Frances Rocks

Every once in a while, I come upon a new children's music artist that really gets me excited. I want to get copies the CD of it for all my mom friends, tell everyone I know how amazing it is, and play it in the car with the windows down so everyone can hear what great music I play for my kids.

Frances England is one of these arists who makes me want to stop other parents on the street and say, "You've got to hear this!" Her debut album, Fascinating Creatures, was released in March and has already received several fabulous reviews. It can best be described as indie rock for kids, but I would also call it some of the best "mom music" around.

In all the ways that Laurie Berkner misses the mark for me, England comes through. A mom herself, England has put together a collection of songs that are lyrically and musically appropriate for kids, but with enough of an edge that they could pass for grown-up music, along the lines of Liz Phair or Cat Power. In fact, my first reaction to Frances England was something like this: "A kids' music artist who lists Liz Phair among her influences? I am so there!"

Songs like "Tricycle" and "Charlie Parker"" have a nice combination of electric and acoustic guitar, plus a little bass and percussion to drive them along. Others, like "Sometimes" and "Daddy-o," are acoustic and heartfelt, bringing into focus England's incredible vocals.

The title track is musically sophisticated (this is where the Liz Phair influence really stands out) and lyrically unique, describing how various "fascinating creatures" live by following their natural instincts. Instead of cows that go moo or ducks that go quack, "Fascinating Creatures" gives us lyrics like "If I were a bull I’d grow the longest horns / impress the cows and show the boys whose boss."

England's lyrics throughout the album are smart and original. Rather than going for obvious rhymes or perfect iambic pentameter, she writes in a conversational rhythm much of the time and creates beautiful images for the listener.

Like a mom in a laundry detergent or cereal commercial, I've "tested" this album on my two sons, and it has given them hours of enjoyment. Even my six-year-old, who is beginning to complain that some of the music I write about is "little kid" music, listens very happily to Fascinating Creatures. This CD will go with us in the car when we head out for an eight-hour car trip in May, and it will stay high on my list of recommendations.

Get your own copy of Fascinating Creatures and hear samples here, or check out lyrics and more here. And get your copy soon, so that in a year or two, when Frances England is a Big Deal in the world of children's music (as I believe she will be), you can say, "Oh, yeah, we've been listening to Frances forever."