It’s no exaggeration to call the Barenaked Ladies’ “Snacktime” the best children’s CD ever. Kids today are living in a golden age of music created specially for them and their discerning parents, thanks to a number of real rockers who became dads (eg., They Might Be Giants, Dan Zanes, even Devo, sort of) and then were appalled by the pablum that passes for children’s music out there. There was a time I thought the Wiggles were good – or, at least, a step up from Raffi or any Sesame Street recording – but kids, and their parents, have even better options now. And “Snacktime” is good as it gets.
Lyrically, it wasn’t exactly made for wee ones. Not understanding that the number 8 and the verb “ate” sound alike means Tink doesn’t really get the song “7 8 9″ (or who Gordie Howe is, for that matter), but it doesn’t hamper her enjoyment one bit, especially when she shouts, “What about 9?!” (She hasn’t figured out what “The Ninjas” is about, either, but C has and laughs himself silly whenever he hears it.) Kids will grow into the clever, witty lyrics and the BNL-trademarked banter, but not to panic, parents – it stands up to repeated listenings.
The music is complex and sophisticated. “Pollywog in a Bog” has a ska rhythm and a cute Caribbean rap interlude. “Humungous Tree” grooves with a Tom Jones vibe. And be prepared to advance to track 15 – “Allergies” – a lot. It’ll be the most-requested song in the minivan.
What really sucks is that the Ladies won’t be doing the kiddie concert circuit. Shortly after the CD was released last year, singer Steven Page was arrested for cocaine possession (big oops), kicking the band off a packaged Disney tour. Then co-frontman Ed Robertson was in a plane crash. I was hoping BNL would get its act together this spring/summer, but just last week Page announced he was leaving the band.
It’s too bad, since “Snacktime” may just well be the CD the band is best-remembered for. At least it will be by anyone who’s invited Tink to a birthday party in the past year, given that I’ve purchased and wrapped 11 copies so far.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Kerry 03.07.09 at 9:36 am
Perfect timing. I am planning a long weekend for us in June, and it’s a three-hour drive. I was just thinking of buying a new CD for the trip. Cool!
Kerry’s last blog post..Meet the Farty Guy
suburbancorrespondent 03.07.09 at 10:56 am
I’m willing to try it out, although I spent many wonderful hours in the car listening to my little children sing along to Baby Beluga! Raffi definitely shouldn’t be lumped with Sesame Street or other music marketed to kids.
suburbancorrespondent’s last blog post..Hypochondria Unleashed
suburbancorrespondent 03.07.09 at 10:57 am
Also, try out Rhinoceros Tap (by Boynton)…
suburbancorrespondent’s last blog post..Hypochondria Unleashed
eliz 03.07.09 at 11:29 am
@SC – Sorry to harsh on Raffi, but I was introduced to the Wiggles by my nephews back when they were the new thing, and I loved the Wiggles for having their roots in pop music made for adults. It adds a whole new dimension to the music and lyrics. Plus, one’s a band, the other’s just one singer-songwriter. Apples and oranges, really. My point was, real rockers making kids’ music is generally a thing of beauty one must experience. Of course, a family CD library has room for multiple genres. Anything your kids sing along to is an instant classic.
@Kerry – I have other suggestions, too, if you’d like.
abdpbt 03.07.09 at 9:23 pm
This is great, because each night I ask Mini what song he wants to sing before bed and lately it’s “no” to everything. I wind up running through my entire repertoire and having to make up lyrics to the Backyardigans theme song. So yeah, new material might be good.
abdpbt’s last blog post..Poop and Circumstance
abdpbt 07.08.09 at 2:05 pm
Belated, but we’re headed on a car trip today, so I’m downloading thiss based on your recommendation. Will report back!
abdpbt´s last blog ..Just For The Taste Of It
eliz 07.10.09 at 6:26 pm
Can’t wait to hear what Mini thinks. And you and Mr. RC.