Music Frog | ParentSphere

Dan Zanes and Friends: The Fine Friends Are Here!

November 24, 2009 By: Amy Category: His and Hers, Kids, Music Frog, Products

Well, hey there. Long time no blog, right? Call it lack of energy or call it, “I’m a mom of a 4 month old and a 4 year old!” My days are jam packed with demands and with the little downtime I have, you can generally find me staring off into space or spitting out a sentence or two on Facebook or Twitter. That’s about all of the creative energy I can stir up.

But I have things to tell you about and I’m going to try my darnedest to post about them on this fun little site of ours.

For starters, we really, really like Dan Zanes and we just got our hands on his new live DVD.

FineFriendsAreHere 221x300 Dan Zanes and Friends: The Fine Friends Are Here!

Dan Zanes and Friends: The Fine Friends Are Here! DVD was released in September (back when I was wrapping my head around the whole nursing a new baby thing). We love throwing on the new DVD and dancing around the house. In case you weren’t already aware, Dan’s music is very danceable.

I’m sad to say that we haven’t been to a Dan Zanes concert yet (booo….hisss!) Hopefully he’ll grace Chicago with his presence sometime in 2010 and we’ll try our best to be there. For now, his live concert DVD will have to do. We can pretend. We have big imaginations around here.

There are 13 songs to get silly to on the DVD and there is also a bonus CD including four lullabys.

Anyway, the brand new DVD rocks and I’m glad to have added it to our collection. You should too.

Right now, I believe you can purchase the DVD for $10 when you order Dan’s new CD, “76 Trombones“. We don’t have the new CD yet but I’m sure it’s nothing short of spectacular.

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Ziggy Marley – Family Time

May 04, 2009 By: Amy Category: Babies, Contests, His and Hers, Kids, Music Frog, Products

Congratulations to our winners: #3 – Kristie, #15 – Ann, #36 – Jessica, #44 – Donna and #39 – Renee

I’m so stoked about this post/giveaway. We got our hands on the brand new (to be released Tuesday, May 5th) Ziggy Marley album, “Family Time“.

zm family time cover Ziggy Marley Family Time

I can’t stop listening to it. It’s definitely a “family” album that’s geared toward kids but if you can imagine, it’s totally enjoyable for adults too. Come on, it’s Ziggy Marley.

Ziggy Marley is bringing music to the LITTLE people! He is releasing his first children’s album and has invited some family and pretty cool friends to join him on it. Jack Johnson, Laurie Berkner, Elizabeth Mitchell and Jamie Lee Curtis are only a few of the artists featured on the CD Family Time, in stores May 5th. In addition to some well known classics like “This Train” and “Hold Him Joe” Ziggy has written many original songs on this release which are endearing tributes to his family with many sage words of wisdom for kids.

There are eleven music tracks on this album with guest appearances by none other than Jack Johnson, Elizabeth Mitchell, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, etc. There are two story tracks on the album, narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. It’s a perfect album for sunny Spring and Summer days. You’ll be bopping from the minute you listen. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Wings Of An Eagle”. Elizabeth Mitchell does guest vocals on this song and Dan Littleton plays guitar. It’s amazing!

We’re giving away FIVE copies of Ziggy’s new album, Family Time! I’m so happy about this because I want everyone to hear and enjoy this album like we do.

TO ENTER:

The parents here at ParentSphere are big music fans so to enter this contest, we want to know what you’ve been listening to lately. Doesn’t matter what genre, tell us! We love to hear it. We’ve been listening to a lot of, well, everything really. We’re indie/punk music fans so one of our new favorites has been The Gaslight Anthem and like I said, I’ve been playing this new Ziggy album quite a bit. The preschooler (and the baby in utero) have really been digging it right along with us.

Leave your entry comment on this post no later than Friday, May 22nd by midnight PST and we’ll pick FIVE winners at random.

*Please note: this giveaway is open to residents of the continental U.S.

While you’re waiting to hear if you’re one of our five winners, check out Ziggy’s video for “Family Time”:

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Tags: music

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Yo Gabba Gabba!

February 06, 2009 By: Amy Category: Contests, Music Frog

*Update: Congrats to Paula (#23), our Yo Gabba Gabba giveaway winner!

