Recess Monkey is at it again! After their June release of Deep Sea Diver, they released a follow-up album this fall. Desert Island Disc was released earlier this month. In the short time we’ve been reviewing kids’ music (for grown ups, too!) Recess Monkey has released four albums. But the most amazing part is that they are all fantastic. How Drew, Jack and Korum can continually produce quality lyrics, danceable melodies and enough energy to wear out my children is beyond me! But they do, again and again. And we love them for it. We are Monkeynauts through and through.

On our first listen through of Desert Island Disc I was struck by how simple the music was. There were fewer instruments and a stronger focus on vocals. On my second listen through I really felt like I was on an island relaxing on the beach listening to these songs. The lighter sound really caters to an island feel.

Of course, we have some favorite songs. The kids always ask to repeat The Hermit, all about a crustacean looking for a new shell. I always find myself singing The Cave at random times during the day. And it doesn’t even bother me that it’s stuck in my head! Dessert Island is a lullaby to bring you down from the sugar high of all the sweets found there. Perfect for all the sugar kids are about to consume on Halloween.

We’re excited to offer a copy of Desert Island Disc to one BBGU reader. As a special thank you to all who have subscribed to Growing Up magazine, there is a secret word in the October issue that will get you 10 bonus entries. The giveaway is open until Friday night, Nov 8.

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We have enjoyed Recess Monkey‘s music for several years now. So I was very excited to have the opportunity to review their new album, Deep Sea Diver, due out next Tues, June 18. This album has proven to be a great soundtrack for play, craft projects and dinner preparations. If it works for all three, it’s a winner in my book.

Elli squealed when she heard the first song’s line “I’ve got a license…to drive. And I’m only 5!” For this almost 5 year old, she was mesmerized. Then she danced enthusiastically the rest of the song.

Sammi’s response to the album was “I love it! Let’s tell the whole world I love it.”

And Scott bopped his head around while coloring, running around the kitchen with his sword and running in and our of the house. All pretty much in the length of the song “Beach Ball” (almost three minutes).

I love the ocean theme of this album. The songs make for great discussions on topics from submarines, to the beach, to ocean life. This is one we’ll definitely pull out again and again as we study the ocean this coming school year. In fact I think the song “Choral Reef” would pair nicely with this coral reef craft from Silly Eagle Books.

Choral Reef by Recess Monkey

Now for the giveaway!

Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered to win a copy of Recess Monkey’s new album, Deep Sea Diver. Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada, 18 or older until next Tuesday at 11:59 pm ET. You can connect with Recess Monkey on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with when and where they perform. Good luck!

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Hello, Energy!

The Final Funktier by Recess Monkey is one of the most creative albums I’ve ever heard. From the lyrics to the music to the elevator in the middle of the album, it’s a creative feast from beginning to end.

For our family, this album made really great background music. We enjoyed listening to it while we did craft projects or cleaned up the kitchen. In contrast, some albums for our family take center stage. Listening to them IS the activity. These are albums geared toward very young children with action-oriented lyrics. The Final Funktier is definitely geared toward the elementary age range with clever lyrics and plays on words that would be comical to children slightly older than my own. A lot of that was lost on the girls, but Brent and I enjoy the lyrics and the crazy song titles.

There was one song that really snatched Sammi’s attention. Track #11: Booster Seat. It starts, “I’m not a toddler, not any more. I’m forty-two pounds and half-past four.” Sammi loves categorizing baby, toddler, and preschooler so this song resonates with her. She always shouts, “That’s me! I’m not a toddler and I’m almost four!” She’s obsessed with counting down to her birthday and starting preschool. 8 weeks till her birthday and another 6 weeks after that till preschool. As she informed me, that is one long paper chain!

Fortunately, it’s not quite that long till The Final Funktier is released on June 15th. But, if you’re excited to get your hands on a copy sooner, I’ve got a deal for you!

The Final Funktier Giveaway

We have one copy of The Final Funktier by Recess Monkey to give away. The giveaway is open until 11:59 pm Eastern time on Monday, May 24th.

Required entry: Leave a comment sharing your favorite space-themed book, movie, game or TV show (or anything else space-themed)

Additional Entries:

• Visit Recess Monkey’s site and listen to the songs from The Final Funktier. Leave a comment telling me which one you like the best.
• Tweet about the giveaway: “Win Recess Monkey’s latest album from @ajpassey. Great music for the whole family! http://bit.ly/a5qC7X” Leave a comment with a link to the tweet.
• Share the giveaway on Facebook: “Win Recess Monkey’s latest album from Because Babies Grow Up. Great music for the whole family! http://bit.ly/a5qC7X” Leave a comment telling me that you shared it on Facebook. No link required; this one is on the honor system.

Good luck! I’ll announce the winner and contact them by email on Tuesday May 25.