Lunch Money

Lunch Money artfully treads the line between alt-kids and just plain alternative - with lots of parents on the fan wagon as well. Kids go for the lyrics about things like roller coasters and tricycles, but singer Molly Ledford could make just about anything sound good.
Play Points: 5 - Upbeat and hummable - Nick Jr. Family Magazine

Molly Ledford named her band Lunch Money after "the spirit of independence" she recalls as a young schoolkid "with those precious crumpled dollars in your sock." The South Carolina-based trio has a pleasing acoustic sound with Ledford's delightful voice on lead vocals. The band's debut CD Silly Reflection is filled with songs that wistful parents can also enjoy - tales of an old hand-me-down tricycle (in "Tricycle"); and, in "I Want a Dog," "I want a dog, I want a dog, I would name him Alfredo. My mother says how about a pet rock that you do't have to feed or walk." "Caboose" is a finger-snappin' Rickie Lee/Norah Jones-ish tune. Love the retro CD cover of an old 45 on the turntable. - New York Post

(K - Gr 2) Singer/songwriter Molly Ledford has created a collection of ten original songs. While she has produced music for adults with the band The Verna Cannon, this is her first recording for children. The songs cover a range of topics that would appeal to children including tricycles, roller coasters and umbrellas. Ledford provides the lead vocals and is accompanied by drums, guitar, banjo, harmonica, trumpet, trombone, backup vocalists and more. While not intended to be educational, the fun and whimsical songs touch on everyday life. For example, "Tricycle" includes the lyrics "On a bicycle you don't know how to stop. You have to ride into the grass and tip right over, but my tricycle will never let me down." The lively "Yes, We Have Rhythm" will have kids clapping and jiving along. The set concludes with a lovely bedtime song, "Nightlights," that includes the lyrics: "Now that the nightlights of the world are coming on, the moon, the fireflies and stars, and white flowers in the park are glowing, so it must be time for going on to sleep." A suitable additional purchase for public libraries. - School Library Journal

Lunch Money: Silly Reflection
This was my favorite kids' album of 2005 (OK, it technically came out in 2004, but who's counting?), and in our house, we're eagerly awaiting Lunch Money's next project. This three-piece band, which includes two members of the indie South Carolina band The Verna Cannon, plays melodic and playful pop with a light touch (think Luna with more pep) with a clear and expressive singer in Molly Ledford. The lyrics reveal a recognition of what catches kids' attention - the speed of bank drive-through pneumatic tubes ("Tricycle"), everyday rhythm (tennis and slapping mosquitos in "Yes, We Have Rhythm") and the appeal of little things ("Miniature Things"). In short, the songs are great for kids without being childish. When people ask me what kids' music I recommend besides the "big names," this is invariably my first answer. Hopefully, Lunch Money will be a big name soon, and you can say you knew about them back when. - Valley Kids (Greenfield, Massachusetts)