We do a live kids show (5-10 yr olds) about a stuntman with all garage punk music - live and as the 'soundtrack'. The finale is to a Cramps song :-) . We try to show kids a whole world of cool kids stuff that is no longer about and Ghoul Agogo was a huge inspiration - if it wasn't for them we wouldn't think it'd be possible. (this kind of stuff is quite unacceptable in my part of the world).
There's heaps of great old garage punk that is perfect for little weirdos and they have to be exposed to it -- since they'r e not allowed to do anything dangerous nowadays the least we can do for the poor little bugger is play them dangerous music.
People in the USA should check out The Boogers -- a Ramones tribute band for preschoolers.
My kids watched a lot of Backyardigans as kids and ya, there are some amazing music writers for that show. It's all built around backyard imagination and each show has a musical theme (surf music, country, hip-hop, etc.) and they seem to be pretty well rounded. Christ, watch for the constant one-liners when your critters can only remember four words and a melody....toughest car trip EVAH!
kopper said:
For the younger tots, the Backyardigans TV show episodes usually feature some great garage-style kids music (with Farfisa and everything). I was really impressed with the music on that show when my son was still interested in watching it. But now that's he's a bit older, he wants no part of it.
It always made me wonder who was in charge of writing and performing the music for that show.
Memphis' Luv Clowns are destined to be your new favorite kids' music band, whether you've somehow retained a sense of childlike wonder or are surrounded by your own ankle-biters.
The group boasts a roster that reads like a who's-who of Memphis musicians: Harlan T. Bobo as "Bobo," "Professor" Doug Easley (Cat Power), Alex "Cow Cow" Greene (Reigning Sound) and "Timot" T. Prudhomme (F*ck). They all dress up like clowns when they play, although the oft-kilter lyrics, penchant for hooch and quasi-creepy delivery ensure that they're just as much kindred spirits of M. Emmet Walsh as they are of Emmett Kelly.
This ramshackle collection of tunes for tots has many memorable melodies, psychedelic effects and enough goofy charm to fill a thousand red wagons. Even the silly skits between the songs are enjoyable. "Draw," a countrified number that channels the eccentric Michael Hurley, ponders the limitless nature of the imagination. "Mr. Bubble" has nothing to do with the popular brand of bubble bath and everything to do with an odd assortment of characters that includes Mr. Gooey and Mr. Clowny. The bongos set a perfect jungle mood for "Monkey Island," a paean to the gone-but-not-forgotten primate exhibit at the Memphis Zoo. The highlights are the campy, catchy "K-I-D-S," which features a learned professor explaining why we're all here, and a heartbreakingly sincere cover of Mr. Rogers' "Sometimes Good People Do Bad Things."
This greasepaint gang has recorded a cockeyed kiddie classic. The Luv Clowns understand that being a kid is more than just being goofy and having fun--it's about being confused and disoriented sometimes, too.
Here they are performing in the street in Memphis:
I've never watched Backyardigans, but I'm going to be checking it out! I think a few times now, I've wondered who did art direction for kids things, such as Spongebob Square pants. It has such a retro tiki look in the interiors, it wouldn't shock me at all to learn it was someone with a gig poster / lowbrow art backround.
For the younger tots, the Backyardigans TV show episodes usually feature some great garage-style kids music (with Farfisa and everything). I was really impressed with the music on that show when my son was still interested in watching it. But now that's he's a bit older, he wants no part of it.
It always made me wonder who was in charge of writing and performing the music for that show.
Thanks to you amazing folks, I now have been tipped off to some amazing Kid a go go tv shows! I was wondering if anyone else had any suggestions or favorites on garage rock tv shows or albums for children. My daughter and I LOVE Ghoul a Go Go, and Yo Gabba Gabba of course.
Girls in rock bands are awesome and should happen more. I especially like girl drummers. For some reason their style fits really well with most garage rock. As for my favorite female rocker, its hard to say, but Karen O is undeniably awesome, especially on the first Yeah Yeah Yeah's record.
Destroy All Monsters morphed into Dark Carnival, with Ron Asheton on guitar and his brother Scott on the drums....here's Niagara picking butts off the stage of Call The Office in London Ontario 10/12/90. Yes, they were loud, but it was more than worth it to meet a coupla Stooges and Niagara. Picture is from the Whatwave Archives.
No, you don't dude. I live in a small MS town about an hour from Memphis. Memphis has this cool garage music scene....well, Memphis just has a great music scene generally....but that's it. It doesn't have much else to offer. It's a really run down, poor city. To be fair, Gonerfest and Goner Records in general are so much fun that it might make it tolerable.
I do a one man band thing where I play guitar, do vocals and play drums with my feet. I just use a kick and a high-hat with a tambourine attached to it. You'd be surprised how many different sounds and beats you can get out of it with just a little practice. Even just having a kick going throughout all your songs will sound infinitely better than having no pure rhythm source whatsoever. Good luck!
