Walt Disney Records Releases New Imagination Movers CD For Those About to Hop

(June 23, 2009) Have you ever seen a field filled with parents and their kids – all hopping? That was the scene at the Imagination Movers’ triumphant hometown show at this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and it’s similar to the scene that plays out in living rooms across the country when viewers tune into the Imagination Movers’ hit Disney Channel series. Now, fans of the Imagination Movers have one more reason to bounce, pogo and hop, when the smart kid-pop quartet releases its newest CD For Those About to Hop nationwide on July 7.

The Movers – Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith – formed in 2003 when a group of New Orleans friends started writing songs together and testing them out on their own kids. The band’s dynamic, high-energy shows and wide-ranging pop sensibilities (with a special nod to 1980s alt rock) made them an immediate hit at the local parks and children’s museums. Not even losing homes to Hurricane Katrina (during which Smitty served as a first responder) scuttled their dreams. After signing to Disney, the Movers released their label debut Juice Box Heroes in March 2008, and are now currently working on the second season of their Playhouse Disney (Disney Channel’s learning-based programming block for preschoolers) show. Since its release, Juice Box Heroes has consistently ranked in the Top 10 on iTunes Children’s Music chart. National recognition includes a Parenting Magazine “Parenting Pick,” and Common Sense Media recently recognized the Imagination Movers among the Best TV of 2008, citing the quartet’s “addictive sense of humor and quest for fun.”

These qualities are in full display on For Those About to Hop. With a quick wink at AC/DC in the title, the Movers keep their fans on their feet throughout the generous 22-song set. Show favorite “Jungle Room” is a swinging, horn-drenched musical safari, while tunes like “Now We’re Cooking,” “Paint the Day Away” and “Playing Catch” are equal parts funk, hip-hop and sing-along rock, with infectious beats and typically catchy lyrics that celebrate learning, growing and fun. Fans of the show will recognize set pieces from the Movers’ brainstorming adventures in the Idea Warehouse, but these songs all stand on their own as bright, finely crafted kid pop tunes.

A special release of For Those About to Hop is currently available at Target stores nationwide and includes five bonus tracks. An exclusive iTunes version of the release offers another set of five bonus songs and will be available on July 7. All versions include downloadable lyrics and a coloring sheet, along with an interactive game featuring the TV show’s popular puppet character Warehouse Mouse.