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Hear an except from Barry's public radio interview on the Tribute Album.


Barry's songs

Barry's lyrics


Barry's songs also appear here


"This 60-song, 2-disc homage is a wide-ranging tribute of fun classics from the Polisar canon."

--New York's Newsday


"When I started in kids' radio in 1983, there weren't many contemporary artists producing original music for my audience. Then came Barry Louis Polisar. Polisar created music about real-life kids and brought families together with deliciously subversive musical humor. Many kids who grew up on Polisar have now honored his influence with a brilliant two-CD collection interpreting Polisar's songs in a wide variety of styles. This CD isn't narrowly aimed at kids. Hand this to a fan of alternative rock without mentioning Polisar's kids' song roots, and they'll never know the difference."

--Kathy O'Connell, Metro Kids, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and host of Kids Corner on WXPN Radio


"The Barry Louis Polisar Tribute Album: Potentially Awesome! No, that's not the name--it's my verdict. The songs I've spun thus far have been uniformly winning."

--Zooglobble Kids
and Family Music Review


"This 60-song, two-disc tribute to one of the most prolific kids' music songwriters is packed with some of the best talent you've probably never heard. The album kicks off with The Vespers singing what is now Polisar's best-known song, "All I Want is You." The Purple Mums deliver a great doo-wop rendition of "My Brother Threw Up on My Stuffed Toy Bunny." Along with the "grown-up" bands, there is a good representation of family bands your kids may recognize...This is an amazing collection of brilliant talent performing songs from one of the best songwriters around."

--Chattanooga Parent Magazine


"There are few genres more earnest than children's music, but thankfully, Polisar finds room for self-deprecation."

--Washington City Paper, Washington, DC


"On this phenomenal two-disc set, there are enough unquestionably great songs to fill several regular-length albums. We're Not Kidding! is a smorgasbord of musical styles...and a testament to Polisar's songwriting."

--Parent Dish


"A tribute album bursting with talent and variety and high quality throughout."

--The Art of Irreverence


"Polisar's music and lyrics have a timeless quality that continues to touch the heart and soul of what it's like to be a child today. We're Not Kidding! is a delightful compilation of songs, at times hysterical and even touching. It is an album that not only traverses the years, but all age groups as well. "

-- The Examiner,
Washington, DC


"As soon as we played the album, the phones lit up with folks asking where they could get their hands on the compilation....wonderful interpretations on both discs."

--Peter Jones
Tell Us a Story Radio Hour


"A wonderful family-friendly tribute album to a long-standing kidfolk icon. Barry has made a name for himself as an award-winning kids entertainer and a strong proponent of imagination and literacy; his songs have been featured on NPR, School Library Journal, Newsweek, and on endless rotation on my CD player, and their titles speak for themselves...this is a fabulously fun album, and a fine showcase for the oddly endearing talents and songs of the long-standing children's entertainer."

--Cover Lay Down. com


"A tremendous album representing an even more tremendous body of work, this album has been well worth the wait."

--Randy Astle, Red Balloon Review of Childrens Media, Literature, Film and Art


"This album makes a good case for Polisar as a genuine innovator. He was writing kids songs before that niche market had a name, and before cable television stations turned kid-centric entertainment into big business. In the realm of children's entertainment, Polisar is anything but an underground performer. He has won four Parents' Choice Awards and has written over a dozen books, one of which won a Parents' Guide Award for Outstanding Children's Books."

--Howard County Times


"A spectacular collection of talent from across the U.S. and as far away as Greece."

--The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York


"What can be better than having your song from a 30-year old album plucked from obscurity and used in the opening credit sequence of an Oscar-winning movie and Grammy-winning Soundtrack album? How about being re-united by fans who had your records when they were kids and now--as musicians--have gone into the studio and recorded sixty of their favorite songs for a 2-CD Tribute Album!"

--Guitar International Magazine


"It was delightful to hear my old favorites--and some new ones--rendered so beautifully. Every track is so creative and brilliant...a shining ode to your playful work."

--Roy L, fan since childhood


"Kids all over remember Barry's songs fondly, and now sing them gleefully as adults. Some people never grow up and we are very glad! "

--Kids Public Radio
The Network for Kids




Read the full Reviews here

Download this CD or individual songs from iTunes here



Order this CD from CDbaby


We're Not Kidding:
A Tribute to Barry Louis Polisar

$14.95, 2-CDs
ISBN# 978-0-938663-54-6


This 2-disc release features artists from around the world covering Barry's songs. Sixty songs have been compiled by Aaron Cohen of The Radioactive Chicken Heads and re-imagined and performed by musicians in genres as diverse as hip-hop, folk, jazz, klezmer and rock. Aaron had Barry's recordings as a child--and so did many of the artists on this brand new album.


Some of the artists on the album are:


The Vespers from Nashville, Tennessee recorded Barry's song Barnyard Stomp. Their two voices blend together perfectly for this beautiful sounding cover; they then went back into the studio months later to record an inspired cover of Barry's song All I Want is You which was used in the movie Juno.
Press arrow to hear song.





