Kimya Dawson
(K)
Kimya Dawson's appeal has always resided in the child-like vulnerability in her songs, moving from poignant, affecting lines to non-sequitur word play and back again. So it would seem that a kids' record would only be natural. And at moments, Alphabutt is. But mostly, it's insufferably cloying.
"Pee-Pee in the Potty" annoys instead of instructs, and the title track finds its charm wearing off after the 2nd or 3rd scatological reference - which is to say, by the letter G. When Dawson sheds the "kid's music" shtick, though, the charm is back. "Happy Home (Keep on Writing)" doesn't pander but teaches the virtues of contentment and individuality ("Now I know it's better if we don't all sound the same") to a gentle, reassuring tune. Similarly, "Sunbeams and Some Beans" pairs playful lyrics and a lesson on sharing with political commentary. Then we remember why we liked Dawson enough to make our kids listen to her.
Standout Tracks: "Happy Home (Keep on Writing)," "Sunbeams and Some Beans" BRYAN REED
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