Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Buck Howdy can't resist the teensiest bit of scatalogical humor on a couple of his country tunes: Granny (who turns out to be a goat, not a relative) "tinkles on the tulips" and the family dog leaves a stinky gift on "Woulda Coulda Shoulda." Delivered with a wink and a lopsided grin, these lyrics will make this CD all the more appealing to kids, especially those who've recently mastered the potty. Most of the songs are original with a few scattered classics throughout ("You Are My Sunshine" and "I'm My Own Grandpa").
Families can talk about "Woulda Coulda Shoulda" ("Meant to study for my 'rithmatic test/it slipped my mind, now I'm starting to sweat/I hear the school bell ringing, not one minute left/and I'll be grounded till I'm 95 if I get an F") and the concept of regret. Kids, was there something that you meant to do but just didn't? What kept you from getting it done? "Are You Having Any Fun?" addresses the ambitious subject of materialism versus quality of life in language easily understood by toddlers. What makes you happy? Do you need lots of money to do the things you love? Kids can also try to work out the mind-twisting genealogy on "I'm My Own Grandpa."
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Your favorite goofball uncle is back, only this time -- yikes! -- he's brought a date. Don't worry, Buck Howdy is still full of wacky fun on CHICKENS, even if he has to slip you that Whoopee Cushion underneath a practical gift of underpants and socks. BB is along for the ride as Buck's songwriting collaborator and duet partner, smoothing out the sound with honey-warm harmonies and her own twinkly sense of humor. As always, Buck Howdy's music is magnificently produced in classic country-swing style -- accessible to very young children without ever being condescending -- featuring impressive fiddle, piano, and guitar work that would be appropriate on the stage of any honky-tonk roadhouse. Paying honest tribute to Americana roots music pays off in a CD that will be appealing to any kid with a sense of humor and a sense of rhythm -- and older siblings and parents, too.
Fans looking for other music that doesn't talk down to kids might enjoy Class of 3000 and They Might Be Giants' Here Come the ABC's. To hear more real western swing, check out Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys or anything by Asleep at the Wheel.
Rate It!
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| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentTwo funny scatological references: a goat "tinkles on the tulips" and a dog leaves a stinky "present." |
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Social BehaviorPositive messages about friendship and non-materialistic values. |
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