A children’s album, a new studio effort and a cruise are on the docket for Canadian rock band Barenaked Ladies next year. The quintet is in a Toronto studio finishing up the children’s set with Michael Phillip, who produced its 1992 debut “Gordon” and 1996’s “Born on a Pirate Ship.”
The as-yet-untitled record, which boasts such tunes as “Humongous Tree” and “Polywog in a Bog,” should come out in the spring on the group’s own Desperation Records label.
“We wrote just as hard for these as we did for any other record, but you have to think from a kids’ perspective,” said bassist Jim Creeggan. “You have to really refine it so it’s palatable to them — and also fun.”
Creeggan, who has two children, said the impetus for the album came from the Ladies’ own family circumstances. “We have 11 kids in total belonging to the band. It seems like our heads are in a good place to do this now.”
It’s not the only music Barenaked Ladies will produce for 2008, however. Creeggan said the group plans to return to the studio in the spring for the follow-up to this year’s “Barenaked Ladies Are Men.” He expected a late summer or fall release, to be followed by a tour.
Amidst all this, Barenaked Ladies will host its Ships & Dip III cruise from January 27-February 1. The group will also perform at the annual charity gala for the North American International Auto Show on January 18 in Detroit.