Ralphie's Red Ryders - "They Traded Bullfrog"

It somehow feels perfect that a band inspired entirely by A Christmas Story would release its debut single in the spring. It seems that Ralphie, Flick, and Schwartz have formed their own pop-punk trio, and they sound uncannily like Vista Blue. Who knew that Vista Blue was so popular in 1940s northwestern Indiana?! "They Traded Bullfrog" was set to be released on opening day of baseball season. Well who knows at this point when opening day will even be happening? On that note, Ralphie's Red Ryders have unleashed their music upon the world. "They Traded Bullfrog" is of course an ode to Old Man Parker's dismay over the White Sox dealing away their best player in exchange for that two-bit utility infielder Four Eyes Shottenhoffer. This song serves as a reminder that many baseball fans must suffer disappointment even in the off-season - a sentiment wonderfully articulated in Mike's Ralphie's vocals. 10-year-old me, still reeling from Ryne Sandberg being "thrown in" to a deal to acquire a shortstop with a sub-.200 batting average, takes great comfort. The B-side is a demo for a song called "I Can't Put My Arms Down". If you've seen A Christmas Story, you clearly know what this song is about. And if you haven't seen A Christmas Story, I can't believe you've read this far! "I hate meatloaf/But I can't put my arms down" is my new favorite lyric!

A full album from Ralphie's Red Ryders is due out on Outloud Records! in time for next Christmas season, and it will surely be worthy of a major award. The possibilities for song topics are practically endless. In particular, I've got my fingers crossed for songs about malfunctioning furnaces, triple dog dares, and the "I Like The Wizard of Oz!" kid. For now, you can grab "They Traded Bullfrog" as a free download over at Bandcamp and daydream about flashing forward to next Christmas. Be sure to drink your Ovaltine!



-L.R.

https://ralphiesredryders.bandcamp.com/album/they-traded-bullfrog 
https://www.facebook.com/ralphiesredryders/ 
https://wearevistablue.bandcamp.com/