Och Aye the G'nu


Och Aye the G'nu is a 2017 children's album credited to Scottish-born Australian rock singer-songwriter Jimmy Barnes, and Australian children's music group the Wiggles.

Background

Och Aye the G'nu was first mentioned by producer Anthony Field in the Wiggles' 25th anniversary feature interview in May 2016. The album was recorded in 2016. After working on the project, Field said; "The songs on Och Aye the G'nu are absolutely beautiful, they come from Jimmy's heart. There's also a great sense of fun, perfect for the young listener. Every morning we'd come into the studio and be so excited, we knew we were working on a very special project for children. It was one of the greatest experiences working with Jimmy."
Several other musicians worked on the album, including Jimmy Barnes' wife Jane Barnes, their son Jackie Barnes and daughters Elly-May and Mahalia Barnes.

Release and reception

The album was released on 31 March 2017 and peaked at number 34 on the ARIA Charts. Upon release, Barnes said "It has been such an honour and a pleasure to work with my old friends... 'Och Aye the G'nu' was written for my grandchildren, especially my cheeky little red headed Scot. Glasgow holds a special place in my heart and it was also inspired by my love of Scotland."
A music video of the lead track I'm a G'Nu, which is not to be confused with the Flanders and Swan song "The Gnu", was created by ABC for Kids and uploaded on their YouTube channel.

Accolades

At the ARIA Music Awards of 2017, Och Aye the G'nu won the ARIA Award for Best Children's Album.

Track listing

  1. "I'm a G'Nu" – 0:13
  2. "I'm a G'Nu" – 1:49
  3. "Och Aye G'Nu and Kangaroo" – 0:09
  4. "Och Aye G'Nu and Kangaroo" – 1:46
  5. "When You're Living in the Zoo" – 0:25
  6. "When You're Living in the Zoo" – 1:46
  7. "Winter is Coming Here Soon" – 0:15
  8. "Winter is Coming Here Soon" – 2:40
  9. "I Got New Shoes" – 0:12
  10. "I Got New Shoes" – 1:47
  11. "Shake Your Shaggy, Shaggy Mane" – 0:10
  12. "Shake Your Shaggy, Shaggy Mane" – 1:58
  13. "Two Pairs of Shoes" – 0:12
  14. "Two Pairs of Shoes" – 1:31
  15. "The Haggis is Coming" – 0:16
  16. "We Love Haggis, Stew and Shortbread Too!" – 1:34
  17. "The Blackbird Ballet" – 0:09
  18. "The Blackbird Ballet" – 1:18
  19. "I'll Be With You Forever" – 0:08
  20. "I'll Be With You Forever" – 4:06
  21. "My G'Nu Kazoo" – 0:09
  22. "My G'Nu Kazoo" – 0:43
  23. "It's a Parrot Party" – 0:10
  24. "It's a Parrot Party" – 2:09
  25. "The Fairy Dance" – 0:16
  26. "The Fairy Dance" – 1:25
  27. "Tip Toe in the Snow" – 0:13
  28. "Tip Toe in the Snow" – 0:46
  29. "Outro" – 0:14

Personnel

Musicians

Staff

  • Created and Performed by: Jimmy Barnes
  • Music Produced by: Anthony Field
  • Music Recorded at: Hot Potato Studios, Sydney
  • Music Recorded by: Alex Keller and Jeff McCormack
  • Music Mixed by: Alex Keller
  • Executive Producer: Paul Field
  • Production Managers: Kate Chiodo and Ivy Gaymer
  • Graphic Design: Daniel Attard
  • Stills Photographers: Daniel Attard and Paul Field