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Aaaah, I see, so this is how it's going work: musicians from beloved bands of our pasts will slowly take over the kindierock world, until children's music becomes the only current genre that anyone actually listens to or pays for. See, Chris Molla, former member of Camper Van Beethoven, has already released a couple of CDs for kids (Roll Along: Fingerpaint, 1999; Jump Up: Fingerpaint, 2004), and now his CVB bandmate Greg Lisher is a contributing guitarist on Mr.

David's latest masterpiece, Jump in the Jumpy House, one of the best kids' music CDs of 2007.

The Artist

David Alexandrou (aka Mr. David) recorded his first album for kids, the appropriately-titled Mr. David’s First Album, in the summer of 2004 at the request of parents and teachers who loved the music he was playing in the classroom. Its folksy, sixties-influenced sound was an immediate hit with his fan base. His second album, The Great Adventures of Mr. David, was named one of the Top 10 Albums for Kids and Families in 2006 by the Fids and Kamily Poll. The poll combines top 10 lists from critics, writers, radio programmers, and others involved in the music industry. It was also given the award for Best Recording for Younger Kids Ages 5-8 by the Children’s Music Web Awards (CMWAs), the only international awards that are guided by adults and chosen by kids. This third award-winning album, Jump in the Jumpy House, followed in 2007.

The Music of 'Jump in the Jumpy House'

On this eagerly awaited follow up to 2006's The Great Adventures of Mr. David, David Alexandrou channels the Velvet Underground for the roaring title tune, appropriates the sound of Desire-era Dylan on "The Stars are Grains of Sugar," takes us back to the Kinks' late-60s pastoral rock with "She's a Good Dog," and turns in a pretty damn good tribute to Johnny Cash with "Them Devils." And when the first song on the album fades out with "John Paul George and Ringo" being chanted over and over again, you know you're in for a funky, funny, far out musical trip.

If you're going to pull a song off this album as a single, "Hey! It's Lunchtime!" would be it. Bubbly, infectious, and silly, it'll make a great live tune, as will "The Stars are Grains of Sugar," its speed up/shakin' ... slow down/floating sections guaranteeing audience participation. And "Miss Pila" may sound at first to be a simple, Ranchero-influenced ditty about food, but listen more closely; dig the chord changes and countermelody!

More Music from 'Jump in the Jumpy House'

Jump in the Jumpy House was produced and mixed incredibly well (just check out the bass guitar throughout the CD!) by contributing multi-instrumentalist Rich Ajlouny, giving the songs a very rich, deep, analog sound. And if you wanted to get old school, you could divide the album into sides: Loud & Silly ("Crocodiles are Hungry" through "She's a Good Dog", and Quiet & Introspective ("Ragtime Honey" through "Cabin Blues"), with "Exit Zoo" acting as a "Crocodiles" reprise. Plus, Tawnya Lancaster and Alexandrou designed and illustrated a wonderful CD package, full of playful drawings and song lyrics.

Another awesome CD from a kids' performer who's not afraid to stretch out in the words and music departments, and one can only imagine what's in the future for this guy if his albums keep getting this much better every time out. John, Paul, George, and Ringo would be proud.

Released August 25, 2007; Mr. David Musicworks

Track Listing

1. "Crocodile are Hungry"
2. "Hey! It's Lunchtime!"
3. "Miss Pila"
4. "Jump in the Jumpy House"
5. "She's a Good Dog"
6. "Ragtime Honey"
7. "The Stars Are Grains of Sugar"
8. "Them Devils"
9. "Little Girl"
10. "Cabin Blues"
11. "Exit Zoo"