When did children’s music get so cool? Today, kids get rock groups like They Might Be Giants and the Imagination Movers that will teach them their ABCs and 123s with a backbeat and power chords. And now Athens boasts another rock-band-turned-kid-act: Noogeez.

Members of '80s band the Squalls have created their own kid-rock album, Galaxy Day. The group bounces and smiles through the entire record, joined by an apparently very merry group of musicians.

Fans of the Squalls might remember “Elephant Radio,” “Kathy,” “Crickets,” “Snowman” and “Strollin’ Bones,” but I doubt the songs have ever sounded quite like this. Gone are the rock and roll guitar sounds and any real grit, not that the Squalls were ever that gritty. Instead, any rock harshness is replaced by a much more soothing mandolin and banjo combination, clear vocal harmonies, and lots of pennywhistle.

The only new song is “Galaxy Day,” a track that closely follows the formula of the rest of the record. It’s upbeat and repetitive but in a way that won’t drive anyone over the age of eight crazy. Get ready for an astronomy lesson and a warning about not staring into the sun. I’m only really surprised that the incredibly catchy Squalls song “Na Nanana” isn’t part of this release. It could easily fit in with the other Squalls standards on the record.

Galaxy Day is something the whole family can enjoy together. Do the little ones a favor and play them some Noogeez. The band is proof that you’re never too young to enjoy great music.

Jordan Stepp