Album Review: It's A Beautiful Day - Sonshine & Broccoli

Since 2004 Sonshine and Broccoli have been making music for children and families with immense verve and vitality.  Hailing from Toronto in Canada the duo have released three albums to date, with the new album It’s a Beautiful Day, arguably their best yet.  The album features twelve original songs designed to capture the hearts and minds of children everywhere. It’s time to put on your dancing shoes because it truly is a beautiful day.

The album kicks off with the title track, a wacky weird and wonderful song, with vocals that reminded me a little of Lena Lovich in her prime, if anyone remembers her!  The tune is infectious and is complemented by a gentle rhythm, which enables the chorus to take off like a rocket.  “Wave Hello” is more up-tempo and has a funkier feel, although lyrically it is very much an action song, with the vocals delivering the specific actions required throughout.  The song also gives the listener an early hint of the vocal duets on display, which are used very effectively throughout the album.

“Sing It Out” remains true to its title and further benefits from some hypnotic piano playing, and a two-chord verse pattern creating the necessary space to let the chorus really explode. The chorus also utilises a very percussive lyrical delivery with soaring harmonies bringing up the rear. The middle eight sounds quite ethereal, leaving one with the impression that they are floating along to the music.  “A Good Night” opens with a dramatic dance rhythm and a guitar riff that Alex Van Halen would have been proud of.  Clearly there is nothing off the table here, with all musical genres up for grabs and eagerly seized on by the band. Again the lyrics are a call to action, as the band guides the children through a number of simple movements.

“High Five” has a more electronic feel with a self-explanatory title that features predictably on the chorus. The combination of electronic keyboards, a dance beat and vocals that mutate at times into a slightly rap delivery provides another interesting combination of musical styles.  “The Painter” takes us into blues territory, and is complemented throughout by an acoustic guitar and what sounds like a Hammond organ. The song recites the story of a boy who loves painting, and then describes the different types of imagery that appeal to him.  There is a real upbeat feel to this track, as we follow the boy on a cathartic journey where he learns to ‘paint his blues away’

“Makin’ A Fort” begins with backing vocals that could sit quite comfortably on a Beach Boys album, before the song reveals its country roots, with what sounds like a banjo and a fiddle playing off each other with great expertise.  This is true country style music with superb harmonies and a lively upbeat feel. “You Got Me” is more contemporary in style, with an infectious tune, and a groove that really hits the target.  The lyrics emphasise the importance of friendship, delivered with authentic vocals, which sounds both pure and sincere.  The song finishes with a lively electric guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on an Isley Brothers album.

“Rock Paper Scissors” reminded me a little of the B52s with its upbeat delivery, potent electric guitar and lyrics that emphasise the importance of finding alternative forms of entertainment.  “Time Travel” really rocks, with a driving bass line and powerful guitar penetrating the sound in almost Pixies fashion. The lyrics then take the listener on a musical journey in time, from the dinosaur age to fifties beach parties.

‘Try Something New” introduces a noticeable change of pace; with a groove that reminded me a little of “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. The song reflects on some painful childhood memories including an ice-skating trip, and an introductory yoga class. Although the lyrics describe the fear and uncertainty involved, the outcome is optimistic emphasising the importance in trying something new which gets ‘a little better every day’. “Music Makes The World Go Round” is sparser, and informative with a driving bass line and a somewhat didactic lyric, which celebrates the importance of music.  We even have time for some musical solos at the end, played with the kind of flourish that should keep the kids bopping till they drop.

This album is energetic engaging and great fun.  The musicianship is first rate and although the arrangements are complex at times, they are not too complex to confuse younger listeners.  The vocal duets are equally strong and complement each other perfectly.  The music is quite difficult to categorise, because as soon as you hear a style emerging, it quickly changes into something different, sometimes even during the same song. The music appears to always be one step ahead of the listener, moving through different musical genres effortlessly.  The vitality of the album lies in the way the band manage to blend a variety of musical influences, yet retain an overall uniqueness of sound.  Perhaps most importantly this is a feel good album, which is great to dance to and is sure to engage the kids throughout.

Sonshine & Broccoli - It’s A Beautiful Day – harmony in motion.

Album Review: Smile - Mr. Steve & Miss Katie

Smile is the new album from the very talented Mr. Steve & Miss Katie, aka Steve and Katie Piperno.  The album features eleven songs that are literally saturated with melody, and have a brightness and clarity of purpose second to none. The duo also write and produce all their songs, which is some achievement these days.  Interestingly it is the CD sleeve which sets the tone for what is in store, with the band, in Pied Piper fashion, leading a variety of exotic animals on a musical journey to an unknown destination.  It is a journey of imagination and intrigue in anticipation of the magical and musical treats that lie ahead.

