We’re Not Kidding

by Barry Louis Polisar
$14.95, 2-CDs
ISBN 9780938663-54-6

This 2-disc release won a 2010 Parents’ Choice Award as well as a National Parenting Publication Gold Award and a starred review in Booklist Magazine,published by the American Library Association. The album features over one hundred artists from around the world covering Barry’s songs. Sixty songs have been compiled by Aaron Cohen of The Radioactive Chicken Heads and re-imagined and performed by musicians in genres as diverse as hip-hop, folk, jazz, klezmer and rock. Aaron had Barry’s recordings as a child–and so did many of the artists on this brand new album.

Detailed information on each artist is available by clicking on their photos below.

Some of the artists on the album are:

The Vespers from Nashville, Tennessee first recorded Barry’s song Barnyard Stomp. Their two voices blend together perfectly for this beautiful sounding cover; they then went back into the studio months later to record an inspired cover of Barry’s song All I Want is You which was used in the movie Juno.

“Polisar has been writing for generations of kids. In this two-CD tribute album, a wildly diverse bunch of worthy performers covers 60 of his songs. The arrangements are invigorating, and it’s especially fun to hear some songs covered more than once in starkly different renditions. Highly recommended for young and old alike.”

– Booklist, Starred Review

Robbins in a Tree-O is a New York trio consisting of Danny Robbins, and his sisters Alyssa and Amy. They had Barry’s music as kids and have recorded a truly inspired cover of Barry’s song Never Cook Your Sister in a Frying Pan.

“A must for Polisar fans.”

– School Library Journal

DeLeon is a Brooklyn, New York based band, fronted by Daniel Saks. Dan Saks and Kevin Snider were early fans of Barry’s music growing up and the band has recorded an engaging cover of Barry’s My Brother Thinks He’s a Banana, weaving in a wonderful Sephardic melody…and then just for fun also covered Barry’s My Name is Hiram Lipshlitz

“Precisely the kind of oddball, nonsense humor that young kids adore: an amazing gathering of brilliant talent from around the country–and the world. This might become your family’s favorite children’s album.”

– Parents’ Choice Foundation

Alyssa Robbins of New York is another artist who listened to Barry’s songs growing up. She records With a Giggle and a Hug and a Tickle and a Kiss with her beautiful voice and arrangement. Alyssa went back into the studio to record a multi-track version of Barry’s song Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around.

“This 60-song, 2-disc homage is a wide-ranging tribute of fun classics from the Polisar canon.”

– New York’s Newsday

Deborah Berman and the Nogoodniks are a New York based group who have recorded a Klezmer version of Barry’s song Don’t Put Your Finger Up Your Nose sung entirely in Yiddish. This wonderfully inspired rendition is called Shtek Nit Dayn Finger in Der Noz. Deborah was an early fan, listening to Barry’s songs on his original recordings.

“Deliciously subversive musical humor. Hand this to a fan of alternative rock without mentioning Polisar’s kids’ song roots, and they’ll never know the difference.”

– Kathy O’Connell, Metro Kids, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and host of Kids Corner on WXPN Radio

Evan Polisar teamed up with Cesar Cartagena to record a jazzed up version of I’d Be Me complete with piano, drums, and dueling saxophones. Based in the Washington, DC suburbs, the two met in High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. As a child, Evan was subjected to endless hours of listening to Barry’s music with his twin sister, Sierra.

“A bonanza, this two-CD tribute includes all the best songs of much-loved kids performer-songwriter Barry Louis Polisar. A fine tribute, it also leads you to pull out Polisar’s originals and enjoy ’em again.”

– Sing Out! Magazine

Le Page from Athens, Greece, have recorded a hauntingly beautiful cover of Barry’s song I Wanna Be Your Baby. They also recorded covers of Lucky to Be Alive and Don’t You Cry, Now Don’t You Fuss.

