Album Details

• Artist: Bramble Jam
• Album: Move Your Boots
• Label: indie
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: toddlevinsonfrank on 2009-12-13

If you're looking for some cool kids music that's actually good music that adults can enjoy too, then Move Your Boots by The Bramble Jam fits the bill.

From the opener ("Going To a Party") and the clever second track ("Pancakes") and right through all the silliness about smashing bugs and mommy losing her marbles and all the way to the finale (a bonus version of "Piggies"), Move Your Boots is a winning mix of acoustic-based pop/rock with occasional reggae grooves and terrific percussion throughout.

The production is surprisingly crisp for an indie release, and the smart, funny songwriting is certainly on par with some of the better (and better-known) children's albums out there.

Interestingly enough, it seems that everyone from They Might Be Giants to Ziggy Marley is putting out a kids CD. Maybe it's because they know they can sell well on name recognition alone, or that their fans all have kids now, or that there's probably more money in it (or all of the above), but it's not as easy it might sound. As a new parent I've heard my fair share. They Might Be Giants stuff is great. Ziggy's album was a disappointment, considering I am a fan. And there are countless other artists in between.

The point is that, for relative unknowns, The Bramble Jam is right up there with some of the best. I'd say it's on par (in both sound and quality) with Dan Zanes' stuff. Most of the lead vocals are by a male, but there's a female vocal presence that adds great harmonies and takes the lead sometimes as well. The musicianship is solid and the arrangements are interesting enough for adults while the songs stay silly enough for the kids.

If you can't stand the Wiggles and the other garbage being force-fed to your kids, and you're looking for something hip, cool, and enjoyable for you and the kids to listen to, definitely Move Your Boots to go pick up this new CD from the Bramble Jam.

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