Caspar Babypants, Rise and Shine

Out now, Aurora Elephant Records, babypantsmusic.comAs a soon-to-be dad, I’ve been dreading having to suffer through endless cycles of banal kids’ songs. Fortunately, Chris Ballew’s cheeky sense of humor and clever lyrics result in music that I’ll happily put on repeat. After the rousing title track, we’re introduced to “The Littlest Worm,” “The Girl With the Squirrel in Her Hat,” “John Mousey” (a retelling of the John Henry tale), and a brave baby barnacle (“Hold Fast Baby Barnacle”). Repetition, call and response, and familiar melodies (“The Littlest Worm” borrows the melody from “Walk the Line”) encourage participation from both parents and children. Per usual, help from the likes of Rachel Flotard and Jen Wood (Postal Service) fill things out. Next Show: Sat. Sept. 27 & Sun. Sept. 28, Town Hall

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