Music Is... Awesome! Vol. 3

Audio Mixer: Cameron Webb.
Recording information: Maple Studios; Room Recording; Sizzle Me This Studios.
Editor: Adam Deibert.
Illustrator: Parker Jacobs.
Released six months after the completion of Yo Gabba Gabba!'s third season, Music Is.Awesome!, Vol. 3 provides another round-up of songs featured on Nick Jr.'s popular children's program. As with the first two volumes, many songs -- "Follow the Oskie Bugs," "Superhero," "I'm So Sorry," and six others -- are voiced by DJ Lance Rock and his bright-colored pals, while a greater number is provided by music acts. The roster is more diverse than ever, including new wave innovators Devo (fronted by the host of the Mark's Magic Pictures segment), parodist "Weird Al" Yankovic, L'Trimm's Lady Tigra (who covers Debbie Deb's freestyle classic "When I Hear Music"), and contemporary rock bands like Band of Horses, the Flaming Lips, and the Killers. All the artists were astute enough to realize that their contributions would be pumped out of televisions countless times and, just as importantly, should be substantive. Fans of the show will be happy to have several season three highlights, while a handful of previously unavailable songs from the first two seasons -- Gogo13's "Pick It Up," at last -- are also here. ~ Andy Kellman