droolicious : music

7 Days of Dad: Music to his Ears

JeanneSager — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:01:00 GMT

He ponied up for Mother's Day, so now it's time to get cracking on how to make Dad's day. Lucky for you, we were wondering too. So we're offering up seven days of what we'll be giving the guy who reads bedtime stories and changes stinky diapers.

For dads whose playlist can't handle one more "waaaah" or "why," we can help.

Help him get double duty out of his iPhone or iPod with the dexim docking station that hooks right into the TV for big-screen viewing and big sound listening of your downloaded podcasts and movies. One of the most affordable options out there at just $69.95, it was easy to set up and it's versatility means it will last (it works with most generations of the iPod or iPhone). With a wireless remote for easy control from his easy chair and a recharging option as part of the docking station, the dexim will let him share his favorites with his favorite little people.

Because sometimes, he just needs to block it all out, EarPollution headphones from iFrogz can help. He can design his own set (or you can plug his tastes into their site to make him a pair), but even better than the style is the sturdiness of these headphones. Made to be folded up and stowed in the bag, they can handle your toddler yanking them off of Dad's head to ask him a question or accidentally (we'll give them the benefit of the doubt) sitting on them. Loud enough to drown out the noise, with good quality sound and comfortable fit, iFrogz hops onto the list for Dad.

Check out more gifts for Dad this week on the 7 Days of Dad.

Father's Day Gift Idea: slotRadio Player

Lisa Estall — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:29:00 GMT

For the digital dad, how about getting him a slotRadio player? Manufactured by SanDisk, the inventor and world's largest supplier of flash memory products, this product comes pre-loaded with 1,000 songs from the Billboard charts. Portable and small, clip it to clothes and listen to seven different playlists in rock, country, alternative, hip hop/R&B, contemporary, workout and chillout.

There’s no need to download the music and no computers involved. Features include FM radio and a screen that displays the song title, artist and genre.It’s $99 for both the player and the 1,000 songs.

For a music-loving dad, this could be a hit. For more info visit slotradio.org.

Harry Potter Meets James Herriot

JeanneSager — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:29:00 GMT

His tales of being a country veterinarian were the animal legends we grew up on. Now James Herriot's Treasury for Children is back for our kids, and we can take it on the go.

Jim Dale, the English actor who's won multiple Grammy's for recreating Hogwarts with his voice (146 different characters in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows alone!) has finished up work on the audiobook version of Herriot's classics. Like Goldilocks, Dale's got it just right.

Older (he was born in the 30s) and, of course, English, he sounds the part of a simple country vet making the rounds of the village's animals and delighting in their antics. The two CD set is available from St. Martin's Press now, so stock up for all your summer trips on the road.

Maybe your kids will put off begging for that puppy for an extra day or two.

Get the audiobook of Treasury for Children from Amazon for $10.17.

And Check Out Another Audio Fave:

Gwyneth Reads Eric Carle!

Jewel and Fisher Price partner to debut Lullaby

Lisa Estall — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:31:00 GMT

Jewel has a new CD out for adults and children! She has partnered with Fisher-Price to create Lullaby, a collection of 15 acoustic tracks. Besides Twinkle...

Twinkle Little Star and Somewhere Over the Rainbow, there are 10 self-penned songs.

The tracks are very relaxing to listen to and ideal for those times when you just need a chill out session.

You can buy Lullaby at major retailers in the baby and infant departments, as well as online at jeweljk.com.

Lullaby Versions Of Rock Songs At eMusic

Chris Ford — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

We've told you before about the oddball lullabies from Rockabye Baby. They're the company that takes famous rock songs and turns them into lullabies. Well, if you're interested but don't want to necessarily commit to an entire CD, there's a great new option.

