Itty-Bitty Review: "World of Wonder" - Alison Faith Levy

San Francisco's Sippy Cups were one of the first new (21st-century) acts to attract a lot of attention in the wake of the kids music explosion of circa 2006.  They had a big, '60s-inspired sound and look (though they weren't limited by that era), and despite their large size, toured quite a bit.  The band is on hiatus - maybe permanently - but some of the members of the band are making music for kids again.

One of those members, Alison Faith Levy, has a new album, World of Wonder, which will please fans of the Sippies and their psychedelic sounds.  It's targeted more at the preschool demographic that the band had somewhat moved past by the time they went on hiatus, but the sounds are classic Sippy Cup.  The Wall-of-Sound production on "Itsy Bitsy Spider" drew the attention of Greil Marcus, but will still draw in the youngster set.  "Like a Spinning Top" is an energetic movement song that will sound just fine even if you're buckled into a car seat.  And I must admit to adoring the goofy "Baby Anteater" almost as much the song's narrator adores its subject.

Levy's powerful voice and Allen Clapp's production give the "big" songs the oomph they need while giving each song their own personality.  While the sounds and some of the songs (like the title track) may target older kids, the album's greatest appeal is to kids ages 2 through 6.  You can listen to some tracks here.

With World of Wonder, Alison Faith Levy gives her Sippy Cups fans -- and new ones -- a solid collection of songs that will definitely please preschoolers without being too cutesy for those preschoolers' older siblings.  I miss the Sippy Cups, but this will do quite nicely.  Recommended.

Christmas Songs 2011, Part III

I think it's time to wrap up my Christmas/holiday song links for 2011 seeing as it's barely 48 hours until the celebrating starts. In case you missed any of it, here are links to:

Christmas Songs 2011, Part 1
Christmas Songs 2011, Part 2
Christmas Albums 2011, Part 1 (Kids Music)
Christmas Albums 2011, Part 2 (Non-Kids Music-Specific)
Kris Kindie, the kids music Christmas benefit compilation
Tips for caroling with kids

And with that, let's get rolling.

So, speaking of Kris Kindie, a couple of the tracks on the album are available elsewhere here on the Interwebs.

The Hipwaders appeared on Northern California radio this morning, playing a couple tracks off their fun Kindie Christmas album. They played "Wake Up (It's a Christmas Surprise)" (yes, it's on Kris Kindie) live in-studio. Good to hear DJ back in the fold. (Listen to "Yes, It's Christmas" here.)

Debbie and Friends also contributed a song to the compilation -- the new tune (and Spin Doctors-inspired) "Santa and Baby." No, she didn't create the video just for the compilation -- that would be a little much to ask for in just a week, but it's kinda cute anyway.

Debbie and Friends - "Santa and Baby" [YouTube]

Oh, you think we're done here?... we're busier than a shopping mall the last Saturday before Christmas.

I liked Todd McHatton's Christmas Songs album back when it was a kindergartner with just 5 songs. Now it's a pre-teen, with 10 whole songs, including another duet between the radio and video stars of "I Think I'm a Bunny." (That would be on "Put the Star on Top.") Download the album for just $1.99...

I like this rendition of "Little Drummer Boy," a song that's hard to cover without getting tiresome, from Papa Crow.

Papa Crow - "Little Drummer Boy" [YouTube]

While "Itsy Bitsy Spider" isn't a Christmas or holiday song by any stretch of the imagination, Alison Faith Levy (of the Sippy Cups) has Phil Spector-ized the song and I must admit that it does sound very holiday-ish. (By the way, Levy's new album will be out in the spring.)

Itsy Bitsy Spider by Mystery Lawn Music

Other notes:

-- Dan Zanes' guitarist and occasional duet partner Sonia de los Santos is offering up a free download of her take (with Zanes) on the traditional tune "Himno Guadulupano". (It's from Zanes' Welcome Table collection.)
-- James Coffey is giving away a free download of his song "A Magical Christmas Train"; pick it up here. If they're not so into trains, your kids may also like his video for "Reindeer Blues".
-- Kurt Gallagher offers up a video for "Chubby Little Snowman".
-- I am not a good rapper. Or wrapper. And while I appreciate Ryan SanAngelo's enthusiasm, his video for "The Christmas Rap" suggests I may be in the middle of the pack(aging) in that regard.

-- Finally, this is a year old, but the message still counts. Thao Nguyen has a "Gift Card" for you. I heartily suggest you use it. A bit dry for the kiddoes, but the adults will understand perfectly.

Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you're celebrating this time of the year!