Hello, everyone!
We are excited (perhaps this word is insufficient) to announce that the latest Bobbledy album has just been released! In fact, it is speeding its way toward the mailboxes of every Bobbledy Club member as I write these words. In fact, it might already have landed in yours. In which case, you might already know that the record in question is called Absurd is the Bird. And that this is what it looks like.
And the flip side of things.
But what does it SOUND like? you ask. It’s a reasonable question. Music is for listening to, after all.
I would very much like to tell you that I channeled my inner Robert Plant and sang lead vocals on every track. Robbi would love to be able to brag that she added rich, funky bass lines that would make your soul sing and your toes tap.
But those would be plain lies. The truth is, this album is the masterwork of that gentleman on the far right. You know, the one playing various instruments at once. 
But who is this mystery man?
With no further rambling and lies, let me introduce you to the one and only Jordan Allen White—composer, singer, puppeteer, player of more than 40 musical instruments, and the genius mind behind Absurd is the Bird.
In addition to all the other laudatory things I might say about Jordan, he is a friendly sort of chap.
He spends most of his time standing next to railroad tracks while hugging his guitar. Do not worry. He always moves when he hears trains coming.
Absurd is the Bird is Jordy’s fifth album.
Usually he appears in photogenic red rooms singing songs that break your heart and make you cry.
Occasionally, he performs for beluga whales, singing songs about how great it is to weigh thousands of pounds and be wet all the time.
“But don’t you have to be a true god of rock to get to play for whales?” you ask. And the answer is yes. And Jordy has earned the title. He’s been at this for a long time, releasing four previous albums over the years.
But Absurd is the Bird is Jordy’s first album specifically for children.
I asked him to tell me a little bit about what he was thinking when he wrote and recorded these songs, and this is what he said:
This album celebrates all the silliness and magic and awe-inspiring coolness of music. Words are important—but how we say them is even more so. And how we SING them is most important of all! This album is an homage to all the great artists who shaped me and taught me to trust my heart—that’s where you find the beat…
And who are these heroes of Jordan’s? He cites Sesame Street songwriters Joe Rposo and Jeff Moss, Muppets collaborator Paul Williams, and Broadway composers Steven Sondheim, Alan Menken, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. But his greatest influence…?
Most of all, however, I credit Jim Henson and all of the wonderful people who surrounded him. Jim taught me to be free —to find my ‘inner child’, to trust my own thoughts and to not criticize—and to be mesmerized by the simple stuff. He made me want to create entertainment that is joyous and silly and heartfelt and real. I wouldn’t be who I am as an artist without him. Muppets rule.
Given these influences, it should come as no surprise that the music on this album is joyous and energetic and free. From the bombastic silliness of the title track to the spirited call to imagination of Boomchakawadawada to the stirring chorus of When In the Forest, the songs are an artful blend of country, show tunes, and good old fashioned bounce.
The songs themselves are great, but the orchestrations are nothing short of incredible. When is the last time you heard an album that features more than 40 instruments?
Robbi was so impressed that she decided to draw each one.
If you don’t know what some of these are and you are a Bobbledy Club member, don’t worry. The Absurd is the Bird mailing comes with a list explaining what each of these instruments is and what it does.
It also comes with liner notes written by Jordy himself. They explain what he was thinking when he wrote each song.
Of course, you are sitting there drooling over all this delicious, song-drenched design.
If you’re not a Bobbledy Club member, it’s time to take a good, long look in the mirror and ask yourself why not. And then, upon coming to your senses, click yourself over here and set things right.
Or, click yourself over here and listen to a free sample—the title cut, Absurd is the Bird.
As I mentioned, the envelopes have been stuffed and the album has been sent.
We’ve done our part, so now it’s time for you to do yours:
1) If you are a Bobbledy Club member, put this sucker into your computer or DVD player, turn up the volume, and dance.
It will probably look a little something like this:
1a) If you are not a Bobbledy Club member, become one for goodness sake, and we will send you a copy of this album.
1b) If you are stubborn, self-defeating, and unwilling to join the Club but still want a copy of this album, order one here!
2) Fill out the drawing sheets (you will have a chance to create your own rock band) and send us a photo or scan to post on the blog
3) Let Jordy know what you think of his album. As fun as it is to make music, books, art, etc., it sure is nice to hear from people who enjoy and appreciate it. If you have thoughts to pass along, drop us a line, and we’ll be sure he gets the message.
4) If you like this album, check out Jordy’s site. Buy his other albums. He is a wildly talented guy (not to mention extremely handsome).
5) Eat your vegetables, if only to make your parents happy. They work so hard, after all.