Tri-Danielson
These kids rock! Their "Lord Did You Hear Harrison?" is brilliant--the Stones meet the TV showZoomon helium! Donning medical garb, symbolizing the healing essence of music, Danielson Famile are madcap Muppet-ish gospel folkies jammin' for Jesus and the hope for elevated consciousness everywhere. From one moment to the next, their sound veers from campfire sing-along to Christian vaudeville to the silliest, most-fun-ever, strummy, bouncy acoustic rock. A family affair, Danielson is big brother Daniel Smith, 26 (who birthed the band as his senior thesis at Rutgers), and younger sibs, who range in age from 14 to 23. Rounding out the combo is buddy Chris Palladino, whose organ adds psychedelic girth to the acoustic guitar and drums, which are fortified by the sisters' flute and xylophone and the blend of voices. Smith is the Daniel Johnston meets Muppet Animal meets Beck-inspired genius-savant who makes Danielson jive, jingle, and spark.--Paige La Grone