Catch That Train! in Bloomington, MN

By the time of this 2006 outing, former Del Fuegos frontman Dan Zanes was more renowned for his children's albums than for his regular pop/rock recordings. Like his fellow Brooklynites They Might Be Giants, Zanes has a knack for crafting whimsical tunes that are geared towards kids, but are equally enjoyable for parents, as revealed on the jangly title track and the breezy, laid-back "Summer Wind." Like his past releases for youngsters, Zanes invites a few guest stars aboard, including the Blind Boys of Alabama (the jubilant, inviting "Welcome Table"), Natalie Merchant (the lilting, rustic "Loch Lomond"), and, oddly enough, Nick Cave (the charming, waltz-like "Sweet Roseanna"). Dynamic and thoroughly entertaining, CATCH THAT TRAIN! is sure to please Zanes's fans of all ages and win over some new admirers as well.