Fascinating Creatures by Frances England

FROM Zooglobble (recently featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition as the Authority on hip, new kid’s music):

Frances England, has recorded one of the most adventurous children's music albums in some time, quite unlike anything out there at the moment.

(Fascinating Creatures) is the start of something big, like a little secret known to only a few. But I don't think this CD or Ms. England will stay secret for long.

FROM School Library Journal

This beautiful collection of 13 original songs by talented singer/songwriter Frances England deserves a place in every collection. Calling to mind such performers as Sarah McLachlan, Ani DeFranco, and Neko Case, England is the indie/alt rocker for the preschool set. While the songs’ lyrics address subjects that toddlers can relate to, they also draw on experiences and moments that every mother will recognize.

FROM Kid’s Music That Rocks:

Frances England has created a powerfully simple, simply powerful collection of songs for her debut album, Fascinating Creatures. If Daniel Lanois produced Sam Phillips, the result might sound a little like Fascinating Creatures, but to be honest this CD is so wonderfully unique, it’s hard to properly describe.

If you’re alone, listen to the album on your headphones while you lie on your back in the middle of a grassy field. If you’re hanging out with your kid, play this record while you color together or plant seedlings in an old egg carton. This is a truly indie-rock kids’ album, and a fantastic one at that.

FROM The Lovely Mrs. Davis Tells You What to Think :

Every once in a while, I come upon a new children's music artist that really gets me excited. I want to get copies the CD of it for all my mom friends, tell everyone I know how amazing it is, and play it in the car with the windows down so everyone can hear what great music I play for my kids. Frances England is one of these arists who makes me want to stop other parents on the street and say, "You've got to hear this!"

A mom herself, England has put together a collection of songs that are lyrically and musically appropriate for kids, but with enough of an edge that they could pass for grown-up music, along the lines of Liz Phair or Cat Power. Get your own copy of Fascinating Creatures soon, so that in a year or two, when Frances England is a Big Deal in the world of children's music (as I believe she will be), you can say, "Oh, yeah, we've been listening to Frances forever."

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Rich, simple, and full of thoughtful lyrics, Fascinating Creatures is a gem that will charm both parents and children. Frances England lives in San Francisco with her husband, John, their 3 year-old son Liam, and new baby boy, Rowan. Aside from music, Frances also works at her son’s cooperative preschool and is getting her master’s degree in library science. Billy Riggs performs on the Fascinating Creatures and helped produce it -- check out Billy's music and cd at www.billyriggsband.com

Average Customer Review: 2