Bunchland

Beth Blenz-Clucas blogs about music for kids that grownups will love too

“All the thoughts of a turtle are turtles, and of a rabbit, rabbits.” 
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you’re trying to build a playlist to please kids, it’s hard to go wrong with novelty songs. The sillier the better, but it’s not easy to create lasting hits like “Purple People Eater” and “Monster Mash.” Even Sir Paul McCartney remembers the music hall novelty songs of his youth.

Some of today’s kids’ artists offer novelty songs of note. Awhile back, we featured Eric Herman’s  “Elephant Song,” which has become a Youtube sensation. The secret to its success is the kid outsmarting the adult. Kids love that.  Todd McHatton’s “I Think I’m a Bunny,” is another funny example of a smart kid in control of the situation when her friend the monster has an identity crisis. The looks on this little girl’s face are priceless, and it’s a fun song for Easter week:  Read more...

Kid tracks grownups will love, grown-up tracks kids will love

Let’s face it. Parenting small children is not always the pleasant experience depicted in glossy magazines and luxe stroller ads. Amidst the laundering, diapering, chauffeuring and daily tactical planning, the hard work of being a parent will surely get you down sometimes. But every once in awhile you wake up and realize how lucky you are. On those mornings, those sweet little faces greeting you at 5 a.m. make everything okay.

Elizabeth Mitchell captures this optimistic feeling with her new arrangement of Bill Withers’ classic “Lovely Day.” Elizabeth just released her second album with Smithsonian Folkways and is currently touring with her husband Daniel Littleton and 9-year-old daughter Storey. “Lovely Day” is wowing the crowds with its simple joy (check out my fan video of their show in Portland). Storey’s sprightly refrain will invite the young ones to join in.  Read more...