Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Trivia - Musical Genres

Each Backyardigans episode is in a different musical style. Here is a list of each episode and the style of music used.

  • Knights Are Brave and Strong - 40's Big-Band Jazz
  • The Yeti - James Brown-Style Funk
  • Pirate Treasure - Reggae/Ska
  • The Heart of the Jungle - Gilbert and Sullivan
  • Secret Mission - Tango
  • Riding the Range - Hip-Hop
  • The Key to the Nile - Broadway Musical (a la Rogers & Hammerstein)
  • The Snow Fort - Western Swing
  • It's Great to Be a Ghost - ‘20s Jazz
  • Viking Voyage - Rockabilly
  • The Quest for the Flying Rock - Disco
  • Surf's Up - Afro-Pop
  • Race to the Tower of Power - Salsa
  • Castaways - Bossa Nova
  • Cave People - Calypso
  • High Tea - Irish Jig
  • Eureka! - Township Jive
  • Polka Palace Party - Polka
  • Race Around the World - Zydeco
  • Monster Detectives - 60's Rock/English Pop

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Already planning for next summer

I wish I'd known about this earlier, but maybe you can incorporate this into your plans for next summer. I will be!

We're not big amusement park customers, but in looking around for Backyardigans sites I found this page for Paramount Carowinds. Evidently, they have a section of the park which has a Nickelodeon theme, including a Backyardigans ride! My kids would love it, I know.

The picture doesn't show much, unfortunately. From what it shows, the ride looks rather generic. I should hope that there would be at least some pictures of the Backyardigans there!

According to the Carowinds website there are also costumed Nickelodeon characters walking around Nick Central. I wonder if any of them are dressed up as Backyardigans? If anyone knows for sure, post in the comments and let me know!

You can read a review of the park by Allison Perkins, at GoTriad.com.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Treehouse TV Backyardigans page

In case you didn't realize it, Nick Jr. isn't the only place on the web where you can get Backyardigans printouts and information. Treehouse TV, the Canadian channel that runs the show in Canada has a section of their website devoted to the Backyardigans, too. They don't carry as much as Nick Jr., but they have some things not available at the larger site, including 17 pictures from the series.

Friday, September 23, 2005

Available merchandise

Since somebody came here through Yahoo, looking for Backyardigans merchandise, I figured I'd do a quick rundown on what's available. Which is to say, not much, unfortunately. There's plenty of books and other items scheduled to come out this fall, but we're still a few weeks away from being able to hold them in our hands.

What's available right now:
The Backyardigans CD
It's Great To Be A Ghost DVD
It's Great To Be A Ghost VHS
Here Come the Backyardigans! Hardcover Book

What's available in November:
The Snow Fort DVD

Available for pre-order, but no release date announced:
Pirate Treasure (Paperback Book)
Race to the Tower of Power (Paperback Book)
Castaways (Paperback Book)
Secret Agents (Paperback Book)
Riding the Range (Paperback Book)
A Royal Valentine (Paperback Book)
Backyardigans Ultimate Sticker Book
Meet Pablo! (Rag Book)
Jungle Colors (Board Book)
The Soccer Ball Mystery (Board Book)

So, if you're looking for something for Christmas presents, you're not completely out of luck. Hopefully, they'll hurry up and get more stuff out on the shelves before Christmas, though!

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Too funny

I couldn't help it. When they started doing the Hokey Pokey today, I just started laughing. My daughter was bewildered.

"What's funny, Mommy?" Then she decided she'd better follow my lead, and forced a laugh of her own, which made me laugh all the more.

We wound up laughing and giggling together for real.

So glad I got this episode on tape! The Hokey Pokey, of all things. I would never have dreamed it.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Missed it!

I am so annoyed! I just checked the tape I had set up to record yesterday's Backyardigans, and it was empty. I did something wrong, I don't know what (hey, isn't that a song?) and now I have to wait for Friday to see it.

Did anyone else see it? How was it?

Monday, September 19, 2005

Episode - Castaways

Castaways was on today, as you probably already know. What did you think of it? I liked the music, but I thought it had a feel like it should have been the first Backyardigans episode shown.

The official character description of Austin says that he's the "new kangaroo on the block" and is a little shy, but that's never made sense to me. He's never acted shy or new, until now. At the very beginning he's watching the other kids through a hole in the fence and talks about how he wants to play with them but he's too shy. It doesn't make sense this far into the series, but would if this was the pilot episode. At the end, it becomes apparent they know Austin at least to recognize him, but they still seem a little hesitant, unlike earlier episodes where the friendships seemed much more established and sturdier.

