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Child Pages
Riders in the Sky
"The Days Gone By"
Ted Jacobs
CD on Sale
As kids return to the schoolbooks, a CD of great American
poetry set to folksy music might help ease their
transitional pains. Ted Jacobs's "The Days Gone By"--a
collection of tunes with bluegrass, world music, and rootsy
undertones--help make the classic poems sink in genuinely.
"Goldirocks"
Judy & David
CD on Sale
The Canadian duo of Judy and David are known for taking
children's tales to ever-higher heights of goofy
playfulness, and they've scored again with "Goldirocks."
Known elsewhere as Goldilocks, the lead character in
"Goldirocks" is a guitar-wielding rocker who runs away from
home only to be hounded by an owl and then a family of bears
who try to chase her back home--in part to teach her not to
run away. Funny, instructive, and colorful, "Goldirocks" is
also good listening.
"Car Tunes"
Sugar Beats
CD on Sale
You can't get catchier than the Sugar Beats and still sound
cool enough for kids older than 6 or 7. Focusing their
energies on pop from the '50s forward, the Sugar Beats have
made clear singing (often with kids also on board), bright
melodies, and creative interpretations their trademarks.
"Car Tunes" has them singing songs associated with cars and
driving. It's ideal for the car stereo but also swell in the
living room or anywhere else your heart resides.
ON SCREEN
*********
"Songs from Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House"
Disney
CD on Sale
Who can resist the cleverly created characters of "Bear in
the Big Blue House"? Besides the lovable title character,
there are Tutter, a high-strung mouse; Ojo, an orange junior
bear; otters Pip and Pop; and Treelo the lemur. Even if you
can resist their Disney Channel early morning fun, you'll
succumb to their sense of fun on this CD. There are songs
meant to teach, songs meant for play, and songs meant simply
for listening.
"Pokemon 2000: Power of One"
Various Artists
CD on Sale
With a cast of musical characters that includes "Weird Al"
Yankovic, Donna Summer, and the B-52s, you should expect
danceable hits, humorous high jinks, and poppy new wave fun
from "Pokemon 2000: Power of One." And you get all of that
in good measure, including looks at new pop stars Alysha
Antonio and Plus One.
"Powerpuff Girls: Heroes & Villains"
Various Artists
CD on Sale
The Cartoon Network's Powerpuff Girls are a spunky lot, and
their CD makes them sound even spunkier. With the likes of
Shonen Knife, Frank Black, and Devo giving it up for the
Girls, they're likely to have in this album the best
repellent around to fend off Mojo Jojo.
WIGGLE WORMS
************
"Let's Wiggle"
Wiggles
CD on Sale
If you haven't seen the Wiggles yet, you're not going to
believe how infectious this Australian quartet is. They
sound like a pop band circa 1966, with snappy snare and
chiming guitars backing songs that will surely drive the
kids to dance. Here, Anthony, Murray, Jeff, and Greg pal
around with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword,
Henry the Octopus, and Wags the Dog. And they sing their own
tunes as well as such classics as "Bound for South
Australia."
"Yummy Yummy"
Wiggles
CD on Sale
Anthony, Murray, Jeff, and Greg--the Wiggles--are back with
"Yummy Yummy." This time they're focusing all their energy
on mixing food songs with silly songs, and all the while
they're playing music that will make kids move. "The Monkey
Dance," "Hot Potato," and "Come On Let's Jump" are wonderful
episodes, as is "Shake Your Sillies Out." They sound genuine
enough to bring out dancers of all ages and catchy enough to
snag your little ones' ears and hearts.
AGE-OLD TALES
*************
"Pigmania"
Judy & David
CD on Sale
The Three Little Pigs never sounded as cool and wild as they
do on "Pigmania," the Canadian duo of Judy & David's zany
take on the age-old tale. The mother pig and her sax take
shelter from a hip--but blow-hardy--Big Bad Wolf in a series
of whacked-out environments that sound big, bright, and
poppy, thanks to Judy & David's command of fun music and
plot twists.
"Mother Goose"
Anomoanon
CD on Sale
On a more somber level, Anomoanon's "Mother Goose" is for
parents who have come of age in the era of indie rock. The
brother of alternative country's Will Oldham, Anomoanon
(rhymes with "phenomenon") takes Mother Goose to new,
starker places than you might ever have expected--which is
to say that Anomoanon does something hugely creative here,
something parents just might like better than kids do.
