What is your favorite song about fruit? “Bananas in Pajamas“? No, too suggestive. “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts“? No, the lyrics are always rudely interrupted. “Apple Bottom Jeans“? Yeah, probably. But let’s choose a song that is a bit more family friendly. A lot more soothing…
“Movin’ to the country,
gonna eat a lot of peaches
Movin’ to the country,
Gonna eat me a lot of peaches.”
“Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in 1995 and accompanied by “Lump,” the band’s self-titled debut album was a great success and has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Chris Ballew has led PUSA throughout the years while also maintaining other side projects. Yet what started as a donated album to a nonprofit for parental support became a much beloved icon of the Kindie Rock scene.
Caspar Babypants was born in 2009 in Seattle, Washington. Although he still primarily performs in Washington, his music has touched the hearts of many a librarian and family. Ballew takes note from the guitar strumming simplicity of Raffi and Elizabeth Mitchell. Even when the music gets fast and spunky it never feels heavy and overproduced. The debut album Here I Am! (2009) is an excellent introduction to Caspar Babypants. Ballew provides a wide array of musical genres to spice up even the mundane–yet crucial–things that all children should learn about. A country twang accompanies “Small Black Ant” that quickly turns into a ragtime piano riff as parents can tickle their children while imitating an ant climbing over their bodies. Bust out your egg shakers for “The Island Hop,” a fun tongue twister to celebrate summertime.
To read more, check out my More Than Raffi series over at Riff ‘N Ralk Music Tock!
Library Bonanza 