Starting off with a bang (or really, a rooster), the quick-tempo Rise and Shine catches my kids' attention with Mr. Clarke's strong English accent singing, "Rise and Shine/It's time to eat your worms/but do please wait your turn," all with typical English politeness. And when he turns his vocals to the punky Favorite Names, let's just say his British sounds more Johnny Rotten than Prince Charles. He must be quite a character in the high school science classes he teaches in New York when he's not performing music.
Also nestled among the eleven songs are traditional American folk tunes that really show off the duo's singing chops. Key Wilde leads the singing in John the Rabbit with a voice that reminds me of one of the John's in They Might Be Giants. But, he didn't just sing and play on this CD--Key Wilde's art is also all over this board-book/cd combo from Little Monster Records.
Hang in after the end of the last song, and you'll be rewarded with a funky, weird little bonus track called Funkee Flora de Fiesta which sounds like a mini jam session to usher you out the door and help you start your day with a smile. -Christina
CMP readers can get a special discounted price on the kids' music album Rise and Shine through January 27 with this link.
