Twink, the Toy Piano Band! Twink, the Toy Piano Band!

Review of Happy Houses from Babysue.com

Toy instruments have managed to occasionally snuggle their way into pop and rock music over the past few decades. But in most cases the instruments are used for one song or one album...and they are usually just novelties an artist uses to create a new or temporary sound. Mike Langlie (the man who is Twink) has turned his fascination with toy instruments into a lifelong career. And, as such, he is now the reigning king of the genre.

With multiple albums under his belt (almost all of which have received unanimous praise), Langlie has created a unique presence in the world of music by sticking to what he enjoys. Instead of changing his sound to meet the expectations or demands of others, Langlie has remained surprisingly constant over the years. But he always manages to capture and captivate his legion of fans with every release.

Happy Houses was recorded to celebrate Mike's recent move to a nineteenth century gingerbread house. For this album, Langlie enlisted support from some friends playing real (!) instruments. Backing the toys this time around are Burt Mueller (guitar, banjo), Matt Renzi (horns, flutes), Guy Turner (melodic bass), and Jair-Rohm (melodic bass). The basic Twink sound remains intact...but this time the sound is fuller and more produced sounding. Will this be the one to introduce Twink music to the masses? There's no way of knowing. But more importantly, Langlie's musical experiments are once again a resounding artistic success.

This is a short album clocking in at just under thirty minutes. Eight killer cuts here including "Close To Home," "Chickaboo," "Turtle Trap," and "Frankentoy." We could never ever get enough of this stuff. Wonderfully different instrumentals overflowing with pure imagination. Highly recommended music for anyone who still knows how to have some real fun out there in the world...

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