You're Nice People You Are

You're Nice People You Are

NRBQ, by disposition that most playful and childlike of bands, has assembled a kids' collection that, in retrospect, seems long overdue. A genuine (albeit underappreciated) rock & roll institution, the Q have forged their merry way along a twisted but hospitable path since 1967, in the process earning the title World's Greatest Bar Band. Parents, however, shouldn't be concerned that the boys will direct their young ones to the next open tavern stool. Here they're concerned with espousing the joys of encyclopedias, music lessons, swimming-pool safety, St. Patrick's Day, and sleep. The title track, which opens the album on a robust note and is reprised near the end, is an irresistible paean to magnificent munificence ("You gave me a peanut / You let me inside the cookie jar / You know you're really up to par / You're nice people you are"). Nice is right. <i>--Steven Stolder</i>