recess monkey :: flying! {giveaway}

I’m not sure how many times my mother took her costumed children (most often a Ninja Turtle and Kitty Ballerina) to the grocery store, bank, or doctor’s office - I only know that, somewhere, there are pictures to prove it. To say we had vivid imaginations would be an understatement, so I was pretty excited when offered the chance to preview Recess Monkey’s latest studio album, Flying!, which releases this Tuesday, June 21st.

Flying! is an homage to the power of make-believe. Without patronizing, the band (three school teachers from Seattle) creates music to which children are easily able to relate. The toe-tapping title track, “Flying”, perfectly captures the mindset of a pint-sized super hero, able to soar above the trees and save the day thanks to the magical transformation provided by a cape. “Toolbox” brilliantly describes a child’s fascination with moving parts and and desire to “fix” things just like Dad. My personal favorite “Invisible Friend” is a sweet conversation between a little boy and his invisible friend, who is no less real just because others can’t see her.

Elements in each track reminded me of my 4-year-old nephew - everything from his child-size table and chairs at “Grandmom’s House” to his pet fish and eager anticipation of “Flapjacks” for breakfast. The adorable 50s doo-wop styled “Bunk Beds” could have been written by a 6-year-old version of myself - proudly sleeping on the top bunk with my younger brother below.

Flying! adeptly mixes slower songs with more uptempo numbers, and, unlike many children’s recordings, the musical styles of the songs are quite diverse. These guys aren’t just making goofy kids’ music - they’re genuine musicians! I was able to listen while driving without reaching for the “off” knob, which, in my opinion, is really important. It takes talent to create an album of children’s music that both adults and kids can identify with, and I believe Recess Monkey’s latest collection of “kindie rock” has done just that!

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Recess Monkey’s albums (including Flying!, to be released this Tuesday, June 21st) are available on Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, and iTunes.

Flying! by Recess Monkey :: $15.00

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
One SIMPLE reader will win this CD to add to your collection (open to U.S. and Canada only). Here is how to enter - be sure to leave a comment for each entry separately:

• Tell me your favorite childhood costume OR the name of your imaginary friend (Required Entry)
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tweets allowed) :: Get your kindie rock on! #Win the newest Recess Monkey CD over at @simplereviews: http://tiny.cc/zp8e3
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• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on July 2, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided the CD shown above to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own.*