Album Review: Best Day Ever - Stacy & Athena

Stacy & Athena are a musical duo from New York, who have been writing and performing music since their college years. Having gradually gone their separate ways to bring up their respective families, they reconnected as a result of the pandemic, collaborating on a socially distanced birthday song. They had so much fun writing together, that they decided to keep going, resulting in the release of their debut album Best Day Ever. The album is quite superb, featuring rich acoustic instrumentation, delightful harmonies, and a host of original songs that are sure to inspire and entertain children across the globe.

And whilst we're discussing the globe, the opening track "Save Our World", attempts to do just that. Here the duo explore 'the type of things we can do' to save our planet, because ultimately, 'the earth is counting on you'. Here 'we go round and round and round to make the change somehow', whether this involves planting trees, or recycling our waste, we are all encouraged to do our bit for the planet. The music supports the sentiment here, with the acoustic guitar taking centre stage, piercing the wall of sound on display amongst an array of instrumentation competing for space.

Next up, "I Believe in Me" really conjures up a heart warming message of positivity, where we are reliably informed 'I can do anything because I believe in me.' The lyrics encourage the kids to think for themselves, and perhaps most importantly never 'follow the crowd'. Again the acoustic guitar takes centre stage, with a shuffle beat and a sparse bass providing additional support. Towards the end the song is stripped down to its bare essentials in true anthemic style, where we are encouraged to 'clap our hands' and sing 'because I can do anything'.

Feelings and emotions are clearly a hot topic at the moment, with the new generation having to deal with an increasingly complex and confusing world. The song "Breathe" further explores this topic; offering possible solutions, such as the importance of remembering to breathe particularly when we feel angry. The bass playing is a real stand out here, rich in texture, and demonstrating an exquisite understanding of both space and melody. The whispering harmonies contribute further to the lyrical impact, creating an overall atmosphere worthy of the theme on show. 

"Best Day Ever" has a lovely Crosby Stills and Nash vibe, featuring lyrics which declare with supreme confidence that this will be 'the best day ever', and 'we're gonna have fun', and why not? Life is too short not to. The melody rises and falls in tune with the overall vibe, which is relaxed and uncomplicated. The harmonies are highly effective, particularly on the chorus which is swimming in pop sensibility. 

"Chocolate Chip Cookies" has a tougher, more raw appeal, which at times ventures almost into Ramones territory. This song has heaps of attitude and really grabs the listener around the throat demanding to be heard. I love the bridge which features a dazzling guitar solo, with perhaps a hint of wah-wah pedal thrown in for good measure. No nonsense, pure rock and roll - love it!

From new wave to seventies disco, "Kooky Crazy" is a real blast from the past, featuring a rhythm guitar that wouldn't sound out of place on a Chic album, alongside an effusive saxophone and a pulsating bass that had me almost jumping out of my seat. Brilliant!

"Some Kids" has a nice country vibe, featuring crystal clear vocals alongside a stomping rhythm section. The arrangement is paradoxical, in that although the kids are told to 'stop' this only encourages them to continue with whatever activity they are currently embarking on. This idea is then reversed at the end, where the kids who finally want to sleep are told to 'wake up', much to their consternation. A very original idea, highly interactive and great fun.

"Happy Birthday to You" is another lively anthemic song, full of fun and gusto. I love the nonchalant vocal, which encourages the listener to join in with the actions. Whether they are instructed to 'clap to celebrate', 'march to celebrate', or 'jump to celebrate', the message is clear and we are all eagerly listening. The chorus is the real standout, with a hypnotic hook that really cuts the mustard. There is so much going on here, and all packed in to a song barely more than a minute long. 

All in all, a truly inspired album, crammed with alluring melodies that will no doubt delight and inspire the kids in turn. I love the freshness and energy of the music,  which is highly original, thought-provoking and brilliantly put together. Their sound draws on influences including, folk, country, rock and even disco at times, and does so in fine style. On this form I'm sure we'll be hearing much more from them in the future.

Stacy & Athena - the world needs you.

Album Track Review: Fireworks - Music With Michal

As the weather warms up here Down Under, it's the perfect time to pop on this summer jam from Music with Michal. Taken from her latest release Summer Days, "Fireworks" is a scintillating piece of atmospheric pop with one of the finest melodies you are ever likely to hear. The song also benefits from the welcome input of the Tiptoe Giants, who contribute some superb harmonies throughout. I suggest you keep an eye out for both these artists, because they are currently on an upward trajectory, and heading for the top.

The song begins with stirring keyboards that create the sense that something special is about to happen. The pulsating rhythm builds the tension, as several families who have gathered on the beach anticipate the onset of a spectacular scene. Surrounded by their loved ones, onlookers revel in the 'happy atmosphere' of this celebratory evening. As the fireworks shoot across the sky the chorus builds to an explosion of sound that delights the senses.

Just as you think the melodic component has run its course, we are then treated to another tuneful treat as we revel in 'wonder and delight', 'on this beautiful night’. The bridge then shifts gear in almost rap style, informing the listener to 'look up at the colourful skies' with a chant that is both infectious and uplifting. We are finally left with the chorus to see the song out, which it does in fine style, repeating the refrain with delicacy and finesse.

This song ticks all the boxes. It has superb lyrics, a magnificent tune, an ambitious arrangement, and fantastic production. All in all, an excellent song by an amazing artist who is currently setting the pace from her home town of Christchurch. I've already played this song numerous times, it is so intoxicating, you are guaranteed to feel good after hearing it.

Music With Michal - rocket to the top.

Video Review: Fine Feathered Dinosaur - Levity Beet

"Fine Feathered Dinosaur" is a recent release from the very talented Levity Beet, an award-winning artist from New Zealand, who has been making music for children and families since 2008. The song is super catchy, short, sweet and to the point, signing off in just under two minutes. 

