet in all but name. Her gentle melodic beauty captivates throughout, and having heard countless albums over the past decade, for me this one stands out among the very best. Alongside artists such as Claudia Robin Gunn and Laurie Berkner, Katz proves herself to be a truly gifted artist. I'm genuinely surprised that, with such talent on display, she hasn’t yet been picked up by the so-called experts of the music industry. Maybe she isn't interested, and is simply happy to write and perform the music, who knows?

Her songs overflow with joy, curiosity, and kindness, inviting families to sing, dance, and dream together. Thankfully, she continues to collaborate with fellow musicians, bringing her colourful musical world to life in ever more meaningful ways. I was absolutely blown away by this album — it was a privilege to review and a powerful reminder that if you dig a little deeper, there is extraordinary talent out there just waiting to be discovered.

Mishy Katz — magical music.

EP Review: Come Along With Me — The Jackie Papers

The Jackie Papers are a relatively new band from Georgia, USA, who make music that promotes kindness and well-being for listeners of all ages. They also, in a technological age, highlight the importance of physical movement, fresh air, and the type of old-fashioned games that can't be found on an IPad. Their latest release, Come Along With Me, offers a confident introduction to their sound, blending pop sensibility with warmth, creativity, and just enough edge to keep things interesting.

The EP opens with ‘Keep on Walking’, a gentle yet captivating track built around a sultry vocal and sparse acoustic guitar. As the song unfolds, subtle layers of instrumentation drift in and out, creating an engaging, minimalist atmosphere that rewards repeated listens. This is a track about individual empowerment, where the lyrics encourage the young listener to 'keep on walking' despite life's setbacks.

'Hide and Seek in the Dark’ brings a certain playful energy to the proceedings, bouncing along with raw abandon. Here, an additional female lead vocal is introduced, providing just a hint of the musical depth of the band. Slightly tongue-in-cheek, the track builds toward a chorus that bursts into life, reimagining a famous childhood game with a clever and original twist. The lyrics are largely descriptive, providing a unique narrative to the intricacies involved in such games. This includes finding the 'perfect spot' to hide, coming 'ready or not' or the need to 'run because we cannot hide'.

'The Recess Bell’ introduces some crunching guitars, which somehow manage to blend seventies new wave with surf-rock influences slightly reminiscent of The Beach Boys.  A near-stop towards the end gives way to a quiet refrain, adding a reflective close to an otherwise energetic track. Once again, the array of sounds is quite extraordinary, with the unexpected arrival of a harmonica toward the end adding even greater potency to the overall sound.

Last by not least is the enticing ‘Come Along With Me', a song once again driven by some formidable bass and drums, laying the foundations for the instrumentation to really shine. Direct and confident, the song provides an invitation for young people to step outside and truly embrace the beauty of nature. The song concludes with an excellent guitar outro executed with Robert Fripp–style precision. 

Overall, this is an impressive release from a band at ease carving out their own space, with a unique and original sound. Their music somehow manages to cross the divide, mixing paradoxes together with consummate skill. Gentle yet intense, light yet brooding, but always engaging. Perhaps most crucially, the band encourages young people to get outside, breathe in the fresh air and live in the moment. They have in their short time together already created a sound that deserves your attention, and on this form I'm sure there's a lot more to come. Watch this space.

The Jackie Papers — raw power.