“The production quality is outstanding. The guest musicians use guitars, mandolins, fiddles, dulcimers, slide guitar, clarinet and percussion to give the sound a richness not found in most children’s recordings. Polisar’s vocals are very playful. A must buy–even if you already own previous Polisar recordings.”
– School Library Journal

“His humor will get you if you don’t watch out…adults and children alike are alternately charmed and disarmed by these humorous songs.”
– The Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio

“Your music is a true joy! As an elementary music teacher, I’ve appreciated the humor you use in your approach. As my students sing along, I see them nodding in agreement to what you sing about.”
– Pam O’Neal, Music Teacher, Sterling, Colorado

“He appeals to a wide audience of children–and adults who can still think like children.”
– Gifted and Talented Magazine

“He’s “write” in tune with kids.”
– The Patriot News, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

A recording of Barry’s best loved songs about school that feature a new musical accompaniment with fiddle, mandolin, clarinet and guitar. This recording breathes new life into some of Barry’s original songs; he sings about a boy who doesn’t want to get out of bed in the morning–he turns out to be the Principal–and a deep voiced chorus sings about underwear in a calypso beat. This recording also includes Barry’s classic 1975 song, I’ve Got a Teacher and She’s So Mean, a child’s heart-felt complaint with a real surprise ending! A funny and meaningful collection.

As the Guide to the Best Recorded Music for Children said, “Barry Louis Polisar talks to kids in a way that is direct but never condescending. Kids love him. He reaches children in their funny bone.”

“Barry’s lyrics almost always speak to the reality of children’s lives. Polisar’s brand of humor is unique in children’s recordings. This is a good addition for collections wanting to expand their Polisar repertoire or for those purchasing their first recording by the artist.”
– School Library Journal

“Polisar writes and performs children’s songs with a humorous yet lifelike twist.”
– The Sunday Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

“Polisar’s songs examine children’s hidden thoughts and feelings, tackling subjects in an honest and humorous way.”
– Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia

“His songs are humorous anthems that will have non-conformist children clamoring for more.”
– The Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois

Barry Louis Polisar gained an early reputation for writing smart and honest songs about real families–and what a trip they are! This recording contains many of those early Polisar classic songs, re-recorded with a full musical texture and style that includes Memphis slide, blues and folk influences. Barry sings about family car trips, wacky relatives and the joys of getting up on an early Sunday morning.

“Barry Louis Polisar marches to a decidedly different drummer, and will have kids marching right along with him. The songs on this recording are funny, irreverent, and simply delightful.”
– School Library Journal

“Children of all ages should listen to his witty, intelligent tunes….the best record you’ve sung along to since second grade.”
– The Des Moines Register, Gannett News Wire Syndication

“Barry Louis Polisar sings sly comic songs with a lot of kid-canny anarchy; the foundation for each song, however, is keenly observed truth. A Parents’ Choice Silver Award Winner.”
– Lynne Heffley, Parents’ Choice Review

“Sly lyrics performed with the force of a shooting rubber band. The electric, eccentric Polisar bangs out this edgy classic on everything but the kitchen sink, and provides a delightfully warped, wickedly funny outlook on slugs, potty training, perfect children, and asparagus.”
– Parenting Magazine

“Polisar’s witty, irreverent folk-pop tunes tromp around with impunity where few kid’s artists dare to venture.”
– Family Fun Magazine

“One of a dozen or so reasons to love Barry Louis Polisar’s A Little Different is its ability to entertain unflaggingly and at full throttle on two levels. Each of this album’s 17 tracks is genuinely funny. Polisar may be “A Little Different,” but that’s what makes him–and this album– wonderful.”
– Tammy La Gorce, Amazon.com Review

Barry Louis Polisar’s songs for children have always been a little different than most. His lyrics are wry, sly and witty and this album is the most musically textured he has produced.

Seventeen songs are featured here including a bluesy I’m a Slug, the 1999 winner of the “Children’s Music Award for best song” and a joyful song about Potty Training, sung to the tune of Waltzing Matilda.

But listen carefully; the album is a pun and fun filled adventure with musical homages to everyone from Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix and Guy Clark to the First Nations a cappella trio Ulali. The Homemade Band song features Barry playing every instrument–except the instruments are common everyday kitchen utensils. And let’s not forget about the cover art–creatively designed by Barry’s eleven-year old daughter!