Old Dogs, New Tricks

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Forced to single out what, exactly, makes Barry Louis Polisar a brilliant and hilarious kids' artist, one would be hard-pressed to pick between his absurdist songwriting and his deadpan delivery. On Old Dog, New Tricks, a 1993 album so named, presumably, because of its minor canine angle ("Our Dog Bernard," "I Wanna Be a Dog," and "I've Got a Dog and My Dog's Name Is Cat" are among the 13 tracks), the choice is as challenging as ever. Consider "My Brother Thinks He's a Banana," for instance. Here, a hapless fellow "sleeps curled up in the fruit bowl" despite his grandma's protests, and turns yellow "but seems to be O.K." In fact, his fruity predicament notwithstanding, the banana brother "really is a scholar / [He's] read all the books by Bellow / Although he likes to clown around / And cut up in the Jell-O." There's also the sweet, just shy of sincere "I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole," in which a sheepish Polisar admits that "I need you like a peanut in a shell / Gonna hold you in my arms like water in a well." This album bubbles over with silliness--from the nonsensical "Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around" to the goofy "One Day My Best Friend Barbara Turned into a Frog." Old Dog even incorporates a thought-provoking number or two, most notably "What If a Zebra Had Spots"--"What if a tiger had spots? / What if a leopard did not?" But, as usual, Polisar's believability--he may clown around, but he never seems to be putting on a condescending kiddie act--also makes this album leagues more likable than similar-minded releases. Others may try to portray "3-Toed, Triple-Eyed, Double-Jointed Dinosaurs" in song, but none will pull it off with the polished comic punch of Polisar. -- Tammy La Gorce

Old Dogs, New Tricks, Music, Barry Louis Polisar, Childrens, Christmas Music, Pop
Old Dogs New Tricks
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Old Dogs New Tricks
    Randy Hansen
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
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    2. SIMPLIFY YOUR VISION
    3. Hendrix By Hansen
    4. Kamchatka
    5. Jay Hooks

    ASIN: B000024IT0
    Release Date: 1996-11-18

    Tracks:

    1. Intro
    2. New World
    3. Chopping Down the Family Tree
    4. Special Place
    5. Spiral Volture
    6. Magic Locomotion 1
    7. Bloody Red Rebellion
    8. Texas Twister (For S.R.V.)
    9. Loner
    10. It's Always Something
    11. Magic Locomotion II
    12. Little Susy
    13. Old Dogs New Tricks
    14. Without You
    15. What's in There

    Album Description

    Old Dogs New Tricks, the mega-awesome third studio disc from Seattle stratmaster Randy Hansen features 15 tracks (72 mins.) of all-original, killer, bad-ass, mind-blowing, grooved-out, authentically trippy retro-70's bluesy Hendrixy heavy guitar power trio jams that are guaranteed to blow your heavy guitar mind. GTR. 2004.
    Old Dogs, New Tricks
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Funny CD
    		 Old Dogs, New Tricks
    Barry Louis Polisar
    Manufacturer: Rainbow Morning Music
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Teacher's Favorites
    2. Naughty Songs for Boys & Girls
    3. Family Trip
    4. Singable Songs for the Very Young: Great with a Peanut-Butter Sandwich

    ASIN: B00004TGHS
    Release Date: 1993-04-01

    Tracks:

    1. Our Dog Bernard
    2. One day My Best Friend Barbara Turned Into A Frog
    3. I Need You Like A Donut Needs A Hole
    4. I'm A Three-Toed, Triple Eyed, Double Jointed Dinosaur
    5. The Bumble Bee Song
    6. What If I Had Zebra Spots
    7. I Wanna Be A Dog
    8. The Apple Of My Eye
    9. My BrotherThinks He's A Banana
    10. All I Want Is You
    11. The Skatter Brak Flath Who Lives In My Bath
    12. Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around
    13. I've Got A Dog and My Dog's Name Is Cat

    Amazon.com

    Forced to single out what, exactly, makes Barry Louis Polisar a brilliant and hilarious kids' artist, one would be hard-pressed to pick between his absurdist songwriting and his deadpan delivery. On Old Dog, New Tricks, a 1993 album so named, presumably, because of its minor canine angle ("Our Dog Bernard," "I Wanna Be a Dog," and "I've Got a Dog and My Dog's Name Is Cat" are among the 13 tracks), the choice is as challenging as ever. Consider "My Brother Thinks He's a Banana," for instance. Here, a hapless fellow "sleeps curled up in the fruit bowl" despite his grandma's protests, and turns yellow "but seems to be O.K." In fact, his fruity predicament notwithstanding, the banana brother "really is a scholar / [He's] read all the books by Bellow / Although he likes to clown around / And cut up in the Jell-O." There's also the sweet, just shy of sincere "I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole," in which a sheepish Polisar admits that "I need you like a peanut in a shell / Gonna hold you in my arms like water in a well." This album bubbles over with silliness--from the nonsensical "Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around" to the goofy "One Day My Best Friend Barbara Turned into a Frog." Old Dog even incorporates a thought-provoking number or two, most notably "What If a Zebra Had Spots"--"What if a tiger had spots? / What if a leopard did not?" But, as usual, Polisar's believability--he may clown around, but he never seems to be putting on a condescending kiddie act--also makes this album leagues more likable than similar-minded releases. Others may try to portray "3-Toed, Triple-Eyed, Double-Jointed Dinosaurs" in song, but none will pull it off with the polished comic punch of Polisar. -- Tammy La Gorce

