Rocketship Run

AMG Review of Rocketship Run

James Christopher Monger
All Music Guide

Between Laurie Berkner, ex-Del Fuego Dan Zanes, and the veritable institution that is They Might Be Giants, New York City has become a hub for progressive, Barney-free original children's pop. The Laurie Berkner Band, which also boasts the talents of Susie Lampert and Adam Bernstein, has made a career out of not insulting kids (or their parents) with contrived baby talk and boring nursery rhymes. Berkner's gift for melody and genuine enthusiasm for both children and songwriting shine through on Rocketship Run, a 24-track Easter basket of quirky folk-pop songs with titles like "Mouse in My Toolbox," "Candy Cane Jane," and "Pigbasket" woven around an ongoing treasure-hunt narrative. These are textbook singalongs to be sure, but the production is top-notch, as are the performances, resulting in that rare "kids" collection that can be safely consumed by all ages.