Elena Moon Park's Rabbit Days & Dumplings... Almost Here

It's been a long time since Dan Zanes compatriot Elena Moon Park announced her plan to Kickstart her debut album of Asian kids' music.  Now, nearly 18 months after Rabbit Days & Dumplings was offered to the world at large for its support, the album is complete and has cover art (from Kristiana Parn) and a release date (September 25). While there's no tracks for your public listening pleasure (yet), Dan Zanes fans will find the often festive sounds somewhat familiar.  (The album also features folks like Wu Man, the Kronos Quartet, and members from Bang on a Can.)  Track listing below.

Tracklisting   

1. Sol Nal (설날 )  
2. Diu Diu Deng (丟丟銅)  
3. Doraji (도라지)  
4. Tum Tum Chuen (氹氹轉)  
5. Sisi Sima  
6. Soran Bushi (ソーラン節)  
7. Poong Nyun Ga (풍년가)  
8. Akatombo (赤とんぼ)  
9. Zui Zui Zukkorobashi (ずいずいずっころばし)  
10. Diu Shou Juan (丢手绢)  
11. San Toki (산토끼)  
12. Picking Flowers (采花)  
13. Summer is Here  
14. Ti Oh Oh (天黑黑)  
15. Anta Gata Doko Sa (あんたがたどこさ)  
16. Tinsagunu Hana (てぃんさぐぬ花)

New Elizabeth Mitchell Woody Guthrie Tribute "Little Seed"

Just as news of They Might Be Giants' releases is worthy of celebration, so is more detailed news of Elizabeth Mitchell's latest album, a tribute to Woody Guthrie in time for the 100th anniversary of his birth.  The album's been in the works for quite some time now, and a couple weeks ago, the album got a title (Little Seed) and a release date.

Now we have a tracklisting and -- even better -- a couple of tracks to listen to.  As with previous albums, Mitchell's accompanied by her husband Daniel Littleton and their daughter Storey.  (She's also got a few guest stars onboard -- Amy Helm, daughter of Levon Helm, and Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, among others.)

It's not an entirely new album -- it does feature 5 previously-released tracks along with the 8 new recordings.  But if you're familiar with the previously-released tracks, then you'll be eagerly awaiting the new stuff.  Go here to listen to "Bling Blang" and "This Land Is Your Land."  Those two tracks definitely whet your appetite for the rest of the album.

TRACK LIST (new tracks in italics):
1. Riding in My Car
2. Bling Blang
3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4. Why, Oh Why
5. Sleep Eye
6. Who's My Pretty Baby?
7. Rattle My Rattle
8. This Land Is Your Land
9. Merry-Go-Round
10. One Day Old
11. Little Sugar
12. Grassy Grass Grass
13. Little Seed

They Might Be Giants To Reissue Deluxe Version of No! (Plus Free mp3!)

Yes, I'm excited and I'll use a few more exclamation points!

It is not hyperbole to call They Might Be Giants' 2002 album No! a seminal album in kids music, one of a handful of albums that actually altered the direction of the genre.

It was also a darn fine album.

So am I geeked to hear that the band is reissuing the album with bonus tracks to celebrate its 10-year anniversary?  Darn tootin' I am!

On June 26, 2012 exactly 10 years (and, er, 15 days) to the day after it was originally released, you can pick up No! in all its glory along with seven bonus tracks.

The bonus tracks include some live recordings ("Robot Parade" and "Clap Your Hands") as well as a brand new extended studio recording of "Alphabet of Nations."  (I can confirm that this new version is no less excellent than the original.)  The rest of the tracklisting I'm not at liberty to reveal at the moment, but I think TMBG fans of all ages will be pleased.

Anyway, I am pleased as punch to offer a download of "Clap Your Hands," one of the live bonus tracks, courtesy of the band (or feel free to simply stream it below).  If that doesn't merit an exclamation point or four, I don't know what does.  Yeah!

