The Battersby Duo

 

 

After you have read some of our CD reviews you may wish to purchase 1 or all 4 of them. Certainly the most affordable and fastest way is to download them in mp3 format. Each CD can be downloaded with liner notes and the cover for between $4.99 or $8.99 If you prefer to buy the full packaged "redbook" version each CD will cost between $8.99 and $12.00 + shipping. To purchase, simply click the cover you want and make your decision on the pop up page. Thanks for visiting

PreS-Gr 2–The award-winning Battersby Duo returns with another concept recording, this time an album about family matters. Opening with “The Teacher” (a tribute to their not-so-lazy days of summer) and closing with “The Vegetable Crowd” (a tune about tolerance and inclusion), these 14 songs celebrate everything from waiting for a turn in the bathroom (“Waiting in Line”) to locating smelly socks (“Mr. Sackett the Sock Man”) to going to bed (“Bedtime Bug”). Other standouts include “Just the Six of Us” (about sextuplets waiting to be born), “Going to Preschool” (with its funky opening and funny interludes), and “Modern Girl” (about all the possibilities available to girls in the future). All songs were written by Tim and Laura Battersby. Laura’s voice is eerily reminiscent of Cass Elliott, while Tim’s solos have a sound similar to that of John Denver. Singing together, their tight harmonies are reminiscent of Peter, Paul and Mary or the Mamas & The Papas. This album will attract new followers and be a hit with those who are already fans.

• Delightfully Intelligent
Author: William Gibson
Color Magic is a 14 song work of Art. I'm a 4th grade Teacher. The Children in my class have improved their language skills enormously by listening to The Battersby Duo. Not only does this new CD give inner city and suburban kids an insight into a Brave New World of literate thinking, it also touches their hearts and improves their minds. Modern Girl is a sensitive song about the dreams and hopes of young girls in the 21st century, while Mr. Sackett the Sock Man is a cleverly disguised song about intolerance. The Teacher is my favorite, yet I find myself listening to each song, knowing that my students are mining literary nuggets from the prose, as if we were back in the California Gold Rush. Every Parent and Teacher should own a copy of Color Magic. It is a lyrical and musical Gem.

• The Bat Duo has done it again! Bravo
Author: Mike Willie. CBS News Philadelphia
They've done it again! The Battersby Duo provides a wonderful mix of Melody, Energy, Sweetness and Humor. My kids and I listened to the previews for an hour until they demanded I buy the album. Now we have their complete set again. Bravo!

• Kidzmusic.com
Author: John Wood
Color Magic 2007 Hip folk-rock from the dynamic duo that knows a thing or two - from tried and true touring - about educating and enlightening via a firm foundation of fun and frolic.

• Elementary School Teacher
Author: Sally McCarthy
This is a great new sound from the Battersby Duo! They cover every life stage from a fun and unique perspective. I listen to it frequently with my students during creative times and we find ourselves singing along and discussing all of the songs! There is a song in this CD for everyone in the family! It's a fabulous addition to my Battersby library of great songs!

• A deeply thought provoking CD from the Zany Bat Duo
Author: Katie Miranda
Normally I would say, "Zany, Crazy, Wild!" about the songs the Battersby Duo write and sing together but normal is not anything the Battersby’s do! This time it goes deeper into understanding how families are constantly growing and changing and evolving. You can't help but sing along with the melodic voice of Miss Laura on Little Mister and giggle when Mr. Tim makes his funny comments at the end of songs! Hamburger Blues makes you want to boogie in the kitchen as you get ready to grill in the backyard. On the surface engaging to listen to but deeply thought provoking when assimilated. How do they do it!

 

• Who can resist Mr. Sackett the Sock Man?
Author: Pete Shanks
More fun, silliness and plenty of warmth and smarts make this concept album (really!) about families (from the not-quite-born to the not-gone-yet) great for everyone; and if there is anyone who can resist Mr. Sackett the Sock Man, well, I'm sorry for them.

• Australia
Author: Michael Saunders
Absolutely fabulous Cd with a great mix of styles to appeal to wide range of individuals. Congratulations. When are you touring Australia?

• Truly inspiring Artists
Author: Stephanie
I have raised my son listening to the Bat Duo and will do the same with my newborn. Truly inspiring musical artists with children’s minds, education, and well being in all of the songs they sing. Silly lyrics that children love.... if only to be a child again and have the innocence of the meaning of all of their songs! Hope many more are to follow!

• A Magnificent CD.
Author: Mitchell Family
We took Color Magic with us on a road trip last week. It surprised my Husband who is now the oldest living Battersby Duo fan. What a clever album. The lyrics are kind, thoughtful, funny and intelligent. The music is upbeat and very Kid friendly. Little Mister is a beautiful song that makes me cry every time I listen. This is a magnificent CD

 

Too Sillies Two. Reviews

The American Library Association
Mr. Tim and Ms Laura, The Battersby Duo, must be a hoot in concert, their offbeat banter endearing them to listeners of all ages. Tim's English accent and Laura's melodious voice often, but not always, echo his silly and her straight roles in this collection of 15 original songs. While ostensibly the sane partner, Laura can be bizarre too, as she assumes the personas of an orange and a pineapple in tandem with Tim's grapefruit and lemon in the Monty Python-esque "Citrus Song." Tim's tongue-in-cheek "blues" are as pleasant as Laura's voice is; some songs dangerously flirt with mellow, as in the life-affirming "An Eagle Flies" and "The Miracle." The Battersby's are all over the stylistic map with a lesson on primary colors, barnyard animals, family togetherness, and the dignity due to those who are different.
This album will prompt kids to sing along to these too too silly and perfectly engaging songs - John Sigwald

School Library Journal
The Battersby Duo, the wife and husband team of Laura and Tim Battersby, wrote the 15 songs on the recording, and provide all the voices and music as well. This is one of the technically best recordings I have heard in a while; the balance and interweaving of voices and music are just about perfect The songs which include -The Citrus Song," "Daddy's Cantata " "The Farmyard Blues," and a great song on colors; Color me Eric," sometimes have an English flavor. Tim Battersby was born in London and retains his accent, which he often puts to use to elicit laughter. The Duo has performed in concert at many prestigious places including Wolf trap’s Filene Center. The Spoleto Festival. The White House and The Kennedy Center. Fans of their live performances will enjoy listening to this. Those unfamiliar with them will be able to sing-along using printed lyrics. Elaine Thomas.

A Tail of Too Sillies. Reviews

The Washington Post
By the Book the new children’s album by The Battersby Duo, encourages reading whistling singing bathing, self-reliance and Elvis Presley impersonations. By goofily paying Elvis, lip service, Tim and Laura provide Parents with what will surely be viewed as a valuable service-a simple, folksy and most entertaining mixture of harmony, rhythm, advice and adventure. Many good songs on this new album by the shamelessly goofy Battersby Duo. One, entitled, Mr. Significant, has a live report from the 14th annual convention of silly people. The title song, By the Book, encourages children in their pursuit of literature. (A recurring theme in Battersby songs.) Add, The Copycat Song, an interactive game song, set to a 12 bar blues, and it’s plain to see why By the Book, is a great buy.