The album kicks off with the movement song “I Love Trains", a song that is both catchy and great fun to sing along to. It would also be a useful asset for any teachers looking for a suitable movement song to use in the classroom.  You can almost visualize the children moving in time to the music as the rhythm punctuates a really captivating melody.  The track also features a variety of instrumentation, including a brass section, adding further vibrancy to the overall pop sound on display. 

Continuing on the theme of movement, “Everybody Get Movin’” is a real foot stomper as we hear the artist emphatically declare how he wants  ‘to get up early and see the big sun rise’. The sound is literally sweltering in optimism, with an intoxicating feel-good factor throughout.  It also has an interesting swing feel, with the sound of brass punctuating the vocal delivery very effectively. The harmonies are wonderful, and the tune is infectious.

“The Clean Up Song” is another teacher friendly track, which celebrates the fun involved in making a mess, as well as the process of cleaning up, which with the right attitude can be ‘twice as fun’.  We are then transported to the “Deep Blue Sea”, with a song that captures a somewhat Jamaican feel throughout.  Here Katie Piperno delivers her crystal clear vocal through lyrics that explore the sights that surround us on this fantastic voyage, giving the listener a more profoundly visual experience.

“If I Had A Farm” ponders a visit to the countryside, with a melancholy violin accompanying the vocal introduction.  There is space here for the children to interact, as they are encouraged to do a number of animal impersonations, in what could be described as “Old Macdonald” for the twenty-first century.  “All Around The World” has a more ambitious schedule, as we visit a host of interesting countries and are taught how to say hello in different languages.  The chorus is superb, and is a kind of all-inclusive sing along.

The title track, “Smile”, provides a gentle change of pace, with the use of a shuffle beat, a harmonica and a lazy vocal to give the impression that the day has just begun.  Again the song benefits from an uplifting chorus, and when Steve Piperno sings ‘it makes the world brighter when you smile’, you can’t help but agree.  “Hands Up In The Air” re-establishes the theme of movement, inviting the listener to participate in a variety of actions.  Whether it is stomping your feet, or doing a silly dance, the point is that when you move it can only make you feel better.

“It’s Snowing Now” provides a musical backdrop to the eagerly anticipated arrival of Christmas.  With a musical description of the beautiful impression snow makes on the landscape.  It also describes the special feelings and joy Christmas brings, from reunion with family to the arrival of Santa.  The “Goodnight Song” is surprisingly up-tempo, as the duo bid goodnight to the various items surrounding them.  The song incorporates a lively country feel, setting the listener up nicely for the final track on the album “Lullaby”.

Now I know that putting a lullaby at the end of a children’s album tends to be a bit of a cliché these days, but nonetheless, the song is beautifully sung and also benefits from the inclusion of strings and a hypnotic piano.  It is safe to say the song would be ideal to serenade a child off to sleep, although I might add, that if Brian Eno wrote a lullaby song for kids I would guess it might sound something like this.

On this form I expect to be hearing a lot more from Mr. Steve & Miss Katie.  The songs are simplistic enough to sound appealing, and yet sophisticated enough to sound interesting. A simple message, with a lively melody, delivered with some enthusiastic harmonies throughout appears to be the order of the day.  The songs are engaging and would suit a number of educational themes.  Furthermore, the lyrics leave the listener feeling more optimistic and energized as the songs literally make you smile when you hear them.  Which I guess is what the artists set out to do in the first place.

Mr. Steve & Miss Katie’s Smile – the time to be happy is now.

Album Review: I'm Not A Bully - Josh & Gab

Gab Bonesso is a nationally renowned comedian, performer and comedy writer. Josh Verbanets is an award winning songwriter, singer and musician. Together this dynamic duo have developed a unique sound for children of all ages, through the use of original songs which celebrate creativity and suggest alternatives to negative behaviour. Their new album I’m Not a Bully is an absolute gem fusing garage punk with pop sensibility and is available now on Fake Chapter (Music is Family) Records.

The opening track “Everybody Clap Hands” is a high-energy melodic pop song, with soaring melodies and a backing track that would make the Ramones proud.  The message explores the social challenges facing vulnerable children in unfamiliar situations, such as the playground or the school bus.  Ultimately, the sentiment is celebratory in tone, with the fear acknowledged and yet overcome in a union of togetherness and victory.

“Nine O Clock Behind The Jack Rabbit”, opens with a riff that reminded me a little of Television’s “Marquee Moon”.  Again the theme explored here is fear, but this time in anticipation of a fight in which the singer doesn’t want to be involved.  The song is hypnotic and melodic with uplifting melodies throughout.  Here the inner workings of the mind of a child are explored and in particular the vulnerability felt from the conflict set to occur at nine o’clock.  There is also an interesting contrast between the sprightly melody, and the darkness of the subject matter.  Again the problem is overcome, emphasising how the creative mind can assist in the elimination of such challenges.

