When my two oldest sons were younger, we traveled all over town to see family concerts by Peter Himmelman, Ralph’s World, Charity and JAMband, and more. Once my youngest arrived, time and energy seemed to get so squeezed (see my column for more on this) that we only scheduled occasional live-music trips. So when the opportunity to see the band Milkshake came up, I jumped at it. By the way my five year old jumped around and sang to the Baltimore-based band’s magnetic performance, this all-too-seldom trip to a concert became one of those perfect parenting hours.
It’s with much appreciation and admiration that I present Milkshake’s newest album as my Family Man Recommends featured review of the month. What shows up on Great Day are 12 songs filled with high-level musicianship and kid relevance that can make any living room the site of a jump-happy concert. Considering that the disc, produced by music’s Willy Wonka Tor Hyams, has just earned the group a Grammy nomination in a super competitive field, I am obviously not the only listener who sees it as one of the finest family albums of the year.
Lead singer Lisa Matthews (who can sometimes sound like a brighter-hued Debbie Harry of Blondie fame) fronts an ensemble that includes Mike Gehl (guitars), Michael “Shepp” Sheppard (electric guitar), Cord Neal (bass), Tom Moon (drums), and Brian Simms (keyboards and accordion). Together, Milkshake whips up free-wheeling rock tunes, such as “Shake It Up” and “Happy Place” (this one may be the CD’s catchiest track). Country flavors infuse “When I’m Old” and ‘60s beach sounds kick sand into “Dance in the Sun.” Then there’s the Beatles-esque (think “A Day in the Life”) closing number, “Great Day.”
All along, Matthews and her co-songwriters (from the band and Hyams, himself) pairs the music with scenarios and thoughts that are so true for children. “Statue of Me” speaks of individuation; “You Did It” talks about accomplishment; and “Enemies” explains how good friends can become enemies and then friends again.
It’s rare that an album, in the family music genre or any other category, is so fulfilling from top to bottom. While I personally like to make playlists of the best songs for my children, this is a recording worth listening to in its entirety time and again. I raise a soda-fountain style glass to Milkshake on their success in giving my youngest son – and a whole lot of other kids – a tall drink of musical happiness.
