Planet KidVid

"Not On the Test" by Tom Chapin

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:16:00 +0000

Wow, I was considering writing a song on this topic myself, but Tom Chapin has nailed it! He brings his gentle humor to bare against testing mania in this pointed yet entertaining video. If you want to learn more, Tom has also put up a website dedicated to the song and the topic. Enjoy, and be warned - the guitar hook will stick in your head all day long.

"Home" by David Tobocman

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 14:11:00 +0000

This beautiful vocal piano performance matched with warm whimsical paintings makes for a great snuggle-time video.

Download the song:
Buy the CD:

"Baa Neigh Cock-A-Doodle Do!" by Buck Howdy

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Here's a fun video for Springtime from Buck Howdy. The animal photos are hilarious! Enjoy.

A quick reminder - if you click the arrow you'll see the video here. If you click elsewhere in the picture you'll go to YouTube, where there is no control over what people can post in their comments. Some folks are just out to ruin it for everyone else. Stay here. Stay happy!

Download the song:

Buy the CD:

"Seven Days of the Week (I Never Go to Work)" by They Might Be Giants

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Everyone's abuzz about the new They Might Be Giants CD and DVD, Here Come the 123s. TMBG has put out free videos from the DVD through their "Friday Night Family Podcast." You can see more videos on their Disney website, too. Here's my favorite so far. This is a simple fun song that will stick in your head. The video is cute and adds quite a lot of humor. I couldn't find an official release of the video on YouTube, so enjoy this one while you can before it gets yanked. Use the above link to subscribe via iTunes and get all the recent videos - they're all great!

Download this song on iTunes:

"I Like Dinosaurs" by Mr. Billy

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:06:00 +0000

It's been a while since I posted a video, but we've been slowly steadily building an audience in the mean time! I hope you're enjoying watching these with your kids (or with your adults as the case may be). Here's a new one from Mr. Billy. It's another skillfully edited romp showing a great sense of humor and positive energy. I think you'll love it. Yes this is our third Mr. Billy, but he is special to us seeing as how he helped get this blog up and running. More videos and more variety coming soon...

Download this song on iTunes:

MR. BILLY: Greatest Hits

Schoolhouse Rock collides with Classic Rock, an iParenting Media Award winner. Nothing but the BEST interactive children’s rock & roll songs about dinosaurs, Dr. Seuss, bubbles, dragons, butterflies and more. They Might Be Giants fans will love this CD.

"Dance Tonight" by Paul McCartney

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:48:00 +0000

This is the first single from Paul's new CD, Memory Almost Full. The song is kid friendly and it has a very Dan Zanes-ish vibe to it, I think. Simple, and folky with an inclusive sort of dance and sing along vibe. The video is very intriguing. It takes a view or two before you catch everything that's going on. Evalyn really enjoyed it and wanted to watch twice in a row. I've had fun hearing her take on what's happening.

Although the new CD is not a kids' album, I've always thought Paul should do one. He put out DVD collection of children's animation that he made a couple of years ago, which is very cool. And many of his songs, from "Yellow Submarine" to "Tropic Island Hum" are actually meant for kids, and those songs are some of his best. Paul, are you reading this? When you get around to doing a children's CD, give me a ring. I'd love to help out!

"Winter in Wisconsin" by Mr. Billy

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 20:33:00 +0000

Here's a new one from our very own Mr. Billy! He shot two hours of footage out in the snow to bring you what has to be the most fun ever packed into a two minute kids' video. Note the awesome editing! Mr. Billy has done a fantastic job marrying the images to the music. Simple, but very creative and very effective. Bravo, Mr. Billy!

Download this song on iTunes:

MR. BILLY: Fruitcake

AWARD WINNING winter and holiday kids/family music collection by “Northeastern Wisconsin's Family Favorite Children's Entertainer” Mr. Billy. Contemporary and winter cool. Add this CD to your FAMILY holiday music collection today.

"Too Many Presents!" by Uncle Rock

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:35:00 +0000

I don't know if kids ever feel this way, but the parents watching this video can relate...TOO MANY PRESENTS! Yeah, I love the lines, "They're all made out of plastic, they come from way across the ocean. Yeah, they're all made out of plastic and tomorrow they'll be broken". This song is from the CD "Here We Go!"..way to go Uncle Rock.

UNCLE ROCK: Here We Go!

Roots Rock Romp

BUY THIS SONG

"We Need Mud" by Charity and the JAMband

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:14:00 +0000

I feel a sense of Deja vu here..."We Need Mud"..."I Like Dirt"...Mmmm...Interesting. Apparently I like to get messy, I mean who doesn't, right? Anyway, here is a muddy little video that I love by Charity and the JAMband. I first heard of these guys on Lisa Harper's Kids Music Planet Podcast a few weeks ago. What I find really neat about this video is that there is NO VIDEO! What??? (Are you losing it again Mr. Billy?) No, really, it's like a slideshow on steroids...all still photos, cool visuals (check out Devils Tower and the beach) and a great chant with karaoke style lyrics that pop up now and then. Check it out and leave a comment on this one, and if you haven't seen my other "messy" video, scroll down and check out The Thuderlords doing "I Like Dirt".

