FRANCES ENGLAND: Fascinating Creatures

Frances England

Fascinating Creatures

© 2006 Frances England (837101219549)

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A unique blend of folk and indie influences merge to create an album that will charm both parents and children. If you like Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell, check this one out.

notes

Praise for FASCINATING CREATURES....

2007 OPPENHEIM AWARD, Platinum Winner
FROM Oppenheim Foundation:

Once in a while a new and distinctive voice arrives with songs that are bright and clever and totally on the mark for young listeners. This is one of those! England’s indie-rock style will pass the car test and you may even find yourself tapping your foot and singing along. A keeper!

FROM Cookie magazine:

If some genius concert promoter ever puts together a Lilith Fair for 5 year olds, Frances England should be the headline act. The singer-songwriter brings a little bit of Sarah McLachlan and a little bit of Norah Jones, yet manages to create a sound that is distinctly her own…And while the songs may be about tricycles and picture books, England’s airy voice and sophisticated songwriting have definite adult appeal.

FROM Zooglobble (recently featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition as the Authority on hip, new kid’s music):

Frances England, has recorded one of the most adventurous children's music albums in some time, quite unlike anything out there at the moment.

(Fascinating Creatures) is the start of something big, like a little secret known to only a few. But I don't think this CD or Ms. England will stay secret for long.

FROM School Library Journal

This beautiful collection of 13 original songs by talented singer/songwriter Frances England deserves a place in every collection. Calling to mind such performers as Sarah McLachlan, Ani DeFranco, and Neko Case, England is the indie/alt rocker for the preschool set. While the songs’ lyrics address subjects that toddlers can relate to, they also draw on experiences and moments that every mother will recognize.


FROM Kid’s Music That Rocks:

Frances England has created a powerfully simple, simply powerful collection of songs for her debut album, Fascinating Creatures. If Daniel Lanois produced Sam Phillips, the result might sound a little like Fascinating Creatures, but to be honest this CD is so wonderfully unique, it’s hard to properly describe.

If you’re alone, listen to the album on your headphones while you lie on your back in the middle of a grassy field. If you’re hanging out with your kid, play this record while you color together or plant seedlings in an old egg carton. This is a truly indie-rock kids’ album, and a fantastic one at that.


FROM The Lovely Mrs. Davis Tells You What to Think :

Every once in a while, I come upon a new children's music artist that really gets me excited. I want to get copies the CD of it for all my mom friends, tell everyone I know how amazing it is, and play it in the car with the windows down so everyone can hear what great music I play for my kids. Frances England is one of these arists who makes me want to stop other parents on the street and say, "You've got to hear this!"

A mom herself, England has put together a collection of songs that are lyrically and musically appropriate for kids, but with enough of an edge that they could pass for grown-up music, along the lines of Liz Phair or Cat Power. Get your own copy of Fascinating Creatures soon, so that in a year or two, when Frances England is a Big Deal in the world of children's music (as I believe she will be), you can say, "Oh, yeah, we've been listening to Frances forever."


***************

Rich, simple, and full of thoughtful lyrics, Fascinating Creatures is a gem that will charm both parents and children. Frances England lives in San Francisco with her husband, John, their 3 year-old son Liam, and new baby boy, Rowan. Aside from music, Frances also works at her son’s cooperative preschool and is getting her master’s degree in library science. Billy Riggs performs on the Fascinating Creatures and helped produce it -- check out Billy's music and cd at www.billyriggsband.com

reviews

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  • Facinating Creatures
    author: BML

    My kids looove this CD! I even listen to it when they are not in the car with me. We will definately be buying more Frances England CD's in the future!!!(:

  • Love. This!
    author: chicfreakcubed

    I found Frances England from the Cool Mom Picks blog, and loooooove her! I bought Fascinating Creatures and Family Tree for my three newborn triplets, and have been listening to them for myself. She is so cool - a cross between Sheryl Crow, Edie Brickell, with maybe a smidge of Liz Phair thown in for good measure. I love that adults as well as kids can appreciate the music, that it is not dumbed down and Disney-fied. Rock on!

