Last year, kindie music artists Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing, known as The Okee Dokee Brothers, set off on an epic journey. Their goal--to canoe from the Twin Cities in Minnesota all the way to St. Louis, writing songs all the while. The result is the Grammy-nominated album and documentary Can You Canoe? Full of homey and witty folk tunes, Can You Canoe? is a treasure to be enjoyed by the whole family and everyone who's ever had the itch to hop in a boat and go on an adventure.
I will freely admit to being completely biased, being a lover of folk music, canoeing, and the Mississippi River, but this is the most delightful kids album that I've heard in awhile. The music is fully folk, but diverse in its expression--from blues to bluegrass. The simple and well-produced instrumentation puts me in mind of nights spent singing around a campfire. And while people (erroneously) think "boring" and "inane" when it comes to kids music, the Okee Dokee Brothers have crafted a witty and interesting album of songs that keep me chuckling no matter how many times I listen. It's hard for me to pick out favorite tracks, but a few more notable songs are "Mr. & Mrs. Sippy"--a delightful wordplay story, the wistful train song "Memphis Town," and the sweet journeying love song "Along for the Ride."
So if you're into adventure, if you believe that wonder matters, and if you love the Big Muddy, give Can You Canoe? a listen. Your kids will love it, and you might too! Just a warning--it might make you pack up your wetbag and tent and buy a paddle and canoe for a summer voyage. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today, and check out the music videos.
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