Category Archives: Dads Writing About Kindie Culture

Lucky Diaz – Made In L.A.

Made In L.A. is Lucky Diaz’s funky, fresh love letter to the City of Angels. It will be released on July 21st. We are proud to offer you a first glimpse at the gorgeous Made In L.A. artwork, created by the one and only Micah Player.

Listen to the infectious ‘Paletero Man’ – an ode to the Mexican ice cream man. Good luck getting the chorus out of your head:

Oye, my friend
Can you hear the sounds of the weekend
Oye, my friend
Don’t miss your chance

Ven aca Paletero man

Lucky will be playing Lollapalooza this summer in addition to plenty of other shows across the US. If he’s in your town, make plans to support great independent music. 

‘Paletero Man’ is also featured on this killer summer road trip playlist featuring Lisa Loeb, Justin Roberts, Red Yarn and more!

Waxploitation Releases Narrated Stories for Record Store Day

While the full Record Store Day list hasn’t been released yet, news on RSD releases continue to trickle out.

Waxploitation Records founder Jeff Antebi asked artists from music & art to collaborate on original children’s stories for a benefit project. The book includes stories from Nick Cave, Frank Black, Justin Vernon, Laura Marling, Devendra Banhart, Alison Mosshart as well as paintings/illustrations from Anthony Lister, Dan Baldwin, Swoon, Will Barras, James Jean, Ronzo, Kai & Sunny, and others.

Not to be content with just creating the book – On April 22nd, it will be available on 12” colored vinyl. There will only be 2,000 made available. (so, arrive early to your favorite record store)

Nick Offerman reading a Justin Vernon story? Danny Devito reading Frank Black? Count me in. 

Track List
Side A
1. The Next Big Thing by Gibby Haynes (Excerpt Narrated by Zach
Galifianakis)
2. Doug the Bug by Frank Black (Narrated by Danny Devito)
3. The Old Oak Tree by Laura Marling (Narrated by Lauren Lapkus)
4. Fishing with Music by Amadou Bagayoko (Narrated by D.R.A.M.)
5. Right on Rosie by Spencer Krug (Narrated by Spencer Krug)
6. Me and Matt’s Golden Husks by Justin Vernon (Narrated by Nick
Offerman)

Side B
1. The Chickadees of Highway 3 by Jason Lytle (Narrated by Jason Lytle)
2. Penelope and the Succulent by John Vanderslice (Narrated by Lauren
Mayberry)
3. La Bañerita by Devendra Banhart (Narrated by Lizzo)
4. A Boy Named Tim by Elliphant (Narrated by Kumail Nanjiani)
5. How to Escape from a Wasp by Micachu (Narrated by King Krule)
6. The Lonely Giant by Nick Cave (Narrated by Andre Royo)
7. The Very Tall Tree by Gary Numan (Narrated by Gary Numan)
8. Marglytta (Jellyfish) by Örvar Smárason (Narrated by Örvar Smárason)
9. Little Hollywood by Satomi Matsuzaki (Narrated by Satomi Matsuzaki)
10. Wishing Well Fountain by Alison Mosshart (Narrated by Alison Mosshart)
11. Oslo and Plum by Jim James (Narrated by Phil LaMarr)

Here’s a teaser for you:

Fids & Kamily 2016 & Best of the Decade

For those of you new to family music, Fids & Kamily is a yearly poll that compiles the lists of the year’s favorite kids and family music. Music bloggers, radio hosts, etc. They keep letting me vote, so I keep voting. And a couple weeks ago they released the results.

Before we take a look at 2016, let’s take a look back at the last 10 years.

2006-2015-fids-and-kamily

Here is how the committee vetted out.

Here’s a look at my “Best of the Decade” ballot:

1. Dan Zanes and Friends – Catch That Train!
2. Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – A Potluck
3. Justin Roberts – Jungle Gym
4. The Pop Ups – Radio Jungle
5. The Okee Dokee Brothers – Can You Canoe?
6. Gustafer Yellowgold – Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock
7. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo – Underground Playground
8. Frances England – Mind of My Own
9. Caspar Babypants – Sing Along!
10. They Might Be Giants – Here Come the 123s
11. The Deedle Deedle Dees – Strange Dees, Indeed
12. Josh and the Jamtones – Rocksteady
13. Lori Henriques – The World Is a Curious Place To Live
14. Dan Zanes and Friends – Little Nut Tree
15. Justin Roberts – Lullaby
16. Recess Monkey – The Final Funktier
17. The Not-Its – Raise Your Hand
18. Various Artists – Science Fair
19. Medeski, Martin & Wood – Let’s Go Everywhere
20. Ozomatli – Ozomatli Presents OzoKidz

And now for 2016. Here’s how the panel of judges voted.

Here is my 2016 Fids & Family ballot:

1. Frances England – Explorer of the World
2. The Okee Dokee Brothers – Saddle Up: A Western Adventure Album
3. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo – Infinity Plus One
4. Sonia De Los Santos – Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island
5. Dean Jones – In My Dreams
6. The Not-Its! – Are You Listening?
7. Moona Luna – Panorama
8. Sugar Free Allstars – Sugar Free Allstars
9. The Deedle Deedle Dees – Sing-A-Long History Vol. 2: The Rocket Went Up!
10. Mista Cookie Jar – Music Is Everywhere

If you haven’t already, please take a listen to some of these wonderful records and support independent music for families.