The pop single is an art form, and the first release from Nothing Painted Blue shows that lyricist and singer Franklin Bruno had a natural talent. The music here is tight, simple, energetic, and packed with memorable hooks. The lyrics are what sets the band apart -- Bruno barks out tales of math anxiety, romantic allegories to Spider-Man comics, and playground politics, all with a pumping backbeat. Every idea is presented, briefly examined, and then the song is over so another idea can be raised. Brevity is the soul of the pop single as well as wit, and A Baby, a Blanket, a Packet of Seeds is a pop gem.

Plant pokes, stepping stones, tools, decorative planting pots, caddies, seed packet holders, potting table or bench, seeds, buckets, etc. are some ideas. ...