Making music for kids should be – above all else – fun. If the musicians (or others involved in the process) are taking it all too seriously or saying things like, "Darn it, Bob, get serious! We're trying to make a hit record here!" it will be painfully apparent to listeners, especially kids. They'll tune out as quickly as if they were listening to their mom explain (for the twelfth time this week) why it's so important to keep their room clean.
A new group on the kids and family scene that clearly understands the importance of fun is Wee Hairy Beasties. This collaboration of Jon Langford, Sally Timms, Kelly Hogan, and acoustic blues/jazz combo Devil in a Woodpile (all with impressive careers in the world of grown-up music), released their first album, Animal Crackers, this fall. In their roles as Cyril the Karaoke Squirrel (Langford), Marjorie the Singing Bee (Hogan), and Monkey Double Dippey (Timms), and with plenty of kazoo and washboard in the mix, no one could accuse this ensemble of taking themselves too seriously.
But because Wee Hairy Beasties are so seriously talented, they sound totally relaxed and at ease as they wow us with amazing vocals, masterful picking, and a blend of blues, country, jazz and swing. Like the Harlem Globetrotters or the ensemble in a Christopher Guest movie (i.e. Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman), the Wee Hairy Beasties demonstrate that with remarkable talent and chemistry, it's possible to make a performance seem loose and effortless – when, in fact, it's incredibly tight and technically complex.
With high energy and vivid lyrics, Wee Hairy Beasties sing about animals and bugs with titles like "Housefly Blues" and "Lightnin' the Turtle". The album opens (and closes) with the band's own theme song, "Wee Hairy Beasties", and we learn more about Cyril and Marjorie in "Cyril the Karaoke Squirrel", a ballad showcasing Hogan's vocals. Animal Crackers' "eeeew" factor (especially on songs like "Flies in My Taters") will keep kids engaged, and the ensemble's fabulous musical chops will entertain everyone.
Amy Davis is the author of the The Lovely Mrs. Davis Tells You What To Think.
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