For those that think and sing young, Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba! is the place to be for learning, dancing, and indie rock. This second volume of tunes from the show is sure to please kids and jaded hipsters alike.
Rivers Cuomo waxes pop-punk about his icky pals on Weezer’s “All My Friends Are Insects” (no word on whether dragonflies prefer Pinkerton over The Blue Album), while Jimmy Eat World rock out Walt Whitman style on “Beautiful Day With My Best Friend”.
DJ Lance Rock, resident MC on Yo Gabba Gabba!, brings the beats on “DJ Lance Says” and show staple “Name Game”, but the guest appearances are where this disc—and the show—really shines. None of the bands come across as condescending to the younger viewers: The Ting Tings throw one hell of a “Happy Birthday” party and Hot Hot Heat take their fiery post-punk into the woods on “Time To Go Outdoors”.
Favorite song? Easy: “Art Is Everywhere” by MGMT. In 90 seconds, the band manages to sound bigger, brighter, and more psychedelic than all of Congratulations combined. The musicians are clearly having a lot of fun and it translates into a great listening experience for young and old.
Don’t be too cool for school: Music Is...Awesome! Volume 2 is a must!
