tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270466722009-12-08T14:10:24.110-05:00Kid's Music Reviews, Children's music news, family concert reviews and kiddie rock videos. Children's Literature and Kid's Book reviews.Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.comBlogger847125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-23347102215064233452009-12-08T14:10:00.000-05:002009-12-08T14:10:24.122-05:00

Dan Zanes has just made pieces from his most recent DVD, "The Fine Friends Are Here", available as MP4 downloads.  For $1.99 each you can score the videos for "Night Owl", "Wonder Wheel" and the fantastic "Pollito Chicken".  For the fabulous price of $0.00 you can also download the video for "Water for Elephants".  Go get that free one, and the others, right here. The other thing Dan Zanes has

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-11444915392990074632009-12-08T12:00:00.003-05:002009-12-08T12:04:51.667-05:00

Kids grow up, get married, and start families of their own.  It's at this point, or maybe it actually happens earlier - during the growing up bit - that kids start to become detached from their parents.  Phone conversations become more and more infrequent, y'all see each other even less.  It's kinda understandable, but no less tragic. Two people who invest so much in you as youngsters - time,

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-17102545133258192332009-12-08T10:15:00.002-05:002009-12-08T10:40:18.225-05:00

Neil Brewer "Neil Brewer and Friends Are Back in School" The Sound: An acoustic time capsule.  Thoughtful reflections of a funnier, simpler time. In the Cafeteria, He Sits With: Bill Harley, Ellis Paul, Paul Simon, James Taylor Best Moments: The elementary school admiration through a cloud of eraser dust on "Not Like You" is absolutely divine, as is the chorus: "those girls were fine and

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-75653283745330405152009-12-07T09:18:00.001-05:002009-12-07T09:18:25.922-05:00

The Hipwaders are back with a new video, for the song "It's Wintertime" from the band's "A Kindie Christmas" album.  I dig the vintage cartoon action, interspersed with Hipwader bobbleheads.  Cool stuff, check it:

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-21283930898549290232009-12-05T06:55:00.002-05:002009-12-05T21:41:59.578-05:00

As reported by Gooney Bird Kids earlier this week, children's music superstars Ralph's World have a brand new album, "All Around Ralph's World", set for a February 9, 2010 release.   The real news though (also scooped by Gooney Bird Kids), is the label behind the release. Since at least 2006, Ralph's World has been teamed up with the devil Walt Disney Company label.  It appears as though that

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-91675867692499184222009-12-04T15:30:00.002-05:002009-12-04T15:33:50.851-05:00

Putumayo Presents "A Family Christmas" The Sound: An eclectic (although less so than other Putumayo World music compilations), mostly mellow mix of Christmas standards along with some lesser known holiday tunes you definitely won't be hearing while walking around the mall. Best Moments: Johnny Bregar's spin on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is enjoyable, as most everything Bregar does is. 

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-52899827678032220472009-12-04T09:35:00.000-05:002009-12-04T09:37:01.905-05:00

We were just in A.C. for a college basketball tournament, to cheer on my MSU Spartans.  While in the East Coast gambling mecca, we hit a couple of the well-promoted family holiday events.  Here's my quick take on what we saw: The Tropicana indoor snowfall (every 15 minutes) was underwhelming, but the kids liked it.  The Trop's holiday light show (supposedly the largest light show in the

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-13367952018817939092009-12-04T06:28:00.001-05:002009-12-04T06:28:00.382-05:00

So, yesterday there is a knock on the door.  The Mrs. is still at work.  Both girls have recently shot down the hall towards the bedrooms.  At the door was a neighborhood boy, who also happens to be a classmate of the Bear's, and his mom.  The Bear is being invited to the boy's 6th birthday party, an event she'll miss because of a prior engagement (Peter Pan at the Arden with my parents).  Before

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-51141432781863626202009-12-03T15:06:00.000-05:002009-12-03T15:08:22.928-05:00

A Florida teen kills herself because of the shame and embarrassment over a sext (sexy txt message for those keeping score at home).  Seems she sent over a nude photo of herself to a boy she liked.  Not that sending one to a boyfriend is smart, but a self-nude to a dude you merely LIKE - not a good decision.   What does the behavior say about us as parents and adults, the ones charged with

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-79620723030701565632009-12-03T13:59:00.003-05:002009-12-03T15:12:51.753-05:00

In case you were wondering what the article looks like in print, here is the image which includes a hilarious photo of John Upchurch and Mark Greenberg (John and Mark's Children's Record). The online version of the top 10 list on the Time Out New York Kids website has been updated to now include a music player.  Go there and listen to a song from each band on the list. Oh, and in case anyone

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-17956441528770411472009-12-03T09:16:00.003-05:002009-12-03T09:47:50.151-05:00

OWTK has been covering the WorryWoos from the start (hi Nola!).   You remember, those adorable, beautifully illustrated books and snuggly plush monsters of emotion?   Today the world, or at least those who watch morning TV, discovered 'em too.   The WorryWoo Monsters were featured on NBC's The Today Show (holy cow!) this morning.  The nation saw Squeek and Rue, heard about The Monster in the

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-4591484288632370552009-12-03T07:14:00.000-05:002009-12-03T07:14:00.049-05:00

Little Cook - A silly little game for Daddy (or Mommy's) little sous chef.  My kids love to help me prepare and cook food and now they can get their fill even when the family kitchen is closed.  With the Little Cook app, kids can make a salad, eggs, pizza, soup, sandwiches or an ice cream sundae using a variety of ingredients.  Make a delicious dessert and receive kudos from the a little girl

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-92063895293842906602009-12-02T22:32:00.001-05:002009-12-02T23:31:47.965-05:00

