Single Review: Mask It Up - Twinkle Time

Twinkle, also known as Alitzah Wiener, is an award winning Peruvian-American musician based in Los Angeles, California. "Mask It Up", is her latest single and it is an absolute classic. The song highlights the importance of wearing a mask, and does so in a light and original way. The music is incredibly catchy, and succeeds because it is highly melodic and easy to dance to. It also provides a unifying message, and does so with flair, zest and imagination.

The song comes straight out of the blocks, giving the listener hardly a moment to pause for breath, with music that is infectious and intoxicating, incorporating elements of both EDM and hip-hop. The vocal delivery is equally effective, with the artist spelling out the urgent need to 'protect my family and friends', and essentially 'do whatever it takes' to stay safe.  'Respect' is clearly 'what you get' from wearing a mask, which is presented here as being stylish, sensible and cool.  

The arrangement is excellent, with a hypnotic beat sparring with a subtle bass, providing additional warmth and flair to the track. The simplicity of the rhythm provides the required space for the guitar to float in and out, with a sound reminiscent of Carlos Alomar. I have no idea of Twinkle's influences, but if I was to take a punt, I'd say that Chic, Deee-Lite and Aretha Franklin may have been an inspiration at some stage.  

She has also put together a superb video, featuring Twinkle and friends honing their moves on the dance floor; all with masks firmly in place. It really is great fun, and the co-ordinated execution of the dance steps make Twinkle come across like a new age Madonna for kids. It's also impressive how she has managed to make a somewhat serious subject so engaging. This is a message that really needs to be heard, and the vitality of the presentation will no doubt ensure that it is.

This girl really has it all, she can sing, dance, and literally oozes charisma. She has clearly transcended the genre, with music that would be as equally suitable on the dance floor as it would be in the classroom. She has also managed to make a serious subject hugely entertaining, encouraging kids to "Mask It Up" through choice, and not coercion. In doing so, she has combined an infectious melody with a vital message of unification and hope. 

Twinkle Time - bringing cool back!

Single Review: Thank You Universe - The Oot n' Oots

The Oot n’ Oots are a five-piece family band from Kelowna, Canada. They have released two albums to date and their new single "Thank You Universe" is really quite superb. The song is built around an infectious rhythm, a mesmerising hook, and a potent message which should have you up and dancing in no time.

 

The music is hypnotic and lively, featuring lyrics that express a message of gratitude in a universe full of possibilities.  The chorus really captures this sentiment of appreciation 'for letting me be me', and 'for letting me be free'.  Initially, it sounds like a feel good song, but despite the celebratory tone, the haunting backing vocals, reveal a sense of mysticism, intrigue, and a hint of what is to come.

The song operates on numerous levels, and is much deeper than it may appear on first listening. There is a multitude of mayhem going on in the background, with layer upon layer of delightful sound effects sprinkled throughout the track in all their magnificent glory.  In this sense, the music appears to represent  the universe experiencing itself, through a magical cacophony of sound. I'm sure even Deepak Chopra would be impressed.

Although the arrangement is complex, the song is great to dance to, and remains both hypnotic and commercial, despite its esoteric charm.  The lyrics at times, reflect this musical gravity, highlighting the challenges of life, and how sometimes we 'may suffer', or 'feel pain'. However,  despite this introspective diversion, the optimism soon returns, and we are reminded that life is still very much 'a gift'.

This is a song to make you dance, smile and maybe reflect on life.  It is lively, compelling, and hugely appealing, but quite different from anything else around.  It exudes a kind of controlled chaos, propelled through a hypnotic beat that never lets up. Perhaps the most salient point is the spirit in which the song has been written.  Not as a reaction or statement to these uncertain times, but as a  genuine reflection of gratitude and love.

Make sure you also check out the video featuring a selection of the band's devotees from around the world lip-synching to the chorus; the kids will love it. 