CHARITY KAHN: Charity and the JAMband: Rock Your Socks Off

The original rockin', dancin', soulful celebration...family style.

Download this song on iTunes:

"Jump Up" by Dan Zanes

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 17:45:00 +0000

Dan Zanes makes awesome videos for kids! They are colorful and energetic, well shot and edited, and what I really love about them is that even though they are production videos (as opposed to live performances) you actually see what you hear - the instruments in the recording are represented on screen. I think that's important for kids, so they can match the sounds to the instruments. Too many production videos have sounds coming out of nowhere, which doesn't help young children learn how those sounds are made. So kudos to Dan, and congratulations, too, on his recent Grammy!!! It's great to see a children's Grammy go to a real person rather than a cartoon character!

My daughter Evalyn and I spent the morning watching videos to bring you the best of what's out there. Out of about thirteen choices, this was her favorite pick, and mine too!

Download this song on iTunes:

DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS: Family Dance

Contains the songs "all around the kitchen" and "jump up" as heard on noggin and sesame street.

Videos Needed for TV!

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 17:03:00 +0000

Howdy folks,

I'm passing along this information for any children's musicians out there who might be wanting to get some TV exposure through their videos. This is from Steve Vaus, who is the Executive Producer for Buck Howdy...

We are beginning production on the pilot for the Buck Howdy television show (finally). One of the elements of the show is the inclusion of music videos from other artists. If you have a broadcast quality (and broadcast ready) video to which you control ALL the rights (the underlying composition, the video, the recording, etc), and you would like us to consider it for inclusion, please send a DVD copy to:

Buck Howdy's Hayride
PO Box 28700
San Diego, CA 92198

ATT: Video

You must be willing to grant a gratis non-exclusive license - this license is very similar to what Noggin requires for Move to the Music and Jack's Big Music Show. Of course if you have any questions feel free to email me directly. (stevevaus AT cox.net)

Sincerely,

Steve Vaus
Executive Producer
Prairie Dog Entertainment

"This Song Has No Elephants" by Eric Ode

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:31:00 +0000

I love self-referential humor, even though this comment doesn't have any. So what do you think, should there be an elephant in this video?

ERIC ODE: Welcome to the Workshop (DVD)

Welcome to the Music Workshop! Songs, surprises, and silliness wait around every corner as Parents' Choice Award Winning songwriter, Eric Ode, sets out to repair his A-flat Shnooglehorn.

"EWOP" by Pam Donkin

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:19:00 +0000

Before everyone started to chime in on the YouTube "goldrush" there were a few pioneers in the kids music world that recorded great little videos for local TV shows, VHS (remember VHS) releases and enhanced CDs (like Lou Del Bianco's "Little Bit Clumsy"...great funny video). Well here is a gem from Pam Donkin that was recently posted on YouTube for the first time and is also included as a bonus video on her latest CD "A Hop, Skip, and a Jump". EWOP stands for "Everything Workds Out Perfectly", the song won a Children's Music Web Award in 2004 in the "Best Song for Younger Children" catogory. Great message, great song...EWOP!

Download this song:

PAM DONKIN: A Hop, Skip, and a Jump

Learning is child's play with this imaginative blend of music and creative movement. The playful images inspired by these adorable sing along songs will have everybody giggling and wiggling, twirling and clapping while introducing language, math, science

"New Goldfish" by Uncle Moondog

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:48:00 +0000

Evalyn has discovered Uncle Moondog! We have two CDs which we've heard over and over. The songs are character driven, revolving around life on the beach with Uncle Moondog and friends. This video shows how he acquired his goldfish Timmy, a constant companion throughout both CDs.

Evalyn's pick on the KMP podcast this week is another Uncle Moondog song, but you can also hear her talking about this video. Her favorite bit is at the end where he... well, you'll see!!

Download this song:

UNCLE MOONDOG: Uncle Moondog

A kids' CD for kids of all ages. An album of hilariously catchy tunes based around the character Uncle Moondog and his friends. The song styles delve into pop, reggae, blues, 50's doo-wop, and country.

