Customer Reviews

Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill and The Little Hillbillies

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Music fans with children quickly learn that the concept of good children's music is relative. The latest release from Australia's Kasey Chambers, her father Bill, and an army of young 'uns from 2 to 9 years old proves that good music and kids music CAN be one in the same.

In her mid 30's, Chambers literally has a lifetime of experience making music with her father. The CD by "Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill, and the Little Hillbillies" invites us to continue the tradition as she includes her two sons, two young brothers, two nephews and a niece, and a family friend in the recording of 16 delightful, well-written, family friendly tunes.

The CD opens with "The Lost Music Blues" (which accompanies Chambers' wonderful children's picture book "Little Kasey Chambers and The Lost Music", hopefully the first of many). The characters in the book come to life in this joyful, foot-stomping romp.

"The Ballad of Poppa Bill" pays homage to the versatile singing and guitar playing of Bill Chambers, and features his youngest children, his grandchildren, and their friends (collectively, the Little Hillbillies) singing "HEY POPPA BILL WON'T YOU SING US A SONG...". Kasey's "I Spy" is a fun musical rendition of that time honored children's game.

"Dad, Do You Remember?" is a heart-tugging duet between father and daughter. The connection shared by Bill and Kasey couldn't be more clear than in the lyrical conversation in this song. "Before You Came Along" will make any mother grin from ear-to-ear, be it from the catchy ukulele riff, or the truth of the lyrics. In the second verse, Kasey recalls that she "used to leave my house and my clothes were always clean", but celebrates that she "never heard a laugh that sounded sweeter than a song" before becoming a mother of two.

Talon Chambers (age 7) reflects in "Two Houses" on the good side of having parents who no longer live together. (Talon gets a writing credit on this one.) Other songs celebrate "Imagination" and feelings ("Blue"). Bill Chambers' "When We Were Kids" is a kinder, gentler version of the "uphill both ways in six feet of snow" story we all heard from our parents. Kasey's "My Oh My" is both musically and lyrically interesting. The vocal contributions of the "Little Hillbillies" across this record will engage even the youngest listener.

"Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill, and the Little Hillbillies" is indescribably good. It's personal. It's emotional. It's fun. This CD joins the ranks of "Peter, Paul and Mommy", "Not For Kids Only" by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, and "No!" by They Might Be Giants; all MUST HAVE recordings for parents who love good music.

What a great album! Even if you're not a Kasey fan, you should get this album. It's directed towards a kids album, but the interaction between "Papa Bill" and Kasey brings memories of spending time with your family.

I wonder how Kasey Chambers ever got a recording contract?!! I am not sure how one would describe the sound she makes, but it couldn't be described as "singing". I feel that one could only describe her voice as obnoxiously abrasive caterwauling delivered in a frankly vile and risibly phoney American accent. Is there a style of music called "Faux American Hillbilly"? Well, this would be a prime example.

We had this album on in my workplace a couple of times. Each time we had complaints from both staff and customers.

I am troubled that children were exposed to the "voice" of Kasey Chambers during the making of this CD. Kasey Chambers has the worst voice I've ever heard presented as a "singing voice". She actually sounds like a cat being spayed without an aneasthetic!