“Polisar has gained legendary status in children’s music…This massive tribute album has been re-imagined, rewritten and rearranged by some of today’s most interesting Indie artists.”

– Parenting.Com

Ham And Burger from New York City have recorded Barry’s song Don’t Put Your Finger Up Your Nose with a new techno-pop rhythm. They have also recorded Barry’s You Can’t Say “Psbpsbpsb” on the Radio and Danny Rockett, a fan who had Barry’s albums growing up, expands the song with some extra verses that Barry thinks make it even funnier than the original.

“While the attention given to children’s music typically focuses on the newer artists, I think it is important to remember some of the pioneers of this genre. And no one represents a “founding father” of the genre better than Barry Louis Polisar. This album is truly a delight. “

– Nugget Island Review

Kid Kazooey and His One-Man Klezmorkestra Band from Bloomington, Indiana has recorded two great covers of Barry’s songs for the tribute album. The Kid, aka Kevin MacDowell, had many of Barry’s recordings growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and does covers of I’ve Got a Teacher, She’s So Mean and He Eats Asparagus, Why Can’t You Be That Way?

“The songs I’ve spun thus far have been uniformly winning.”

– Zooglobble Kids and Family Music Review

Rebecca Loebe from Atlanta, Georgia, is another musician who listened to Barry’s songs growing up. She has recorded an engaging and catchy cover of You’re As Sweet As Sugar on a Stick.

“This 60-song, two-disc tribute is an amazing collection of brilliant talent performing songs from one of the best songwriters around.”

– Chattanooga Parent Magazine

J-LA from Brooklyn, New York, had Barry’s records when he was a child and recorded a very funny rap version of When Suzie Sneezed. J-LA also covers Barry’s song Doo Doo is a Bad Word for the new album.

“There are few genres more earnest than children’s music, but thankfully, Polisar finds room for self-deprecation.”

– Washington City Paper, Washington, DC

Frankie and Rufus from Costa Mesa, California have recorded an inventive and creative cover version of Barry’s Alfabet Song.

“On this phenomenal two-disc set, there are enough unquestionably great songs to fill several regular-length albums. We’re Not Kidding! is a smorgasbord of musical styles…and a testament to Polisar’s songwriting.”

– Parent Dish

David W. Jacobsen and September’s Shadow from New Jersey have recorded a great English-pop version of Barry’s song I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole.

“An amazing collection of brilliant talent performing songs from one of the best songwriters around. We love this CD…and we’re not kidding.”

– Lunchbox Magazine

Los Huevos of Montville, New Jersey record Barry’s song Bad Guys Broke Into Our Car and take it for a really wild ride. Band members Vinnie and Pete describe themselves as more fans who are all “grown up” now but from the sound of their recording, they’re having way too much fun to be “grown-up.”

“A tribute album bursting with talent and variety and high quality throughout.”

– The Art of Irreverence

Your Little Pony is a band from Utah. They have recorded a version of Barry’s song Me and You that starts out with a simple voice that builds verse by verse.

“Polisar’s music and lyrics have a timeless quality that continues to touch the heart and soul of what it’s like to be a child today. We’re Not Kidding! is a delightful compilation of songs, at times hysterical and even touching. It is an album that not only traverses the years, but all age groups as well. “

– The Examiner, Washington, DC

Water Method is a Los Angeles, California band who records a nice cover of Barry’s I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole. Jennifer Hall, the lead singer, not only listened to Barry’s songs growing up, but was also the original cover girl on Barry’s first album, when she was eighteen months old.

“As soon as we played the album, the phones lit up with folks asking where they could get their hands on the compilation….wonderful interpretations on both discs.”

– Peter Jones, Tell Us a Story Radio Hour

The League of Space Pirates fronted by Noah Scalin, records a great cover of Barry’s song Never Cook Your Sister in a Frying Pan. This is an appropriate choice since Noah used to listen to Barry’s songs with his sister Mica, in Richmond, Virginia.

