With all of us Generation X and Yers who used to listen to Offspring now having offspring, it's important that we have an alternative to the usual Barney or Bob the Builder ditties. Good thing there's Caspar Babypants. Caspar Babypants is fun. Caspar Babypants rocks. And Caspar Babypants is Chris Ballew, co-founder of the Presidents of the United States of America.

Ballew's brand of "kindie-rock" delivers. In fact, Mr. Babypants has caused such  a commotion in the alternative world that he's  sparked the interest of Beck, Krist Novaselic, Kim Thayil and Weird Al Yankovic, all of who have (or will be)  collaborating with Babypants. As Yankovic so rightly stated on Ballew's website, "Caspar Babypants is one of the few children's recording artists I can listen to without wanting to stab myself in the eyes."

The music is not-surprisingly similar to the '90s alternative radio kings.  Same goofy sense of humor, same bouncy voice and same poppy riffs as all the best of the POTUSA. The difference, though, lies in the intention of the music: simplicity. The lyrics have been kiddified, the instruments toned down ("You never hear drums," says Ballew) and the nature of the music more accessible.

Ballew's intention of simplicity is drawn from influences like bluegrass, early rock and roll and especially folk. He works with Elizabeth Mitchell (renowned kids' musician) on his upcoming album, and credits her with making quality music with a "respect for folk."  Her voice blends beautifully with Ballew's and the two pull off a CD that is worth every moment of your attention.

This simplified version of Ballew's music is an accurate reflection of the simplified man he has become. "Mr. Babypants is purely innocent," says Ballew. "I had to remove any innuendos, anything cynical," he says of himself and the kid's music.

The journey from Ballew to Babypants was one of shedding layers and finding a resting place, he says. Ballew's relationship with his wife, Kate Endle, who does the trademark collage artwork for Babypant's albums as well as for cards, books and prints, has inspired Ballew to find that place. "It became obvious and I began imitating her vibe, I started writing and suddenly a volcano of music came," Ballew says of the creative process he shares with his wife.

Ballew's two children also help and inspire; they co-write, perform and record with him. The music captures the family's love and dedication and is infectious.  WARNING: after listening to any of Caspar Babypants's albums, like "Here I am!" and "More Please!" expect bouts of playfulness, giddiness and lightness of heart - operating heavy machinery is not recommended.

At home, we have definitely caught the Babypants bug. My 4-year-old and I constantly belt out lyrics about flying babies, stuck little broken trucks and poor dust bunnies, while 1-year-old little brother does a little squatty dance and claps his hands.

It's healing to take that break from the daily grind, open your heart and just have a good time.

Ballew knows this. Perhaps that's part of the reason he keeps on making music. Caspar Babypants next album, This is Fun!, is due Nov. 2, an effort Ballew says, "I worked extremely hard on." 

Babypants also plans on making a full box set for the kiddies to collect, and you can catch him leading the Dancey Dance at Yo Gabba Gabba Live at the Tacoma Dome Nov. 13. 

For now, see Ballew performing as Babypants this weekend in downtown Olympia at The Loft on Cherry, for "Kidding Around," a Halloween bash with costumes, games and music. The event is benefit show for the Child Care Action council, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for families and child care providers.

For more information on this event visit ccacwa.org or for more information on Caspar Babypants visit babypantsmusic.com

[Wind Up Here Toy Store, Caspar Babypants, Saturday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m., free, 121 Fifth Ave., SE, Olympia, 360.943.9045]

[The Loft on Cherry, Caspar Babypants, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. $4 per person or $10 per family, 508 Legion Way, Olympia, theloftoncherry.com]