 

The Oot n’ Oots - a message of gratitude in a universe of possibilities.

Single Review: Don't Leave Recess in Pieces - The Morning Announcements

The Morning Announcements are a collaboration of musicians from Norfolk, Virginia, featuring members of power pop band The Mockers, and guest musicians, Eugene Edwards and Walter Clevenger. Here, their collective experience has been harnessed into a musical fusion of country pop for kids, and the result is this fabulous single "Don't Leave Recess in Pieces".

Now I'm no expert on country music as it's not really my cup of tea, but this particular song helped to change my mind. The energy and vitality of the song is unmistakable, and it is delivered with supreme confidence that resonates throughout the track. Furthermore, it is in essence a health and safety song, with the title succinctly expressing the importance of good behaviour and general well-being.  

The song is uptempo and easy to dance to, beginning with a somewhat jangly intro, before crashing straight into the chorus. The chorus itself is quite anthemic, repeating the words 'don't leave' in a reciprocal pattern, where the words return with gusto through a melting microphone. It is also worth mentioning, that this song doesn't take much time to grow on you, it is incredibly catchy, and grabs your attention immediately. 

The verses are short and sweet, and the lyrics whimsical and instructive, reminding the kids that rules are there for a reason, and it's in your own interest to follow them. Whether that involves heeding the bell when it rings, or making sure you don't leave a mess in the playground. The vocal delivery is almost Dylanesque, but this time with life lessons aimed squarely at the kids.

The instrumentation is refreshingly live, with a wandering melodic bass, punchy drums and a quite exquisite guitar part towards the end. The song finishes as it began with the chorus, but this time repeated by a vocalist eager to sing it again 'one more time'.

There is nothing contrived about this song, it is live and authentic, and despite its somewhat serious message is also great fun. As a result, it manages to both instruct and entertain, and does so in a non patronising manner. From my experience as a teacher, getting children to return to the classroom after recess is a perennial problem and this song might just provide the solution.

To fully appreciate the song, you should also check out the accompanying video featuring vintage footage of children navigating the school playground with varying degrees of success. All in all great energy, and a great message, maybe I should give country music a closer look, there is certainly a lot out there.

The Morning Announcements - safe and sound.

Single Review: Sweet Summertime - The Gum Drops

The Gum Drops are a duo from New York who formed as a result of a shared love of music and a passion for educating children. Their music is original and interactive, and they are also a pretty formidable live act. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of their latest single "Sweet Summertime" a few weeks ago, and it has been swimming round my head ever since. The song is a truly intoxicating piece of retro pop, arriving just in time for the Australian Summer. 

The arrangement features live instrumentation throughout, with the bass and drums controlling  the rhythm, as the guitar and piano compete for the remaining space. The piano appears to dominate the verses, but the guitar really lets fly during the middle eight, with a truly mesmerising piece of improvisation. The track had a similar effect on me as when I first heard "Waking Up in the Sun" by the Adult Net, where I was similarly impressed by the gentle warmth of the music. 

The vocals are melodic and sweet, and perfectly capture the spirit of summer, with subtle harmonies that further emphasise the chorus. There is something truly endearing about the lyrics, which gently reminisce about magical moments 'chasing waves' in 'sweet summertime'. The music provides a superb soundtrack for the summer, and the lyrics serve as a celebration of youth where 'the days are long' and 'time is on our side'.  

This song however, is not just for the kids, I am sure there are many older listeners out there who may also appreciate a song that stirs memories of summer days, when there was nothing to do and all day to do it. In this sense, the song also presents itself as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with wistful dreamy vocals evoking cherished memories of golden years. 

Somehow, the band have managed to create a timeless classic, that is as melodic and imaginative a piece of work as anything you will ever hear.  Essentially the song is a celebration of life, and in particular, how good life can be at the beach in "Sweet Summertime". I love this song and play it often, so make sure you check it out, you won't be disappointed.

The Gum Drops - golden years.