All of the music from all of the (many) Rockabye Baby CDs are now available on music download service eMusic. There are 21 compilations in all, each focusing on the music from rock icons as diverse as U2 to Led Zeppelin. I'm kind of a big fan of the Lullaby Renditions of the Pixies myself (hasn't Monkey Gone To Heaven always been kind of a lullaby anyway?), but you don't have to stick with one artist. At eMusic you can make a mix and download the tracks - DRM free and ready for any MP3 player.

And to boot - there's a promotion going on at eMusic that if you sign up for a free trial you get 25 free downloads. Which means you'll have plenty of free music that will put your baby to sleep without you pulling your hair out over too.

Check it out at the Rockabye Baby page at eMusic.com

Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring My Bell

SunnyChanel — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:52:00 GMT

The bells, the bells are ringing...ringing for you and your kids. These Tone Bells from Pottery Barn Kids will help kids get in touch with the varying tones in music. Each of these metal bells has a different tone for endless combinations, songs, and masterpieces. To create your own musical magic you can get your set for $49 here.

Four Best Woodstock Tees For the Fortieth Anniversary

JeanneSager — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Ah, the summer of '69, peace, love and mud. So your kids can't remember it, neither can most people who were there!

But you can celebrate the forty-year anniversary of Woodstock with this list of rockin' duds, no roll in the mud required:

1. Salute the British invasion on Bethel, NY with this Rowdy Sprout "The Who" tee. Super soft and summer weight, they're perfect for little rockers who are up all night (bit of trivia, Pete Townshend, et al started rocking at 4 a.m. on day 2 of Woodstock!). Get it from Psychobaby for $38.

2. Another favorite from Rowdy Sprout, this isn't a tee - but it can be (just throw on a pair of tights)! The groovy Hendrix album cover on this drop dress will make your voodoo child sing a different tune. Let her wear this dress (or get the ACTUAL tee for him or her) on the Fourth this year to show some real patriotic spirit, but you have to play Jimi's "Star Spangled Banner" to go along with.

3. Peace, love and understanding were the name of the game, and who doesn't want their little one on board? This signature tee comes from the Signature Network in onesie or tee form, and we understand the doves are flying out fast. So get one for $20 and celebrate '69.

4. Straight from the gift shop at the Museum at Bethel Woods, the anniversary tees are one of a kind and selling fast as grandmas and grandpas stock up on their memories and treat the grandkids. Get one for your kids at Bethel Woods for $22.95 and get back to the garden.

Sing it with me now...

Music on the Half Shell

JeanneSager — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:29:00 GMT

Who knew you could listen to rap music and think "awwww, that's so cute?"

OK, I probably shouldn't have my iPod tuned to Biggie when it's plugged into my daughter's iTurtle, but come on. Who doesn't want to see a turtle dance?

The newest critter in the Hasbro line of animal iPod music players for kids has already earned my vote for best of the bunch. The little turtle (and I do mean little, this thing fits in my palm) bumps around to the beat and let's you know what he's "thinking" with musical riffs. If he's hungry for more tunes, he lets you know. When he likes their pick, he bobs his little head, taps his tiny feet and his shell goes bumpity bump.

Add the light show on his shell, and you can paint this turtle happy (unless you touch his tail).

The player itself gives off a pretty decent sound, and it's only $21.99 at Amazon.

Blocks that Rock: LEGO Boombox

JeanneSager — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Who knew you could make LEGO any more rockin'? Digital Blue is trying - this summer they're set to unveil a boombox and MP3 player - with the real LEGO name.

Ten times the size of the real thing, the boombox will be one mega LEGO brick, with the little bumps traditionally used for inter-locking your blocks doing double duty as volume and tuning controls. And true to LEGO life, even the little dials sport the LEGO name.

And since everything is portable these days - even the big block sound - the MP3 player boasts two gigs of space for some one thousand kid tunes and look like a tower of blocks already pieced together for their listening pleasure.

Both retailing for $39.99, they'll hit stores this summer, at which point we'll all be teaching our kids to rock around the block.

