I want to introduce you to my new obsession: Funky Mama. I’m her brand new stalker, and she doesn’t even know it yet. We received this CD to review a few days ago, and I’ve listened to it no less than a dozen times. I even listened to it alone in my van coming home from my twin club meeting last night. Should I admit that? Perhaps not. Seriously, though, this chick can ROCK OUT. Her voice is amazing – she’s like Susan Tedeschi meets Laurie Berkner. Her songs are funny and catchy, but if you weren’t paying attention to the words, they’d be perfect background music for shooting pool at the bar. It’s such a perfect blend of grown-up sounding music with kid-friendly lyrics. And did I mention this chick can rock out? I want to sing like her! Check out this video clip of her song Grandma’s House I found on YouTube:

Isn’t she awesome? And isn’t it crazy, hearing that gigantic, soulful voice coming out of such a cute little MOMMY? Here’s another clip from a news interview with Funky Mama Krista Eyler, where she talks about playing at the Easter Egg Roll at the White House and her former career as a television news anchor:

And finally, here’s a clip of her on the news rocking out to her song MOO JUICE, with her big ol’ pregnant belly. Don’t you love it? All pregnant, up there with her bright red guitar – you GO, girl:

Here is the track listing for Funky Mama’s brand new, just released album, MOO JUICE:

• Moo Juice
• Sippy
• Pop n’ Hop
• Potty Train
• Freeze Dance
• Down Down Baby
• Ooo, Ahh, Oww!
• The Grandparent Song
• My Dad Rocks
• No Sleep Tonight
• Let’s Drive
• Hot Time In the Old Town
• Multi-Taskin’ Mama
• Stuck Inside
• Can You Hear Me-1-2
• Sambalele
• Hush Baby, Hush Child

Check out clips of each song from her Moo Juice album right here. My personal favorites are My Dad Rocks and Multi-Taskin’ Mama, which I can completely relate to! All the songs are great, though – we are seriously loving this album, and I’m so excited to be sharing it with you!

Do you want to win a copy of your very own? Of course you do! Go to the Funky Mama website and listen to the song clips, then leave a comment here letting me know what song you like best from the Moo Juice album. One comment will be picked at random and the winner will receive the CD for free.

Here’s how to enter…

Leave a comment on this blog entry, telling me which song from this album you like best. Additional entries may be gained by posting about this contest on your own blog, and by voting for this entry on various social networking sites, such as Digg, Kirtsy, and Stumble Upon. Leave a separate comment here for every method you’ve used to share the love. This contest is subject to the contest rules posted in the menu bar above. Contest runs until the end of September, at which time I will draw the winners for all the CD giveaways featured throughout the month.

This CD has had so much play in my van, I’m afraid we’re going to wear it out. My kids absolutely LOVE it, and so do I. If you’re looking for unique baby gifts, it should be on your shopping list: That Baby DVD and CD Bundle! This music is guaranteed to mellow my kids right out – it’s all acoustic covers of songs I actually know and like. Creating kid-friendly versions of classic rock songs is such a genius idea. My kids get to know the songs, and I don’t feel ridiculous when I have them stuck in my head and I’m singing them out loud in the grocery store. Well, I feel less ridiculous, anyway.

The DVD is perfect for chilling the kids out right before dinner or bed. The music is relaxing, and the images that accompany it on the DVD are almost dream-like. I love watching it right along with them! Some of the artists covered on this DVD and CD bundle include Fleetwood Mac, Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, The Pretenders, Bob Marley, The Beatles, and Paul Simon. You can check out clips from each song on the That Baby website, and you can check out a clip from the DVD right here:

That Baby DVD and That Baby CD are products of OyBaby, a parent-run company which prides itself on its responsible, customer-friendly business approach. OyBaby products are made from recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks. The company offers a “no questions asked” money back guarantee and free lifetime replacement of scratched discs.

You want it, don’t you? I know you do! It’s awesome! Here’s your chance to win a That Baby DVD and CD for FREE! Head over to their website and check out the song clips, then come back here and let me know which song you like best. One comment will be picked at random and the winner will receive the DVD and CD bundle for free. And you can order it directly from the site and save 20% off your entire order with the coupon code LALAGIRL. Sweet!

Here’s how to enter…

Leave a comment on this blog entry, telling me which song from this album you like best. Additional entries may be gained by posting about this contest on your own blog, and by voting for this entry on various social networking sites, such as Digg, Kirtsy, and Stumble Upon. Leave a separate comment here for every method you’ve used to share the love. This contest is subject to the contest rules posted in the menu bar above. Contest runs until the end of September, at which time I will draw the winners for all the CD giveaways featured throughout the month.

And don’t forget! You can save 20% off your purchase of this CD or DVD (or both!) by using the coupon code LALAGIRL

Music is a huge part of our lives, particularly since we have a child with autism who adores music. So often, I hear other parents tell me that they can’t stand listening to kids music CDs, but I’m here to tell you – times have changed! The selection of music for children extends way beyond Disney movie soundtracks and songs from Barney. And this is what led to the idea of doing a whole month of giveaways featuring artists who create great children’s music.

Throughout September, I’ll be posting music reviews of artists that my kids adore, and you’ll have the chance to win CDs and prize packs from all of them! I’ll update this post with links to each giveaway. Yay! You’re going to discover some fantastic music!

Links to each contest:

• That Baby DVD and CD Bundle
• Funky Mama – Moo Juice CD
• More to come!

Each week, I’ll be spotlighting different artists and giving away CDs, so plan to discover lots of great music! Here are some of the bands participating:

• Milkshake

• The Laurie Berkner Band
• The Dirty Sock Funtime Band
• Hot Peas ‘n Butter
• Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck
• And lots more!

If you have little kids, you’ve probably seen lots of these folks on Noggin! Now you can win some of their CDs! And plan to discover some great artists who haven’t made it big yet. Just think, when they’re on Noggin and Nick Jr., you’ll be able to say, “Hey! I knew them when they were but a wee little garage band, rocking out for their children…” Woohoo! It all begins in just one week. Mark your calendar!