Video: "Count Them As They Go" - Justin Roberts

Ah, a new Justin Roberts album, perfect for seasonally-appropriate gift-giving.  His new album Lullaby comes out next week, and with a title like that, you can surmise that it won't contain raved-up power-pop confections.

It is, however, perfect for these rapidly shortening days of diminishing light and nesting feelings.

The leadoff single is "Count Them As They Go," and the video from the fine folks at ALSO is, like Roberts' songwriting, a model of precision, with everything in its right place.  Lovely and reassuring.

Justin Roberts - "Count Them As They Go" [YouTube]

Video: "Give It Away" - Renee & Jeremy

It's been a long election season.  And while I celebrate all things electoral and watch relatively little commercial TV, even I would admit to looking forward to the impending absence of political ads from our airwaves.

Instead of watching six political ads, can I get you and your kids to watch this trippy 3-minute video for Renee & Jeremy's unique cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Give It Away" from their covers album A Little Love?  It will make you feel much happier before you dive into your exit polls, pundits, and electoral maps for the day.

Renee & Jeremy - "Give It Away" [YouTube]

Monday Morning Smile: I've Set Sail

OK.  Enough of the animated stories for the "Monday Morning Smile."  On to the animated videos.  This is from Zooglobble favorite Eric Power, who animated Toh Kay's cover of the Dan Potthast tune "I've Set Sail."  A sweet love song, appropriate for all ages.

Toh Kay - "I've Set Sail" [Vimeo]

Monday Morning Smile: Owl Know How

I was unaware of how owls actually made their way into the world.  I am indebted to Isobel Knowles and Cat Rabbit for setting me straight.  (For those of you needing proof in book form, the 2-minute movie is also available as a book.)

Monday Morning Smile: Mungge (Nid Scho Widr!)

"Nid Scho Widr," for those of you not living in Switzerland or up to speed on your Romansch, means "Not again!"  In this case, it's an expression suitable for the marmots and hedgehogs populating this stop-motion animation from this now-disbanded Owl Studios (a quartet of Swiss animation students).   Gotta say, though, those marmots and the hedghog all look a lot like Sid from the Ice Age movies.  Must be the eyes.