Daddy a Go Go is back on track!
J. Levie | 08/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After the disappointment of *Big Rock Rooster*, the third Daddy a Go Go album, I was hesitant to buy *Mojo a Go Go* when it was released. I was finally able to find a library copy to borrow, and was very happy to discover that Daddy a Go Go's fourth album is more on par with their first two releases (*Cool Songs for Cool Kids* and *Monkey in the Middle*, which my husband, 23 month-old son, and I love).
What other children's musicians mix surf guitar, Yiddish, and clever lyirics? Besides Ralph's World, not many! Memorable tracks on the CD include the Ramones-esqe "I Don't Wanna Go to School Today"; the Yiddish-smattered "Of Mice and Mensch"; covers of "Linus and Lucy" and "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron"; the pun-filled "Don't Blame the Weatherman"; and the rollicking "The Git Down Towns."
The only song we don't care for is the cheesey tweenish track, "Radio Dizzy" (which seems to have recycled the melody from the instrumental "Radio Wah Wah" on *Big Rock Rooster*). However, it's sure to appeal to older kids, with its references to tween pop culture.
Daddy a Go Go's surf guitar sound has an undertone of southern rock to it, so if you're not a fan of southern rock (as I am not), you may not care for John Boydston's brand of children's music. However, this CD has enough surf rock, creative and amusing lyrics, and cool instrumentals to make most parents and kids happy.
If you're interested in other children's musicians who rock, try Ralph's World (our favorite is the 2nd album, *At the Bottom of the Sea*); Brady Rymer (especially *I Found It!*); Yosi (*Under a Big Bright Yellow Umbrella*); They Might Be Giants (*No!* and *Here Come the ABCs*); and Elizabeth Mitchell (*You Are My Flower* and *You Are My Sunshine*, for a retro Sun Studios sound)."
A great way to keep your kids entertained on car trips
Janet L. Kalbhen | Long Grove, IL USA | 08/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any parent who regularly carts their kids around in the family minivan or SUV knows that keeping your offspring occupied prevents WWIII from breaking out in your vehicle. To that end, I'm always on the lookout for music that caters to kids without numbing the mind of anyone over 10. That's why I was so excited to find the excellent music of Daddy a Go Go. I find myself listening to his music even without my kids in the car. And that's a high compliment from someone who spent much of her youth in clubs and concert halls taking in live music and at the listening stations in records stores soaking up the latest releases. Can't wait for his next CD! Also check out his other discs: Cool Songs for Cook Kids, Monkey in the Middle, and Big Rock Rooster!"