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Judging by the album title and cover artwork, you might jump to the conclusion that this album is geared toward children. Not at all. Not that kids won't like some of this music too, but this is definitely an album for grownups, especially those who appreciate a mixed bag of soul, pop, and rock. The album starts off with "SoulFingertips," a clever Stax meets Motown mish-mash of "Soul Finger" and "Fingertips." But that's only the start of the fun, and FUN is the operative word with this album. Next cut is 70-something Rufus Thomas tryin' out a new song and dance. Bonus points if you can pick out Fred Schneider of the B-52s doing backup vocals. The third cut is my favorite: General Johnson (from soul legends The Chairmen of the Board) and Joey Ramone getting together for a spirited cover of the Ramones "Rockaway Beach." The next track is the catchy "Flying on the Ground" by an act called 2 Little Kids, which from what I can gather, is a duo of 10-year-olds from Philadelphia. Whoever they are, it's one of the best tracks on this CD, as is the following track, "We Shall Sing", a pleasant tune with a lovely, lilting African rhythm, performed by Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave fame) and Mor Dior Sek (also spelled as Mor Dior Seck), a Sengalese singer I had never heard of.
"Get Together" by Sugarhill Gang is only fair, as is the following track, "Life" by the mighty Swamp Dogg. I love Swamp Dogg's solo stuff (as Swamp Dogg and Jerry Williams) and the many great songs he has written produced over the years, but this rap track is not among his best. Next up is "Little Angel," a nice soulful number by another artist who is new to me, Lisa Stevens. The last track on the CD is "Crown Heights Affair" by the Klezmatics, a weird and wonderful tune that reminds me a lot of Was (Not Was). Yep, it's that good.
This album/project was the idea of producer Steve Greenberg, who also wrote the liner notes for the Stax/Volt boxed set, among other releases. This was an obscure album, released back in 1994, and I only recently stumbled upon it when I found a copy for sale in the bargain bin of a local CD shop. I notice there are many used copies available through various online dealers. If you enjoy fun music in the rock and soul vein, this one is a very worthwhile purchase.
