Plot Details: This opinion reveals everything about the movie's plot.

I love listening to music. My preferences are eclectic and range from U2 and Erasure to 311, Linkin Park, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Shakira, Eric Clapton, and the Three Tenors. I’m all over the place. I’ve even been known to listen to disco, big band, and rap. Yep, everything under the sun… except country. But when my daughter was born, I was ecstatic that I’d finally have an excuse to listen to one of my favorite genres: kid’s music. Yes, I admit, I’ve sang along to Raffi and I enjoy watching Sesame Street for the songs. Last year, I found a new musical phenomenon to follow. Her name is Laurie Berkner.

No, she doesn’t gyrate her hips or wear skimpy tops like your typical rock star but she does bounce around a lot. Fortunately for the kiddos she must’ve invested in a nice supportive bra. She isn’t about to appear on MTV anytime soon, either. But her videos do appear on the preschool-geared Noggin channel, her concerts are sold out quickly, and this DVD album recently went triple platinum. If you haven’t heard of her, you probably don’t have kids or cable. Her videos are showcased all over Nickelodeon’s Noggin channel and especially during Jack’s Big Music Show. Her songs get plenty of playtime at library and gym programs for the under five-year-old set and are hummed by parents and children across the U.S.

I’ve checked out some of her older albums from the library (she’s been around for a while and has at least four that I know of (Under a Shady Tree, Whaddaya Think of That?, Buzz Buzz, and Victor Vito), but I knew I wanted this DVD for my home collection as soon as I saw it advertised on TV. Yes, her DVD was hyped and promoted on several children’s stations before its release and she made her rounds on a few talk shows. Still, I waited until now to buy it since it finally dropped in price (I paid $14 at Target; I’ve seen it sell for $20-25) and I’m gearing up for her November concert, for which we have tickets.

THE BASICS
We Are… The Laurie Berkner Band is a combined DVD/CD album of some of Laurie Berkner’s most popular songs. There is one new previously unrecorded song (“Walk Along the River”), but the rest have appeared as audio versions on her older albums. Four of the songs are from the Victor Vito album, two songs from Whaddaya Think of That?, two from Under a Shady Tree, and four from Buzz Buzz. As far as I know, it’s the first time the videos are available for sale. Though they are very similar to the ones that have appeared on Noggin, they are not identical. The only other for-sale videos that I know of that Laurie Berkner has put out are the clips on the Jamarama Live DVD, a taping of a recent outdoor series of concerts a la Lollapalooza but geared for preschoolers. Though I haven’t seen that, I’ve heard there are only a couple of performances by Berkner and her band on there.

We Are… The Laurie Berkner Band contains 11 videos plus 3 extra videos (a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this DVD with Berkner’s “I Know a Chicken” song playing in the background and two songs sung sans instruments—“Moon Moon Moon” and “I’m a Mess”) and all are of original Laurie Berkner compositions except for “O Susannah.” Yes, she writes and performs her own music. The CD is not a full-length album and it’s not a sing-along companion to the DVD. It only contains five songs (much shorter than the 20+ song albums Laurie Berkner usually produces) but all except one are featured in the DVD. It’s short but still a nice compilation and we enjoy listening to it. Unfortunately, the lyrics are not included in this album/DVD. But for those who are familiar with the songs or for those who listen to them once or twice, there’ll be no excuse. These are very singable, easy-to-learn songs.

Instead of being cased in a large DVD-style package, both the CD and DVD are in a typical plastic jewel case (there’s an inner sleeve that folds out to reveal the bonus CD). Interestingly, since Target requires CDs that they sell to be packaged in hard plastic, the eco-concerned Laurie Berkner is donating a percentage of the proceeds to Earth Share, an organization that promotes environmental education and charitable giving.

The DVD runs about 40 minutes in length, including the bonus videos. The CD has only five songs and runs about 10-15 minutes.

SO WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS KIDDIE MUSIC?
It’s very easy to produce bad children’s music. Trust me, I’ve sat through a lot of it. But good children’s music has a catchy, danceable tune; a melodious voice; repetition that encourages participation; and a well-hidden lesson. These songs have it all and more.

It’s hard to see the lesson in some of these silly tunes, but they all are educationally fit for toddlers and preschoolers. A song like “Pig on Her Head” (“Laurie has a pig on her head/Laurie has a pig on her head/Laurie has a pig on her head/And she keeps it there all day…”) may seem totally absurd to adults without children. But to those of us in the know, the song teaches youngsters to recognize different animals and their sounds. It also teaches kids to appreciate the humor in absurdity. “The Goldfish” is another song that extols the wonders of the absurd to kids with its lyrics about little fish doing things little kids should. But it does it in a way that also reinforces taking a shower when you’re dirty, brushing your teeth, resting when you’re tired, etc. Plus the melody is great and what kid can resist a chorus that says, “Wait a minute! We’re fish. We don’t [brush our teeth, etc.].” I know I can’t resist it, and I’m almost 30.

