‘Ants in My Pants’ a Witty, A Capella Musical Delight From Gunnar Madsen
Audio
Ants in My Pants. Gunnar Madsen. Gee, Spot Recordings. CD: $14. (800) 448-6369. www.gunnarspot.com
Gunnar Madsen, founding member of the a capella group the Bobs, broke into children’s and family music with his delightfully original 1999 release, “Old Mr. Mackle Hackle.” His unique follow-up is even better. Again as much for adults to enjoy as children, with fab, sophisticated instrumentals and vocals--some from his a cappella roots--gorgeous melodies, and musical references to classic Elvis, doo-wop, early 1960s rock and 1940s singing cowboys. It’s as witty as all get-out and often unexpectedly touching, too, reflecting Madsen’s gift for marrying zany lyrics with lovely melodies.
A few of many standouts: “Welcome to My Fog,” comfort for any kid who struggles with a short attention span; the wonderfully lugubrious “Ballad of the Lonesome Rider” (“I am a cowboy born to weep/See how my tears water the desert”); the wacky, theatrical, “And the Children Rolled,” about the round and rambling offspring of a crooked man and “a lady as straight as a pin.”
Also, songs about car trips are a children’s music staple, but Madsen’s “Are We There Yet?” defies expectations. It’s an exquisitely mellow, Harry Nilsson-ish invitation to dream as the miles go by.
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Down In the Backpack. Bill Harley. Round River Records. CD: $15; cassette: $10. (800) 682-9522. www.billharley.com
Out of sight, out of mind: NPR humorist and children’s recording artists Bill Harley’s title track digs into moldy lunch leftovers, lost library books, teachers notes and other forgotten items in a school kid’s backpack--to the tune of the Drifters’ “Under the Boardwalk.” Harley, funny and soulful by turns, and joined by children singing solo and chorus, also explores the meaning of friendship, peace and respect for others. Throughout, he always rings true, proving he’s still one of the best when it comes to expressing a kid’s-eye view of uncertainties, hopes, pet peeves and pleasures.
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Video
Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?--Time Traveler. DIC Entertainment/Lions Gate Home Entertainment. 60 minutes. VHS: $10. DVD: $15.
A first-time home video and DVD release of a three-part adventure about two young detectives on the time-traveling trail of beautiful, mastermind thief Carmen Sandiego. Her robbery spree takes her from ancient Rome to Russia, circa 2101. Along the way, this high-energy, colorful educational show--the live action and cartoon TV versions have won several Emmys--offers viewers bite-sized lessons in history, geography and the arts, from the definition of keystones and flying buttresses, to Hannibal crossing the Alps and a list of works by Tchaikovsky.
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Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear and Visiting the Doctor With Bear. Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment. DVD: $25 each; 75 minutes each.
Parents get a little help in two terrific DVDs, featuring two of the all-time best episodes of the Disney Channel’s show for toddlers and preschoolers facing the great unknowns: toilet training and visits to the doctor.
Carefully written with child developmental advisors and executed with just the right no-pressure tone, the resonant shows set easy-to-identify-with child puppet characters in realistic situations, with cozy, big Bear and kind Old Doc Hogg on hand to offer calm reassurance and straightforward, demystifying explanations about potty-time and checkups at the pediatrician. Each DVD also includes two other episodes, plus songs.