CD Review: The Rock Doves 'From the Birds' Flies High

Jan 22, 2012
Melissa Kucirek

The Rock Doves' 'From the Birds' - Photo Courtesy of The Rock Doves

NYC's children's music duo, The Rock Doves, bring humor, simplicity and quirky fun in 'From the Birds.'

The key to enjoying The Rock Doves' From the Birds, a 10-track collection of children's music, is to realize that music can be fun at any age. And, humor and everyday humor is appropriate at any time. Why else would singing about a New York pigeon be so funny?

Some listeners might say 'you had me at hello' with track number one's, "So Many Ways to Say Hi." This track is a personal favorite for this writer, but give credit where credit is do to Daniel Cole and Kim West (together they are The Rock Doves). Sure, the song is a bit silly and kinda lame for the early 30-somethings, but it is evident that the kiddies of the world would get a kick out of this one.

And a 'shalom' to you, too!

Rockabilly Riff

Speaking of kicks, "Don't and Do Blues" has this kickin' rockabilly guitar riff to it that really sets it apart as another favorite. Cole and West have a natural energy to them and the overall production value is solid.

The songs, like "Lazy, Dreamy Silly" have quirky words and this funny conversation-like mood.

A Bit Kooky

In "City Critter Serenade" it is a bit kooky to be singing about a pigeon, but hay, why not. That is what is so endearing about all the tracks on From the Birds - the simple day-to-day moments that intrigue even the oldest of kids.

In the "Giraffe Laugh (And Other Animals)" the menagerie of creatures in the basement is appropriately illustrated with roaring, sneezing and swelling animal sounds. West and Cole have play back and forth to further engage the listeners. Oh, to be a kid again.

Overall CD Review

The Rock Doves made it happen in From the Birds. Not all the songs have a wide scope of musical magic, but there are a few like "Don't and Do Blues" or the title track that help that smirk get started. The overall CD is a B. It is apparent that this CD cannot be graded the same as something in more of an indie rock genre.

Fans of The Barenaked Ladies, Arlo Guthrie and even The B52's will find a song or two they like on From the Birds. Give it a shot. This writer thinks it takes a very special writing and singing team to put together a collection of songs meant to educate and entertain at the same time. Bravo to The Rock Doves.