The music video is equally impressive, and really brings the song to life. The idea behind the video is pretty simple, a happy dinosaur couple give birth to a baby dinosaur who then goes on to dance throughout the day making friends along the way. How can you not love a video like that?

The video also highlights the little known theory that 'many of the dinosaurs we once imagined as big scaly lizards actually had wild bright feathers'. Now I'm no expert when it comes to making videos, but I love the way this video captures your attention immediately. The colours are tasteful and inviting, and the animation courtesy of Dooverberry Dave is superbly executed.

Levity Beet is a very exciting artist whose reputation continues to grow, and on this form you should be hearing a lot of him in the future. He has released five albums to date, featuring a host of superb catchy songs for the kids to groove along to. 

Levity Beet - dinosaur boogie.

Album Review: Getting to the Gig - The Little Rockers Band

The Little Rockers Band are a duo from New Jersey, USA, and their most recent album Getting to the Gig provides a much needed tonic for the troops. This album is seemingly dedicated to all the kids out there, who may have missed out recently as a result of the pandemic. It's superbly put together, and is essentially a concept album, which focuses on travel and movement, with a particular emphasis on children's fascination with travel generally. The songs on display here, entice the children to both have fun and use their imaginations on this magical journey of wonder and intrigue. 

The album begins its intrepid journey with the opening track "Travelling Rock", a flirtation with twelve bar blues which you are sure to love if if you are an Elvis fan. Shades of "Jail House Rock" come to mind, but this time around the lyrics anticipates all the excitement that lies ahead 'all the way across the country'. The song also features some superb harmonies which add both melody and texture to the track. The song also includes a mesmerising guitar break, followed by some intricate piano playing, that is sure to have everybody's feet tapping.

"Anywhere" features a Hammond organ, and a rhythm pattern slightly reminiscent of the Kinks "See My Friends". The song is quite rich in texture and provides a running narrative of this particular magical mystery tour.  In this world, it doesn't really matter where we are going, or when we get there, we just kick back and enjoy the trip. Here we are 'riding round without a care', all is well with the world because I have 'you by my side', and 'you can take me anywhere'. Great stuff!

"Riding on My Bike" is slightly funkier, featuring a clean guitar sound sparring with a quite sophisticated drum pattern and an almost reggae inspired bass. The lyrics are tight and compressed, creating the necessary tension for the chorus to really explode. Again, the song reflects on the simple pleasure of enjoying a bicycle ride as we take in a bit of sightseeing and 'make friends with the clouds up here'. Being an avid cyclist myself, I can really relate to this song, with its cool, laid-back delivery.

"Super Kid" also incorporates a funkier approach, with the Hammond organ once again taking centre stage. The bass and drums create a sublime groove with effortless expertise. I also love the reciprocal vocal, which blends together with noticeable clarity throughout. Again a clean guitar with a hint of delay provides a superb introduction for the bridge to fully materialise. Now I'm only guessing here because I don't have the sleeve notes, but are the lyrics here referring to the quiet achievers who don't always get noticed, but make a huge difference? I'll leave that for you to decide.

"Looking Out My Back Door" provides a wonderful rendition of the famous Creedence song, beginning with a guitar sound that could have been lifted from David Bowie's "Let's Dance". This is an excellent rendition of a classic song, by one of my favourite US bands. You are sure to love this, the musicianship is exquisite, as are the vocals, which blend together perfectly.

"Smoothie Shake" provides a surprising musical departure, featuring a drum machine, which could sit quite comfortably on an OMD or Human League album. Despite this seemingly eighties vibe, the lyrical imagery is steeped in fifties nostalgia, as we 'do the smoothie shake'; a dance which turns out to be suitable 'for both young and old'. The lyrics really hit the mark, and you could almost imagine Fonzie grooving along to this song with the rest of the gang on the set of Happy Days.

"I Wanna Have Some Fun" is a real foot stomper, and in true eighties fashion, sounds like Robert Smith has been drafted in to write the backing track. The bass and drums really drive the song along with exquisite power and minimalism. The message is clear and to the point 'I wanna have some fun', don't we all?  This is a truly uplifting song, that attempts to move and groove in time with the heartbeat of the universe.

"Shooting Star" is slightly heavier, incorporating a more distorted guitar, along with a hypnotic keyboard. The arrangement on the verse creates the type of tension and release that allows the chorus to really soar. The message here is clear, get out there and try and reach your potential, because you too can be a 'shooting star'. The song also features a truly fabulous solo on the bridge, adding additional vitality to the track. The music finally draws to a close with some delightful piano, serenading a somewhat sweet and yet powerful vocal.

I guess you can't have a song about a road trip without mentioning "Traffic Lights;" a song which describes the regimental directions emanating from traffic lights, which we are sure to encounter on our way. The lights are then cleverly utilised to dictate the movement of the song, resulting in the lyrics inspiring the musical arrangement. There are also some interesting musical hooks dispersed throughout, with some tasteful guitar playing adding a certain ambience to the overall sound.

"The Wheels on the Tour Bus" actually plays homage to the famous nursery rhyme, although this particular rendition features a bass line which reminded me a little of T. Rex's "Hot Love". The song is incredibly catchy, and a great way to finish off the album, with a lively rendition of a famous children's song, executed with a quite detached and yet whimsical delivery. 

This duo have created a soundtrack to a wonderful uplifting journey, where children are entertained and inspired in turn. Although the album appears to be firmly entrenched in fifties nostalgia, it also references musical influences from other decades and does so seamlessly. The harmonies are superb and the musicianship is thought-provoking and tasteful throughout. All in all a magical journey of melodic delight, which is sure to have wide appeal.

The Little Rockers Band - the golden age of rock 'n' roll.