The Grammy Award nods have been announced. Here are the finalists in the Best Musical Album For Children category: American Heroes #3 - Jonathan Sprout Banjo To Beatbox - Cathy & Marcy With Special Guest Christylez Bacon Family Time - Ziggy Marley Great Day - Milkshake Jumpin' & Jammin'- Greg & Steve Pete Seeger Tribute — Ageless Kids' Songs - Buck Howdy Ziggy has got to be the favorite,

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-43221971680092916012009-12-02T06:55:00.001-05:002009-12-02T10:38:21.745-05:00

Who doesn't love video of a youngster bustin' a move?  Watching a child dance is irrestible and now, it can be highly rewarding!   Putumayo Kids is holding a Dance-Off video contest, the rules of which are pretty simple: put on some Putumayo music and let your kiddo(s) go wild.  Capture the hilarity on video, upload it to your preferred public video site (You Tube, etc.) and send Putumayo Kids

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-17270824640968214492009-12-01T20:51:00.001-05:002009-12-02T20:00:29.481-05:00

I had no idea that ratings summaries are not printed on video game boxes. Shows you how many games I've purchased in my life.  Serious gamer I am not.  Turns out you get just a tilted T or an M, along a few words ("drug use", etc) and are left to wonder just what exactly that means as far as game play goes. So, it's rather big news that the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Boards) has

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-80088250217865246932009-12-01T11:45:00.008-05:002009-12-01T12:11:46.484-05:00

DEAN JONES w/ THE FELICE BROTHERS "ROCK PAPER SCISSORS"  The Sound: A big rock-n-roll party, kinda like "The Last Waltz" for kids, with Dean Jones (of Dog on Fleas), The Felice Brothers, Uncle Rock and a handful of others, including Lily McNamara who takes the lead (and nails it!) on the title track and John Hughes (also from Dog on Fleas) who happens to sing 3 of my favorites.  I could

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-63778273042695708632009-11-29T14:54:00.001-05:002009-11-29T14:55:04.040-05:00

The Mrs. celebrated her 31st birthday last week.  To mark the special occasion, I delivered to her a tasty cinnamon chip muffin topped with a candle en fuego, a cup of hot English Breakfast tea, and a bitchin' iTunes birthday mix using nothing but the finest in kid's rock-n-roll.  Many of these tunes are not yet available on iTunes, otherwise I'd have turned this into an iMix for you to sample

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-18768893063152780302009-11-25T09:31:00.000-05:002009-11-25T09:31:40.291-05:00

OWTK is happy to be able to give away four (4) PUCCA DVDs to 4 luck winners.   These funny movies will certainly make awesome gifts and/or stocking stuffers for the little anime fans in your life.   Want one? Head on over to the OWTK Giveaway page for your chance to win.

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-42096517404904672822009-11-25T08:51:00.001-05:002009-11-25T08:53:58.643-05:00

...just in time for the Advent/Christmas season...  Here's your chance to win a sorta collectible advent calendar that is comprised of 24 full color miniature storybooks, each 4 pages long, that also double as Christmas tree ornaments.  Nice stuff. Want it?  Head on over here to the OWTK Giveaway page for your chance.  

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-72880700200646721542009-11-24T06:30:00.000-05:002009-11-24T06:30:01.835-05:00

We haven't heard from Mr. Tobocman in quite a while, and we most likely won't see a new kid's album from him for a while still.  BUT, here he is with a brand new, upbeat and rather terrific Hanukkah song.  It's just a buck to buy digitally, but before you do listen to the whole thing right here.  No matter what you celebrate, I think you'll find "Hanukkah All Over The World" quite enjoyable.

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-69132850248537967942009-11-23T15:11:00.000-05:002009-11-23T15:11:21.565-05:00

Hanukkah, like you've never experienced it before.  I present to you Mama Doni's "Chanukah Fever"...be prepared to boogie:

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-415247498404306232009-11-23T09:15:00.016-05:002009-11-23T09:21:40.444-05:00

I could sum up this review in two little words: NO FAIL. If your kids are anything like mine - young and, at times, easily frustrated with failure - you've probably had a hard time playing Rock Band with them.  A half a minute or so of missed notes and wham! - they're gone.  As a family, we hardly play our Wii Rock Band because of the impossible expectations - hell, I can't even master the

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-72244859163533334372009-11-21T18:44:00.001-05:002009-11-21T18:44:42.395-05:00

Hullabaloo is giving away a full album's worth of kiddie holiday music for free.  The 10 cuts included on "Holiday Hullabaloo" are new interpretations of some classics performed with just guitar and voice.   "Up on the Rooftop" and "Here Comes Santa Claus" are the tracks that really standout for me. It's a solid overall effort, even with no track reaching the heights hit on "High Roller" or "

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-60401772262600202192009-11-21T10:15:00.004-05:002009-11-22T12:03:34.594-05:00

I just got done listening to Bill, Ella and Liam count down the top 11 kiddie albums of 2009.  Maybe you were listening as well.  If not, and if you're curious about the discs that made the cut this year, head on over to the Fids & Kamily website for the complete list with write-ups on each record. Many of you have already seen my top 10, as it was published in the current issue of Time Out New

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27046672.post-40947923582250988812009-11-19T18:28:00.007-05:002009-11-20T12:29:48.430-05:00

...as written by me.  This is my first piece for Time Out New York Kids magazine.  The article is online now (officially this time) and will appear in the December issue on newsstands soon (or now, possibly).  *Important to note that the albums are in no particular order.  Check it out here.

Jeff - OWTKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02610796635807773270outwiththekids@gmail.com0