Raggs Kids Club Band

Unjustly judging a video by its cover, this reviewer's eye-rolling muscles kicked in at the sight of box art about the Raggs Kids Club Band and “thier [sic] first tour.” However, this low-budget, creative musical special sucked me right in with its catchy music, positive messages, and endearing characters on their "Pawsuuup Tour." Fronted by Raggs the dog, this quintet of wildly colored canine-costumed “musicians” (although they don't actually play instruments) jam their way through songs and music videos (including “Wag & Wiggle,” “Yo Yo Hey,” “Raggs' Rock”--with alternate Spanish lyrics--“Razzles' Rap,” and “TNT (Trilby's Theme)”) in front of a jubilant crowd (the kids reach out for Raggs like 14-year-old girls homing in on Justin Timberlake). Shot in music doc-style, the program also includes segments of the gang hanging out in New York (on the Staten Island Ferry, at FAO Schwartz, Central Park, the subway, and Times Square), at the beach, and at an amusement park; “behind-the-scenes” looks at equipment setup and video production; and interview featurettes with band members (which include B. Max, Razzles, Trilby, and Pido). Boasting simple, upbeat lyrics, and a subtle but effective nod to diversity (the dogs are all different colors, with one in a wheelchair), this original, inventive program from the Children's Music Web's 2001 winner for "Band of the Year" is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)