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Funny CD.......2007-07-16

    I grew up with these songs and they are just as funny now that I have my own kids.
    New Tricks
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Classic OBD from the original line-up
    • One of the best.
    		 New Tricks
    Old Blind Dogs
    Manufacturer: Klub Records Ltd.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Irish FolkIrish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    Celtic FolkCeltic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
    IrelandIreland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    CelticCeltic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Close to the Bone
    2. Five
    3. Legacy
    4. Fit?
    5. Live

    ASIN: B000003NHG
    Release Date: 1997-04-22

    Tracks:

    1. Bennachie
    2. The Garnethill/Miss Mairi Mac Phail Of Laxdale
    3. The Bonnie Banks O' Fordie
    4. J & B Reel/The Bonawe Highlanders
    5. The Wee Wee German Lairdie
    6. Monaghan's Jig
    7. The Bonnie Lass O' Fyvie
    8. Song For Autumn
    9. Gala Water
    10. The Ferret Set
    11. Bedlam Boys/The Rights Of Man

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Classic OBD from the original line-up.......2005-08-07

    While not as popular (or arguably quite as good) as Close to the Bone or Legacy, this is still the classic sound of the Benzie era OBD. The music has a drive and an energy that even the best of the competition (such as the Tanahill Weavers or, dare I say, the classic super group Silly Wizard) can never quite match. I call it "hard core" Scottish Folk. Good Celtic music always makes you want to dance, but this is the only stuff I've found I can also head bang to! The lyrics also have a starkness, even a black humor, far removed from the sentimental ballads of most other bands (see Bonnie Banks of Fordie and Bedlam Boys) Yet there are tender moments, too. Song for Autumn is simplistic ballad perfection, with Benzie's incomparable voice delicatly accompanied by just a single guitar. Of course, the rest of the tracks are great too, just listen to the samples!

    In short, the Dogs haven't quite reached the fever pitch they would in Legacy, Close to the Bone, or Live, but then, they haven't started the slide towards light jazzy-celtic easy listening that they reach on their latest (Gab o May) either. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that, if you're into that kind of thing, but you have to admit, bands with that sound are a dime a dozen in Celtic music nowadays. So if you've already fallen in love with the hard hitting sound of the original lineup in their later works, and want to know where to go from there, THIS is the album you want. As a matter of fact, its not a bad one to start out with, either.

    -(note, for those who don't know, singer guitarist Ian Benzie and drummer Dave Cattanacht left the band after Five, and Jim Malcom took over as vocalist/guitarist on the Fit? album. This work still has some hard hitting numbers, but Malcolm brought jazzier chords and crooning vocals to most tracks. This trend grew with the next albums, and there is a BIG difference in the sound of the band from Benzie's years.)

    5 out of 5 stars One of the best........2005-01-22

    Not just one of the best of OBD's albums, or even that strange genre known as 'Celtic', or even 'Folk' - this is one of THE BEST CD's no matter how you slice it.

    Simply superb.
    It's Hard to Teach Old Dogs New Tricks
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		It's Hard to Teach Old Dogs New Tricks
      Rev. Melvin Bufford
      Manufacturer: T-Jaye Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      Live RecordingsLive Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00018D52Q
      Release Date: 2004-01-20

      Tracks:

      1. Jesus Is on the Main Line/My Soul Loves Jesus/Saved by the Blood
      Old Dogs and New Tricks
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Old Dogs and New Tricks
        Raldo Schneider
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD
        ASIN: B000MW9LTM

        Product Description

        1 50 in a 25 2 Talk Show 3 Grandmas' Playin' Powerball 4 Theres' a Song in There Somewhere 5 Ya Just Don't Get It 6 The Bar Fly's Lament 7 San Pedro Town 8 Bridges 9 The Ballad of Wild Bill 10 Old Dogs and New Tricks
        Old Dogs New Tricks
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Old Dogs New Tricks
          Barron & Panting
          Manufacturer: Barron and Panting
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
          Traditional FolkTraditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000CAFMHO
          Release Date: 2004-12-07

          Tracks:

          1. My Great Uncle Heb
          2. Bonnie Lassie
          3. Lads Crossing the Tickle
          4. Early Spring
          5. New Branches
          6. Black Mountain Aire
          7. P Stands for Paddy
          8. Haying Song
          9. Captain and His Whiskers/Paddy's
          10. Ye Ramblin Boys of Pleasure
          11. Wedding Gift
          New Tricks
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		New Tricks

