CD Review: Hullabaloo

My kids don't know country music. I don't really have much of it in my collection to play for them. I've got a few songs by Willie, Johnny, and Waylon. A few more by the Dixie Chicks and Josh Gracin. Other than that, country just isn't my thing.

So it was a surprising change of pace for us all when Steve and Brendan, the talented duo known as Hullabaloo, sent us a copy of their new kids' CD Hey, Everybody! They call their sound "farm-fresh, free-range organic kid-folk" but I'd shorten that to "country" because that's what all those fiddles, banjos, and acoustic guitars sound like to me.

However, the style of music doesn't really matter. It's the positive lyrics and impeccable production that really shine. They've recorded a dozen delightful songs, including eight originals, that are sure to have you and your kids tapping your feet and singing along. These guys sing to the children, telling stories about polite pirates and houses made out of fruit. Words to make them laugh and think.

Maybe I need to re-think my view of country music. I've been avoiding most of it for thirty years. But listening to this new disc, and seeing how much my kids enjoyed it, has changed my mind. Good music is good music.

You can listen to Hullabaloo songs at CD Baby.