Cool Things

By The Hoots
Price $10.00
Age 2 - 7 yrs.

There are several aspects of the album 'Cool Things' that set it favorably apart from other children's music recordings. One is the enlivening, upbeat feel of the material. There's such an ebullient, playful quality to the music that it's hard to feel anything other than happy when listening to it. The songwriting also stands out. The melodies are pleasant and memorable, the choruses catchy. The lyrics are brilliantly whimsical, as if the songwriters had a direct line into the collective brain and funny bone of youngsters, as well as an understanding of what makes parents smile. The band's makeup is guitar, vocals, bass, drums, and keyboards, with a strong acoustic rhythm guitar element and a sound at times reminiscent of a more playful Tom Petty or Counting Crows. The album's opener 'Harv,' about a water-sock-wearing hippo who gets sunburn on his armpits, is a standout that sets the tone for the 10 happy, kind-spirited songs that follow. Happy listening.