Servings from the Cereal Bowl: Dave Loftin

Dec 3rd, 2008 | By JCrutchfield | Category: Servings from the Cereal Bowl

Elizabeth Street

Different

© 2006 Elizabeth Street music: LLC

Elizabeth Street is actually a duo, made up of vocalist Susan Kolbenheyer and guitarist/bassist Greg Pearce. Susan’s kids inspired this debut album when they began singing along to The White Stripes, Jack Johnson and the Shins while riding in the car. She pulled influences from rock, blues, folk, punk and little blue grass; as a result, the album engages kids from preschool through middle school. The music is intentionally “grown-up” while exploring can’t-miss topics like nose-picking. With song titles like “The Eyeball People” and “Misbehavin’,” you can’t go wrong. Different can hold its own with virtually any indie CD out today.

Asylum Street Spankers

Mommy Says No!

© 2006 Spanks-a-Lot Records

Asylum Street Spankers are better known for their quirky brand of alt-bluegrass rather than children’s music. But their venture into the realm of kids’ tunes is flawless. Mommy Says No! takes you on a rollercoaster of bluegrass, folk, rock, and even a cover of Nirvana’s “Sliver”— which is not only a great kid-friendly song, but a great bluegrass tune as well. (Who knew?) The album also includes a cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Think About Your Troubles.” The entire CD is chock-full of diverse styles and fun for all. Be sure and check out the track, “You Only Love Me for My Lunchbox.”

Danny Adlerman & Friends

Listen Up!

Danny Adlerman is able to accomplish two things with his kids’ music: He is talented, so he makes quality music, and he writes songs that talk to kids at their level without patronizing them. (Unfortunately, there are many kids’ artists who achieve only one or the other.) On Listen Up! Adlerman is joined by some seasoned musicians—Jim Babjak of The Smithereens and Kevin Kammeraad, just to name a couple. Simply put, this is a good rock and roll album. It starts off with “When I Grow Up” and “In the Future,” excellent rock tunes. And “The Veggie Song” sounds like it could have been on an album from The Who. Kids will have a great time listening to this CD—and parents will love it, too.