REVIEWS
____________________________________
MEDIA REVIEWS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Warren Truitt (Children's Librarian in the Donnell Central Children's Room of The New York Public Library)
A Comment from his MySpace page:
"... Awwwsome song/video by Mister Laurence!!! You probably already know that 'Bubbleland' is one of the bestest songs ever ... well, Mister Laurence has a rockin' video of the tune on his MySpace space, check it out via this link — 'Bubble On' indeed!...."
http://www.myspace.com/misterlaurenceandhisplaymoneyband
-- June 2007 Warren Truitt
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
School Library Journal — Music Review for Recess Forever
"...Laurence Miller, aka Mister Laurence, wrote 11 of the 12 songs and poems on this, his fifth album, using a variety of rock styles, from a Beach Boys sound to hard rock. Most of the compositions deal with school topics. Vocal and instrumental performances are very good. Mister Laurence and his Play Money Band perform on guitars, keyboards, clarinet, recorder, bass, and drums. The play list includes 'Recess Forever!', 'Rusty Swing', 'We Won't Be Afraid' (of tests, mistakes, etc.), 'Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Trees', 'I'm a Little Teapot' (with additional words and music by Laurence), 'There's a Poem in My Head', 'Toe-Touching Torchy and the Talking Shoes' (part spoken poem, part a cappella song), 'Choe Chee's Reoccurring Dream', a reprise of 'Recess Forever', and more. Libraries in Michigan may be especially interested in this offering by the Ann Arbor native."
-- March 2007 Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Children's Music that Rocks" NYC Librarian Blog — Music Review for Recess Forever
"...There’s a musical legend living in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, R. Stevie Moore, who pretty much invented the D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) ethic in the late 60s, early 70s. Since that time, he has recorded literally hundreds of cassette tapes, vinyl LPs, and CDs, all chock full of his off-kilter yet brilliantly perfect pop compositions, writing, playing, recording, and producing everything himself.
Tucked away in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is Laurence Bond Miller, aka Mister Laurence, the children’s music version of R. Stevie Moore. Since 1999 Miller has released five CDs, Flaghorn, Tugboat Tow, Bubbleland, Pure Gibberish, and Recess Forever!, with another, Marmaline, to be released soon. I can‘t recommend one CD over another, so browse Mr. L’s witty, silly website and check out the awesomeness of individual tracks like 'Bubbleland', 'Recess Forever', 'Is There an Echo in the Room?', 'Little Flower', 'Jack ‘n’ Jill’s Hill', and the Zen sentiments of 'The Sky is in the Sky!' and 'We Won’t Be Afraid' ("even if we are afraid / We won’t be afraid").
The only group who comes close to his combination of inventiveness and quirkiness is They Might Be Giants, who would be well advised to team up with Mister Laurence and create the greatest Kid’s album ever. Hey, it could happen!..."
-- August 2006 Warren Truitt (Children's Librarian in the Donnell Central Children's Room of The New York Public Library)
Blog Response to NYC Librarian Music Review
"I completely agree. I've seen Mister Laurence perform live and he is incredible. If you are a parent/aunt/uncle/friend of a child, I would HIGHLY recommend that you get a stack of these CD's for the children in your life--you won't be disappointed!"
-- August 2006 Amy Wilson
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ann Arbor Current — Music Review for Monkey in the Middle
"...Not everybody can make music that kids of all ages will like, but Ann Arbor townie Mister Laurence, a.k.a. Laurence Miller, does. A stylish, enigmatic performer whose Community Television Network videos are filled with neatly cropped suits and mannequins, Laurence engages the audience in a pastel universe where the edges are neatly defined in a crisp, almost cartoonish way. Performing on a variety of instruments and using pre-recorded music, Miller calls his imaginary group The Play Money Band. A live concert at The Detroit Zoo serves as the foundation for this record. The wild animal sounds of Bubbleland recreate the zoo atmosphere of the concert. It's goofy premise of catching a ride on a bubble is the kind of thing kids can relate to. His techno-shuffle version of 'I'm a Little Teapot' is reminiscent of the fluffy teenage British pop from the 1960s (think Herman's Hermits). 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider' shows an '80s influence with its flutey bridges pulling the tune together like a spider web. Most people can identify with 'The Pouting Song' which speaks about being grumpy because it's raining, while never losing hope that the day will get brighter. Mister Laurence is the kind of performer who celebrates that innocent time free of the hustle of modern life. His hook is his oddness. Play this record for any kid, and if they aren't jaded yet, they'll find themselves singing along...."
