Great Adventures in Music

It's a rare treat this week - reviews of two amazing kids' albums, both reminiscent of music from the 60's and 70's, both incredibly creative, but two distinctly different pieces of work. After reviewing The Quiet Ones' Make Some Noise on Tuesday, I'm excited to bring you, tonight, a review of The Great Adventures of Mr. David, the second album from David Alexandrou (a.k.a. Mr. David), released in July. Fourteen of the fifteen tracks are David's originals, ranging from short instrumentals like the 47-second "The Flight" to long and rambling ballads like "In the Storm, Fighting for the Octopus."

The overarching feel of the album is very grown-up, and I was surprised (but pleased) that my children responded to it so well. Both the music and lyrics are sophisticated and, at times, even trippy. David lists among his influences The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, and various songs clearly nod to these artists. His sound on "Backyard" and "In the Storm" is very reminiscent of one of the most outstanding Beatles-influenced artists of today, Rufus Wainwright. These, and several other tracks, have faint background vocals that sound completely random and improvised, yet musically fitting and perfectly mixed.

"Sea Song" and "Dinosaurs" are stunningly Dylan-like - especially because David's grasp of Dylan is incredibly solid and mature for someone who is closer to the Dylan McKay generation than the Bob Dylan generation.

David is at his best on "Pearl," a beautifully moving song, where he seems less concerned with paying homage to the great artists of the 1960's and more content with his own voice, his own sound, his own musical style. The chorus - Dancin' above the ground / Jumpin' on the bed / Dogs are barking in the back / Everything is good - makes this the kind of song that inspires you to pour a glass of wine, dig out your old photo albums, and remember special days from your childhood when you felt that everything really was good.

Great Adventures is a stunning and artistic album. You can hear one full track - "I'm a Fish" - here, or sample other tracks and order your own copy here.