Aquabats, Hi-Five Soup, and a Toddler

I've loved 'The Aquabats!' ever since I was introduced to them in 1999 by a friend who would pave the way for more important avenues to be explored than just superhero-based ska.

Although they've thinned their ranks a bit - getting rid of a horn section (regrettably) - and experimenting with new-wave synth, the 'Bats! still have never lost their cache with me: goofy song titles like "Magic Chicken," "Mechanical Ape," "Demolition Rickshaw," and (of course) "Super Rad," playful rhythms, bouncy fun, and all without an ounce of cursing or innuendo.

I've often flirted with the idea of becoming a Cadet (a card-carrying member of their fan club), but feel that my professional accolades would warrant me full-fledged status as "The Suit" (Aquabat Legal Counsel).  Maybe someday I'll get the call.




At any rate, it was with great joy when I played "Giant Robot-birdhead" for Mu a few months back and the kid suddenly fell in love with music.  It wasn't The Beatles, it wasn't Zepp, nope... it was The Aquabats!

Since then, I've made a playlist for the Mu featuring his favorite songs, and though I have to interpret what HIS names of the songs are - "Ketchup & Fries" means "Radio Down," "Ooo-Ahh" means "Mechanical Ape" - the kid really celebrates their entire discography.  And it's always a blast for me to put it on for him.  Though I try my best to shield Lady Rad from the soothing sounds of high-energy squaking in the early morning.  Still, if it's dance music Mu wants, he simply says "How 'bout A-ka-bats?"...

...it's that, or "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch (another story, another time.)

The newest release from the 'Bats! is out, and "Hi Five Soup" continues the experimentation band started with their last album "Charge!" but has a distinctly more kiddie feel to it.  The overall flow of the album isn't too juvenile (as far as the band goes), there's a good mix of classic Aquabats! sound mixed with some hip-hop and dancehall influences.  Although there is the occasional "ok, let's just skip this one" track.

Still, the song I thought I would like the least is actually one of my favorites.  "Radio Down" is so different than any of the other stuff the 'Bats! put out that it feels wrong, but darn it if it's not an earworm.  Though listening to it repetitively is not recommended - I speak from experience.

And as far as kid-friendly rock 'n' roll goes, there's no better alternative to The Wiggles, Raffi, or any groan-inducing toddler-based music.  Which, of course, makes sense since MC Bat Commander - the leader of the Aquabats! - is one of the co-creators of the sugar-filled and ridiculously successful "Yo Gabba Gabba."

Which, no offense to MCB, but I'll just keep listening to you save the world through rock'n'roll.