  • She loves it!
    author: KAL

    My 17 month old started dancing the first time she heard it. The words are cute and the music is fun!

  • mommy favorite
    author: Jodi

    My daughter loves this CD, and so do I! It's so refreshing to play a children's cd with interesting melodies, nice guitar arrangements and a beautiful voice! The songs are catchy and fun with themes every child (and parent) can relate to. Don't hesitate to buy this one. You won't be disappointed!

  • Great CD!
    author: DM

    I keep buying them for my friends who are popping out babies! This CD is great! I have one of my own and I don't have children.

  • Wonderful and refreshing children's music
    author: Matt

    After searching for what seemed like hours for something fresh and fun in the arena of children's music, I stumbled upon this album, and it's fantastic. I think I find myself enjoying just as much - if not more so - than the kids! A must have for anyone look for unique, contemporary kids music.

  • Frances is FASCINATING!
    author: Alison

    This children's cd is one of our very favorites. I have been dropping England's name to different mommies since I got it. You won't be disappointed with any songs on this album! And parents, you'll love it as much as your kids!

  • Great CD! I have been giving this as gifts for birthdays and new babies. Every
    author: Dana

    Will keep buying! We LOVE this CD.

  • so great!
    author: Julie

    I heard this CD when my brother-in-law played it for his daughter. I loved it. I don't even have children yet and I bought it and I listen to it often. The service is awesome...got my CD in 2 days.

  • Amazing!!! My Favorite childrens CD by far.
    author: Jackie

    This cd is sweet, clever and well....it's great music. I listen to it even when the kids aren't around. It's a heart warming treasure that is enjoyed by our whole family!!!

  • This music makes me feel good and makes me want to hug my kids
    author: Gina P.

    Frances England writes music that will make any Mom long to hug her kids and remember all of the fun times they've shared. I know that I will cherish this music with my kids and my grandkids. I sometimes find my self listening even when my kids aren't in the car with me :o)

  • great for adults to listen to too
    author: usuallyemily

    We love this CD. We are having a baby soon and went ahead and ordered it so we'll have it later to listen to with him! The songs are great to listen to and are more like the adult music we normally listen to, rather than really kid-type music. I'm a children's librarian and have heard a lot of CDs made for kids. This one and Elizabeth Mitchell's 'You are My Sunshine' and 'You are My Flower' are the only ones I've bought for our home collection so far because of their adult listen-ability!

  • Can't Stop Listening!
    author: berkeley mom

    I love this disc! I keep trying to take it out of the car and bring it into the house so the whole family can enjoy it, but i need Ms. England's voice in my car, in my head, helping me along with the day. Liz Phair is indeed an influence, but transmuted into a drifty, dreamy, playful wander. You need this CD.

  • Excellent!
    author: Dana

    Excellent! What a beautiful voice and clever words. I will be giving this as a gift to all my friends! I am so glad that my friend sent me this as a gift, so I will keep doing the same.

  • Exceptional, we all love it!
    author: M. Panylyk

    Incredibly written. We put the CD in our 2yr. olds stocking for Christmas and she already sings along with many of the tunes.

  • The ultimate in kid-adult crossover and friendly to daddies
    author: Julie

    My three-year-old daughter and husband love d-a-d-d-y-o song. She yells out "I'm doing my letters" when she sings it. And everyone knows dads get short changed in kid's literature and songs. This one helps make up for the deficit. "Blue canoe" and "blueberry pancakes" -- both resonate. And even though my three-year-old knows nothing of Miles Davis. She requests the "saxophone one."

  • Just Wonderful!
    author: Kirstin

    We had this shipped over to the UK, as the snatches off cdbaby were so catchy. And the whole family just love it, from the 6 year old girl, to the 10 month old boy.....and their parents! Congratulations Frances England on some wonderful music.

