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When it comes to having a kid, there are some things I think every parent fears. Definitely, there's all those awful things I shall not mention as I don't like my mind to even GO to those places, but there's also those PETTY things, those WEIRD things, those things you swore UP and DOWN you'd never do when YOU had a kid, yet you know you probably WILL end up doing them anyway - it's just much more fun to live in denial and pretend YOU'LL be the exception to the rule...
One of those WEIRD things *I* personally fear, is having to listen to music that makes me want to pull my hair out - music that's the equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard. And while yes, I DO understand that there will be times when the battle's not worth fighting, and listening to some CRAP will be a whole HELL of a lot easier than fighting to NOT listen to some crap, I also understand that if I'm going to listen to some of this on REPEAT for the next FIVE years or so, it'd be a real freakin' BONUS if it was something *I* liked too.
Enter, Mr. Whit - parent-friendly kids music.
A couple weeks ago, Mark Whittaker and Nick Stephens sent me a CD, asking if on the basis of receiving a free copy of their CD, I'd review it here on All Thumbs. I agreed, but got greedy and asked for 2 extra copies to give away in the review:-).
So in the midst of the donkey shift, and this whole ADJUSTMENT period the husband and I are going through with our 2 and a half week old little boy, we gave the CD a go. And I have to say, it's pretty fun stuff! Admittedly, it isn't music I'd buy if I didn't have a kid - meaning it's not the kind of music you have on as background music while your adult friends are over for dinner or drinks - but it IS fun stuff to have on if you DO have children.
The music is happy, it's laid-back, and it's got kid-safe lyrics that you DON'T have to worry your child will repeat in front of grandma and have her jaw drop to the floor. And to make it a bit more fun for the parents? Some of the lyrics are even kinda cheeky with phrases like "I wanna play inside the cardboard box" - a song about a birthday party where all the kid wants it to play with the cardboard box... instead of all the cool gifts.
But if you're looking for something with a bit more feeling to it? The husband's and my favorite was definitely Homework Blues - a bluesy song that had the husband already looking forward to the days when Dayton wants nothing to do with his homework, and dad can commiserate with him over how much homework really DOES suck.
So if you're looking for something a little different to put on, or an idea for a great stocking stuffer, Mr. Whit gets two definite thumbs up from me. Through their website, the CD is available for $9, or single songs can be downloaded for $0.99. - AllThumbsReviews.com
Discography
EP "Are We There Yet?" Listen - http://misterwhit.com/music_alb_songs.asp?alb=1&ttl=Are We There Yet?
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Bio
Who is Mr. Whit? Mr. Whit is parent-friendly, kids’ music from the songwriting team of Nick Stephens and Mark Whittaker. Inspired by artists like Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Bill Harley and Laurie Berkner, Nick and Mark have found a genre of music that reaches out to kids, ages 5 to 50. With songs like “I Want That”, “Homework Blues”, “Cardboard Box”, and “Are We There Yet?”, Mr. Whit has found a common ground for kids and their parents to sing, laugh, and jam out to the same songs.
Mark Whittaker is an elementary school teacher who has found a way to use his guitar in his classroom to teach, read, sing and be yourself. Every day, his students go home singing a song. His favorite sound in the world is when he can hear the whole room singing! Every Thursday, Mark takes his turn at teaching the basics of music, through guitar. There’s nothing like passing some music on to somebody else…
Nick Stephens is the song man. Nick has been writing songs, poems, and stories for over 30 years. Inspired by storytellers of all genres and generations, he has found a story to tell with Mr. Whit. Nick is an IT professional who applies his creativity to web design to local businesses and other musicians. A constant learner, Nick has plenty of stories to tell with words and music.
Nick and Mark started writing music in the fall of 1992, while attending the University of Rhode Island. With an already substantial inventory of songs, Nick found a voice to his music, with Mark. Spending much of their time writing and performing for friends, they created a library of over 150 original songs in a period of almost 5 years.
While listening to all the various kids music; from Sesame Street to Raffi, form the Wiggles to Imagination Movers, from Laurie Berkner to Dan Zane; Nick and Mark found real inspiration from Jack Johnson’s CD from the movie “Curious George”. They wanted to find a way for your entire family to share in that feeling music can bring you, in that toe tapping sort of way or for singing just to sing.
“I Want That”, is a song that tells a story of nearly every child’s need for things, while reminding everyone of that all important word, ‘…please…’ “Homework Blues”, brings both students and parents together over that lamentful period of the day when homework can become such a drag…the “Homework Blues” just might make you feel better. Moms, dads, and grandparents have always had the notion of being able to provide the best birthday gifts for their little boy or girl, but you can never quite compete with the giant “Cardboard Box” for all the entertainment you’ll ever need. “Monday Morning (It’s Summertime!)” is a song about the first Monday of summer, when kids are off but their parents still need to go to work. And with the song, “Are We There Yet?” you find that familiar theme you endure every time you go on a road trip…it always hits home, no matter where you go!
Mr. Whit is coming into your home, one song at a time, and will eventually find that tune that is going to make you smile. You’ll have an awful hard time not singing along. “Everyone Sings With Mr. Whit!”
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