ISLAND SOUNDS
Kick back, relax with Wicky Wacky Woo

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

These CDs supply party music for your hapa-haole fling or a backyard barbecue.

• Artists: Wiki Waki Woo.
• Label: Wiki Waki Woo Music WWW 003.
• Genre: Hapa-haole, novelty Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Wiki Waki Woo members Fred Barnett, Ingrid Spindt, Bud Spindt and Jan-Joy Sax clearly know how to have fun. Think Spike Jones meeting Tiny Tim and maybe the New Vaudeville Band, taking an excursion to the Islands. A total of 22 tunes — yep, "'Ukulele Lady," "On Moonlight Bay," "Pineapple Princess," "Becky" are here — performed with tongue-in-cheek wholesomeness. Some tunes are new from the group: "Humunu-kunuku Opera'a" and "On Okie Dokie Bay."
• The outlook: Suspend your daily worry and toil for a moment and go with the flow. You'll start singing "Yellow Bird" (with a "Papa Oom Mow Mow" add-on chorus) and "Pennies From Heaven." Titles and lyrics reflect whimsy galore: "I'd Like To See Samoa of Samoa" is here, but, alas, not "I'm Goin' to Maui Tomorrow to Marry Tamara Malone."
• Our take: A frown is sure to turn into a smile when you tune into this often silly, but decidedly contagious jaunt.

"Honolulu" by Wiki Waki Woo. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.

• • •

• Label: MGC Records 1034.
• Artists: Various artists.
• Genre: Contemporary and traditional Hawaiian.
• Distinguishing notes: Artists known and still on the upswing show off their diverse styles, singing in English and in Hawaiian. The roster includes Peter Moon Band, Noland and Tony Conjugacion, Kalei Bridges, Paka Smith, Mango, Anela Kahiamoe, Paiea, Mango, Walter Tavares and more.
• The outlook: There's enough variety here — falsetto, ki ho'alu, sweet solo vocals — to provide a well-rounded taste of Hawaiian styles old and new.
• Our take: A mixed bag with enough simple pleasures.

"Hi'ilawe" by Peter Moon Band. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.