This popular, futuristic, crazy-colorful indie kids show has definitely made it’s mark in the world. The show is in its second season and airs in at least five countries. Season one included guests like Elijah Wood and Tony Hawk, as well as popular musical groups like The Shins and The Aquabats. Season two has been no disappointment with appearances from groups like Mates of State, Hot Hot Heat, Jimmy Eat World and The Ting Tings, to name a few.

yggcover 300x299 Yo Gabba Gabba!

You can now listen to the music of Yo Gabba Gabba! on your MP3 player. Released just this past October (yes, I’m a little late – ok a lot late on getting this post up) is an album made up of Yo Gabba Gabba! songs and a mixture of songs by some of the guest bands who have appeared on the show to-date. The full track listing includes:

1. Party In My Tummy – Yo Gabba Gabba!
2. Hey, Won’t Somebody Come Out and Play – The Little Ones
3. I Like To Dance – Yo Gabba Gabba!
4. Train Ride – Tahiti 80
5. Get The Sillies Out – Yo Gabba Gabba!
6. Happy Birthday – The Ting Tings
7. Biz’s Beat of the Day – Biz Markie
8. Be Nice To Animals – The Salteens
9. I’m So Sorry – Yo Gabba Gabba!
10. Lovely, Love My Family – The Roots
11. Pool Party – The Aquabats
12. Goodbye Song – Yo Gabba Gabba!
13. Bedtime Lullaby – Mark Kozelek

You can purchase the individual songs or the entire digital album via iTunes HERE. The show’s first season has also been released on DVD and is titled: Yo Gabba Gabba!: The Dancey Dance Bunch

In honor of this crazy show, we’re giving away some Yo Gabba Gabba! tees for the fam.

ygg tees Yo Gabba Gabba!

For one winner, we have:

1 white KidRobot Yo Gabba Gabba! screenprint tee, women’s large (this would fit a child in a nightgown-like fashion)
1 white XL tee, with pink and yellow “Yo Gabba Gabba!” screenprint
1 black XL tee, with pink and yellow “Yo Gabba Gabba!” screenprint

So if you win, your family can be like super Yo Gabba Gabba! fans and show it off.

To enter: just leave a comment on this post. Let us know who your favorite (or your kid’s favorite) Yo Gabba Gabba! character or episode is. A winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email (check your spam!). The giveaway closes on Thursday, February 12th.

While you’re here – enter to win a bottle of AquaJuice. Click here.

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Tags: music

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Music Frog: Elizabeth Mitchell updates

December 01, 2008 By: Amy Category: Music Frog

If you don’t already know it, we are huge Elizabeth Mitchell (and Ida) fans at our house. We’re going to keep you posted on her whereabouts and happenings on a more regular basis right here at ParentSphere.

***Elizabeth Mitchell: Upcoming Shows/Events***

Wednesday, December 3 @ 6-9PM
Third Annual Rock N Roll Auction
Hosted by Mr. Murray Hill
The Zipper Factory
You can purchase tickets HERE

*Elizabeth and Dan are giving you a chance to bid on a private concert! As part of the benefit auction for the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, they are offering to play a birthday party or event within an hours distance from New York City or Woodstock NY. Click HERE for details.

Sunday, December 7 @ 2:30-5:00PM
Ida Pearle Book Release Party
New York City
*Elizabeth & Dan will be joining the festivities at Ida’s event, hosting the “L is for Listen” station.

Saturday, December 13 @ 2PM
RI Food Bank Annual Benefit
The Lincoln School
Providence, RI

More info and to purchase tickets HERE.

Sunday, January 11 @ 2PM
The Jewish Museum NYC

More info HERE. (Not listed on the calendar yet, but keep checking back)

Saturday, February 21 @ 2PM
Northampton Community Music Center
Northampton, MA

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Tags: music, music events, tour dates

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Music Frog Tour Update: Dan Zanes

December 01, 2008 By: Amy Category: Music Frog

It’s our goal to keep you up-to-date on the happenings of the live music entertainment world, so here is our first update of many.