On TV.com in the episode notes, the same thing was pointed out. The commenter said that she/he thinks Austin might show up more often, now. That should make the Austin fans happy!

About reviews the Backyardigans

The Kids Movies and TV Guide at About did a review of the Backyardigans. She gave it five stars and says many nice things about it. Naturally! Because it is a great show, as we all know.

Friday, September 16, 2005

Backyardigan's DVD Review - It's Great to Be a Ghost

Well, we've finally had a chance to see the new Backyardigans DVD, It's Great To Be A Ghost. Best of all, we got to see Monster Detectives, which, at this date, hasn't yet played on Nick, Jr. So, if you're wondering whether to plonk down the cash for this DVD, here's my review to help you make up your mind!

This DVD gives you four episodes. You can choose to play them all, or play just one. In the order they play, they are:

  • It's Great to be a Ghost - Did you ever play at being scared when you were little, until you actually worked yourself up into being scared? In this episode, the Backyardigans pretend to be ghosts, but it's all fun and games - for a while.
  • Monster Detectives - When Uniqua's ball is stolen by the Soccer Monster (Pablo), it's up to Tyrone, the Monster Detective, to help her get it back. (Interestingly, this episode is the only Backyardigans episode we've ever seen that has actually frightened my daughter. She runs out of the room and hides when it's playing.)
  • The Key to the Nile - When Egypt suffers a drought it's up to self-centered Princess Tasha to find the key to restoring the Nile. But will she ever remember to thank the faithful servants who are doing all the real work?
  • Pirate Treasure - Two sets of pirates (you can tell they're pirates by the way they say, "Arrr!") are looking for the same treasure on a desert island.
Each episode starts with the same opening musical number you see on television, and ends with a closing credits sequence that I thought was a little lengthy, but that my daughters didn't seem to mind at all.

I was disappointed by the Special Features. The first two special features require reading skills, which makes things difficult for parents if their children can't read. Since the Backyardigans' target audience age is 2 to 5 that's probably going to be most of us who are considering buying this DVD.
  • Meet the Backyardigans - This feature presents each of the Backyardigans, one at a time. They do not move, but are presented as stiff drawings (I was reminded of paper dolls) bouncing around against the show's backyard play area. At the bottom of the screen is a description of the pictured character. There is background music (the music from the opening sequence), but no voiceover reading of the description.
  • How to Be a Backyardigan - As with the first special feature, this one requires an ability to read or a parent with the patience to read and reread ad infinitum. Pictures of the various Backyardigans doing things from the shows are shown, with written instructions on how to be like that character. Example: Picture of Pablo playing drums. Written next to it is, Be a MUSICIAN How to be a musician like Austin: Bang your drums, Play the tuba, Say, "Let's polka!" You use the remote to move on to the next character.
  • "A Pirate Says Arrr" Music Video - By far the best of the special features. Scenes from the episode are arranged pleasingly. My only quibble is that it isn't the full song from the episode and it ends a little abruptly. My girls loved it though, and asked me to replay it several times.
  • Previews - Ads for other DVDs being released in fall 2005: Dora's Dance to the Rescue, Pirate Adventure, and Fairytale Adventure; Blue's Room Alphabet Power, Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, and It's Hug Day; My Little Pony - A Very Minty Christmas.
Overall, I would recommend this DVD, especially if your child can read. My girls loved it and would have watched it all day if I'd let them.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Lyrics - Backyardigans Theme Song

Another song from the Backyardigans CD.

The Backyardigans Theme Song

Spoken:
Hi, I'm Pablo.
My name's Tyrone.
I'm Uniqua.
I'm Tasha.
And my name is Austin.
And we're ...

Sung:
Your backyard friends, the Backyardigans!
Together in the backyard again,
In the place where we belong,
Where we'll prob'ly sing a song,
And we'll maybe dance along.

We've got the whole wide world in our yard to explore.
We always find things we've never seen before.
That's why every day we're back for more
With your friends, the Backyardigans.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Austin

Austin's fans are varied and passionate. Up to now, Austin has been perhaps the least seen of the Backyardigans, a fact his fans are quick to point out needs changing. Austin got his own solo in Surf's Up, where he is a Mysterious Lifeguard.

Austin's singing voice, Thomas Sharkey, is also the voice of baby Jaguar, on Dora the Explorer. His mother is active on the Nick Jr. Backyardigans forum. (You can see a post from her about Thomas in the Austin thread.)

