Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

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Declaring 2014 The Year of the Weird!, award-winning “King of Kid Hop,” Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, has created a supercharged summertime double header — a new album and a new picture book-with-audio — both inspired by the wild and creative spirit of kids.  Skidoo’s fourth album, The Perfect Quirk, is set for release on June 24.  On that same day, his premier literary work, Weirdo Calhoun and the Odd Men Out, will have its “soft” release.

We received this CD to review and this really is Hip Hop for the whole family to enjoy! Such fun tunes that both kids and parents will like! 

The Perfect Quirk, a raucous celebration of originality and the quirkiness of being a kid in this crazy awesome world, is the ideal soundtrack for living room dance parties or a summer vacation on the road less traveled. The tunes are classic hip hop spiced with Motown, reggae, club thump, blues, and the occasional pirate shanty, each one aimed at the quirky soul of the funky family.

As the proud dad of an amazing daughter who gets down to the beat of her own drum, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo knows the parent’s perspective.  As a kid who grew up feeling different and strange before realizing that nobody’s normal, he eventually discovered the need to accept your funky self.  And as a music lover who found gateways to his own understanding on CDs and cassettes, he understands his Secret Mission.

Skidoo explains, “The word ‘weird’ derives from the Old English ‘wyrd,’ which translates as ‘destiny’ or ‘fate.’  I hope this album will help kids realize that their quirks are their own funky destinies, meant to be lived to their potential.  Oh yeah, and I hope it makes ’em dance like they’re crazy!”

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s approach to music has always been eccentric and eclectic, and The Perfect Quirk is no exception.  From the combination of Miami bass sounds with Afropop and steel drums on “You’re It” to a rave-sounding dance track about pillow fights to a song written from the song’s own perspective, Skidoo thoroughly embraces the Weird.

Highlights on this party rocker include the Motown flavored “Unwind,” the klezmer/gypsy swing/pirate shanty/polka hop “Imaginary Friend,” and the straight up hip hop “3 Pointed Back,” featuring the world’s quirkiest guest rappers, Skidoo’s daughter MC Fireworks and Adam Strange.  Recess Monkey’s Jack Forman contributes a picture perfect boxing announcer voiceover to “Pillowfight Pillowfort,” and The Verve Pipe’s Craig Griffithdeftly weaves his blues harmonica throughout “PJs All Day.” 

With five #1 hits on Sirius/XM global radio, a track on the 2012 GRAMMY winning children’s recording, and gigs from basketball courts in the Bronx to stages at the Smithsonian, Lollapalooza, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a standout star on the indie family music scene.  The Washington Post praised his “compelling rhythms and stories, the messages are all positive.  23 leaves parents skeptical of the genre powerless to resist.”  Enthused Today.com, “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has married the compex beats of hip hop with the magical world of kids.”

Previous Secret Agent 23 Skidoo recordings include Make Believers(2012, NAPPA Gold Award, USA TODAY Best of the Year List, Fids & Kamily winner), Underground Playground (2010, USA TODAY Best of the Year List, Fids & Kamily winner), and Easy (2008, Fids & Kamily winner).

The Perfect Quirk is available at amazon.com, iTunes,www.secretagent23skidoo.com, and at independent retail outlets throughout the country.

Self Disclosure: I received a Free CD to review and feature. Photo Credit/press release info: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.

 

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