Entertainer, Rich Manic, has again unleashed his alter-ego, Captain Festus McBoyle, for the release of this sophomore, kids’ album. Self-produced and recorded in Auckland, ‘Ships N Giggles’ comes as a long-awaited follow-up to ‘The Pirate’s Life’ – a finalist in the Kids Album category of the 2013 NZ Music Awards. The 12-track playlist consists of infectious boot-stomping, thigh-slapping tunes that range in length, from The Mummsy Blues at only 56 seconds, to The Lullaby Song running blissfully at just under four minutes. Definite kiddie crowd pleasers include Pull My Finger, Bug Stew and Wally The Whale. The musical comedy is sharp enough to entertain the most unruly scallywags – young and old. Midway through the playlist, Captain Festus shares a piece of NZ history as he tells of the 1863 HMS Orpheus disaster. The delivery of this story is captivating, factual and educational. The CD cover caricature by Elliot Stewart is an eye-catching piece, and telling of what you can expect in the way of musical chaos and fun on this album. The CD sleeve includes a handy lyric booklet and an array of live photos of the Captain and his crew. •