In the mail...
Shir La La Chanukah: Sing and Dance with Shirah Kline
Subtitled "Outrageously Hip Jewish Kiddie Rock", this Chanukah gift package, available directly from shirlala.com, includes a personalized gift note and a bag of chocolate Chanukah coins (by Elite under OU certification).
Aimed squarely at the little ones, this is a fun album of Chanukah songs. Shira's singing style is light and upbeat and the musicianship is wonderful throughout. The music blends diverse influences including rock, swing, Middle-eastern grooves, and even one hip-hop track.
The colorful liner booklet includes all of the song lyrics and a cartoon retelling of the Chanukah story. Translations and transliterations are provided where appropriate. "Oh Chanukah/Oy Chanukah" is performed in English and Yiddish and Jewish folk music legend Jeff Klepper guests on mandolin on that track.
Fave tracks include "Hayom Chanukah", "Where Is It?", and "Lots of Latkes." You can listen to audio samples here.
A while back, we introduced a feature, "Back Seat Review" which we'll continue here.
Backseat reviewer: "Right, it's not nice that she sings "boogie woogie, shake your tushie? [on the first song. ed.] Pauses for thought...They must have been in the bathroom when they recorded that part!"
You can find more information about Shira and all of her other albums, including the upcoming "ShirLaLa Green Album" at her website.
