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On The Sky's The Limit, Matthew Clough and The Cloud Nines turn in a rootsy, rustic, rockin' bunch of songs for kids and their families.

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The Artists

Matthew Clough is a special education teacher based in northern California, who just happens to be involved in the west coast Country Rock scene. On Clough's debut children's CD, he enlists the talents of Butch Boswell (from the bands The Mother Hips and Virgil Cane) on string instruments, Mark Folkrod (from the band Virgil Cane) on drums, and Sam Sharp (from the band Joose) on bass.

The Music

Standout tunes on The Sky's the Limit include the Byrds-y "Sing a Song Silly," the shufflin' "Cuckoo Crush," the country funk of the Band-like "Copy Cat," and the sentimental "Happy Father's Day," a tune that Gram Parsons might've sung. And check out the Shel Silverstein-influenced cautionary tale "Flickering Monster," the ringing "Guess I'll Move to the Moon," the sleepy dobro guitar of "What Do Clouds Dream About," and the pedal steel-painted "Digging Daisy."

The Verdict

Solid Americana for kids from a performer with a conscience: Clough is using the attention and exposure gained from live performances and album sales to promote causes close to his heart, like Ability First Sports Camp, Sustainable Haiti, and Champ Camp.

Released December 2008; CD Baby

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