***DAN ZANES ON TOUR***
(all of these shows can be found on Dan Zanes’ calendar, where you can find venue info, as well as purchase tickets)

Tuesday, December 2
Davis, CA
Mondavi Center

Saturday, December 6
Seattle, WA
The Moore Theater

Sunday, December 7
Seattle, WA
The Moore Theater

*The following dates are in New York, NY at the New Victory Theater (Dan Zanes Holiday House Party):

Friday, December 19
Saturday, December 20
Sunday, December 21
Tuesday, December 23
Wednesday, December 24
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
Sunday, December 28
Tuesday, December 30
Wednesday, December 31
Friday, January 2
Saturday, January 3
Sunday, January 4

Saturday, January 10
Sydney, Australia
Hyde Park

Sunday, January 11
Sydney, Australia
Parramatta Riverside Courtyard

Monday, January 12
Sydney, Australia
Parramatta Riverside Courtyard

Tuesday, January 13
Sydney, Australia
Spiegeltent

Saturday, February 28
Princeton, NJ
Mccarter Theatre Center

Saturday, March 7
Richmond, VA
Modlin Center for the Arts

Sunday, March 8
Gainesville, FL
Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Thursday, March 12
Santa Barbara, CA
Lobero Theatre

Saturday, March 14
Los Angeles, CA
Royce Hall

Sunday, March 15
Los Angeles, CA
Royce Hall

Thursday, March 19
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Spring of Culture Festival

Friday, March 20
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Spring of Culture Festival

Friday, March 27
Independence, OH
Independence Middle School

Saturday, March 28
Columbus, OH
Mershon Auditorium @ Wexner Center for the Arts

Sunday, March 29
Ann Arbor, MI
Rackham Hall

Saturday, April 18
Somerville, MA
Somerville Theater

Sunday, April 19
Somerville, MA
Somerville Theater

Saturday, May 30
Chicago, IL
The Harris Theater

Sunday, May 31
Indianapolis, IN
Hilbert Circle Theater

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Tags: music, tour dates

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Rockabye! Baby U2: It’s a beautiful…night

September 11, 2008 By: Amy Category: Contests, Music Frog

*Update: Congratulations to our winners: Diana G, Fran B, Sarah W, Jodi F, and Talitha L!

rockabye baby u2 Rockabye! Baby U2: Its a beautiful...night

We just can’t take loud rock music anymore. That stuff is for the kids. Give me some soft, soothing sounds of the glockenspiel, vibraphone and mellotron.

I’m totally kidding. Well…sort of.

The cool thing is, the folks at Rockabye Baby! know what we modern parents want for our kids. For instance, just this evening, I was listening to some lullaby tracks off of the Rockabye Baby! Renditions of U2 album and Eric yelled from the living room, “Hey, I know that song!” and he wasn’t referring to an old nursery rhyme from his childhood. Now that’s pretty cool. What is also pretty cool is that this is one of the three albums that won an iParenting Media Award for “2007 Greatest Product”.

As my almost-three-year-old was sitting next to me at the table, painting, I asked her if she would like to fall asleep to these songs at night. She paused for a moment to look up at me with that “Duh, mom” look on her face and matter-of-factly responded with “Yeah. But not right now. I’m painting”. I was just looking for her seal of approval.

There is a Rockabye! Baby album for just about every musical taste, from Pink Floyd to Bob Marley. I’m always excited to hear who’s next on the Rockabye roster.

We’re in a giving mood this week – so we thought that we’d offer up five of the Rockabye Baby! Renditions of U2 to five of our readers. To enter, head over to the Rockabye Baby! website, check out all of their current albums. Come back here and leave a comment (comment section is underneath this post) and tell us what artist you think would make a great lullaby album. Who knows, maybe they will take your suggestion and make it a reality. : )

Giveaway ends on Friday, September 19th. The winners will be notified via email the morning of the 20th (check your spam folder!) and we will update this post after they have been chosen.

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Tags: music

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Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us

September 06, 2008 By: Eric Category: Music Frog

Mates of State are a married couple and a band. They take their kids on tour with them and document all their escapades on their blog (which is also featured on Babble). How cool is that? Having been in a touring band I can’t imagine the kids running around during sound check or having to (gasp!) be responsible while touring. But hey, with a child of my own now, it seems like the coolest thing in the world. So Mates of State are (for all intents and purposes) a duo and we all know about duo’s don’t we? Well, I’ve listened to Mates of State and either their earlier records just aren’t as immediate and ear-grabbing or evidently I’ve missed something because I’m totally smitten with their latest album Re-Arrange Us. Like totally.

