Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this album is a nearly-perfect example of tasteful, adult standards of excellence applied to music meant for kids. Lyrics are clever and address kid-friendly themes like the alphabet and counting, along with several songs that celebrate the richness and abundance of nature. "Mere Bacche Ke Liye Lori (Lullaby for My Child)" is performed in Hindi and "La Luna (the Moon)" in Spanish.
Families can talk about the Harmonica Pocket's versions of "Twinkle Twinkle," "O Susanna," and "The ABC's." We've all heard these songs a million times -- what makes these versions so fresh and different sounding? Also, the CD is described as "green," produced at a solar-powered studio. Can you think of ways to make your house more green?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
The Harmonica Pocket, a Puget Sound indie-rock group that proudly proclaims its new CD to be "truly green" (it was recorded in a solar-powered studio), has just released its second children's album. LADYBUG ONE is imaginative, beautifully performed, and promotes appreciation of the natural world -- with an emphasis on a variety of insects -- in songs like "Firefly," "Spiders in My Breakfast," "One Tree Said," and "Love a Ladybug." There's also a cross-cultural twist on the song "Mere Bacche Ke Liye Lori (Lullaby for My Child)," performed in Hindi and "La Luna (the Moon)," in Spanish.
Harmonica Pocket's sound is built around the songwriting and lead vocals of Keeth Monta Apgar, with additional singing provided by Nala Walla, Jon Ryser on saxophone, and many other skilled musicians filling in the rhythmic and melodic spaces (there's even a bit of harmonica on a track or two). Apgar approaches his songwriting with a unique brand of poetry and humor; his artistry lies in an ability to make his message -- one that could easily sound heavy-handed in less skilled hands -- accessible, friendly, and fun. The Harmonica Pocket provides a breath of fresh air while flexing musical muscles strong enough to enchant family members of all ages.
For some other fresh-sounding, original children's music check out Class of 3000: Music Volume One, They Might Be Giants' Here Come the 123s, and Have You Never Been Yellow?.
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Social BehaviorEnvironmentally-correct messages about appreciating nature; the album is described as "green" because it was recorded in a solar-powered studio. |
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