Dan Zanes is well-known for creating music that is family friendly and fun for all. The first CD recorded by Dan Zanes and Friends, “Rocket Ship Beach,” is no exception whatsoever. With guest musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, and Barbara Brousal, “Rocket Ship Beach” is a collection of bouncy songs that are sure to be enjoyed and remembered by the entire family.
“Rocket Ship Beach” contains many familiar songs. The CD begins with the recognizable “Polly Wolly Doodle.” Dan is joined by singer Sheryl Crow on this number. The song “Bushel and a Peck” from the musical “Guys and Dolls” is also featured. Artist Donald Saaf as well as the Rocket Ship Singers sing along with Dan through this cute song about hugs and kisses. “King Kong Kitchie” is actually a variation on the children’s classic “Froggie Went A-Courtin’.”
Some of the songs on “Rocket Ship Beach” I had only heard from other children’s performers. Suzanne Vega sings all about working along the Erie Canal in the song “Erie Canal.” I actually first heard a different version of this song on a Veggie Tales video; however, this arrangement is quite catchy. Ms. Vega’s voice lends a great complement to the music. “Brown Girl in the Ring” is a fun song which can be accompanied by a circle dance. Someone stands in the middle of the circle and each verse has a different meaning. For example, “skip across the ocean” means to skip around the ring. I first heard this song performed by the Wiggles, but the version sung by Dan Zanes is a little faster. I love the instrument arrangement better, as well.
There are songs on this CD that talk all about friends and being happy. “Hello” is all about looking on the bright side and being friendly. There is even a part at the end where Dan says “hello” in many different languages. You can learn all about different woodland creatures in “All My Friends Live in the Woods.” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — the ever-familiar song from “The Wizard of Oz” — is performed by Dan Zanes and Donald Saaf. The harmony on this song is simply ear-pleasing.
“Rocket Ship Beach” is a great compilation of classic children’s melodies and original compositions. Your whole family will find themselves dancing and singing along whenever they listen.
For more information, please visit Festival Five Records.
“Rocket Ship Beach” is available at CDBaby, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers.
“Rocket Ship Beach” Track Listing
- Polly Wolly Doodle (with Sheryl Crow)
- King Kong Kitchie (with the Wonderland String Band)
- Bushel and a Peck (with Donald Saaf and the Rocket Ship Singers)
- Go Down Emmanuel Road (with the Sandy Girls)
- Goodbye Old Paint
- Father Goose (with Rankin’ Don and the Rocket Ship Singers)
- Keep on the Sunnyside (with the Wonderland String Band)
- Erie Canal (with Suzanne Vega)
- Buckeye Jim
- Brown Girl in the Ring (with the Wonderland String Band featuring G.E. Smith
- Hello (with Barbara Brousal)
- All My Friends Live in the Woods (with Simon Kirke)
- Weather Report (Sophie and Emma)
- Mole in the Ground
- On the Sunnyside of the Street (with Rankin’ Don and Donald Saaf)
- Sidewalks of New York (with A Cast of Thousands!)
- Over the Rainbow (with Donald Saaf)