-- December 2004 PT Quinn
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ann Arbor Observer — Music Review for Pure Gibberish
"...After having released a massive oeuvre as rock musician, performance artist, and Dad, Ann Arbor-based musician Laurence Miller has found surprising success writing and performing music for kids -- releasing several CD's, performing all over southeast Michigan, and writing song after song. The music of Mister Laurence ignores many rules of children's music -- such as simplicity, repetition, and not too many big words. If they didn't know his songs were intended for kids, some neopunk band might cover them. The CD kicks off with a rollicking welcome by the man in charge, who sounds like a blend of addled great-uncle, psycholinguist, and general goofball. The title song is a complex ditty filled with instruction for talking nonsense, filled with unexpected chords, that signature Mister Laurence. 'Jack and Jill's Hill' is a journey into perky surrealism that asks what would happen if that fabled pair just never came back down? 'Sticks n' Stones' starts out like a Bach harpsichord sonata and devolves into a scary, pounding, growling plaint about verbal bullying. Brave Kinder might well stomp about the living room giving vent to all kinds of feelings when this track plays. It's like having your own personal giant in the house. This scary persona of Mister Laurence as monster hurtles back for 'Mom and Dad Are Teething':
Mom and Dad are teething, we know it really hurts
It's difficult at times it seems for them to use their words!
'The Typing Train' starts with a story of a magical typewriter and morphs into a kind of Laurie Anderson-ish trance song. It's both charming and cool. I personally would very much like to see Mister Laurence in a smoky bar, wearing his play-money shirt and singing his children's songs to a horde of gin-soaked art students. At the end of the night, he'd croon a lullaby, their eyes would slide shut, and their dyed heads would slowly fall to their chests..."
-- February 2004 Kate Conner-Ruben
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CDBaby.com — Music Review for Flaghorn (Re-issue w/select cuts from Flaghorn and Tugboat Tow)
"...If Weezer put out a children's album, it'd pretty much sound like this. An ironically pleasing track, titled 'Good Manners', mixes a ridiculously silly post-punk attitude into a knee-slapping, foot stomping, sing-a-long encouraging kids to be respectful and courteous to their peers and elders!..."
-- August 2003 CDBaby.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jungle Jimmy — Music Review for Bubbleland
"...Mister Laurence rides out, into the sunset again! Only this time he's in the air, floating on a stream of bubbles along with everyone else in the world! How cool is that?!? His original songs and stories in this collection are without a doubt the most imaginative, and highly produced material he's released to date. When will this lad ever stop!?!...."
-- November 2002 J.J.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Kiddie Corner — Music Review for Tugboat Tow
"...with a decidedly show-biz flare, Mister Laurence charms his audiences both young and old, with his eclectic mix of original songs & stories for kids. His refreshing approach to children's entertainment pushes the envelope of the mainstream, luring us into a world of sing-song antics, both children AND their caregivers can enjoy! Original arrangements of such classics as 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider' and 'I'm a Little Teapot' keep the little ones glued, while his own songs are sophisticated enough to satisfy the most discerning ear!...."
-- September 2001 Lyra Vahn
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REAL.com — Music Review for Flaghorn
"...If the subject matter of these songs weren't aimed so pointedly at children, Mister Laurence could be a hit not just with the 2-5 year-olds but also with their older, college-going Indie Rock siblings!...."
-- May 2000 Music Editor
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ann Arbor Observer — "New A2 Children's Performer"
"...In his Monopoly-money shirt, nerdy horn-rims, slicked-back hair, and left-handed guitar, Laurence Miller, Ann Arbor rocker/composer/iconoclast extraordinaire, has found a new niche -- children's music! Never one to be pigeonholed, Miller has gone through as many personas and musical styles as Madonna. From his teen years in the band Sproton Layer (with brothers Ben and Roger) to the theatrically rich, ultra-complicated music of Larynx Zillion's Novelty Shop, Miller has kept Ann Arbor audiences guessing for a long time. Now, as Mister Laurence, he's out to win the hearts of a new generation!.."
-- October 1999 Kate Conner-Ruben
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BIRTHDAY REVIEWS
ABBY'S BIRTHDAY: "Mister Laurence brings joy to all with his music. His whimsical style and humor make him a delightful performer for children of all ages. With his play money band and guitar, my husband and I now know where all of our lost Monopoly money has gone! If you're thinking about adding some fun to your child's birthday party, look no further than Mister Laurence!"