The other great thing about Laurie’s music is that it's very danceable. Some songs even have steps/hand gestures built into them. For instance, “Moon Moon Moon,” a beautiful lullaby, shows Laurie and her bandmates making a big circle above their heads with their arms and softly chanting the title words. “We Are the Dinosaurs” is a marching song with a heavy beat that encourages kids to join in and pound their feet like those giant extinct creatures, pretend to forage for food (these are herbivores), and then curl up in their nests for a nap. It’s great fun and very interactive.

NO PIMPED RIDES OR HOTTIES WITH BLING
These are fairly innocuous videos. They all feature the band performing in a closed set with colorful backgrounds and simple props. Some animation is included in a few of the performances (animals in “Pig on Her Head” and bees buzzing on “Bumblebee”) but for the most part all of the action lies with the band. They dance, shake, and groove and really seem to enjoy themselves. There is also a multiethnic group of children who are filmed dancing and singing along to the tunes. They add a lot of cuteness and help kids find their own groove when watching.

Though there are some leather pants and sequins in these videos, they’re far from what most people picture when they think of music videos. Still, these videos are entertaining and there are a few nice special effects like the animated animals mentioned above and flowing water in “Walk Along the River.” Laurie, in her signature colorful clothing with layered shirts and usually a pair of espadrilles, sings and plays guitar along with her bandmates Susie Lampert (keyboard and vocals) and Brian Mueller (bass and vocals). The threesome harmonizes well and has enough energy and exuberance to keep up with the child actors who run, jump, and sing along in the background of most songs. The video sets are simple. There’s no sparkly, mesmerizing special effects or big-budget on-location tapings. It’s all done in a studio with some static set backgrounds and props. Still, it has a professional look and flows well with the music. Kids eat it up; my nearly two-year-old daughter included.

WHAT MY DAUGHTER LOVES
My daughter asks for “Laurie Berkner music” by name. Of course, coming from my 22-month-old’s mouth, it sounds more like “owie bkr meemae,” but I know what she wants and she’s pleased as pudding when she gets it.

We currently have the DVD in my husband’s PC and the CD in my boombox in the living room. Between the two, we end up listening to “owie bkr meemae” all day long. My daughter even says, “dance me” (as in “dance with me”) when she hears some of this playing.

She loves all of the songs and has learned many of the dance moves. I think “We Are the Dinosaurs” is her favorite since her Daddy taught her to march a few months ago and she needed an excuse to practice. She also adores “Pig on Her Head” and “Bumblebee.” I don’t think there’s one song on the DVD or album that she doesn’t enjoy.

WHY I LOVE LAURIE BERKNER
I went through a phase where all I listened to was female songwriters like Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and Liz Phair. They’re all talented, they’re all female, they all write and perform their own music, and they all compose beautiful, heartfelt songs with poetic lyrics. Guess what? I want to add Laurie Berkner to that list. Although her music is intended for children, I find some of her songs to be exquisitely crafted. Although the selection on this video album doesn’t have a lot of the adult-transferable songs, it does have “Moon Moon Moon” and “Walk Along the River.” Both of which are very easy on the ears with sweet melodies and poetic lyrics.

I love that these songs are not the same old tunes rehashed. I’ve listened to too many Barney songs with new lyrics but traditional melodies to know that those are tiresome and unengaging. Laurie’s music is fresh and inviting and appeals to all ages. It also uses many different styles. There are folksy songs, one lullaby, jazzy ones, a marching song, etc, on this DVD/CD album. I sing and hum along to the songs all the time and I catch myself singing her songs in the shower.

Surprisingly, a song I wasn’t fond of on her Buzz Buzz album found its way into my heart as a bonus video here. “I’m a Mess” is much more appealing now that I can visualize the band clapping along to the heavy beat and singing about something kids experience daily: being filthy.

The rest of the extras were great, too. I’m sure I enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes video more than my daughter but since she loves the song “I Know a Chicken,” she’s tolerated watching it. The bonus “Moon Moon Moon” version shows the band standing and acting out the hand gestures to the song. Since it’s zoomed in more than the original video where the band is seated on a park bench under the dim lighting of a lamp, it’s easier for kids to learn the movements. For me, it didn’t do much, but since that’s my favorite song on the album I’m happy with my double dosage.