Facts about Austin:
Austin is a kangaroo, tall and purple, thoughtful and rather serious. According to his official description from Nelvana, Austin is the "new kangaroo on the block". He wears dark blue shorts, and a light blue shirt with a yellow stripe across the middle.

Austin is voiced by Jonah Bobo, sung by Thomas Sharkey and danced by Kristen Frost.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

A full week of premieres

So here's the rest of the story on the Backyardigans season premiere week, according to Nick.com.

Wednesday, Sep. 21: Polka Palace Party
Herman the Worman (from the "Heart of the Jungle" episode) is having a surprise birthday party. Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo and Austin are musician cowboys who form a band to play at the party. Music: Polka

Thursday, Sep. 22: Cave Party
All five of the Backyardigans are in this episode, about the Valley and Mountain Cave People coming together for a party. Music: Calypso

Friday, Sep. 23: The four new Backyardigans episodes will all be airing one after the other. So don't worry if you miss seeing one earlier in the week!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

New episodes next week!

Yes! Castaways is airing September 12, at 10:00 a.m. ET/PT on Nick Jr. According to the television schedule on Nick.com they will also be showing Eureka! September 13.

Castaways: The kids are on a desert island. The music is Bosso Nova.

Eureka!: Dinosaur scientists and desert prospectors search the South Dakota hills. The music is Township Jive.

Yippee! Get those recorders programmed!

I'll update you on new episodes as I am able to get the information.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Backyardigan's clothing line officially launched.

A holiday and my daughter's first day of school made for a very busy few days for me! But I'm back, with some news about Backyardigans merchandise at Kohl's.

In the Sunday paper there was a multi-page ad for Kohl's, of which one full page was devoted to the Backyardigans! "Introducing the Backyardigans" it said. I guess the stuff I bought a few weeks ago wasn't officially available?

You can see the same ad on the front page of Kohl's website. Right now all playwear and sleepwear is 30% off, if you're in the market. And if you're looking for your favorite Backyardigan, it shouldn't be too hard to find something that has him or her on it!

Saturday, September 03, 2005

New Episode?

Noggin, I'm told, has been playing some new episodes. I wouldn't know, since we only get Nick Jr. I have heard, however, that the episode Castaways is scheduled to be shown September 19.

I can't verify this, so don't count too heavily on this date. I'll post here as soon as I know for sure, though!

And if any of you know for sure what's playing 9/19, let me know!

Friday, September 02, 2005

Backyard dreamin'

After watching the Backyardigans don't you just wish your kids had a play area like that and friends to share it with? Of course the Backyardigans get along much better than any group of kids I've ever met, so maybe that wouldn't work out as well as I fantasize, but still, it would be neat!

We are currently living in a rental that has the virtue of being in a nice neighborhood and having a small yard. Very small. Miniscule, in fact. There's not much room for the girls to run around and play.

There's not much happening in the way of playmates, here, either. There's a little boy next door the same age as my oldest, but his parents don't let him outside to play very often and won't let him go to anyone else's house to play. There's another little boy behind us, but he's a year older than my oldest and isn't interested in playing with a) girls, and b) younger children. A year makes such a big difference at this age, doesn't it?

My dream is to buy a house of our own some day, one with a big yard. There should be trees to climb, lots of room for a swingset and sandbox, soft green grass for running and tumbling, and if there were plenty of other kids their ages living nearby that would be just perfect. Throw in a house designed with plenty of windows looking out onto the children's play area so I could keep an eye on them without having to be right there next to them, and I would be in heaven.

What would your dream house be like?

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Lyrics - A Pirate Says "Arrr"

This is one of the songs on the Backyardigans CD.

A Pirate Says "Arrr"

If you want to be a pirate,
Get up on your feet.
You can't be a pirate,
If you're sitting in your seat.
Swing your arms tough,
And stand kind of low,
And make this noise wherever you go.

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
It might seem strange, just a bit bizarre,
But they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
You wear a spare part, a bandana and a scar,
and they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"

The Jolly Roger is the pirate flag,
A skull and some bones on a big black rag.
We'll fly it on our ship, up above the sails,
And we'll search for treasure,
And be tough as nails!

Arrr! Arrr! Arrr!
A pirate, a pirate, a pirate says "Arrr!"
If you think we're noisy, you're right, we are,
'cause they know you're a pirate,
When they hear you say "Arrr!"