Their absolutely incredible keys-and-drums indie pop is perfect for just about anything. In fact, it is basically perfect in just about every way. Ridiculously catchy, breezy, ultra-melodic, etc… is how I’d describe this one. You really need to hear it though. Words can’t do these melodies justice; they can’t even come close. From the opening of “Get Better,” to the chorus of “Now,” to “The Re-Arranger,” and on through the end of the album you and/or your kids will be singing along in no time. It also doesn’t hurt that the harmonies of husband/wife team Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner are amazing and just seem to be plucked from a warm summer day.

So if you want an album that your kids can sing along to (Hailey is particularly fond of “Jigsaw”) that is actually honest to goodness adult indie rock, look no further than the new Mates of State album Re-Arrange Us. It’s out now on Barsuk Records so head on over there and tell ‘em that Music Frog sent you. Below you’ll find the video for their song “My Only Offer” from Re-Arrange Us.

Here’s the song (without the video):

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

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Barenaked Ladies – Snacktime

May 30, 2008 By: Amy Category: Music Frog

barenaked ladies snack time Barenaked Ladies Snacktime

I’ve been DYING to post about the brand new Barenaked Ladies kid’s album, Snack Time. This is the band’s first ever album geared toward the smaller human-kind. It is surely no disappointment and is at the top of our list of albums to listen to that parents and kids can enjoy together. I wouldn’t have expected any less from BNL, as this band is known for their witty lyrics and bouncy sing-alongs. Come on, I still walk around singing, “If I had a million dollars…” Can never seem to get that song out of my head. Although, I should mention that it may be soon replaced with “Raisins” off of Snack Time. Totally catchy and silly with whistle-alongs and whatnot.

Snack Time, which was released on Desperation Records just a few days ago (May 6th), consists of a mix of 24 original tracks and this is what the band has to say about them:

“Our collective kids now outnumber the band more than 2 to 1,” explains vocalist/guitarist Ed Robertson. “We set out to make a record that would be entertaining for them…not strictly a children’s record, but a record that children would really enjoy. Our kids are in to all kinds of music. They love the They Might Be Giants kids records, but they also love The Beatles, Fountains of Wayne, Randy Newman, Black Eyed Peas and Green Day. Making the focus about what our kids like was a truly liberating process and fun for the whole band.”

“Besides, our biological clocks are ticking,” jokes drummer Tyler Stewart. “The medical risks associated with releasing children’s music after age 40 are well documented, and we thought it best not to put any of our lives in danger.”

So in closing, I urge you to pick up this album and never take it out of your CD player, iPod, Zune, or whatever type of gadget you listen to music on. Just keep playing it over and over and over! You’re kids will totally dig it and I don’t doubt that you will too.

I leave you with “7 8 9,” the first track off of Snack Time. Enjoy!

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Peter Bjorn & John do the phone dance

May 18, 2008 By: Eric Category: Music Frog

pbandjohn Peter Bjorn & John do the phone dance

Being the ultra-cool hipster parent that I am (not!), I’ve got the ringtone on my phone set to the whistling part of Peter Bjorn & John’s semi-hit “Young Folks.” Well, the other day our daughter Hailey asked to hear “phone dance.” I had to think about it for a minute or so, but finally figured out what she wanted to hear.

Download Young Folks or buy the album Writer’s Block from Amazon.

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What is a Music Frog?

May 17, 2008 By: Eric Category: Music Frog, ParentSphere news

musicfrog What is a Music Frog?

A music frog is a blog about kids music. There are a few really good kids music blogs floating around the blogosphere, but none of them do it exactly how we do. I am always thinking of great kid-appropriate songs that I could be posting but that just wouldn’t fit with music I post over on Can You See the Sunset. It is actually pretty simple.

A music frog is also what our daughter Hailey calls her plush frog iPod/MP3 player speaker. A music frog.