More LEGO goodies:

LEGO My Dinner

For Girls About to Rock

JeanneSager — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:24:00 GMT

Hey little buddy, are you ready to rock?

Huddy Buddy has music for mom's ears: sweet tees that totally rock without forcing her to grow up too soon.

With lines from onesie to tween, Huddy Buddy's Play it Loud and Rock Star are printed on 100 percent cotton American Apparel tees and all about attitude - with a hint of sweetness. They call themselves "hip threads for cool kids," and soft as the clothes are, there's still a rockin' edge.

Get them from Huddy Buddy; short sleeve tees and onesies are $24, longsleeve are $26.

World Beat Goes Baby

Lisa Mulcahy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:28:00 GMT

There are those parents that are against using TV as a learning tool, but I’m not one of them. My son is two and has been watching Baby Einstein and other educational videos since he was an infant. I think they’ve had a positive effect. Now there’s a new DVD that introduces babies to different cultures through world music.

I might pick this one up for the Easter basket. Baby Einstein’s World Music, introduces children to sites and sounds of the world. From banging a drum to shaking a maraca, little ones discover the different cultures of the world through the universal language of music. Given the cost of those Music Together and Musical Munchkins classes, $12.99, is a bargain and will probably suit your baby just as well. Get it here at Amazon.

How Much Does This Blanket Rock?

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:02:00 GMT

I have just found my new go-to shower present for my parents-to-be friends: the Monster Republic Rock Metal Blanket ($32). A gummy-bear-esque figure in the Demon’s makeup throws metal on a background of white lightning and black stars on the outside while gray and black stripes cover the inside. Despite it’s hard rock exterior, it’s made of cozy 100 percent cotton, making it an adorable little splurge.

Smart Safari Piano Pal Hippo

AmandaHill — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

The Smart Safari Piano Pal Hippo is a giant purple hippo with multi-colored teeth that play music. Each tooth in the set of eight function as a note in the C-Major Scale. The big teeth are easy for little fingers to play.

Click on over to Store for Knowledge to check out the Hippo.

Classical Baby is Endearing & Enchanting

Cathy Hale — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Whether you have a huge library of DVDs or just a few special ones, the Classical Baby 3-Pack is a wonderful addition to your collection. We've all heard babies love classical music. Well, even if they don't they will fall in love with this incredible show and so will you! Brought to you by HBO Family, Classical Baby features stunning animation with the most adorable characters you've ever seen, plus famous musical pieces, revered artwork and lots of dancing.

This DVD set includes "The Music Show," "The Art Show," and "The Dance Show." Each one is beautifully choreographed and incredibly enjoyable. Bach, Mozart, Bartok, Degas, Van Gogh, Pilobolus...how can you go wrong? Shop Classical Baby 3-Pack DVD at Amazon.

SALE: Barnes & Noble Kid's Sale 40% Off

AmandaHill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Sometimes quality children's books can be expensive. Today through March 4th, Barnes & Noble is having a Kid's Sale. All kid's products are up to 40% off: Books, toys, DVDs and even music. They also have a deal going on for fast and free delivery in just 3 days.This might be the perfect time to purchase a fantastic book for your little one.

Click on over to Barnes and Noble to check it out.

Start a Percussion Unit with Melissa & Doug Band in a Box

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:05:00 GMT

Poor kids: They’re always being told to be quiet. That is precisely why sometimes — even knowing the headache it may bring — the noise must be unleashed and encouraged. Present your children with a collection of clamor, the Melissa & Doug Band in a Box. For about $20, the wooden storage crate contains pretty much all the banging, thumping, clanking, dinging joy any kid would need. Participants can play the tambourine, a triangle, a rhythm stick, cymbals, maracas or one of those sticks with flaps that makes a clappy noise (is it just called a clapper? Anyone know?). In the incredibly likely event that the band doesn’t make beautiful music, rest easy knowing that some kind person invented acetaminophen. Take two and chill out till morning.

