Danny Weinkauf, Grammy-winner and longtime bassist of They Might Be Giants, has released his first solo and self-produced album, No School Today, available via Idlewild Recordings. With song titles that range from, “Cast My Vote,” to “Champion of the Spelling Bee,” this album covers a variety of topics that will pique kids’ ever-growing curiosity and love for learning.
In creating these 16 original “smart-pop” tunes, Danny Weinkauf was inspired by voting rights, marsupials, archeology, and more. “Oh No Oh Yeah” is a song that kids can rock to, as they learn that not everything is in their control and sometimes all you can do is make music about it. My favorite song is “Ice Cream (Healthy Eating)” because unlike songs that attempt to convince kids that eating veggies is fun, Weinkauf realizes that sometimes kids just want their ice cream, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Not only are the lyrics fun to groove to, but Weinkauf’s wife Michelle and daughter Kai sing along on this track too.
The title track, “No School Today” (music video below), is a song that every kid and parent can relate to. Playing sick to skip school is a notorious trick, but once the singer realizes that it’s a holiday and that he actually has the day off, he sings, “Hey Mom I got all my rest I think I’m feeling A-OK!”
No School Today is an album for kids of all ages and parents won’t have to think twice before playing it in the car for the whole family.
