With my wife back at work now post-maternity leave, I’ve been accumulating quite a collection of music to be reviewed both for kids and for grownups. Yep, I’m a bit behind on things, and another album that’s already hit the streets is HUH-UH, the new record by BARRY G. AND THE DREAM JAM KIDS. Released earlier this month by Universal’s new MyKaZoo Music, HUH-UH marks the first solo release from Barry G., a member of the Dream Jam Band.
Folksy and bluesy, HUH-UH is an interesting album that fits into a certain kindie niche among works from labelmate Randy Kaplan, or some of the Americana-based titles that Putumayo puts out. One thing immediately striking is that the guitar work here is pretty impressive, with Barry handling six-string and bass duties himself.
Though a family-friendly album all the way, it’s interesting to hear somewhat of a traditional work song presented as a tale of building a treehouse as in “Hammer Ring.” Likewise, you just might be inspired to raise your glass of chocolate milk for one of the almost-drinking-songs like “Into the Valley” or the story-heavy number, “The Captain Was a Monkey.”
One thing I don’t like about Barry G. is his suit. The image doesn’t match the music at all, and it just bothers me much in the same way that Captain Kangaroo’s suit always did, too. Apparently, G. is known to be orange-obsessed, but that doesn’t really justify looking like a dreamsicle splashed with chocolate. I’m also not big on when performers “dress for the kids.”
Good album. Bad suit.
The Rock Father Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
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FTC Disclosure: A copy of this album was provided to The Rock Father by MyKaZoo Music for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions and ratings are that of James Zahn, taking into account the reaction of a three-year-old.
