Music
Press
"Sometimes my initial response to new music is 'Wow, that's really um, different.' And by different, I mean bad. But sometimes different is good, as in the case of Different, the debut album from Elizabeth Street. Kolbenheyer has an earthy, expressive voice that moves easily from the mellow, acoustic tracks on the album to driving power-pop songs with a discernable punk influence. The sophisticated melodies blend perfectly with lyrics reflecting the silliness of childhood, with song titles like The Eyeball People and Really Gross." - Cool Mom Picks
"In kids and family music, there are many albums with decent music but with lyrics that are just too.... obvious. It is possible, however, to write lyrics that are direct enough for kids that aren't so obvious as to make the parental eyes roll, and it's that fine line line that Kolbenheyer walks on the album.
Different stands on it's own terms, in this case melding a skewed enough approach to kids-related topics with parent-accessible music. Recommended." - Zooglobble.com
Different has been recognized as one of Zooglobble's top 20 recommended family albums of 2006. - NPR
Elizabeth St. "Different" came in at #4 on the Best of 2006 listeners picks! - WRIU Radio
Discography
Debut album "Different" was released in 2006.
Various tracks from "Different" currently have airplay on WRIU kids - RI, SMCB - TN, Loopy Moose Radio, Spare The Rock, Spoil the Child - MA
Photos
Bio
The goal was to create music that has the ability to speak to kids while engaging parents (and teenage siblings) as well. As a parent I believe that there is nothing more important than having an open line of communication with my children. Regardless of how uncomfortable, silly or gross the subject matter may seem, these little people need to know that I am here for them and that I love them no matter what they throw at me.
While driving in the car, I realized that my little sponges were singing word for word, note for note songs from some of my favorite bands. I figured that if they could absorb, contemplate and ask questions about songs by The White Stripes, The Strokes, Jack Johnson and whatever else we were playing, I could find a way to truly bridge the gap between our music and theirs. Music that is pleasing to both parents and children that can open a dialogue about important topics. This is what I set out to do.
The result is a not so ordinary kids album that we have a lot of fun listening to. We still listen to the grown up music (they sing "Hello Operator" like nobody's business) but now the sponges request and inquire about my music as well, and it brings about many interesting discussions.
Links
