I Own That CD! - Dan Zanes

Rolling Stone Magazine named the band The Del Fuegos the best new band of 1984. They opened for Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen hopped up on stage with them to jam. After the commercial disappointment of their third album, they were dropped by their label and eventually broke up in the late 80s.

Lead singer Dan Zanes married Paula Greif – they had a baby and moved to New York City. Zanes subsequently began playing music with a group of other fathers that he had met in West Village playgrounds who were also there with their kids. These fathers playing music together eventually became The Wonderland String Band, which played at parks and parties and on a tape of songs that Zanes recorded at his home. He realized that he liked making music that families could enjoy together, as opposed to music that is just for children or just for adults.

His fourth release, House Party, was a favorite in our house and it’s todays feature on I Own That CD!

The songs are sonically diverse and as Zanes describes it: “This is the sound of a long running musical house party. Friends kept dropping in and with them come songs, instruments, and a readiness to hang around.”

Drawing from world music, folk music and friendships from years in the industry, Zanes put together a beautiful compilation of songs that blend so well together.

Children’s music can be like nails on a chalkboard, but what Zanes and his friends and family were doing was like an old school hootenanny. It brings back memories for me of listening to Pete Seeger albums in my parents’ basement.

From the danceable songs like “Down in the Valley” to remakes of classics like “Waltzing Matilda” (with guest appearance by Blondie’s Debbie Harry) and closing with the gorgeous “A Place for Us” (with another great guest appearance from Phillip Glass).

Zanes continues to make great music for kids of all ages. But House Party may be his best, and if you’ve got a CD player, you can borrow my copy.