My daughter’s piano teacher recently enticed my 9-year-old with a new musical conquest: an introduction to classical music. Since the extent of my daughter’s experience in this genre boils down to the hold music on her father’s office phone, she’s about to enter into a whole new world of sound. Can’t say I’m a huge fan of Bach, Beethoven and the rest of the boys myself, so this should be a brand-new venture for the both of us. In the hopes of making this sound a little more accessible for our untrained ears, we’ve been listening to the just-released Young Avenue Kids’ Whatever I Want To Be. The genius of this CD is its clever adaptation, taking core classical melodies and putting a modern spin
new kids’ music Archive
Still trying to come to the grips with yesterday’s tragedy in Boston, I had a hard time getting myself in writing mode this morning. But after dropping my daughter off at preschool and seeing all those happy, little faces, I found the motivation I was looking for. If reviewing kids’ products and working in the children’s industry isn’t a sign of hope and rejuvenation, I don’t know what is. It was precisely this morning that my 4-year-old and I discovered the just-released CD from Miss Nina. A follow-up to Singing & Dancing Together, Sha Doo Be Doop is a spirited release of toe-tapping tunes that can’t help give you a little bit of a lift. Miss Nina’s music teacher background is evident throughout this collection
Musicians come and go, especially in the temperamental kid biz, but when a band has been around the block, we can effortlessly turn on their tunes and know we won’t be disappointed. One such kid rock band with staying power is Milkshake and the band’s latest concoction, Got a Minute?, is worth more than a listen. Like most seasoned musicians, Milkshake’s sound has matured over the years, but this release reflects a well-rounded sound to suit a myriad of different tastes. From the jammin’ “We Just Wanna Have Fun,” to the more mellow “Starry, Starry Night,” the band exudes a self- assurance that allows them to bounce back and forth between pop rock, to country, without missing a beat. With more than 30 tracks on
My 8-year-old’s school has reduced its recess from two periods to one–and believe me when I say how much this bums her–and me–out. After sitting in class through math, reading, science and all those other learning-intensive subjects, she is more than ready for a break. Too bad it’s so short; she tells me that sometimes it feels like they have just bundled up and headed outdoors…only to be told to “line up” again and head back into the classroom. I’m sure that’s why SteveSongs can relate to this childhood woe in “Recess Rocks,” the first track off his new CD, Orangutan Van. No stranger to the kids’ music scene (this marks his 8th CD of the guy who’s alter ego Mr. Steve is a mainstay
Now that I’ve managed to clear out my Christmas CDs from my cluttered car, it’s the perfect time to update my traveling music collection, and that includes kid-friendly selections. Lucky for me, Caspar Babypants (Chris Ballew from The Presidents of the United States of America’s alter ego) is dropping a new kiddie CD in the nick of time. Filled with plenty of original tracks, along with some updated classics like “Twinkle Twinkle” and “Row Row Row Your Boat,” this release packs 19 rockin’ tracks that won’t have you reaching for the fast-forward button. The title track sets the tone for an upbeat mood, while “Baby of Mine” is a gentler lullaby-esque number. Our personal favorite is “Yes and No,” the cleverly written antidote to all
It’s not even December 1st, and I’ve already heard “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” so many times, I’m beginning to take issue with the song’s title. Nothing against Andy Williams, but overplaying those Christmas carols is an easy way to drain you of any holiday spirit. If you’re looking for something fresh for your December playlist, and your listening audience includes the wee ones, give a listen to Renee & Jeremy’s Sunny Christmas. This duo will take the jitter out of your jingle with six oh-so-calming tracks, you’ll be dubbing this a mellow merry medley. From “Deck the Halls” to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” you’re bound to find a favorite among this assortment. And if you’re looking for something a
Dissonance. It’s become one of my favorite words lately, especially when explaining to my 8-year-old why the sound of her voice by day’s end causes my brain “to do funny things. It’s kind of like when your father blasts Sleater-Kinney on his iPod and I cover my ears.” She gets what I’m saying, without taking too much offense. In the realm of kiddie music, the just-released “Because I Said So!” is the antithesis of dissonance. It’s filled with songs designed for my kids’ listening ears that I don’t mind hearing myself. And if you’re a parent with kids who don’t yet own their own iPods, you know that one’s of the highest compliments we can pay a musician. This trio of rockin’ dads must have
It’s been a long, hot summer, and my kids are ready for a long winter’s nap…or maybe that’s just me. These days, it seems like the season’s novelty of tons of free time, beach days galore and outdoor play has finally worn off and everyone is getting on each other’s nerves a little too quickly. Even my cat has been howling a bit too much lately. So when “Catchin’ Some Peazzz,” a new CD of lullabies ‘magically’ landed on my desk, I took it as a sign and popped it in the player during a recent cranky lunchtime. “What’s this?,” my 8-year-old inquired. “I like the title.” (Catchy, that one is–and I don’t just mean my kid.) My 4-year-old, who had been crying about her
Getting ready for vacation always puts our family in a good mood. But packing for the trip? Not so much. Trying to figure out just how many books/stuffed animals/toys can be crammed into our generously sized car still proves challenging. That means there is only so much space for kiddie DVDs and CDs (or at least, that’s what we tell them). This summer, however, we don’t mind making room for some of the newer, travel-friendly releases that put even our “driver” in a toe-tapping mood. Among the ones we’ve got our ear buds plugged into this season is The Harmonica Pocket’s Apple Apple. Not only is it seasonally appropriate, as the summer days segue into autumn, but it offers a fine balance between lively sing-alongs
I’m impressed that my 8-year-old knows her Matisse from her Monet, and has been interested in art ever since preschool. Not only was she fortunate to have forward-thinking teachers with a penchant for painting, but they encouraged self-expression through many different forms. With her younger sister following in her footsteps, I’m fascinated as I watch her move from scribble scrabbles and stick figures, to coloring in the lines and full-bodied people. To further inspire these little creative minds, we’ve been listening to the latest release from children’s musician Hope Harris. The aptly titled “Picasso, That’s Who! (And So Can You!)” pays homage to a number of artists whose works are the foundation for a study in the wide world of art. Each song is a
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