Album Review: Ride the Merry-Go-Round — Carol Nicodemi

Ride the Merry-Go-Round is the third and most recent album from Carol Nicodemi, an engaging children's music artist from the USA. The record features thirteen original, absorbing, and educational songs for young children. Exploring themes as diverse as friendship, nature, animals, and emotional understanding, Nicodemi approaches each subject with a fun, engaging, and light-hearted touch.

The album is a true family affair. Her husband Ed is her co-writer and plays guitar and piano, her daughter Elyse is her vocal collaborator, and even the grandchildren weigh in, adding to the warmth and joy of the music. That sense of love and connection infuses every note, as Nicodemi delivers her artistic message with skill and heartfelt sincerity.

The title track, ‘Ride the Merry-Go-Round’, opens the album in uplifting fashion, with mother and daughter sharing vocal duties alongside a full band that truly packs a punch. Bass, drums, and acoustic guitar set the tone with both precision and drive. The musicality on display is superb — particularly the bass playing which, speaking as a bass player myself, really hits the mark with warmth, rhythm, and melody in perfect balance. One of Nicodemi’s major strengths lies in the vocal melodies she seems to conjure effortlessly out of thin air, further enhanced by her daughter’s equally impressive performance.

As the album progresses, ‘I Like to Know’ features wonderful guitar work that carries the weight of the song, sparring beautifully with a piercing vocal that cuts through the backing track. Once again, a powerful melody hypnotises the listener, supported by thoughtful, perceptive lyrics. The song reflects on the desire to understand, the inevitability of impatience and the importance of feeling safe. The arrangement is particularly effective, with a rhythmic lift in the chorus and a soaring middle eight featuring elongated notes that add emotional impact.

‘Me and You’ is as sweet a ballad as you're ever likely to hear, featuring a chord progression that would sit comfortably on a Fleetwood Mac album. Speaking of inspired influences, ‘Be My Friend’ includes a guitar riff that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Dylan record, yet the lyrics remain comforting, reassuring, and uplifting. Once again, the vocal blend between mother and daughter is sublime.

There are also some delightful acoustic singalongs on this album, and none more so than ‘Mother Earth’, which bounces along with real purpose. Here the sun, the stars, the moon, and the trees are celebrated, with a clear message about preserving the beauty around us. Whether it’s saving water or protecting the flowers that grow, the environmental message contained here is both heartfelt and sincere.

There is also no shortage of variety on this album. ‘Gentle People’ leans toward a country vibe, complete with lively banjo underpinning the vocals. In contrast, ‘Little Blue Engine’ is pure fun — reminding us that despite the musical sophistication on display, this is first and foremost a family album designed to bring joy. Alternatively, ‘Fly on the Wall’ carries an almost Celtic flavour, with a catchy vocal phrasing that lingered in my head long after listening.

My favourite track is undoubtedly ‘What Should We Do on a Rainy Day?’ As someone originally from the north of England, I can certainly relate to such lyrics. The song offers a host of imaginative suggestions for those long, dreary days indoors. Slightly old-fashioned yet thoroughly refreshing — without a computer game in sight — it encourages children to use their imagination. Whether through make-believe games, listening to music, or baking chocolate cookies, boredom simply doesn’t exist in this world.

Nicodemi is also unafraid to experiment with genre, nowhere is this more evident than on ‘Up in the Swing’, which adopts a waltz rhythm with the occasional drum roll for added charm. The song pays homage to the simple joy of playground swings soaring high enough to ‘touch the sky’. Dreamy and poetic, it captures the innocent exhilaration of childhood, with ambitious vocals gliding effortlessly between mother and daughter.

The album closes with the gentle, slightly melancholy ballad ‘Stories’. Here a sparse piano arrangement provides space for the vocals to really cut through. The melody is exquisite, and the song feels perfectly suited to provide the final tune a child hears before bedtime. The haunting piano underpins a heartfelt vocal performance that drifts delicately through the closing moments.

All in all, Ride the Merry-Go-Round is a tremendous album from an artist who continues to evolve and explore different musical styles and genres on the way. Variety defines the project, both musically and thematically. Where Nicodemi combines descriptive, poetic, and informative lyrics with sumptuous vocals and delicate melodies, creating a collection that remains engaging from start to finish. This album takes the listener on an uplifting and inspiring journey — delivered with warmth, imagination, and undeniable heart.

Carol Nicodemi — timeless charm.

Artist Spotlight: Loopy Tunes

Christchurch-based duo Loopy Tunes are redefining children’s music in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specialising in songs that blend Māori, Pacific Island languages, and English, their music is bright, playful, and full of heart, offering preschoolers and young children a joyful, educational soundtrack for play, learning, and cultural connection.

Since their beginnings over fifteen years ago with a weekly preschool outreach programme, the sisters behind Loopy Tunes have grown into a beloved part of early childhood life. Their debut album, Kākāriki: Simply Us (2019), marked the start of a back catalogue approaching 200 songs, many of which feature on their popular YouTube channel, allowing children to join in from the comfort of home.

Movement, storytelling, and audience participation are central to their music, with catchy melodies that encourage singing, dancing, and cultural exploration. Many songs are bilingual in Māori and English, while projects such as Pasifika Beatz also showcase Kiribati, Samoan, Tongan, and other Pacific languages, normalising linguistic diversity in everyday life.

While I’m not deeply familiar with Pacific Island children’s music, I was immediately struck by the tuneful harmonies, lively rhythms, and thoughtful blending of languages on their latest album, Mā: Matariki for Tamariki.

The album brings the magic of the Māori New Year to children, with bright, playful songs that celebrate Matariki and inspire wonder and learning. Though I’m not an expert in the tradition, it’s clearly a joyful, educational introduction for children.

This album beautifully weaves a diversity of language, creating a seamless, bilingual tapestry. The harmonies are lush and tuneful, with vocals that shine front and centre, carrying both emotion and melody. Gentle rock grooves and upbeat, guitar-driven arrangements give the music a lively, accessible energy. Some tracks are fully in one language, while others transition fluidly between languages, highlighting the versatility and rhythm of the vocals. Listening feels immersive and transporting — not to a clichéd “tropical paradise,” but into a space where music, language, and culture intersect with both warmth and vitality.

Standout tracks highlight the album’s playful intent. ‘Urarangi Dance’ offers a joyful freeze dance, ‘Huarākau is Fruit (Tupuarangi)’ introduces Māori fruit names alongside English meanings, and ‘Animals of the Sea (Waiata)’ pairs music with actions that encourage movement and engagement. Gentler moments, such as ‘Feed the Stars (Hautapu Song)’, celebrate nature, rain, and stars with a sense of wonder.

Following a milestone year that included multiple Aotearoa Children’s Music Awards — among them Best Children’s Music Artist — Loopy Tunes continue to prove they are more than entertainers. Through playful, participatory music, they build language pride, celebrate diversity, and make learning joyful.

Loopy Tunes — a bilingual musical adventure for every child.

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.