Funded by 86 backers on Kickstarter and released independently last Fall, ME LIKE ME YOU LIKE YOU is the debut album from Pasadena, California-based Illinois native NICKELLA DEE. The stay-at-home mother of two and “piano teacher to twelve” presents a delightfully surprising collection of thirteen tracks bound to entertain families everywhere.
Self-described as “Kindie Modern Folk with Rockin’ Piano,” ME LIKE ME YOU LIKE YOU is impressively assembled to go well beyond Nickella’s vocal stylings and keyboard chops. While I’m sure any above-average modern-day piano player might garner references to BEN FOLDS, it’s hard not to draw a worthy comparison between some of the excellent arrangements present on Dee’s album and works by Folds. This is particularly evident by the 49-second mark on “Lucky Day,” which bursts to life with drums, strings, and a children’s chorus – topped off by a YELLOWCARD-style violin lead.
While pointed toward the “family music” market, ME LIKE ME YOU LIKE YOU is a great pop album that blends elements of folk and rock with a dash of musical theatre, while spinning tales of “Unicorns,” dolls (“Kitty”), pirates (“The Story of Billy Bobo”) and a “Pink Balloon.” My three-year-old sat down at the dinner table recently and started singing “I Love My Family,” so it’s undeniable that this album is kid-approved.
ME LIKE ME YOU LIKE YOU is available from CD Baby and iTunes, with more information available on the artist’s website.
{source}) no-repeat;width:110px;height:40px;@media only screen{background-image:url(http://linkmaker.itunes.apple.com/htmlResources/assets/images/web/linkmaker/badge_itunes-lrg.svg);}”>{/source}
The Rock Father Rating: 5/5 – Flawless Victory!
FTC Disclosure: A copy of this album was provided to The Rock Father for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn with feedback from his children.
