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.

Mr. Leebot

Robot Dance
© 2009 Lee Davila

Imagine, if you will, that once upon a time Joey Ramone, Devo and Kraftwerk got together and had a kid. Can’t picture that? Well, all you have to do is listen to the music of Mr. Leebot. Mr. Leebot (Lee Davila) produces some of the best electro-new wave since, well, new wave. And even though it’s geared toward kids, he pulls it off without sounding childish or like he’s simply copying someone else’s style. The first track that will take you back to skinny, pleather ties and keytars is “It Wasn’t Me.” There are too many great songs to talk about here, but don’t miss “Letters and Numbers,” which sounds like Leebot conjured up Johnny Cash for one last electronic hoedown. With Robot Dance, no longer will you have to explain to your kids why “Freedom of Choice” and “Uncontrollable Urge” are such great songs, or why 22 minutes of a German quartet singing about the autobahn is simply amazing. Now they can enjoy their own little slice of new wave electronic bliss.

Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke

Rise and Shine
© 2009 Little Monster Records

One played bluegrass in his past, and the other’s a Brit who was part of the ’80s Long Island punk scene. Yes, this is a children’s music duo I’m talking about. Rise and Shine is the long-awaited release from a group that’s been described as “Syd Barrett meets Hank Williams.” Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke have performed and recorded songs together for almost 20 years, but this is their first release for the whole family to enjoy. The songs will get stuck in your kids’ heads, but this is a good thing. The first infectious tune, “I Had a Little Dog,” isn’t merely a song about animals with identity crises. Keep listening—there
is a message. Mr. Clarke’s punk roots blast through with “Favorite Names.” And if you want a (milk) pint-chugging song for your little half-pints, introduce them to “Big Pet Pig.” Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke are gems in the world of family music. Don’t let this treasure slip trough your fingers.

Mary Kaye

Music Box
© 2009 Mary Kaye Music, BMI

Study the history of music, and you’ll find an abundance of singer/songwriters. So it’s really great to find one who’s talented and original, and it’s even better when she’s a children’s artist. Lyrically, Music Box is just right for the kids. But don’t think the music is too juvenile for you parents. The best example of this is “Family.” Mary Kaye’s voice on this track makes me think of a meld of Natalie Merchant and Nellie McKay. “Turtley Turtleroo” is a sweet song about a child’s favorite little toy. Also, don’t miss “Bug,” a mother’s plea to remove a bug from her house—and the bug’s side of the story, too.  Music Box is another superb addition to Mary Kaye’s discography, and it will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home.