“A wonderful family-friendly tribute album to a long-standing kidfolk icon. Barry has made a name for himself as an award-winning kids entertainer and a strong proponent of imagination and literacy; his songs have been featured on NPR, School Library Journal, Newsweek, and on endless rotation on my CD player, and their titles speak for themselves…this is a fabulously fun album, and a fine showcase for the oddly endearing talents and songs of the long-standing children’s entertainer.”

– Cover Lay Down. com

Haunted Cologne from Phoenix, Arizona, count themselves as long time fans of Barry’s music. “We wanted to show our love and respect,” they say, ” by really mucking up one of his great songs.” They record a wailingly funny version of Barry’s song Diaper Rash. It’s scary and wicked!

“A tremendous album representing an even more tremendous body of work, this album has been well worth the wait.”

– Randy Astle, Red Balloon Review of Childrens Media

Loverlee is a band from Los Angeles, California. They have recorded a delightfully whimsical cover of Barry’s song I Love Your Eyes.

“This album makes a good case for Polisar as a genuine innovator. He was writing kids songs before that niche market had a name, and before cable television stations turned kid-centric entertainment into big business. In the realm of children’s entertainment, Polisar is anything but an underground performer. He has won four Parents’ Choice Awards and has written over a dozen books, one of which won a Parents’ Guide Award for Outstanding Children’s Books.”

– Howard County Times

Rutherford B. Hayes is Dead from Oak Park, California, records an inspired cover of Barry’s song I’m a Slug with it’s growling guitars and vocals and then went back to cover Barry’s song The Apple of My Eye.

“A spectacular collection of talent from across the U.S. and as far away as Greece.”

– The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York

The Brothers Vilozny from Santa Cruz, California used to listen to Barry’s songs growing up in Santa Cruz and now Boaz and Moshe have recorded a spirited version of Barry’s When the House is Dark and Quiet.

“What can be better than having your song from a 30-year old album plucked from obscurity and used in the opening credit sequence of an Oscar-winning movie and Grammy-winning Soundtrack album? How about being re-united by fans who had your records when they were kids and now– as musicians– have gone into the studio and recorded sixty of their favorite songs for a 2-CD Tribute Album!”

– Guitar International Magazine

Nate Lieby of the California group 300 Pounds had Barry’s albums growing up and records great covers of Barry’s I Never Did Like You Anyhow and I Don’t Brush my Teeth and I Never Comb My Hair.

“A brilliant collection that will bring hours of entertainment for years to come.”

– Oregon Music News

John Winfield Blake is contributing Barry’s I Never Rode The Railroads to the Tribute Album. Barry wrote the song back in 1975 and it was recorded the following summer on a reel to reel tape by the legendary singer John Winfield Blake. In early 2009, the classic recording of Barry’s song re-surfaced and here it is.

“This CD is literally overflowing with fun, and funny, music that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Most of the bands and singers on this CD grew up listening to Polisar, and cite him as a big influence, so they know and love these songs. You and your kids will love them too.”

– A River Runs Through It Review

Noga Vilozny from Santa Cruz, California listened to Barry’s music growing up and has recorded two amazing covers of Barry’s songs: a bluesy version of Shut Up in the Library and a great cover of All I Want is You, which closes out the Tribute Album.

“Lampooning jocularity and top drawer production values and creativity. The subject matter throughout pulls no punches, speaking to kids on a level most adults don’t quite understand. The musicianship and vocals are stratospheric, the whole vibe stuffed full of fun and jokestering, and nary a moment passes that you’re not wallowing in a surfeit of memories ‘n grins.”

– Folk & Acoustic Music Review

The Radioactive Chicken Heads from Los Angeles, California have recorded covers of Barry’s songs over the years. Included here are: I Eat Kids, I Wanna Be a Dog, Underwear and I Looked Into the Mirror (What Did the Mirror Say?). Lead singer Aaron Cohen had Barry’s albums growing up and is the creative spirit behind the Tribute Album. He teams up with Barry to share alternating vocals on I Didn’t Mean To.

