Karl Blau's markedly beautiful voice finally graces his first homemade collection of children's songs, "Children of All Ages". With brilliantly counterpointed arrangements and idyllic lyrics, the album is almost like a children's television network's entire schedule of theme songs the way it morphs from style to style and genre to genre in a clever non-disruptive way.
"Six Mini-Ponies On an Island" opens the album with dense children's music reminiscent of Moondog with spiraling tropical melodies surrounded by free floating saxophone and many detailed hooks throughout. His lyrics are clever and paint a clear picture of six mini-ponies on an island of some sort.
"Spin Around" is almost like a child's introduction to dub pop, Karl's signature sound from some of my favorite records by him (Dance Positive, Beneath Waves).
"Stuffing with Stuff" is a funky, modernized Rugrats (tm) Rap with many clever samples *(including, spoiler alert:: cats).
"Elephant in the Room" is a disco song that's actually about elephants..I think..?
"Cryin'" is a laid back sophistipop ballad with some very sad chord changes and some very sad lyrics and some very delicate keyboard sounds..He sings "I can find a way to feeeeeeeel better/I just might need to cry to get betttttttttter".
"Rainbow" is a simple pop song about the vastness of the weather system with a really cool break beat.
Karl is really on top of his game production wise for this album, exploring ideas dense enough to keep adult's attention but catchy and fun enough to entertain children. If you're looking for a fun album that let's you travel in your imagination to a warm and friendly place, this is the record for you. Karl Blau is a ray of sunshine and this of course is a get record for "Children of All Ages".
CHECK IT OUT HERE!!
https://klaps.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-all-ages
