'Monster Suit' by Mo Phillips

Phillips fills his CD with a tasty set of music that is distinguished by his delightfully askew sense of humor.

Published: 03/21/2012

by Michael Berick

$12.99, www.mophillips.com

The first thing that caught my attention about this CD was that Phillips’ record label is named Hey! Bacon!! Records. Happily there is more to the album than just that mouth-watering name. Phillips fills his CD with a tasty set of music that is distinguished by his delightfully askew sense of humor.

The tune “The Worst Party Ever Thrown” is populated with a colorful selection of animals and kooky situations (like a platypus “putting puzzle pieces in a penguin’s purse/and the hamsters hunkered down in the bathroom working a voodoo curse”). “Droolin’” is a dog-gone good tune from a puppy’s perspective. “Hot Lava” and “Rollerskate Banana Peels” terrifically capture a child’s sense of play.

Although the album is notable for Phillips’ sense of whimsical humor, he also slips some messages into his tunes. “The Princess and the Cowboy” talks about gender roles and acceptance, while “All Okay,” with its message that kisses can make things OK, is just a marvelous song for all ages. The Portland, OR-based musician brings a sweet lo-fi kindie rock vibe that fits the tunes and makes the music a wonderfully charming listen for backseat kids and front seat adults.

Michael also recommends …

• We’re Just As Sweet, Ice Cream Sundae, $10, www.icecreamsundaemusic.com

Leaving up his CD title, Zak Monnet (aka Ice Cream Sundae) serves up a sweet set of kids rock with songs about “Videogames,” “Saturday Morning Cartoons,” “Sugar & Spice” and “Your Favorite Band.”

• La Bella Stella, Various Artists, $12.99, Big Round Records

This out-of-this-world collection compiles 15 different intergalactic tunes about such space-y subjects as Pluto, Aurora Borealis and the Man in the Moon.

• The Soldier’s Tale, London Philharmonic Orchestra, $16.98, Maestro Classics

This CD gives kids (recommended for 10 and older) a terrific opportunity to hear, enjoy and appreciate Stravinsky’s classic piece of music.

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