"There is a strong sense of tradition and an awareness of global musical forms apparent in Two of a Kind's music. "One World, Many Stories" is a song backed by a danceable Soweto beat, which also interweaves bagpipes, Spanish horns, and sitars. "Hello 'Round the World" sets the greetings people use around the world to a deep Reggae groove. "The World is Not Your Garbage Can" is a high-spirited song with an ecological message backed by a rollicking junkyard rhythm. "The Mysterious Drawer" combines Hip Hop and Rap with a magical world of imagination. Elsewhere, "Pitfalls" takes a decidedly musical approach to conflict resolution, and "Purple Glasses" addresses how vision adjustment doesn't have to be scary, but can actually be fun. Librarians will rejoice in "Read a Book," a song with truly unusual percussion that sounds like sampled pages turning.
While Two of a Kind excel in "lesson" songs, some of the tunes on the album are just plain old unbridled fun. The album closes with "Family Harmony"...a highly autobiographical one that celebrates the joys of harmony singing and passing musical traditions through generations of singers. You would be hard pressed to find a better folk song in children or "adult" music.
The album is a highlight of children's music. It is beautifully produced, excellently performed, and it offers music that both entertains and educates."
- Lahri Bond, Review accompanying 2012 Parents' Choice Award
"Your CD...is absolutely AWESOME. The instrumentation is knock-out, the animal sounds, the songwriting, the singing and your last song made me cry, so ultra beautiful with feeling. Congratulations. I love the different melodies, the rock to rock-a billy, just all over fabulous." - Jane Wattenberg, artist/photographer/children's book author
"Two of a Kind’s new CD “Sing Me Your Story” is incredible: hip, fun, inventive, and TOTALLY engaging music that’s simultaneously heartwarming and intriguing. A flawlessly engineered and produced recording, with a full and rich sonic spectrum and mix of styles, tasty rhythms, beautiful vocals, and soaring instrumental performances. The songwriting aims to deepen the listeners engagement with the the world, as well as their own creative potential -- these songs both teach and inspire. Songs of community connection, environmental stewardship, literacy, mysterious adventure, and joy. Check out the lucious harmonies on “One World, Many Stories,” and “Family Harmony;” the soaring melody on “Purple Glasses;” the infectious beats of “Hello ‘Round the World” and “The Mysterious Drawer”; the rockin’ grooves on “Let’s go to the Zoo” and “Polar Bear.” Your imagination will travel, as your body dances, your smile stretches wide, and your voice joins in. Another vitamin packed album of musical medicine from David and Jenny, and a premier cast of special guests -- BRAVO!!!"
- Billy Jonas
"Great rhythms, fun songs and a wonderful way to celebrate the music-literacy connection."
- Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer
"You must be very proud of this marvelous recording.It is musically and lyrically accessible and fun. The production is solid and engaging ...clever without overreaching.The performances throughout are stellar and the themes hit right at the heart and ear. This CD POPS!!This is an extraordinary musical statement that has something for a wide spectrum audience.I love the mix of voices and the songs we are on really kick!
But most of the songs kick..... in a variety of ways.....great sound and instrument choices make this a really fulfilling listening experience.
- Kim & Reggie Harris
"A fine musical recording that everyone will enjoy."
- Tom Chapin
"Two of a Kind’s Sing Me Your Story CD is a delightful mix of good music, good works, and appearances by good friends like Billy Jonas and Kim & Reggie Harris. The album grew from the many songwriting and social projects keeping the duo busy.
The standout song for me is “Tell Me Your Story,” the result of an oral history project. Each of us is the result of our family history, and this song encourages asking questions about the lives of our elders."
- Kathy O'Connell, host of "Kids Corner" in a review in MetroKids
"Love it! It's got heart and spirit all the way through."
- Marla Lewis
"Two of Kind have devoted their lives with intention and passion to music for children, and their commitment to that music and the children and families who hear it is reflected beautifully in their new recording Sing Me a Story. The songs are about real things – and important things – and make a statement about diversity and literacy and communication and community in a very elegant way. The wide variety of styles shows their wide-ranging interest and knowledge in all kinds of music and introduces listeners to all those different worlds. Most of all, though, it assumes the intelligence of the kids listening, and in that the recording, like the rest of their work, honors children. In my mind, there’s no higher praise than that."
If someone were to ask you about yourself...would you be able to "Sing me Your Story?" As a mommy who loves to make up songs to sing to my kids...there is a chance that I could say "YES!" to that question! Life is just so full of so many wonderful things to sing about, right?
Well, "Two Of A Kind" think so...so much so that their new CD "Sing Me Your Story"is full of songs that were written with the help of students , based on interviews with community members...that tell their story. It was written for a summer reading program!
Have a listen to "Tell Me Your Story" (CLICK HERE)
Have a listen to "The World is Not Your Garbage Can (CLICK HERE) a song about littering, with a special guest "Billy Jonas" on recycled and re-used drums and percussion.
This CD is fun filled, will get your kids hands clapping and their feet moving! Plus, the songs are loaded with information that will make them walk away feeling full of information! Your kids will love this music!