  • Fantastic!
    author: Joan Castell

    Finally! Kids music that's not goofy or stupid and that doesn't "dumb down" in a lame attempt to be kid-friendly. We've had this CD for a week now and we're all addicted to it - walking around the house all day singing, "Blueberry Pancakes"! We love it so much that we've decided all our friends get one for Christmas this year!

  • Love it!
    author: Kim

    Our 3 year olds love this CD, and it's one we can listen to over and over without getting tired of it (unlike some of the popular canned music for kids). Looking forward to more from this artist!

  • great cd
    author: C Bohensky

    Love this cd! We play it in the car all the time. My daughter is only 1 year old so we get to play what we want, but I still like playing kid friendly music. I find myself singing the songs to myself all day. Some very catchy tunes and lyrics.

  • my son loves it
    author: marcellina

    My son loves this cd. I like it too, but after the first three or four songs her voice gets grating, not much variation, so when he wants to listen over and over, he's three, we have some friction....

  • A breath of alternative air.
    author: Charlie

    This CD is a wonderful break from the ordinary. My daughter loves it, but I think my wife and I like it as much or more than she does. It goes to show that children's music can be thoughtful without sacrificing the fun.

  • It feels like my friend is playing and singing with me...
    author: Olivia Sage

    real songs about real people places and things in life who matter to us all... finally a fun jam session at home or in the car....SING! DANCE! PLAY!

  • Love it!
    author: Liz

    i only wish this CD had more tracks. the songs are great, singable, danceable and the whole family loves it. WRITE MORE SONGS!!!

  • an intuitive playful cd about being and loving little children
    author: krista b

    I am passionate about this CD! Frances England has created the world and the words of a little child discovering the emerging world with lycics and tunes that enthrall adults as well. The genius of the CD is how the lyrical narration both delights your child and evokes recollections of your own childhood. The most-requested track at my house is "Tricycle, Tricycle," which both my three-year old and my 18-month old use as their personal soundtrack when turning our hallway into an Olympic velodrome. My personal favorite is the haunting "Fascinating Creatures" which recalls memories of being a child as the world unfolds its possibilities. Buy this and listen carefully to the lyrics as you tap your feet or dance around.

  • AWESOME
    author: Andrew Sarah

    The Tour de France in your underpants- FASCINATING CREATURES makes it happen - the unexpected - the truly lovely voice of Frances England guides you through the fascinating rituals of the simple pleasures in life. From reading books to riding tricycles. A true pleasure to listen to and a true pleasure to think of the people behind the music.

  • Beautiful and fun!!
    author: Rebecca

    We love this cd! My six year old is already singing along. He especially loves that someone would write a song about tricycles. It is so lovely. We know it is great because we don't jump up and change the cd if it comes on when my son is not around. It really captures the co-op preschool spirit of fun, love, joy and family! Thank you Frances, Another (former) SF co-op preschool family

  • What a relief from the usual "baby" songs!
    author: Allison

    My 2 year old daughter took to this CD right away. She calls it her "big girl music". The songs are easy to remember and have a great beat...but beware, these songs stick in your head! It took no time at all for this CD to become her favorite and I'm so happy to be free of "Wheels on the Bus". Bravo!

  • Brilliant and Inspirational!
    author: Cathy Reese

    This CD is brilliant and even inspirational. I say brilliant because lyrically it appeals to my daughter and myself while avoiding the cloying sentimentality and infernal cheeriness of most “kids’ music.” Actually, I got the CD for my birthday from my husband, at my request. Hey, I don’t even buy children’s music but, unfortunately sometimes, my mother does! :) So I have been really glad to have this new music. On the inspirational front, here are some of the things we have been inspired to do since we started listening to this CD: we researched and made blueberry pancakes, my daughter introduced a new dance by an alter-ego she calls “The Bambi Dancer” (?) performed to “Digging in the Dirt,” and we sought out a copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon, the only book whose title we’ve caught that we did not have from “The Books I Like to Read.” How many CDs can you say inspire you? Check it out, then recommend it to your friends.

  • This is a "Crabby Day" Fixer
    author: Krista L.