AMAZON.COM zSHOPS
*****************
If you're after more CDs for children, Amazon.com's zShops
feature numerous merchants who sell goodies for the young
ones. Check out the zShops' children's CD selections:
CD on Sale
"Seal Maiden: A Celtic Musical"
Karan Casey & Friends
CD Sale Price
Rarely is music for children actually poignant for both
little ones and their adults. Karan Casey's made such music
on "Seal Maiden." Rich with the Celtic story that inspired
"The Secret of Roan Inish," this CD has Karan Casey's
beautiful voice and a host of Irish music's finest musicians
playing enjoyable, touching music.
"La Vida Mickey"
Various Artists
CD Sale Price
If there's a beat around, Mickey Mouse is likely to find
it--and distribute it to kids. So it's no surprise that
Mickey's handlers have come up with this lively Latin pop
collection. There's surprisingly good stuff here, especially
the cover of Ricky Martin's smash "Livin' la Vida Loca" and
Lou Bega's toned-down remake of "Mambo #5." Don't miss the
crew's Latinization of Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild."
"Guitar Lullaby"
Ricardo Cobo
CD Sale Price
One of the most articulately thought out, delicate, and
stellar lullaby recitals, Ricardo Cobo's "Guitar Lullaby" is
a calming wonder. The music is gentle, meant for quiet
listening. And it soothes unbelievably, running the laid-
back guitar sound across the body.
SUMMER LISTENING FOR KIDS
*************************
"Sing Along Travel Songs"
Sesame Street
CD Sale Price
If you're on the open road this summer, make sure to bring
music. Sesame Street's "Sing Along Travel Songs" is one of
the franchise's best collections, merging old-fashioned
travel games with simple melodies that trigger nod- and
sing-alongs that'll charm the family.
"A Child's Celebration of Song"
Music for Little People
CD Sale Price
"A Child's Celebration of Song" is a paean to the craft of
songwriting for kids--and a wonder for afternoon listens
when the outdoors are too balmy. Here you have Peter, Paul &
Mary, Anne Murray, Judy Garland, and Taj Mahal singing their
hearts out. It's a perfect album to fill the ears as summer
rolls by, a great way to engage out-of-school minds with
tuneful sweetness.
SLEEP TIGHT
***********
"Hello Dreamland"
Mary Donnelly Haskell
CD Sale Price
Famous for her name-specific kids' tapes, actress Mary
Donnelly Haskell also has a talent for soothing lullabies.
The tunes have enough variation--from a Celtic to a Hawaiian
to a doo-wop feel--to merit repeated listenings. It's also
mellow and soothing enough to induce sleepiness no matter
the song.
KIDS ON THE MICROPHONE
**********************
"Celebrating Children"
West L.A. Children's Choir
CD Sale Price
The West L.A. Children's Choir is a robust group. On
"Celebrating Children," they keep the music snappy and still
make clear that it's being sung by kids. That latter facet
of the music makes "Celebrating Children" attractive to
other kids, who will thrill at hearing those in their age
groups belt it out.
"At the Movies"
Broadway Kids
CD Sale Price
The charm of the Broadway Kids is both their obvious youth
and their immense talent. When they take on familiar stuff
like "You've Got a Friend in Me" (from "Toy Story") and
"Feed the Birds" (from "Mary Poppins"), cuteness and talent
dovetail into a nice formula that kids will adore.
JUMPIN' UP
**********
"Jungle Jazz Joint Jump"
Jungle Jazz Band
CD Sale Price
A customer from Colorado loves the Jungle Jazz Band's
"Jungle Jazz Joint Jump," and raves: "This album is
top-notch in all ways. The songwriting is clever and fun,
the players are fabulous, the arrangements and production
skillful. Finally, a kids' album that doesn't rely on
exaggerated vocals and smarmy lyrics! Jungle Jazz Joint Jump
makes the accurate assumption that kids respond to quality
and sophistication when coupled with fun, lively, kid-
oriented content." It's an album that will spur jumps and
skips and hops.
If you're after more CDs for children, Amazon.com's zShops
feature numerous merchants that sell goodies for the young
ones. Check out the zShops Children's CD selections.
CD Sale Price
"Catch a Wave"
Various Artists
CD Sale Price
In the tradition of "All You Need Is Love: Beatles Songs for
Kids" (which was one of Amazon.com's Best of 1999 in
Children's Music), "Catch a Wave" again features kids
singing classic pop hits. This time, all the tunes are
associated with the Beach Boys. The pace is lively, the
music energetic, and the message clear: summer is fun.
"Raffi's Box of Sunshine"
Raffi
CD Sale Price
As the Northern Hemisphere sprints into summer, there's a
new way to get three of Raffi's great CDs in one convenient
slipcase. "Raffi's Box of Sunshine" features the classics
"Everything Grows," "Rise and Shine," and "One Light One
Sun." The tunes are all memorably delivered in Raffi's
singular style, which kids will--as usual--love. More summer
fun!
