KidTunes: Bite into Apple Apple by The Harmonica Pocket—It’s Sweet
Ever listen to an album for the first time and say “Oooh, I like that song”? Ever listen to an album for the first time and say “Oooh, I like that song” fourteen times? That’s the great pleasure of Apple Apple (sample here) by The Harmonica Pocket. It is filled with songs that reassure, stretch the imagination, and inspire giggles.
There is a tremendous lot of good kindie (that’s “indie for kids,” in case you didn’t know) music coming out of Washington State, and The Harmonica Pocket offers some of the best. What makes them so good? It’s a combination of rhythms that are both happy and comforting, singers (Keeth Apgar and Nala Walla) who sound like they are singing just for you, and fun songs with clever, easy-to-learn lyrics. These are songs that are relatable by young children with themes that range from simple counting to fantasy to the very silly. Kids will be singing along after only one or two plays.
There are lessons to be learned from a bird “Afraid of Heights,” super-hero “Diaperman” with sidekick Nincompoop, and a song that may help kids understand the concept of patience, “Waiting Always Takes a Long Time.” “I’m Gonna Count” is a counting song tinged with fantasy, for those singing along are going to count all the stones on the beach, all the leaves on the trees, and all the stars in the sky (don’t worry…it doesn’t go on for infinity).
Fantasy also stars in “Supermoon,” a song about the moon falling from the sky and the person who takes care of it. Yes, it’s kids’ music, but adults will enjoy its gentle, compassionate message (another song that beautifully conveys caring is “Reflections”). Speaking of adults…moms are gonna love “Happy Mother’s Day” with its reggae-flavored beat and lyrics that express a child’s love: “Mother I love you—I love you so…how could I ever repay all the gifts you gave? The only way is simply to say, ‘Happy Mother’s Day.’”
Apple Apple draws its tone from a number of different genres including jazz, folk, blues, and reggae, and was recorded with solar power, reflecting The Harmonica Pocket’s commitment to the planet and all the creatures that share it. Other songs on the album are: “Monkey Love,” “Apple Apple,” “Little Little Baby,” “Turkey in the Straw,” “Bare Feet,” “Dream a Dream,” and “Apple Eyes.”
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