I’ve heard many of Laurie’s songs incorporated into children’s programs. They’re great for encouraging kids to sing, dance, and learn about themselves and the world. All of these songs would fit a children’s program well. I know plenty of kids who enjoy Laurie Berkner’s music and quite a few moms, too. By the way, her Victor Vito album has a lot of songs encouraging a healthy self-esteem. I would’ve liked to see a couple of those songs here, but I suppose they’re not as video worthy.

I DARE YOU TO SAY ONE BAD WORD ABOUT LAURIE
Yes, she’s perfect. She’s down-to-earth, respects nature, loves children, writes and sings beautiful fun-loving songs, and does it all with a childlike exuberance that is contagious but not annoying. But still, there are a couple of things about this album that give me pause.

First off, I would’ve liked to see more new songs. Almost all of these songs have appeared as videos on Noggin. Though the videos are not identical, it still seems a little bit of a cop out. Still, they’re all favorites in this house so I can’t complain too much.

The “O Susannah” song just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe it’s because it’s the only song on the album that features Brian Mueller at lead vocals (who spastically dances along) or maybe because it’s a traditional song that seems out of sync with the rest of this fresh mix, but it’s not my favorite. I also noticed a few weird spliced scenes in this video. I’m sure my nearly two-year-old didn’t notice any cinematographic glitches.

VIDEO TRACK LIST
1. I’m Gonna Catch You
2. We Are the Dinosaurs
3. Victor Vito
4. Walk Along the River
5. Under a Shady Tree
6. Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)
7. O Susannah
8. The Goldfish
9. Pig on Her Head
10. Moon Moon Moon
11. Credits/Telephone (Live)

DVD Extras
1. I Know a Chicken—Behind the Scenes
2. I’m a Mess
3. Moon Moon Moon

Bonus CD Track List
1. Walk Along the River
2. We Are the Dinosaurs
3. Telephone
4. I’m Gonna Catch You
5. The Happiest Song I Know (Tom Chapin w/Laurie Berkner

A FEW LYRICS TO KEEP YOU HUMMING
Well, since Laurie doesn’t include them, I thought I would. Here are a few lines from a couple of our favorite tunes as well as the words to her previously unrecorded “Walk Along the River.”

We Are the Dinosaurs
We are the dinosaurs
March-ing
March-ing
We are the dinosaurs
Whaddaya think of that!

We are the dinosaurs
March-ing
March-ing
We are the dinosaurs
We make the earth flat.
And then we “ROAR!”

Walk Along the River
When I walk along the river
I take a step, I take a step, I another take a step.
When I walk along the river
I take a step, I take a step, I another take a step.
When I walk along the river
I take a step, I take a step, I another take a step.
I love to watch the river flow
I love to watch the river flo-ow.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.

When I jump along the river
I jump a step, I jump a step, I jump another step.
When I jump along the river
I jump a step, I jump a step, I jump another step.
When I jump along the river
I jump a step, I jump a step, I jump another step.
I love to watch the river flow
I love to watch the river flo-ow.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.

When I dance along the river
I dance a step, I dance a step, I dance another step.
When I dance along the river
I dance a step, I dance a step, I dance another step.
When I dance along the river
I dance a step, I dance a step, I dance another step.
I love to watch the river flow
I love to watch the river flo-ow.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.
It goes ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah
ooo wah, ooo wah, ooo wah ooo.

[Ends with chorus of ooo wahs]

Moon Moon Moon
Moon Moon Moon
Shining bright
Moon Moon Moon
My nightlight
Moon Moon Moon
I can see
Moon Moon Moon
You’re taking care of me.

Look up it’s the moon
Look up it’s the moon
Look up it’s the moon up in the sky.
It’s big and round
And I have found
That it looks just like a pizza pie.

Some of the videos on this DVD as well as a live performance clip can be found on Laurie Berkner’s official Web site (www.twotomatoes.com). But I warn you, only watch if you want to become a fan. The music is infectious and Laurie has a sweet simplicity about her that makes the music even more enjoyable.

Although she took a year off from touring, she’s now doing a string of concerts in the New York area, some of which are sold out performances. We’ll be at one of her shows in November and I’m still thinking about buying tickets for a December show.

http://www.twotomatoes.com

Although this is a music review that my daughter loves, I think it still somewhat fits joyfulgirl91's Taking Candy from a Baby write-off since I love listening to these songs more than my daughter and I’m the one who's psyched to see her in concert. We’ll see if Jessica cuts me some slack and lets me in with this one. Even if it doesn’t quite mesh with the rules of that write-off, go take a look and see if you use something you’ve stolen from your kids more than they ever did.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8