These "organic kid-folk" songs feature clever original tunes that emphasize the wisdom of parents and sneak in some useful lessons. "Use Your Words" is a catchy reminder to talk instead of tantrum. Also includes toe-tapping traditional tunes like "Froggy Went a Courtin'."
One thing I’ve noticed since becoming a mom is that children’s music can not be grouped into one category—like everything else, there is good and there’s “If I hear this song one more time I’m going to (insert worst thing that can happen to you here).” Hullabaloo falls into the former category—the band’s music is such that you actually suggest playing it. All of their CD’s are great, but I picked Tall as a Tree because it has my favorite Hullabaloo song, Sippy Cup. Narrated by a child, he sings about how they always go to a place called Starbuck’s to fill up his mom’s “sippy cup”. There are also songs that teach, such as Use Your Words and those that let your kid know that it’s okay to be different as in Things Change. One thing’s for sure—put it on and you’ll find you’re both dancing.
The duo known as Hullabaloo. . .combine folk, rock and alt-country styles to create entertaining songs both original and traditional that will get children moving, thinking and singing along. . . A toe-tapping romp that children will turn to again and again.
Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer are certified rock stars among the preschool set. They put on energetic shows filled with scarves, singalongs and plenty of dancing.
"The perfect balance of silliness and fun."
"Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer, have been playing kid music for several years now and this latest album shows it. The songs are easy to like and sweet. But the 12 tracks are smartly composed so they don't feel boring for grown-up ears. Best of all, the lyrics are about stuff preschoolers think about, like learning to walk, using your words, going to playgroups and snacks."
"Bales of fun."
"A catchy, country/folk-rock musical journey that presents some silly songs, some serious songs and some songs that are just plain fun."
"Hullabaloo. . . infuses a touch of sophisticated alt-country and rolicking folk to its songs about saying thank you and please."
"If you like your granola rolled up in a big ball o' laughs and rhythm, this one is for you. . . Hullabaloo has goofy and sometimes sweet lyrics, with performances and production that give you that chill like you're in the room with some very skilled musicians. It's not flashy, but it manages to be compelling and foot-stomping at the same time."
"A great alternative to typical syrupy kids' music"
"Run Bunny Run," the best kids' rocker never written in the late 1950s. . .With its good-natured attitude and West Coast feel, Sing Along With Sam will especially appeal to families looking for something different from run-of-the-mill kids' pop or folk.
"A bucket of fun."
"Fantastical tunes that will have kids giggling and using their imaginations. . .Strike a bargain with your kids that you need to throw away a Wiggles CD to make room for this one."
"The Hullabaloo band creates children's music even grown-ups can appreciate."
"'Blah, Blah, Blah,' so completely nails the experience of being a kid and not caring about what the adults are rambling on about that the adults are likely to have flashbacks and possibly feel a little guilty."
Hullabaloo's blend of country, rock, folk, and blues creates a distinct, unified sound. . .Their sound is polished but natural, which is perfect for fun family music like this.
An enjoyable album that both children and parents will enjoy, and a welcome addition to library collections.
I took my kids to one of their concerts at the San Diego Botanical Gardens and we loved it. This dynamic duo, that crosses folk with rock n’roll, had the kids up dancing in no time.
These guys can really play and write good, funny songs!
It’s country of the old-fashioned variety, like it could have been a sountrack for a Burt Reynolds movie. Oh, hang on. Now I’m dreaming about a Cannonball Run update where Burt Reynolds has to race cross country with his grandkids, and Hullabaloo could provide the soundtrack.