            Manufacturer: Blue Streak Music
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000RKY0ZO

            Product Description

            Blues - 10 songs - Broken Heart (cover of Walter Trout) - One Way Out - Loan Me a Dime - She Caught the Katy (cover of Tag Mahal) +++ more
            Old Dogs New Tricks
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Old Dogs New Tricks

              Manufacturer: Day and Night
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD
              ASIN: B0007TAR4S

              Product Description

              VOLUME 1 1. FALLING 2. BEAUTIFUL DREAM 3. SIGNAL UP AHEAD 4. PRIMITIVE SUBSTANCE 5. GAMES OF THE HEART 6. DREAMING OF MILES 7. NO CONTROL 8. INCANDESCENCE 9. FUTURE SHOCK 10. DERVISH DELIGHT 11. FORGIVENESS 12. FEELS GOOD
              Old Dogs and New Tricks
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Old Dogs and New Tricks
                Raldo Schneider & The No Problemo Band
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD
                ASIN: B000SJAPEO

                Product Description

                1 50 in a 25 2 Talk Show 3 Grandmas' Playin' Powerball 4 Theres' a Song in There Somewhere 5 Ya Just Don't Get It 6 The Bar Fly's Lament 7 San Pedro Town 8 Bridges 9 The Ballad of Wild Bill 10 Old Dogs and New Tricks
                Old Dogs, New Tricks
                Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                • Funny CD
                		 Old Dogs, New Tricks
                Barry Louis Polisar
                Manufacturer: The Orchard
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
                General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
                Similar Items:
                1. Teacher's Favorites
                2. Naughty Songs for Boys & Girls
                3. Family Trip
                4. Singable Songs for the Very Young: Great with a Peanut-Butter Sandwich

                ASIN: B00000JJ1O
                Release Date: 2000-03-11

                Tracks:

                1. Our Dog Bernard
                2. One Day My Best Friend Barbara Turned Into A Frog
                3. I Need You Like A Donut Needs A Hole
                4. I'm A 3-Toed, Triple-Eyed, Double-Jointed Dinosaur
                5. The Bumble Bee Song
                6. What If A Zebra Had Spots
                7. I Wanna Be A Dog
                8. The Apple Of My Eye
                9. My Brother Thinks He's A Banana
                10. All I Want Is You
                11. The Skatter Brak Flath Who Lives In My Bath
                12. Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around
                13. I've Got A Dog And My Dog's Name Is Cat

                Amazon.com

                Forced to single out what, exactly, makes Barry Louis Polisar a brilliant and hilarious kids' artist, one would be hard-pressed to pick between his absurdist songwriting and his deadpan delivery. On Old Dog, New Tricks, a 1993 album so named, presumably, because of its minor canine angle ("Our Dog Bernard," "I Wanna Be a Dog," and "I've Got a Dog and My Dog's Name Is Cat" are among the 13 tracks), the choice is as challenging as ever. Consider "My Brother Thinks He's a Banana," for instance. Here, a hapless fellow "sleeps curled up in the fruit bowl" despite his grandma's protests, and turns yellow "but seems to be O.K." In fact, his fruity predicament notwithstanding, the banana brother "really is a scholar / [He's] read all the books by Bellow / Although he likes to clown around / And cut up in the Jell-O." There's also the sweet, just shy of sincere "I Need You Like a Donut Needs a Hole," in which a sheepish Polisar admits that "I need you like a peanut in a shell / Gonna hold you in my arms like water in a well." This album bubbles over with silliness--from the nonsensical "Giggle Tickle Fiddle Little Wiggle Around" to the goofy "One Day My Best Friend Barbara Turned into a Frog." Old Dog even incorporates a thought-provoking number or two, most notably "What If a Zebra Had Spots"--"What if a tiger had spots? / What if a leopard did not?" But, as usual, Polisar's believability--he may clown around, but he never seems to be putting on a condescending kiddie act--also makes this album leagues more likable than similar-minded releases. Others may try to portray "3-Toed, Triple-Eyed, Double-Jointed Dinosaurs" in song, but none will pull it off with the polished comic punch of Polisar. -- Tammy La Gorce

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars Funny CD.......2007-07-16

                I grew up with these songs and they are just as funny now that I have my own kids.

                Music:

                1. Once Upon a Time: Children's Tales for Piano and Narrator
                2. Our Souls Take Flight
                3. Parakeet Island
                4. Raffi's Xmas Album (Blister)
                5. Rhythms of Childhood
                6. RONDAS INFANTILES
                7. Rondas Infantiles, Vol. 1
                8. Rondas Infantiles, Vol. 3
                9. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit [Soundtrack]
                10. Song of Songs

                Music

                Music