    In the past I would play Norah Jones when we were all having "one of those days", now we listen to the beautiful voice of Frances England (what other album can you play on repeat for an hour)! Sometimes I listen to it at naptime to remind myself once again what a magical time this is for the kids in my care. The lyrics are wonderful. The variety of musical styles is refreshing. I truly do not even mind waking up in the morning with one of the songs running through my mind (I can not say the same thing for some other kid’s songs). This is a “must have” children’s album.

  • Great use as a classroom tool!!!
    author: Sally

    I purchased two copies of the CD a few weeks back and have been playing the it for my students in the library all week, so far for K-4 graders. I should be taping their comments!!! It's hilarious hearing them try to figure out what KIND of music it is. I hear them say, "I hope it's not gonna be country… I like rock"... "it's country"..."no, bluegrass"..."yes, bluegrass"..."no, bluegrass and country"..."no, blues!"... "what about rock?!" Their reactions have been so much fun to watch. They have been told not to speak, but to listen and make motions if they feel like it (Digging in Dirt and Paint a Picture were great for that), and to sing along to the parts that repeat if they want to (Daddy-O and Busy as a Bee were great for that). They then listen for certain words and raise their hands when they hear them (That worked really well for "Sometimes" where I had them listen for the word "underwear", which of course, they all loved doing, and they listened so hard for it that they actually really appreciated the 'Hi and Low' meaning. I really love this CD. Several teachers have asked me about it and I've now given away the two I bought. I can see why the reviews are great. One kindergartner started missing her mommy and teared up as soon as the music started, and when we got to daddy-o, it was all over for her!!! She was a mess!!! Just wanted to pass this along with my highest recommendations!!!!

  • This is a wonderful album for adults and kids alike
    author: E.Hope

    This is the best children's music album I have heard to date! No kidding. I will be proud to have the car window down playing this too loud. Favourite tracks are 'fascinating creatures' and the simply wondeful 'daddy-o'. Oh yes, and my son (14 months) loves tricycle! Children and adults alike will love it. Have a listen.

  • gorgeous voice, sweet, creative smart music to please any age
    author: Meg Hart

    Your first thought when you hear this, is wow, this woman has a beautiful voice, and that just makes you want to hit play right away(which I did!)when it ends. Then you listen to these words which are somehow so sweet and heartfelt without ever being trite. My kids love it because the lyrics are so clever and the melodies are rich yet spare - the kind of simplicity which resonates with all of us but somehow comes so easily to the young.

  • A wonderful contribution to children's music
    author: Jackie Miller

    You can't help but want to share the soulful melodies of Fascinating Creatures with all your friends and family. I don't know who enjoys listening to it more, my son or me. The music sets itself apart from other "populist" styles through its beautiful tones and wonderful rhythms. This may be "the children's album" of our generation.

  • An Instant Classic
    author: John Musgrove

    Be the first on your block to get this amazing recording. It's got heart and soul and wit and warmth and will charm everyone in your family. The songs create a beautiful window into family life and stay in your head (pleasantly!) all day long. My personal faves: Daddy-O, Diggin in the Dirt (could be a great rocker if she plugged in), Where Do They Go, Blue Canoe...oh, forget it, they're all great. Yeah Frances!!

  • Wonderful music invites participation from budding musicians.
    author: Aria Kouzeli

    Both my 3 year old and I loved Fascinating Creatures. My daughter brought out her bucket of musical instruments to join in when we first listened to the cd. Her favorite song is Daddy-O. She has a hard time with her Dad going to work and leaving her, so we listen to this song on work days and talk about what she and her Dad enjoy doing together. As for myself, Fascinating Creatures is like a breath of fresh air after listening to the Wiggles 100000000000000000000000 times.

  • Even my husband choked up a bit with "daddy=o"
    author: Georgia Hodges

    This is a great album. Kids love it, the words stick in their heads, the music sticks in their parents' heads. The title track strikes the deepest cord for me. "Fascinating Creatures" makes us feel a reverence for the power of nature, kids, that we're all connected. It's a beautiful song.

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