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Many indie rock bands have successfully translated their talents to the family music arena (see Barenaked Ladies, The New Amsterdams, NRBQ, Ziggy Marley, etc.), and Girlyman jump right into that pool with all 30 toes. Doris Muramatsu, JJ Jones, and Nate Borofsky created D is for Django with the children of their fans in mind, noting that Girlyman devotees raved about how charmed their kids were with Girlyman's music and stage performances.

Thus was born D is for Django, a collection of poppy, silly, catchy, tender, and harmony-filled tunes that young fans and their parents will adore.

The Band

For 12 years, Girlyman performed to an adoring fanbase before calling it quits in 2013. Doris and Tylan have known each other since childhood, met Nate during their college years, and played around Brooklyn for a while before settling in Atlanta. The three founding members of Girlyman invited former Po’ Girl drummer JJ Jones to join in the fun in 2009. Tylan released a solo CD, One True Thing, in 2013, and Nate released Every Wish, his solo album, the same year.

The Music of D is for Django

The 15 tunes on D is for Django are interspersed with "intros," giving new listeners a feel of what the famed stage banter at a Girlyman live concert might have been like. The band are also joined during intersticials by the Django character, Doris' pet Chihuahua mix. D is for Django kicks off with "All That I See," a chugging pop tune that encourages listeners to believe in yourself like others believe in you.

Then the band celebrate the epicurean and historical awesomeness of popcorn with "P-O-P," filled to the brim with chunky riffs and popping kernels. "Jack of All Things" is full of harmonies and great chord changes, segueing beautifully into the appropriately named "Counterpoint." Django may have been born to the "Smallest Breed," but this pop anthem celebrates the power of thinking big about oneself despite our differences. "Bigfoot" is Django Jones' take on girl group classics like The Angels' "My Boyfriend's Back" and The Shangri-Las' "Leader of the Pack," while the brief "Potato Leek Soup" is a lighter-hoisting, arm-waving ode to Nate's favorite food.

More Music from D is for Django

JJ loves it when Dad makes a "Breakfast" of pancakes, eggs, toast, and the like; while "Germs" have made a bedridden kid's day a bummer, even having him consider using a neti pot regularly to ward off infection. The brief and informative "Bones" is a charming Broadway-inspired tune that would be right at home on Schoolhouse Rock. Beginning with the E Street Band-sounding "All Along," the pace of the album slows down a bit, as the tune wards off unsettling dreams; then "Every Day At This Time It Rains" sweetly describes the comfort of companionship from Django the dog's point of view (dig Nate's cool Procol Harum-inspired organ solo!). Next follows a contemporary lullaby, "Love You Like I Do," an ode of pure and undying love to little ones everywhere. Sounding like a cross between Peter, Paul and Mary and The Okee Dokee Brothers, the acoustic "Lullabies" sets a quiet, gentle stage for the epic "Long Time Sun," a traditional kundalini mantra set to an atmospheric, droning background, complete with crickets chirping quietly in the distance.

The Verdict

The trio that comprise Django Jones carry on the harmonic legacy of Girlyman through the music of their kids' music debut, and fans of all ages from around the world should celebrate. Cute without being cloy, humorous without taking kids' intelligence for granted, and full of ear-catching harmonies, the songs on D is for Django celebrate companionship, inner strengths, and childhood joys. The conversations and jingles that join individual tracks help give listeners a sense of a Girlyman (and now Django Jones) concert experience, making a live show a must-do road trip for the whole family. For more info about the band and updates on concert appearances, drop by the official Django Jones website.

Released April 29, 2014; Deputy Jones Records

Track Listing

1. "All That I See"
2. "P-O-P"
3. "Jack of All Things"
4. "Counterpoint"
5. "Smallest Breed"
6. "Bigfoot"
7. "Potato Leek Soup"
8. "Breakfast"
9. "Germs"
10. "Bones"
11. "All Along"
12. "Every Day At This Time It Rains"
13. "Love You Like I Do"
14. "Lullabies"
15. "Long Time Sun"