Servings from the cereal bowl

by Dave Loftin

Recess Monkey

Field Trip
© 2009 Recess Monkey

The world of kids’ and family music is continually improving, and the prolific Recess Monkey is contributing to the genre beautifully. On their fifth release in almost as many years, the band remains steeped in their love for The Beatles, but on Field Trip, the trio (Drew Holloway, Jack Forman and Daron Henry) takes a giant leap toward solidifying their sound. “Marshmallow Farm” transports listeners to what must be the best farm in the world, and “Knocktopus” introduces them to an octopus who tells very silly knock-knock jokes. If your kids want a pet and you’re not quite ready for one, they may pick up some persuasive arguments from “Haven’t Got a Pet Yet.” Finally, if you need hard proof that Field Trip is one of the best albums for kids this year, feel the funk that is “Bubble Factory.” Keep your eyes on Recess Monkey, because they’re only getting better with each new release—and your kids will attest to this.

Grab your kid and a cup of coffee and tune in to the “Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl,” hosted by Dave Loftin, Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. on the Web at WAWL.org. He posts his weekly playlists on SMCB.BlogSpot.com

Putumayo Kids Presents

Picnic Playground
© 2009 Putumayo World Music

Putumayo Kids continues to amass the best kid-friendly tunes from the world onto one disc. Their latest release, Picnic Playground, adds to this terrific series, bringing together artists and bands from the United States, France, Denmark and even Trinidad. Right out of the gate, Jay Mankita sets the groove with “Eat like a Rainbow.” Hop over to France with a silly but brilliant song, “Mes Parents Sont Bio,” by Pascal Parisot; then take a Caribbean cruise with the best island musician for kids, Asheba, who’ll have you craving “Ice Cream.” Now, if you’re not into “world music,” don’t worry. The term here simply means a sampling of music from around the world. (Check out Johnny Bregar’s rendition of “Shoo Fly Pie,” for instance.) The entire Putumayo Kids series is, quite simply, a phenomenal way to hear some phenomenal music from across the globe.

And now you can take your Cereal Bowl with you—in podcast form! Go to SaturdayCerealBowl.podbean.com, or simply search the iTunes store. Don’t worry, parents, it’s free.

The Not-Its

We Are The Not-Its!
© 2009 Little Loopy Records

Seattle is apparently having a musical resurgence—but this time around, instead of grunge and self-loathing, the kids’ and family music genre is exploding. The Not-Its (along with Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants and others) are a major part of that explosion. Their new release, We Are The Not-Its!, is a rocking good time. With guitars blazing, the title track gives a brief introduction of the band. “When I’m Five” tells of the Everest-like challenge of heading off to kindergarten. Another song recounts a girl’s dream of flying through the air and how she wants to take a ride in a “Helicopter.” More and more children’s bands are blurring the line between kids’ and “grown-up” music; The Not-Its are one more shining example that music created for kids can be thoroughly enjoyed by the entire family.

Sample the Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl

Grab your kid and a cup of coffee and tune in to the “Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl,” hosted by Dave Loftin, Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. on the Web at WAWL.org. He posts his weekly playlists on SMCB.BlogSpot.com. And now you can take your Cereal Bowl with you—in podcast form! Go to SaturdayCerealBowl.podbean.com, or simply search the iTunes store. Don’t worry, parents, it’s free.