Just A Minute
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Cleveland family musician Jesse Friedberg, i.e. Jesse Jukebox, returns with his 4th kids’ album, and it’s full of short bursts of adventurous rockin’ and kid friendly subject matter that’s quite humorous.
The aptly titled “One Minute Song” opens the listen with a brief blast of charged and buzzing alt-rock that comes with an instant sing-along, and “How Long?” follows with warm keys and plenty of atmosphere to complement the quirky delivery.
Elsewhere, “The Incredible Snooze” floats with a dreamy quality that certainly seems like a lullaby, while the firm acoustic strumming of “Invisible Shirt” comes with snotty vocals amid the retro folk spirit. “Just One More Chip”, one of the album’s best, then heads right into ‘60s territory with its lively percussion and harmonic group vocals.
Deeper still, “Pierogi Polka” recruits an accordion for the indeed polka sensibilities that will get your body moving, and “(Swindled By A) Possum” continues this playful nature with some fluid modern rock that the parents will enjoy just as much.
Much like the title implies, just about every song present is a minute or less, and with influences like The Who, Fountains of Wayne and Daniel Johnston in tow, adults will get just as much enjoyment out of these 28 tunes as the little ears.
Travels well with: Jesse Jukebox- Awesome!; Kelli Welli- Robots Don’t Tell Jokes