KidTunes: Rock Your Kids with The Jimmies—They’re Practically Ridiculous
The Jimmies may mix genres on their album Practically Ridiculous, but whatever they do, they rock. They also expose a shocking fact: hamsters do not turn into rabbits. How can we resist a group that takes a gentle poke at Baby Einstein (“Kids Wanna Rock”) or includes an Offenbach riff in a song about a motor vehicle (“Mini Van Hot Rod”)?
The sound is strictly Bangles and Go-Go’s, or is it? Just as you think you’ve got them pegged as an 80’s girl group, they hit you with jazz (“Fine Art”) and rap (“Wash Up”). There are punk, country, folk, and rock influences, including a smidgeon of Devo and a pinch of Cyndi Lauper. Creative lyrics and giggly delight make Practically Ridiculous an absolute pleasure.
The Jimmies give us the both of two worlds—rocking tunes combined with lyrics that don’t encourage anything but fun. And…really…how many groups manage to introduce lactose intolerance into their music (without being rude)? The songs are about important subjects like hot-rods, birthdays, losing teeth, laughing, hamsters, holidays, and career choices. The affirming “Bonfire” reminds us that it’s okay (make that “good”) to be who we are, and “Laugh in Any Language” confirms that we are all multi-lingual.
For the record, The Jimmies is not a girl group. Lead singer Ashley Albert gets musical support from “The Guys in Ties” and both female and male background vocalists. Practically Ridiculous is so good, it’s going to be the subject of a custody suit—do I keep it or do the kids get it? I guess I’d better download another copy.
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