As a teenager on Long Island in the ’90s, I was very much into underground music and the punk rock scene. I had easy access to New York City via the Long Island Rail Road and I spent many evenings and weekends rocking out to my favorite bands. One local band that I’ve seen play countless times is the Bouncing Souls. They are a fun, energetic punk band from New Jersey that spent a lot of time playing in New York.
Now an editor and mom to two young kids, you can imagine my surprise and delight to receive a press release with the subject line, “From Play Date—The Bouncing Souls’ Greg Attonito and singer/songwriter Shanti Wintergate—New Kids’ Album—We All Shine.” I immediately requested a review copy. Then, I forwarded the email to my husband, who was equally as excited. Music from one of my favorite bands, for my kids! Genius.
Music for kids has certainly come a long way over the past decade, but this album is really right up my ally. I particularly enjoyed the songs “Stevie the Fox” and “Cardboard Box,” which really had the kind of energy I would expect from Attonito. Along with his wife, Shanti Wintergate, who handles much of the vocals on We All Shine, and guests such as former Bouncing Souls drummer Michael McDermott, underground hip hop artist P.O.S, and legendary jazz musician Brian Auger, Attonito doesn’t let down punk rock parents with this fun kindie album.
Additional songs on the album include “Colors,” a riff-driven, bouncy tune that could be a young cousin of The Breeders’ “Cannonball,” while the ’80s-esque “Hug Hug Hug” conjures up images of Gary Neuman and Daft Punk. “Ninja Pajamas,” a sweet hip-hop take on being a Zen Ninja in your dreams, features underground artist P.O.S and B3 jazz legend Brian Auger. “Ruin Your Appetite” rocks out with both attitude and good advice.
The album’s title track is a folk anthem in the classic sing-along tradition of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, set to an invigorating dance beat. “The Owl Song,” an easy, breezy number just right for a walk in the woods, is reminiscent of early ’60s Donovan. We All Shine comes to an endearing close with “Goodnight,” a ’50s-style lullaby/ballad, updated à la She & Him.
We All Shine is available on CD at funfunrecords.com, iloveplaydate.com, Amazon, and select independent record stores. A vinyl edition will be released by Asian Man Records/Fun Fun Records later this year. The album runs 41 minutes and is perfect for ages 2 and up.