“Door In The Floor” introduces a female voice, and is completely different in style with the somewhat jazzy vocals on display elaborating on the threat of rats roaming around the house.  This brief departure into American jazz is in complete contrast to the following track, “I’m Not a Bully” which opens with a guitar riff that would sit quite happily on a Led Zeppelin album.  Here the lyrics are no-nonsense and uncompromising as the singer chants the declarative statement ‘I’m not a bully’ into a melting microphone.

“I’m A Leader”, again provides a further shift in tone, as it is noticeably gentler in delivery.  The song encourages children to make the right choices, including telling the truth, and treating others like you would like to be treated.  The music has an interesting kind of jagged feel, before it really opens up at the end to provide an array of sounds that really bring home the point.  The song revels in a display of melody, which is both catchy and uplifting for the listener.

“Hurry Up And Get Well” is a gentler ballad with a stunning melody that I literally had swirling around my head all day.  Again the reciprocal vocal technique is used, along with a string arrangement on the chorus to add a fuller sound, providing further dynamics.  The overall strength of the song can be measured by its sweet simplicity, allowing the melody to soar and the clarity of the vocals to really hit the target.

This mini album is well worth a listen.  It is highly melodic, with interesting arrangements, and excellent musicianship.  The musical themes on offer are diverse, engaging and offer advice to young children on how to negotiate a variety of difficult situations.  This really is music with a message where some of life’s early challenges are tackled head on.  The music moves with the message, hard and uncompromising at times, sweet and soulful the next. This is a great album for playing in the car before dropping the kids off at school, enabling them to absorb the positive advice on display.  For me the ultimate success of the album is the way in which the songs deal with difficult subject matter in a fun and engaging way.

Josh and Gab’s I’m Not A Bully - music with a message that needs to be heard!

Album Review: Let's Skidaddle - Brett Campbell

Brett Campbell is a singer-songwriter from Queensland, Australia, and is arguably one of the hardest working musicians around performing over three hundred shows a year.  His latest album Let’s Skidaddle is a real winner, featuring eleven original songs that are imaginative, melodic and interactive.  I was looking forward to hearing this album because, having seen Brett perform live, I was particularly interested to see if he could capture that raw energy in the studio – I was certainly not disappointed.

The opening track “Welcome To The Show” grabs the listener’s attention immediately.  The song features both a lively acoustic guitar and a melodic honky tonk piano.  It is a delightful sing along track, providing ample opportunities for the kids to join in on the chorus.  “What’s in My Lunch Box?” opens with bongos and continues this positive vibe with the artist describing the variety of goodies contained in his lunch box.  “Duck, Duck, Frog”, reminded me a little of the famous ditty “Pop Goes the Weasel” but on this occasion expertly delivered on the banjo.  “How Many Sleeps?” is more up-tempo with its use of a shuffle beat and some imaginative bass playing revealing a noticeable skiffle influence.

“Cats and Dogs Are My Favourite People” is a very interesting song title and pays homage to “The 59^th Street Bridge Song”, adapted slightly to reminisce on the many benefits of pet ownership.  Continuing on the subject of interesting song titles, they don’t get much more bizarre than “Triantiwontigongolope”, a melodic tribute to the poetry of C.J. Dennis, with a staccato rhythm and some interesting kazoo playing throughout.  “Can You?” features a clean electric guitar, and some subtle bass playing which leaves the required space for the inclusion of a Hammond organ.  This is a superb action song, which I’m sure would be great live or in the classroom.

“Crocodile In The Washing Pile” has a great up-tempo drum pattern; with captivating lyrics used to describe the visit you might expect from a number of animals when you live in a zoo.  Shades of Bob Dylan are on display here with the harmonica taking centre stage.  “Max the Acrobat”, eloquently describes a circus bat, and its variety of tricks. A sparse ukulele introduces the song, along with some solid bass playing and a hypnotic tambourine.  “Chloe’s Fright” is both surreal and ambitious, as it explores a child’s night-time fears.  The vocals here are really quite haunting as they scrutinise the hidden depths of a child’s imagination, from ‘flying platypuses with horns on their wings’ to ‘monsters with sharp shiny teeth’.

Last but certainly not least comes “Dirty Dog Ditty”, which introduces an expertly played didgeridoo courtesy of the very talented Lucas Proudfoot.  The song provides a new departure in style, boasting a  somewhat funkier feel.  It is also great to dance to, with the inclusion of some clever percussion underpinning a hypnotic reciprocal vocal.  This song really is Brett Campbell at his best, in both musical style and delivery.

  

Brett Campbell is an artist who writes songs about the every day experiences of children, and he does so in a simplistic, measured and imaginative way.  This album may not contain the most lavish of productions, but it more than makes up for it with the strength of the content on display.  The songs are melodic, tell a story and are easy to dance to. Furthermore, many of the songs would be more than suitable for use in the classroom, or at children’s parties.  

Brett Campbell - great live, even better in the studio!