Customer Reviews

Great Day

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Kiwi Magazine Review:
It's a sight to see. Attend a Milkshake concert and watch little girls (and their moms) show up in tutus, ready to dance and rock out with the band. Milkshake still sings plenty of feel-good, up with little people songs, but the sound has evolved to have a slightly cooler, rougher edge to appeal to kids who are past sippy cups but haven't tried Red Bull. The lyrics now address frenemies, epically messy rooms and wants v. needs rather than big bottles of sunshine and bluebirds. If I'm not mistaken, these tunes have the influence of zydeco, jazz and a little country. The part I enjoyed the most about this CD is that each song really has a distinct sound, beat and message.

Milkshake has made quite a name for themselves in the world of family music, most notably on "Jack's Big Music Show" on Nick Jr. But being on TV isn't the main reason so people know and love their music. Started by Mikel Gehl and Lisa Matthews (originally of the '90s alt band Love Riot), who, like many kids' acts, decided to expand into the genre after becoming parents. On their fourth album, Great Day, the band once again proves they have the musical chops to stand above most of their peers in kids' music. The album opens with the tune "Shake It Up," guaranteed to get the tots hopping. Also, you don't want to miss the song "You Did It!"-- a great tune encouraging kids who've accomplished something they'd thought was impossible. (Oh yeah--it rocks, too.) Gehl, Matthews and the rest of Milkshake have a talent not just for writing and making great music, but for knowing how to talk to their listeners, no matter their age.

Launched in 2002, Milkshake has become a groundbreaking independent children's recording group that has produced three multi-award winning CDs, a DVD, and a profusion of music videos for 'kid friendly' television networks and the internet. Their fourth and newest CD album is called "Great Day" and not only features twelve original songs, but is further enhanced with guest appearances by two-time Grammy award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. Livey and energetic, toe-tapping and thoroughly 'kid friendly', the pieces comprising "Great Day" include Shake It Up; Happy Place; Statue of Me; You did It!; Enemies; When I'm Old; I want it Recipe; Travel Far; Recipe; Dance to the Sun; I Love Your; and the title piece, Great Day. With superb production values and a total running time of 37 minutes, "Great Day" will have special appeal for children ages 6 to 10 and make a popular addition to family, school, and community library CD music collections for young listeners.

This is exactly the kind of album I love. It contains great messages, positive outlook, and some serious rock music. People often throw around the "kids music that grown ups will also like" phrase and it's usually not true. Simply, kid's music is for kids. Grown up music is for grown ups and, yes, sometimes the two cross paths, but this album is "family music." It's the kind of super fine tasty treat for everyone. This is, by far, their best album yet.