They Might Be Giants - "Clap Your Hands (Bonus Live Version from No! Deluxe Reissue)"

Video: "One To Ten" - Lucky Diaz

A Potluck album coverAm I a big Loog Guitars fan?  Am I a big Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band fan?  I dig my Loog guitar, and Diaz crafts some earwormy hooks, so let's answer in the affirmative.

And now, like some sort of kindie Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, they've joined forces. Diaz has written "One To Ten," a short, sharp pop tune written and recorded by Diaz on the Loog guitar.  I can vouch that the Loogs have that very percussive sound.

Diaz features other instruments on his upcoming album with the Family Jam Band, A Potluck, which is due out May 15 (with a new single, "Lines and Dots" out later this week).  But, you know, Loog hasn't figured out how to manufacture horns and accordions. Yet.

Lucky Diaz - "One To Ten" [YouTube]

Please Release Me: March 2012 Edition

It's time again for the latest list of new and upcoming releases, (here is last month's list). Additions to the list are noted with a "++"; changes to previously-mentioned items are indicated with italics.

As always, if I've listed you on here and gotten something wrong (or something not ready for primetime), let me know and I'll edit or delete it. And if you're not on here and think you should be, drop me a line, too, and I'll get you added for the next iteration.

++ The Battersby Duo: Old Side of Young (March 16)
The Good Ms. Padgett: ... Tells The Little Red Hen and Other Stories (March 20)
++Ellen & Matt: It's Love (March 23)
Recess Music: La Bella Stella (March 27)
Princess Katie and Racer Steve: Love, Cake & Monsters (March?)
Central Services Board of Education: Binary [tentative] (March?)
RhymeZwell: Robots on the Dance Floor (March?)
Tim and the Space Cadets: Anthems for Adventure (March?)
Alison Faith Levy: World of Wonder (April 1)
Gustafer Yellowgold: Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year in The Day (April 3)
The Pop Ups: Radio Jungle (April 3)
Bobby Susser: Wo! (April 3)
Mo Phillips: Monster Suit (April 10)
Caspar Babypants: HOT DOG! (April 17)
Sukey Molloy: I Am Happy! (April 24)
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band: A Bit A Luck! (May 8)
Orange Sherbet: Delicious (May 15)
Hope Harris: Picasso, That's Who! (May 22)
Okee Dokee Brothers: Can You Canoe? CD/DVD (May)
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: Make Believers (May)
++ The Alphabeticians: Title TBD (May 2012)
The Funky Mamas and Friends: Pickin’ In The Garden (spring)
Elena Moon Park: Rabbit Days and Dumplings (spring)
++ Sugar Free Allstars: All On A Sunday Afternoon (June 1)
Ratboy Jr: Title TBA (late spring/early summer)
Recess Monkey: In Tents (June 19)
The Dirty Sock Funtime Band: Dirty Socks Come Clean (June 26)
++ Elizabeth Mitchell: Blue Clouds (early summer?)
Melissa Green: Sing Loud (July 31)
Lori Henriques: The World Is A Curious Place To Live (July)
Hey Dango: Blast Off (summer)
Charity and the JAMband: Title TBA (Aug. 7)
Randy Kaplan: Mr. Diddie Wah Diddie (summer)
++ Lunch Money: Spicy Kid (summer) (plus live album?)
Hullabaloo: Title TBA (Sept. 4)
The Diggity Dudes: Title TBA (Sept. 18)
Recess Music: Someone Else’s Shoes (September 25)
++ Caspar Babypants: I FOUND YOU [?] (September)
Andy Z: The Grand Scream of Things (Oct. 9)
++ Rolie Polie Guacamole: Triathlon (late 2012)

Other expected 2012 albums: Ah-Choo, Peter Apel, Renee & Jeremy, The Bramble Jam, Eric Herman (2 albums: one music, one comedy skits), Keith Munslow (2 albums: one solo, one with Bill Harley), Wayne Potash, Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band, Shine and the Moonbeams, Yumza!, Rockabye Baby albums for Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elska, Ozomatli, Justin Roberts (2 CDs)