“The Elephant Song” & “Crazy Over Vegetables” by Eric Herman

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:45:00 +0000

Hello Planet KidVid fans, I have something special for you today...not one but two cool new KidVids by Eric Herman. I first heard of Eric Herman and his Invisible Band on MySpace. I liked his music, but just yesterday when I found “The Elephant Song” video I became an Eric Herman fan! I Love this animated video and you will too. The interaction with the child in the song is awesome and the images are great! So, just for fun I checked out his other videos and expected pretty much the same thing, and guess what??? “Crazy Over Vegetables” is totally different, a crazy live video reminiscent of vintage Weird Al (who I love, happy Valentines Day to Al). So I felt like I just HAD to share BOTH videos with you today, enjoy! Hey Monty, what do you think?

The Elephant Song - The Kid In The Mirror by Eric Herman

Download the song

ERIC HERMAN AND THE INVISIBLE BAND: The Kid In The Mirror

If you went Trout Fishing In America, using Beatles for bait, you might catch some big Phish and proclaim, "They Might Be Giants.", and you would surely rejoice for the tasty and imaginative cool of it all.

Crazy Over Vegetables - Monkey Business by Eric Herman

Download the song

ERIC HERMAN AND THE INVISIBLE BAND: Monkey Business

Catchy, hilarious, musical, inventive, and above all a lot of fun... A significant entry in the children's music genre. Comes with a MONKEY BACK GUARANTEE.

"Pieces of 8ight" by Captain Bogg and Salty

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:25:00 +0000

We're launching this baby in style: Awesome song, awesome video, a band of pirates... What more could ye ask for?

Download the song:

Check out the CD:

CAPTAIN BOGG & SALTY: Pegleg Tango

Pirate Rock for Buccaneers of All Ages.

“Santa's Laugh” by Monty Harper

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:21:00 +0000

Well ho-ho-ho...here it is, the video that actually inspired Mr. Billy and Monty Harpers obsession with YouTube and Kids Music videos. Monty made this little ditty in his spare time and I liked it so much I started posting my own stuff, as I did I realized there was a ton of cool KidVids out there, so we decided to bring them to you. Enjoy this belated Christmas gift from my buddy Monty...

I don't think Monty has this song available at CD Baby, so buy this CD instead (it's our family favorite!)

MONTY HARPER: Paws Claws Scales & Tales

Cleverly crafted songs featuring well-loved pets from children's literature as well as delightful new characters such as "Eleanor Gerbil," "Fred's Frog Flippy," and Lucinda, the leucistic alligator.

Monty Picks Three and I Agree!

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:05:00 +0000

Monty is such and over achiever, or he just has a lot of time on his hands. Either way I totally agree with his first three video choices. Monty sent me "Pieces of 8ight" by Captain Bogg and Salty and we both agreed that this video was awesome. It is setting a new standard for KidVids. I was a bit disappointed when I saw his post of "Uh-Huh!" by Super Simple Songs...I WANTED TO POST THIS ONE!!! Oh well, cool huh? Just goes to show that you don’t need the over the top production to make a cool KidVid. His last pick, “Chug-a Chug-a Choo-Choo”...what can I say? Mr. Billy is my favorite! Thanks Monty...you’re next!

“I Like Dirt” by The Thunderlords

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Billy) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:45:00 +0000

There is s whole new world of children’s music out there that rocks! Way back when I started doing kids music I was one of the few performers that used a pretty distorted electric guitar on my CDs. Times have changed and this band takes it to the next level; here they are the world’s first HEAVY METAL band for kids, “The Thuderlords” and their noisy song for noisy kids, “I Like Dirt!”

THE THUNDERLORDS: Noisy Songs for Noisy Kids

Heavy Metal Kids Music

"Chug-a Chug-a Choo Choo" by Mister Billy

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 16:09:00 +0000

Here's Mister Billy performing live at his Batteries Not Included CD release party. The song is one that he and I wrote together. And yes, all the instruments are live: Mister Billy really is playing that rock'n' electric fiddle solo!! Talented, ain't he?

Download this song on iTunes:

MR. BILLY: Batteries Not Included

If you only buy one CD today, get this one. It will bring you and your kids closer together and everyone in your family will dance and smile, wouldn’t that be nice?

"Uh-Huh!" by Super Simple Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:53:00 +0000

This one's for the toddlers. Here's Jeremy and a couple of puppets singing "Uh-Huh!" from the Super Simple Songs series by Knock Knock English. It's amazing what you can do to capture the wee ones' attention with a super simple video.

Download this song on iTunes:

KNOCK KNOCK ENGLISH: Super Simple Songs 2

More new songs and old favorites made SIMPLE for young learners. 2006 Children's Music Web Award Winner - Best Recording for Babies and Toddlers.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Monty Harper) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 02:24:00 +0000

Welcome to Planet KidVid, with your hosts, Mister Billy and Monty Harper, brought to you by Kids Music Planet.

We are all about children's music videos. That's right, music videos for kids. How else can I say it? Videos of songs for wee ones. Kiddo MTV. Moving pictures synced to music for young folk. A kideo video jukebox.

So pull up a lap, plop a kid in it, and enjoy!