Sound Decision
Sure, it's great to listen to the latest hits on the radio, but there are lots of lesser-known songs that you might love. How do you find them? KidsPost's Scott Moore has listened to dozens of this year's kids' CDs, saving you from hearing waaay too many would-be boy and girl bands and countless versions of "The Wheels on the Bus" — really. He uncovered some releases that even middle-schoolers will find cool and that their parents won't mind playing in the car. (But, c'mon, Dad, at least get the beat right.)
| CD TITLE | WHAT IT IS | WHAT'S TO LIKE |
|---|---|---|
| "Children Are the Sunshine" Asheba » Listen to a Sample | A singer from Trinidad performs Caribbean-style tunes, flavored with drums, keyboards and bass. | Asheba's own songs and cool versions of "All Around the Kitchen," "Who Stole the Cookie" and "You Are My Sunshine." |
| "A World of Music" Toucan Jam » Listen to a Sample | Arkansas's Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna — known as Still on the Hill when they play for adults — sing about their travels. | "Hey Mom!" will sound familiar to any kid who has been a bit annoying at bedtime. Lots of exotic instruments (including gourd mbira, charango, didgeridoo and rain stick and washtub bass) add flavor to the fun story songs and the nonsensical tunes. |
| "Murmel Murmel Munsch!" Robert Munsch » Listen to a Sample | The children's author performs 14 stories. | "Pigs," "Squished Squash!" and "Andrew's Loose Tooth" are made better with sound effects and an enthusiastic storytelling style. |
| "Beethoven's Wig 3" Richard Perlmutter » Listen to a Sample | Zany lyrics set to famous classical music, plus the more traditional instrumental versions from worldclass orchestras. | "Bull in a China Shop" (to the music of the "Toreador Song" from the opera "Carmen") and "Anybody in There" (to Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor"). No wonder the previous collections of sing-along symphonies were nominated for Grammys. |
| "Disney: The Music Behind the Magic" Various artists | Fifty songs on two discs, celebrating 50 years of Walt Disney Records. | Too many highlights to list. The songs actually go back to 1933 ("Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?") and include hits from blockbuster movies as well as some forgotten shows and films. A booklet provides information on each song and nice pictures. |
| "What's Eatin' Yosi?" Yosi » Listen to a Sample | Yosi Levin sings food-related songs in various musical styles and parodies. | Silly lyrics on "Pass the Purple Pesto Pasta Please" and "Don't Doodle," plus the burping dads on "Eat, Repeat." Fun claymation figures decorate the lyrics book. |
| "You Are My Little Bird" Elizabeth Mitchell » Listen to a Sample | Beautiful new versions of American folk songs and other melodies from around the world. | Gentle songs such as "Little Liza Jane" and "Zousan (Little Elephant)" could provide a perfect backdrop for those needing to wind down before bed. The booklet has lots of interesting information about the history of the songs. |
| "New Orleans Playground" Various artists » Listen to a Sample | A Putumayo Kids collection that provides an 11-track sample of upbeat music, New Orleans-style. | Fun tracks "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" and "They All Ask'd for You"; old hits "Ya Ya," "Whole Lotta Lovin" and "I Like It Like That"; and "Row Row Your Boat" like you've never heard before. Putumayo Kids also has a beautiful "Asian Dreamland" collection. |
| "My Best Day" Trout Fishing in America » Listen to a Sample | A live recording from a February 2006 concert, giving a good overview of Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood's rockin' and funny tunes. | Several of the best songs, including "My Best Day" and "Alien in My Nose," were inspired by songwriting workshops with kids. |
Photo Illustration by Bill Webster, The Washington Post - December 6, 2006