“Polisar has made a career of writing smart, engaging music and books for children. “We’re Not Kidding” is a rich trove of songs that are good natured, subtle, sometimes goofy and often humorous. Given the sheer amount of material here, it’s impressive how strong most of it is, largely because Polisar presupposes that kids are intelligent.”

– The Hartford Courant, Hartford, Connecticut

Lunch is an Oakland, California band and bass player Richard Berman is another early fan of Barry’s work. They record We Don’t Have to Share.

“Smart children’s songs that reflect the scope of Polisar’s influence.”

– The Daily Press Newport News, Virginia

Elizabeth Street covers Barry’s songs That’s What Makes The World Go Round and I’ve Got a Dog and My Dog’s Name is Cat. The Elizabeth Street Band is an energetic duo from Connecticut, made up of vocalist Susan Kolbenheyer and guitarist/bassist Greg Pearce.

“A rich trove of songs that kids will love.”

– California Chronicle

The Boogers cover Barry’s song What If A Zebra Had Spots? This punk inspired band makes their home in Berwyn, Illinois not too far from Chicago.

“I grew up listening to Barry Louis Polisar. Now decades later he’s still winning over new listeners. These are perfect songs for those summer road trips.”

– Mom Trends

Tor Hyams is another musician who had Barry’s recordings growing up. From Los Angeles, California, Tor recorded a great version of Hey Jack, What’s in the Sack? on piano and then went back into the studio and delivered a New Orleans styled cover of Barry’s Go and Hush the Baby.

“Polisar is well known in offbeat music circles, thanks to decades spent performing his own unique brand of clever and edgy children’s folk songs. This reverence is evidenced in the 60-song, two-disc tribute album.”

– The Northern California Jewish Weekly

The Purple Mums from LA, record a Doo-Wop version of My Brother Threw Up On My Stuffed Toy Bunny as well as a soulful cover of Barry’s song Our Dog Bernard.

“Barry Louis Polisar’s rocking, rollicking and hilarious children’s music is exactly what you need for a summer roadtrip. The songs are funny and irreverent and cheerful and this 60 tune collection will take you from Maine to South of the Border and keep you laughing the whole way. Barry has been honored with Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Music Web, and this tribute album shows why. It’s eclectic and surprising. You will make yourself three mix tapes from this collection alone.”

– Babies Gotta Have It

Tom Vincent covers Barry’s song I Wanna Be a Dog. Tom lives in Seattle, Washington and has been singing Barry’s song professionally for decades.

“Those of you who had a deprived childhood may not know Barry’s songs and stories. He’s been making smart, witty, deep, funny, silly music for kids for over three decades. He cracked me up in 1975. He cracks me up now.”

– Kim Cooper Findling, Blooming Eventually Blog

Dead Men’s Hollow has recorded Barry’s song Cindy’s Absent. This old timey and bluegrass band is located in Clifton, Virginia and they do a wonderful version of Barry’s song.

“As much fun for adults as kids. Polisar’s songs are like pebbles thrown into a lake; the ripples continue to reverberate, culminating in this 60-track double CD tribute.”

– Driftwood Magazine

Jeff Forrest from San Diego, California recorded a great cover of Barry’s song “Donuts.” Just like life, so round and sweet/but if you eat too many it’ll settle in your seat

“Barry Louis Polisar is in a class of his own. He writes the absolute best songs for kids. There are sixty cuts on this two-disc set, and every one of them is a treat. It’s the best album of kids tunes for adults ever!”

– Technorati Entertainment

Adam David and the Freewheelers of Nederland, Texas do an interesting acoustic cover of Barry’s song about having twins called Trouble…What Trouble?

“It was delightful to hear my old favorites– and some new ones– rendered so beautifully. Every track is so creative and brilliant…a shining ode to your playful work.”

– Roy L, fan since childhood