Robbins in a Tree-O is a New York trio consisting of Danny Robbins, and his sisters Alyssa and Amy. They had Barry's music as kids and have recorded a truly inspired cover of Barry's song Never Cook Your Sister in a Frying Pan.
Press arrow to hear song.





DeLeon is a Brooklyn, New York based band, fronted by Daniel Saks. Daniel was an early fan of Barry's music growing up and the band has recorded an engaging cover of Barry's My Brother Thinks He's a Banana, weaving in a wonderful Sephardic melody...and then just for fun also covered Barry's My Name is Hiram Lipshlitz.
Press arrow to hear song.





Alyssa Robbins of New York is another artist who listened to Barry's songs growing up. She records With a Giggle and a Hug and a Tickle and a Kiss with her beautiful voice and arrangement. Alyssa went back into the studio to record a multi-track version of Barry's song Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around which is equally beautiful.
Press arrow to hear song.





Deborah Berman and the Nogoodniks are a New York based group who have recorded a Klezmer version of Barry's song Don't Put Your Finger Up Your Nose sung entirely in Yiddish. This wonderfully inspired rendition is called Shtek Nit Dayn Finger in Der Noz. Deborah was an early fan, listening to Barry's songs on his original recordings.
Press arrow to hear song.





Evan Polisar teamed up with Cesar Cartagena to record a jazzed up version of I'd Be Me complete with piano, drums, and dueling saxophones. Based in the Washington, DC suburbs, the two met in High School in Montgomery County, Maryland. As a child, Evan was subjected to endless hours of listening to Barry's music with his twin sister, Sierra.
Press arrow to hear song.





Le Page from Athens, Greece, have recorded a hauntingly beautiful cover of Barry's song I Wanna Be Your Baby. They also recorded covers of Lucky to Be Alive and Don't You Cry, Now Don't You Fuss.
Press arrow to hear song.





Ham And Burger from New York City have recorded Barry's song Don't Put Your Finger Up Your Nose with a new techno-pop rhythm. They have also recorded Barry's You Can't Say "Psbpsbpsb" on the Radio and Danny Rockett, a fan who had Barry's albums growing up, expands the song with some extra verses that Barry thinks make it even funnier than the original.
Press arrow to hear song.





Kid Kazooey and His One-Man Klezmorkestra Band from Bloomington, Indiana has recorded two great covers of Barry's songs for the tribute album. The Kid, aka Kevin MacDowell, had many of Barry's recordings growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and does covers of I've Got a Teacher, She's So Mean and He Eats Asparagus, Why Can't You Be That Way?
Press arrow to hear song.





Rebecca Loebe from Atlanta, Georgia, is another musician who listened to Barry's songs growing up. She has recorded an engaging and catchy cover of You're As Sweet As Sugar on a Stick.
Press arrow to hear song.





J-LA from Brooklyn, New York, had Barry's records when he was a child and recorded a very funny rap version of When Suzie Sneezed. J-LA also covers Barry's song Doo Doo is a Bad Word for the new album.
Press arrow to hear song.






Frankie and Rufus from Costa Mesa, California have recorded an inventive and creative cover version of Barry's Alfabet Song.
Press arrow to hear song.







David W. Jacobsen and September's Shadow from New Jersey have recorded a great English-pop version of Barry's song I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole.
Press arrow to hear song.







Los Huevos of Montville, New Jersey record Barry's song Bad Guys Broke Into Our Car and take it for a really wild ride. Band members Vinnie and Pete describe themselves as more fans who are all "grown up" now but from the sound of their recording, they're having way too much fun to be "grown-up."
Press arrow to hear song.





Your Little Pony is a band from Utah. They have recorded a version of Barry's song Me and You that starts out with a simple voice that builds verse by verse.
Press arrow to hear song.





Water Method is a Los Angeles, California band who records a nice cover of Barry's I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole. Jennifer Hall, the lead singer, not only listened to Barry's songs growing up, but was also the original cover girl on Barry's first album, when she was eighteen months old.
Press arrow to hear song.





The League of Space Pirates fronted by Noah Scalin, records a great cover of Barry's song Never Cook Your Sister in a Frying Pan. This is an appropriate choice since Noah used to listen to Barry's songs with his sister Mica, in Richmond, Virginia.
Press arrow to hear song.





Haunted Cologne from Phoenix, Arizona, count themselves as long time fans of Barry's music. "We wanted to show our love and respect," they say, " by really mucking up one of his great songs." They record a walingly funny version of Barry's song Diaper Rash. It's scary and wicked!
Press arrow to hear song.





Loverlee is a band from Los Angeles, California. They have recorded a delightfully whimsical cover of Barry's song I Love Your Eyes.
Press arrow to hear song.






