Robin And The Giant are the perfect band for the family. Their album, Winds Of Change, is a compilation of songs from their past recordings and is a great introduction to the band. After hearing these twenty-one songs, it’s easy to believe that they have an appeal that stretches across all ages. The duo of Robin MacBlane (Robin) and Larry Whitler (The Giant) have been performing together since 1987, amassing a string of albums together prior to this compilation’s release. Larry has released several albums as a solo artist, as well as those with Robin.
The songs are very reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary. They have a very folksy feel and a certain childlike innocence, which is why these songs can really cross the ages. Robin and the Giant don’t sing down at children. They just sing simple, pretty, and often funny folk songs that both young and old can enjoy.
The lightly-reggae-tinged “In The Caribbean” tells a story of falling in love in Jamaica. The song has a slow beat and vocals that conjure up images of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It also has a little bit of light humor that keeps the song from crossing over into a more grown-up sound.
If it’s smiles you are looking for, Robin And The Giant will deliver those to your ears with songs like “A Hamster Poops” and “Doggy Dog World.” Little ones will particularly love “A Hamster Poops.” What child would not break into a grin when someone sings about poop?
There’s a lot of hope to be found in “Aim High, Sweetie Pie.” This is a song that reminds us that our dreams are always within our reach, as Larry eloquently sings -- “And every day they could see those dreams grow. With a vow they would never let go. It’s a great big world, and an even bigger sky, so aim high sweetie pie.” The heroine in this song never forgets that, and she helps those around her achieve their dreams, too. Would that all people could be that way.
The songs aren’t all light fare, though. The song “Mr. Freeman’s Roses” is just a bit on the sad side. The song is about an elderly woman who is living in an assisted living facility, with, as the song says, “lots of grandmas doing lots of grandma things.” Perhaps a child won’t pick up as quickly on the melancholy subject matter of the song, but all the grown-up listeners will. The song is particularly bittersweet for anyone that knows someone who has had to move from their home for health reasons. The song paints a lovely picture of an older woman who loved her garden and loved her husband who passed away.
“Heloise O’Lantern” is another tune that isn’t all too happy. Heloise is Jack O’Lantern’s sister, whom nobody knows because she sits in the middle of the cornucopia on Thanksgiving. But, on a happier note, she’s content to let her brother Jack shine. This is probably the most memorable holiday tune that most people will be fortunate enough to hear.
Robin And The Giant create beautiful folk music for the family. Winds Of Change is a wonderful compilation to introduce you to their music. No matter what your age, one of these songs will touch your heart and possibly even open your mind.
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