"Geppetto Soundtrack"
Various artists
CD Sale Price
Disney's string of high-quality television productions of
classic material continues with their "Geppetto," featuring
Drew Carey and Julia-Louis Dreyfus--both of whom shine on
the soundtrack. This recording of new tunes as well as the
classic "I've Got No Strings" is one of the best--bright and
high-stepping.
"Jazz for Kids: Everybody's Boppin'"
Lisa Yves
CD Sale Price
Lisa Yves's road to "Everybody's Boppin'" began while
teaching music to kids. She found that her pupils loved to
sing to jazz beats, so she built on the kids' rhythmic
sensibilities by teaching them some classics (Louis Prima's
"Sing, Sing, Sing," "Straighten Up and Fly Right," "In a
Mellow Tone"). Then the impromptu singers and a small
(professional) jazz ensemble cut this lively CD that will
appeal to the partying, dancing vibe of the child's soul.
BARGAIN MUSIC FOR KIDS
**********************
"Springtime Favorites"
Various Artists
CD Sale Price
What can you say about a set that opens with "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-
Dah" and then includes "The Bunny Hop," "Little April
Shower," and the infectious "It's a Sunny, Sunny Day"?
Disney's seasonal packages have always hit high marks and
this is no exception. It's free-spirited, and a bargain at
$7.99.
"Be My Friend"
Various Artists
CD Sale Price
Here's another Disney collection, gathering songs from
"Hercules" ("I Won't Say"), "The Little Mermaid" ("Kiss the
Girl"), "Aladdin" ("A Whole New World"), and more. Though
this set could certainly have been longer than nine songs,
it's bargain-priced and sugary sweet.
"Mary Poppins"
Ray Conniff and the Singers
CD Sale Price
Ray Conniff's classic vocal stylings make this assortment of
songs from "Mary Poppins," "The Sound of Music," and others
nearly priceless. The singers create a choral effect on most
of the tunes, while retaining the up-tempo rhythms and a coy
instrumental array in the background.
DINO GALORE
************
"Dinosaur Soundtrack"
James Newton Howard
CD Sale Price
The score to Disney's latest blockbuster matches the movie's
dazzle and emotional reaches. James Newton Howard shifts
from heart-pounding to heart-rending in a flash, always
keeping in mind that little ears might be tuning in.
"Dinosaur Song Factory"
Disney
CD Sale Price
On the surface a rocking, and danceable 25-minute set of dino-themed
tunes, this CD is
also an interactive item for the home computer. The appealing interface
allows users to
tinker with the eight songs and create their own impressions of the land
before time.
"The Great Dinosaur Mystery"
Dinorock
CD Sale Price
With dinosaurs as a major theme for 2000 (thanks to Disney),
this set from the acclaimed Dinorock folks is worth another
listen. It's a mixture of storytelling, mystery, and good
old songcraft, all built around the disappearance of the
prehistoric creatures. Dinorock deserves every award,
nomination, and honor they've been afforded, and this CD
will show you why.
TRIVIA FOR KIDS
***************
"You Don't Know Doc: Acme Wise Guy Edition"
Bugs Bunny
CD Sale Price
Bugs Bunny as Regis Philbin? Perhaps. Here's what every "Who
Wants to Be a Millionaire" viewer with kids needs: comic
relief. "You Don't Know Doc" is a rollicking time, smart in
a humorous way that kids and adults will share--and full of
goofy answers to silly questions.
"You Don't Know Doc: Coast-to-Coast Edition"
Bugs Bunny
CD Sale Price
The "Coast-to-Coast Edition" of the new Bugs Bunny-hosted
trivia soiree, "You Don't Know Doc," is another tickler with
sly wit--and downright silly wit, as well. You'll have
laughs galore at the voices, sound effects, and overall
delivery of this set. Like its sibling, the "Acme Wise Guy
Edition," this is great for kids who like storytelling.
Read-Along : Dinosaur, May 02 CD on Sale
Renee Smith : Seeds & Songs To Make'em Grow, May 23
...CD on Sale
Ken Whiteley : Acoustic Electric, May 23 ...CD on Sale
NEW AND NOTABLE
***************
"This Pretty Planet"
Tom Chapin
CD on Sale.
Singer-songwriter Tom Chapin has always kept equal footing
in folksy and more uptempo traditions. Here he collects
several new songs and new renditions of hits like "Clean
Machine," "Happy Earth Day," and the title track. It's an
energetic, colorful set that kids will love.
"Disney Karaoke, Vol. 1"
Various artists
CD on Sale.
