Happy Wags – “Happy Wags” – [Asian Man Records]

Naysayer   10/15/2014   12-inch, A Library

What do punks do when they become parents? They make a children’s record of course. Such is the case with Jesse Wagner of agro reggae band the Agrolites. His project, the “Happy Wags”, is a current punk parents dream. Songs in the key of ska, reggae, light punk, Ramones style rock…. you get the picture of the sound. Well done musicianship sets the tone for songs that kids would love. Or beginner S&M participants. The titles made me question what this thing was really about. I mean, come on. With titles like “Don’t Touch the Buttons”, “Use Your Words”, “Pee Pee Potty” and “Firefighters”, doesn’t it sound like a doms guide book to beginning submission? But it isn’t. Kids will learn about liking animals, adding numbers, lions, snakes and monkeys, and about not touching the buttons. Dance away with your inner child.