Rutherford B. Hayes is Dead from Oak Park, California, records an inspired cover of Barry's song I'm a Slug with it's growling guitars and vocals and then went back to cover Barry's song The Apple of My Eye.
Press arrow to hear song.






The Brothers Vilozny from Santa Cruz, California used to listen to Barry's songs growing up in Santa Cruz and now Boaz and Moshe have recorded a spirited version of Barry's When the House is Dark and Quiet.
Press arrow to hear song.






Nate Lieby of the California group 300 Pounds had Barry's albums growing up and records great covers of Barry's I Never Did Like You Anyhow and I Don't Brush my Teeth and I Never Comb My Hair.
Press arrow to hear song.





John Winfield Blake is contributing Barry's I Never Rode The Railroads to the Tribute Album. Barry wrote the song back in 1975 and it was recorded the following summer on a reel to reel tape by the legendary singer John Winfield Blake. In early 2009, the classic recording of Barry's song re-surfaced and here it is.
Press arrow to hear song






Noga Vilozny from Santa Cruz, California listened to Barry's music growing up and has recorded two amazing covers of Barry's songs: a bluesy version of Shut Up in the Library and a great cover of All I Want is You, which closes out the Tribute Album.
Press arrow to hear song






The Radioactive Chicken Heads from Los Angeles, California have recorded covers of Barry's songs over the years. Included here are: I Eat Kids, I Wanna Be a Dog, Underwear and I Looked Into the Mirror (What Did the Mirror Say?). Lead singer Aaron Cohen had Barry's albums growing up and is the creative spirit behind the Tribute Album. He teams up with Barry to share alternating vocals on I Didn't Mean To.
Press arrow to hear song





Lunch is an Oakland, California band and bass player Richard Berman is another early fan of Barry's work. They record We Don't Have to Share
Press arrow to hear song.






Elizabeth Street covers Barry's songs That's What Makes The World Go Round and I've Got a Dog and My Dog's Name is Cat. The Elizabeth Street Band is an energetic duo from Connecticut, made up of vocalist Susan Kolbenheyer and guitarist/bassist Greg Pearce.
Press arrow to hear song.





The Boogers cover Barry's song What If A Zebra Had Spots? This punk inspired band makes their home in Berwyn, Illinois not too far from Chicago.
Press arrow to hear song.







Tor Hyams is another musician who had Barry's recordings growing up. From Los Angeles, California, Tor recorded a great version of Hey Jack, What's in the Sack? on piano and then went back into the studio and delivered a New Orleans styled cover of Barry's Go and Hush the Baby.
Press arrow to hear song.





The Purple Mums from LA, record a Doo-Wop version of My Brother Threw Up On My Stuffed Toy Bunny.
Press arrow to hear song







Tom Vincent covers Barry's song I Wanna Be a Dog. Tom lives in Seattle, Washington and has been singing Barry's song professionally for decades.
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Dead Men's Hollow has recorded Barry's song Cindy's Absent. This old timey and bluegrass band is located in Clifton, Virginia and they do a wonderful version of Barry's song.
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Jeff Forrest from San Diego, California just recorded a great cover of Barry's song "Donuts." Just like life, so round and sweet/but if you eat too many it'll settle in your seat
Press arrow to hear song






Adam David and the Freewheelers of Nederland, Texas do an interesting acoustic cover of Barry's song about having twins called Trouble...What Trouble?







Catherine Satterlee and Jim Greenfield of Washington, DC team up to do a lovely Bossa Nova inspired cover of Barry's song A Clock Without a C.






In The Audience is a Portland, Maine band fronted by Jordan Stowell. They also cover Barry's song A Clock Without a C -- but with a different twist.







Rosanna Dittrich from Santa Ana, California has recorded a real soulful cover of Barry's song "Our Dog Bernard."






Eric Hartereau from Carrieres Sous Poissy, France has covered Barry's All I Want is You. Since Eric is from Brittany he has translated this song and sings it in French. Press arrow to hear song





The Michael O'Brian Band from Altoona, Pennsylvania have recorded a cover of Barry's song "Potty Training." They've been singing their own version of Barry's song "I Wanna Be a Dog" to adult audiences for years but this one was recorded as an Irish jig, complete with bodhran and penny-whistles.
Press arrow to hear song





Bonnie Phipps covers Barry's song I'm a 3-Toed, Triple Eyed Double Jointed Dinosaur . Bonnie lives in Boulder, Colorado and has been singing Barry's songs in her family concerts for over twenty years.
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Barry Louis Polisar has recorded a never released version of The Tushie Song for this project, backed up by the Barry Louis Polisar Self-Aggrandizement Choir. Also included on this album is the original tag ending for Barry's song from Juno, All I Want is You. This ending was not featured in the movie or the soundtrack recording.




Key Wilde and Mr Clark have recorded Barry's song Lullaby For a Crying Baby. This musical duo from New Jersey draws from a wide range of musical styles, creating songs with an emphasis on guitar and vocal harmonies.
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The song list