Everybody has toe-tapped to the Disney sound at one time or
another, and many have lip-synched or sung along as well.
Now Disney's acknowledged the closet singer in all of us
with two volumes called "Disney Karaoke." There are 20
tracks on each CD, 10 with vocals and then those 10 repeated
as instrumentals. The lyrics are included in the liner
notes, so you and the kids don't have to worry about
missteps or feeling silly.
"Monkey in the Middle"
Daddy a Go Go
CD on Sale.
Georgia-based Daddy a Go Go play kids' music that owes a big
debt to guitar-based pop. The principals in Daddy were part
of the Jody Grind years ago, and now they're fathers
creating hip, tuneful ditties with an entertaining '60s-era
retro sound.
"If Mama Ain't Happy"
Tina de Varon
CD on Sale.
Tina de Varon's "If Mama Ain't Happy" speaks in multiple
musical languages, all of them relevant to the art of
mothering. She's written tunes for LeAnn Rimes and Dove
Award winners Anointed. "If Mama Ain't Happy" shows off her
excellent songwriting abilities and also displays a
heartfelt intimacy with motherhood, from workaday concerns
to the boundless love a mother has for her children.
"Chicken Soup for Little Souls: Mother's Love"
Various artists
CD on Sale.
The Dixie Hummingbirds open this sweet collection with
"Loves Me Like a Rock," and from there "Chicken Soup for
Little Souls: Mother's Love" is a mixture of cute music for
kids and more serious fare for parents. How else can you
have folksinger Sara Hickman, the Disney Chorus, and
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen all on one CD?
"Sleep, Baby, Sleep"
Nicolette Larson
CD on Sale.
Here's one for new mothers. Nicolette Larson sings with a
soothing calm that's matched by the CD's soft production and
keyboard touches. These are songs she sang to her ailing
child, so it's all mellow and ideal for the rocking chair,
with your baby in your arms and love in your heart.
MUSIC BY PETER PAN KIDS
************** ********
"Party Sing-Along"
Peter Pan Kids
CD on Sale.
The Peter Pan Kids imprint is back, and "Party Sing-Along"
is an inventive hybrid of group-oriented toe-tappers and
more thoughtful songs that are ideal for close listening.
Contributions by Rosenshontz and Jonathan Sprout certainly
make this stuff fun and party-worthy, but it's also an album
with meaningful tunes for focused attention.
"Children's Songs of Inspiration"
Peter Pan Kids
CD on Sale.
If you're looking for a CD that helps solve dilemmas--
especially the everyday kind that often confuse kids--try
this collection from Peter Pan Kids. The title suggests
inspiration, which often means a Christian slant on things,
but here the slant is more moral than spiritual. It's a good
road map for conduct, easily enjoyed and easily grasped.
"Storytime Classics"
Peter Pan Kids
CD on Sale.
For the storyteller, or listener, this Peter Pan Kids
collection is vital. The voices are bigger on this
collection than on other Peter Pan CDs, ensuring that
listeners will absorb what's being conveyed, and the ideas
are grand. The music's soft edges soothe and deliver the
stories with ease.
"Birds, Beasts, Bugs & Fishes Little & Big: Animal Folk Songs"
Pete Seeger
CD on Sale.
Want to get kids excited about the change in seasons? Pick
up Pete Seeger's "Birds, Beasts, Bugs & Fishes Little &
Big," his creative homage to outdoor critters, which
fascinate every little mind. It is full of sing-along
classics, backed by a simple banjo and infused with an
enthusiasm for natural wonders.
"Around the Campfire"
Peter, Paul & Mary
CD on Sale.
Join hands with Peter, Paul, and Mary on this two-CD
collection of some of their greatest performances and watch
the kids brighten. "If I Had a Hammer," "This Land Is Your
Land," and "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" will have the family
belting out in unison and the kids inquiring about the
songs' stories.
"Country Songs for Children"
Tom T. Hall
CD on Sale.
Tom T. Hall treats his own childhood experiences in Kentucky
as fodder for this invitation for kids to sing and play and
imagine a roster of animal characters. This is probably the
best country album for kids, thanks to its easy-to-love
music and Hall's sense of narrative fun.
"The Best of Country Sing the Best of Disney"
Various artists
CD on Sale.
So country singers love Disney? Can they sing the magic
kingdom's classics? They sure can. This is a lighthearted
look at Disney cornerstones, such as "Someday My Prince Will
Come" (Tanya Tucker) and "Baby Mine" (Alison Krauss), and
more recent winners, such as "A Whole New World" (Collin
Raye) and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Larry Stewart).
You'll find more Children's CDs on sale at...