ELLA'S BIRTHDAY: "Mister Laurence is a perfect addition to any party -- he's engaging, entertaining, and made my daughter's day! What more could a mom want?"
Anonymous Hamburg Elementary 1st Grader: "Mister Laurence put a smile on my face the whole time!"
Nicola ~ Owner of Nicola's Books Little Professor: "Thank you for all the help and energy you give to Nicola's!"
Leslie Gresham ~ Coordinator @ Kerry Town Shopping Center: "Mister Laurence performs catchy, kid-friendly originals, with a flair for entertaining both children AND adults! He creates an aura of warmth, and a happy atmosphere."
Melanie Diana ~ Owner of Sarah's Attic: "Mister Laurence has done a wonderful job performing in my shop, allowing moms and dads the freedom to browse, while keeping their children safely entertained."
Holly Porter ~ Director @ Hickory Tree Children's Center: "Laurence writes delightful, catchy songs. The children here look forward every week to Music Day."
Amy Wilson ~ Vineyard Church Group Leader
"I've seen Mister Laurence perform live and he is incredible. If you are a parent/aunt/uncle/friend of a child, I would HIGHLY recommend that you get a stack of his CD's for the children in your life--you won't be disappointed!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FANMAIL REVIEWS
Fan-Mail in regards to music video uploads on FLAGHORN YouTube
"Brilliant! Funny, clever, creative--the world needs more of this sort of stuff!!! Thanks and thanks some more! I deeply appreciate everything you've done!!! very impressive--you are great--so productive and creative--I love this stuff!!!
-- May 2009 Doctor Zero
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fan-Mail for Pure Gibberish
"Last night I had a nightmare that Think Tank the Bear (in reference to my song-story called THINK TANK) thought me right out of existence. I dreamt that I was looking for my friend, and as I was looking for him, various characters from your CD, Pure Gibberish, appeared and stopped me, getting in my way. Finally, Think Tank the Bear proceeded to actually think me right out of existence! It was a very weird dream!"
-- June 2007 Anonymous Fan
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fan-Mail for Pure Gibberish
"...Pure Gibberish is Pure Genius! Musically complex, meandering, dreamlike and delicate. Lyrically funny, thought provoking and edgy. Your choices of incredible sound effects don't seem to be as much for the sake of entertaining as they are springboards that divert the lyrics and music on an unpredictable new direction. To me it is incredible that you can continue to work at this level...if anything the production has gotten even better with this latest one!..."
-- January 2004 Adrian Wylie (Ann Arbor photographer)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fan-Mail for Bubbleland
"...Any CD that starts off with a sneeze is nothing to sneeze at - what a great beginning, and Bubbleland rocks! The couple tracks that have already got to me already off this CD are 'Little Flower' and 'Paging Mr. Dumpty'. 'Little Flower' is really a beautiful tune, but like many of your songs it seems to have a duality about it - it is simple yet complex, a bit funny and yet poignant, childlike and yet very adult. I have to say that when I listen to your CDs I never associate your songs with any other children's musician. The two groups I usually think of are Pink Floyd (although their songs tend to depress in a way that yours never do) and the ultimately fascinating and greatly underrated Beach Boys album Smiley Smile..."
-- August 2002 Adrian Wylie (Ann Arbor photographer
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fan-Mail for Flaghorn
"...I have to tell you that I am knocked out by Flaghorn! It is one of the most fun, imaginative pieces I have heard in ages! A brilliant mixture with touches of the holy trinity: Dr. Seuss, Pee Wee Herman, and Slim Gaillard. I love the whole concept behind the life-sized Lionel train that runs on burnt toast. The "Sorryland" cut is just as applicable to adults as it is to kids -- when I was dating this one girl I visited Sorryland so often I should have bought a condo there. I can envision some kid who in 20 years time becomes a big ground-breaking music star, crediting this CD as an important early influence, and once again it will be in demand!...."
-- October 1999 Adrian Wylie (Ann Arbor photographer)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fan-Mail for Flaghorn
"...The CD is just brilliant, and the accolades you are receiving don't surprise me one bit. In fact, I am a bit mystified why there is not wider recognition of what you have done. I put the Flaghorn CD in my Gateway computer and do whatever I have to do in a much better mood than one would predict. This is your special gift. What could be better than stimulating kids with happy tunes, interesting words, and, dare we say it, stimulating lessons on life. This is genius. And, you still are an influence in rock n' roll. I am impressed. Thanks for sharing your talents with a group that needs it so much...."
-- May 1999 Bob Cashner (New Orleans Icthyologist)
