Hullabaloo: Press

8 out of 10. If Johnny Cash had downed a case of Red Bull, then gone out to perform for an arena full of kids, it might have sounded like this.

How could I resist a title song that has a baby bragging about his cool stroller with its "3.5 inch rims" in a voice that conjures up Johnny Cash pushing a Bugaboo? And any concerns I had that this would be good ol' boys music evaporated by the second song about Princess Bluejeans, a princess I'd like to put up against those prissy pink versions any day.

Hullabaloo’s latest album of “organic kid-folk” tunes begins with “High Roller”, the title track that will make you think Johnny Cash has been reborn. It’s a diddy so darn good you may never get past it. “High Roller”, the song, not only evokes the spirit of The Man in Black, it’s the ultimate ode to being a cool baby out on the town and may just be the best kid’s song of the year (also nominated for: best kiddie album artwork of the year). After you’ve heard “High Roller” a few (or a dozen) times, move along ’cause there are some other all-ages gems here.

To those of you who don’t like country music: Set that thought aside. Hullabaloo produces, first and foremost, quality music for the whole family to enjoy. Take High Roller for a spin, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Here's a California duo that blends well-worn favorites with new folk songs in a batch of banjo-mandolin-, and fiddle-powered fun.

The disc delivers original tunes like "Ants In My Pants," "400 Cupcakes" and "Dinosaur In My Backyard" that will delight kids (and the kids in us all).

The thing that makes Hullabaloo's music so good is that it's often written from a child's point of view in a way that's both realistic and hysterically cute. This is as good as it gets when it comes to children's music that both kids and parents can agree on.

Clever original tunes that manage to sneak in some useful lessons.

Tunes that will bring a smile and make you want to dance.

A high-five hit for kids. . .Rib-tickling lyrics and tuneful interpretations that cross folk with country.

I can’t get enough of the yet-to-be released CD [High Roller] by the cool kids band, Hullabaloo, and since discovering them, I have wondered “How did I miss these guys all this time!?!”

Non-stop, put-a-smile-on-your-face fun. . .The duo of Hullabaloo have a real talent in making kids’ music that is both fun and instructional, in a sneaky, unassuming-to-kids kind of way.

Hullabaloo’s new album, High Roller, is a must-listen for any family that loves country rock. The band’s style is definitely influenced by country legends like Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, as well as a nice background in American folk traditions.

With classics like “Oh, Susanna!” and “This Land is Your Land” as well as some awesome originals like the title track “High Roller,” if you’re a country music fan this CD is one that you’ll find yourself pulling out of the case and actually suggesting to your kids. Unlike the Wiggles one.

High Roller is the latest album of family-friendly kid-folk music by Hullabaloo, blending folk musical influences with inspiration from beloved figures such as Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash to create a collection of classical tunes redone with a new pizzazz. The result is listening experience that produces smiles from young and old alike! High Roller is particularly recommended for playing on family car trips, children's parties, or plain old rainy day fun.

These "organic kid-folk" songs feature clever original tunes that emphasize the wisdom of parents and sneak in some useful lessons. "Use Your Words" is a catchy reminder to talk instead of tantrum. Also includes toe-tapping traditional tunes like "Froggy Went a Courtin'."

One thing I’ve noticed since becoming a mom is that children’s music can not be grouped into one category—like everything else, there is good and there’s “If I hear this song one more time I’m going to (insert worst thing that can happen to you here).” Hullabaloo falls into the former category—the band’s music is such that you actually suggest playing it. All of their CD’s are great, but I picked Tall as a Tree because it has my favorite Hullabaloo song, Sippy Cup. Narrated by a child, he sings about how they always go to a place called Starbuck’s to fill up his mom’s “sippy cup”. There are also songs that teach, such as Use Your Words and those that let your kid know that it’s okay to be different as in Things Change. One thing’s for sure—put it on and you’ll find you’re both dancing.

The duo known as Hullabaloo. . .combine folk, rock and alt-country styles to create entertaining songs both original and traditional that will get children moving, thinking and singing along. . . A toe-tapping romp that children will turn to again and again.

Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer are certified rock stars among the preschool set. They put on energetic shows filled with scarves, singalongs and plenty of dancing.

"The perfect balance of silliness and fun."

"Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer, have been playing kid music for several years now and this latest album shows it. The songs are easy to like and sweet. But the 12 tracks are smartly composed so they don't feel boring for grown-up ears. Best of all, the lyrics are about stuff preschoolers think about, like learning to walk, using your words, going to playgroups and snacks."

"Bales of fun."

"A catchy, country/folk-rock musical journey that presents some silly songs, some serious songs and some songs that are just plain fun."

"Hullabaloo. . . infuses a touch of sophisticated alt-country and rolicking folk to its songs about saying thank you and please."

"If you like your granola rolled up in a big ball o' laughs and rhythm, this one is for you. . . Hullabaloo has goofy and sometimes sweet lyrics, with performances and production that give you that chill like you're in the room with some very skilled musicians. It's not flashy, but it manages to be compelling and foot-stomping at the same time."