Musicians are used to performing in many family relations and combinations. While brothers and sisters are nothing unusual (The Beach Boys, Kings of Leon, Heart), just like husbands and wives (ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, Tedeschi Trucks Band), it is relatively rare to see mother and son creating a pop music album. If we exclude this peculiar trivia, we get beautiful, sensitive, meditative, warm and pleasant country-folk album. Ben and Ellen are relying on acoustic instruments such as banjo, guitar, drums and a little bit of piano.
Childhood mentioned in the title can be felt in the music as well. Childhood Home is a collection of ten simple titles, simple songs but complex feelings. Six songs were written by son and four by mother. They both sing very lively and they are giving you all of their hearts. It is not difficult to imagine any mother and son who are passionate about music practicing these songs together. They are simple but effective. Actually, this is an instrument that will persuade listener to try to learn how to play an instrument. Songs are played with love and joy. Without redundant philosophy, Ben and Ellen are nurturing simple solutions and on this album – it is a winner strategy. From the first song A House Is Not A Home to the last one How Could Not We Believe, the family chemistry is omnipresent. You get the impression how everything is recorded live. My personal favorite is Born To Love You.
Whoever things it is lame to play music with his mom should take another listen of Childhood Home.
