"Wonderstuff" is the epic 2-cd story of Everett the Wonderbee's quest to save the Magical Meadows, his home, from The Gray. Along the way he meets Harold the Rat, Sammy the Turtle and Penelope, the humble narrator. Meanwhile he (and you) are treated to 20 catchy, kid-driven songs.
Will Everett save the Magical Meadows from the Gray?
Will Harold stay or will he go?
Will Pet Rock sink or will he swim?
Will Recess Monkey make another John Vanderslice reference?
Listen and see!
"Wonderstuff" is earning praise from across the country!
Zooglobble.com said:
"Wonderstuff" is the year's most ambitious kids' music album.
With Wonderstuff, Recess Monkey have recorded another album bursting with energy and good spirits. Even if you're not interested in the rock-pop opera, there are a bunch of fabulous songs at the heart of this album worth your time. Definitely recommended.
Of course, the heart of the album are the 20 songs here. There are a fair number of songs that one would describe as Beatlesque ("My Pet Rock" is one such song, featuring the album's best melody), but other styles get their day -- the later Beach Boys sound of "The Pool," the Byrds-ian jangle-pop of "Down Down Down," even the Who get a cut ("Round and Round"). Which isn't to say newer artists get ignored. Some of the tracks on the 2nd CD have to me a more minimalist Spoon vibe, the dour "The Gray" could be a cut from Stephin Merritt's Gothic Archies side project, and the boys give another shout-out to John Vanderslice in the power-pop of "Backpack."
The Richmond Parents Monthly said:
Wonderstuff,” is filled with addictive songs by a group I was previously unfamiliar with. Recess Monkey is three kooky teachers from Seattle whose vocal harmonies sound a bit like the Beach Boys or the Beatles. wonderstuff CD
The album itself is more like a book-and-tape than a traditional all-music CD. A mock-Shakespearean narrator named Penelope chronicles the adventures of Everett, a bee with no stinger, and his friend Harold the Rat as they save their world from the mysterious “Gray.”
In between narratives are funny songs about going to sleep, owning a pet rock, going to the pool and climbing hills. Much like “The Muppet Show” was, this CD is funny on two levels, winking at the parents while still appealing to the kids.
If you find yourself driving on a gray day or your kids have lost their glow, turn on either of these CDs and you’ll be putting on sunglasses in no time (at least figuratively, if not literally)!
Nashville Parent said:
Self-proclaimed graduates of “Monkey U,” three teachers make up Recess Monkey and pay homage to The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds and other bands through mellow, light-hearted tunes on their third CD. The two-CD set tells the tale of Everett the Wonderbee and his buddy, Harold the Rat, as they fight to save their home from Gray, the evil force that robs color of it’s glory. This is a perfect selection for long roadtrips — quick jaunts across town will deprive listeners of the full, continual experience of Wonderstuff.
We're out of room! This album will change your life.
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