Kids like the funk. They might not know it, but they dig it. They dig the grooves and the beats. It gets their little heads bouncing, legs moving and puts smiles on their faces. There is a lot of funk music out there, most of it independent and hard to come by. There isn't too much that is marketed straight to children though. However, there are a couple and even though I did recently lament about children's music being too childish, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for it - especially with children.
The bands Recess Monkey and Sugar Free Allstars are for the three to seven year old set for sure. The music is lively, educational and easy to get along with. It's pure children's music, but both these bands have a slightly different edge than most children's music. They bring the funk.
Out of Seattle comes Recess Monkey, with their sixth release, The Final Funktier. Recess Monkey has built a solid following of loyal fans since their debut in 2005. Currently full-time school teachers, the band focuses their song writing on the experiences of children. From losing teeth, going on field trips and getting new school supplies. This kind of approach to the lyrics immediately resonates with children, as they can associate quickly with the activities being described. The Final Funktier takes their music from it's Earth bound roots into outer space. Songs about jet packs, booster / rocket seats and the moon take center stage on this themed album.
Using a myriad of instruments but focusing heavily on the electronic, Recess Monkey deliver a strong offering in the realm of children's music. The funk influence is heavy throughout the album, with a good helping of straight up pop. The press release stated an ELO influence as well, especially on the song "Galax Sea." I only mention that because it's right on. Actually, the song reminded me of a Traveling Wilburys song for some reason, with the chorus sounding like ELO. Some songs, like "Booster Seat" are heavy on the keyboard (switched to "New Orleans Organ.") There is no way a kid doesn't enjoy that.
The only downside is that the music does take a frantic turn at points, mostly in the delivery of some spoken word lyrics. It happens on children's music albums from time to time. Can't be avoided really, as sometimes children need that slap in the ears to get them back in the groove. Overall though, the album is a good entrance into music that isn't straight up "happy princess time," as I like to call it. This album moves, and that will get your child moving.
WIRED Full of great funk loops and high energy jams.
TIRED Adults and older children will find it corny, but then, they aren't the target audience.
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Performing all over their home state of Oklahoma as well as Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Arkansas the Sugar Free Allstars (Chris "Boom!" Wiser & Rob "Dr. Rock" Martin) have created a sound heavy on the funk. With a sound that encompasses New Orleans funk, Memphis Soul, gospel and some hip-hop beats, their latest release Funky Fresh and Sugar Free is ten tracks of music that can only be described as groovy. I know, that's a bit vague, but even I found myself enjoying the music (the lyrics are traditional type children's lyrics.)
The music encourages children to run, jump and play not just through the beats themselves, but from the subject matter. "SFA Disco Dance Party" is a dance tune that, well, encourages kids to dance. Go figure. "Hey Now, it's Your Birthday" encourages kids to have fun at their birthday party. Nothing out of sorts here for a children's album. It's just the delivery that makes it unique. The inclusion of true Hammond Organ, violinists and children as backing vocals help deliver a full musical experience.
When I was listening to this album, I was a little surprised when I got to track eight. Track eight is a cover of "Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da" from the Beatles White Album. I guess it's good they picked that one to cover and not say, "Helter Skelter." It's a very peppy cover (as if the original wasn't peppy enough as it was) with the organ as the leading instrument and an accompanying horn section. It's a good addition to the album as a whole, and might open up the door for you to get your kids into some classic Beatles tunes.
The band also tours through clubs and other venues playing adult oriented "free-wheeling groove machine" music.
WIRED Great use of the organ, lots of soul in this album.
TIRED Only ten tracks for a children's CD? Seems a little light.
