Hear This: See You On The Moon! Songs for Kids of All Ages
Various Artists (Paper Bag Records)
REVIEW BY Matthew Elliot
Having already helped frame the hipster aesthetic, indie scene-shaper Paper Bag Records is now after your small children. See You On The Moon! Songs for Kids of All Ages features exclusive, mostly original songs by some of Canada’s most interesting acts, including Kid Koala and Broken Social Scene—who do a beautifully burnt-out interpretation of the classic “Puff the Magic Dragon.” Great Lake Swimmers’ title track is a sunny acoustic pop treat, while Glissandro 70’s “Voices are Your Best Friend” is a joyful celebration of the childhood condition and an unapologetic redemption song. There is a tradition of great Canadian music made for small children out there. Despite the cheese factor, folk-based artists like Raffi and Sharon, Lois & Bram make beloved and genuinely entertaining music for the little ones. But See You On The Moon! is for all of us. The songs really are for kids of all ages, but you may want to leave Fembots’ “Under the Bed” to the indie rock kids—it’s a typically creepy dirge waltz that will give the youngest kids nightmares. Following in the tradition, singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith’s side-project the Kelele Brothers and grizzled Can-rockers Rheostatics have made great, if not musically progressive, kid-friendly albums. See You On The Moon! is not traditional; it is innovative and smart and refreshingly free from the expected patronizing ditties.
