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 [&hellip
new kids’ music Archive
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 [&hellip
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 [&hellip
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 [&hellip
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 [&hellip
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 [&hellip
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 [&hellip
School’s out for summer, and that’s means a lot more drive time together with the kiddies. If you’re looking for some new music to accompany your many treks to the library, grocery store and any other destination with little passengers in tow, be sure to include the latest release from The Cat’s Pajamas. This isn’t your everyday band of parent rockers. In fact, rumor has it that the members range in age from 20-60, with a grandma in the group and three more expected to become grandparents in September. Let’s just say these folks put the “active” in AARP! But enough about age…their newest CD, Backseat Driver, truly demonstrates their staying power. From “Funky Bears,” a modern twist on Goldilocks, to “Take Time Out,” a [&hellip
Tis the season of BBQs, picnics and all those other outdoor family festivities whose only requirements are a hearty appetite and a willingness to party. And what’s a good time without some tunes to go along with the food, folks and fun? In our house, the month of May features birthdays for both my girls and that means plenty of crowd-pleasing music from preschoolers to older kids. Because my girls are always willing and able to give a listen to a new sound, we were eager to test-drive the new release from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Easy on the ears, yet hitting all the right notes, “A Potluck” is a musical feast for the senses. The rhythmic, multi-layered sound of this band [&hellip
I love when musicians I enjoy listening to decide to join the indie kid music scene; their new music makes me feel like I haven’t completely lost my pre-kid self. First it was They Might Be Giants and then Caspar Babypants (formerly of the 90s Seattle band, The Presidents of the United States of America). Lucky for me, Chris Ballew decided to hang up his alt rock persona and adopt the playful moniker that represents his new sound, one that car pooling moms are thanking their lucky stars for. Caspar Babypants carries his easy-on-the-ears style over to his fifth CD, Hot Dog!, which drops this Tuesday, April 17. Among the toe-tappin’ numbers are “Crazy Blue Beetle” (a preschool anthem for the stop-and-let-me-look-at-this-bug crowd), “This Old [&hellip
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