Best Baby CD That’s Not For the Kids

Lisa Mulcahy — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:30:00 GMT

A friend gave me this CD over the weekend and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s an amazing collection of songs that all new parents can identify with.

Brian Joseph’s CD If I Never Sleep Again, $19.49, is serious, silly, and sentimental all wrapped up in one great acoustic album. With songs about hearing his baby’s heartbeat, his wife’s expanding belly, and a song dedicated to explaining the noises coming from mommy and daddy’s bedroom, Brian Joseph hits all the emotional cords of parenting.

Toy Microphone For Your Future Performer

Chris Ford — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT

One of the things that has proved to be a favorite from Christmas this year in my house is this toy microphone. The stand is a speaker that amplifies your kid's voice, but the best part about it are the three foot pedals. One provides instant applause, one a hip-hop (more jungle really) beat, and the last has a stand-up comedian's rimshot and cymbal.

Keep in mind that it is a toy, so the overall construction of the thing is pretty flimsy. Consequently if your kid is prone to destroying stuff than you'll need to pay extra attention. But my girls love getting on the mic and singing, making noise and especially introducing one another. And I honestly don't mind a little extra noise around the house - it's when they're being really quiet that I seem to get really scared.

The Electronic Stage Microphone, $27.95 from ImagineToys.com

Tiger Headphones For Little Ears

Lisa Estall — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:28:00 GMT

If you have school age kids you might like these Tiger Headphones for times you just want peace and quiet. These can be used for storytime, at the library, on the computer...

or listening to ipods. It’s specifically designed for young students with safety as the first concern.

I guess these would be good for audiobooks too.

On sale for $14.75 at Kidsdesk.com

CES 2009: iHome iHM77 Portable Mini Speakers

Chris Ford — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

These little speakers from iHome may be small, but the sound they produce is pretty big. The iHM77 are the perfect little portable speakers for a laptop or for an iPod or IPhone that you or your kids don't want to plug headphones into. They are rechargeable, collapse into a capsule (pictured on the right) when you're not using them, and will cost you $49.99.

Check them out at iHomeAudio.com

An Instrument for Your Little Angle

SunnyChanel — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Forget about kiddie sized guitars, pianos or just a simple set of maracas. For making a mini-musician in your house opt for something sweet, angelic, and heavenly in the form of a kid sized harp. This Schoenhut 15-string harp is made for kids 3-years and up and not only sounds magical but with look fabulous in any play room with it’s natural cherry finish. You can get one for your own angel from Kohl’s for $179.99.

CES 2009: Roland HD-1 V-Drums Lite with Drum Tutor Software

Chris Ford — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Got a budding drummer in the house but you'd rather not hear them hitting the skins into all hours of the night? The Roland "HD-1 V-Drums LIte"is an all integrated electronic drum kit, designed for the drummer who is learning how to play. With three virtual cymbals (crash, ride and hi-hats) and five drums (three toms, snare and kick drum) the set has pretty much everything a drummer who is learning how to play could need. Combine it with Roland's Drum Tutor software (the DT-HD-1) and you've pretty much got drum lessons in a box.

The drum set is, however, all-integrated which means it isn't expandable or good for using as an full-blown virtual drum set. But for the beginner it seems pretty perfect.

The HD-1 has been out for about a year and retails for around $799. The tutor software (DT-HD-1) is brand new and will set you back an extra $99.

Check it out at Roland.com

Angelic Beginner's Harp

AmandaHill — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This harp is an angelic beginner's harp for the little lover of music in your life. Fashioned from 15 nylon strings and a range from C to C, the harp is sure to be a hit. The bench in the picture is also included. Both are handcrafted from Birch wood and finished with non-toxic paints. Although it is a beginner's harp, the harp is fully tunable. It measures 15"L x 25"H x 8"W and is recommended for ages 3 and up. Order yours today from Chasing Fireflies.

First Look: Ritmo Prenatal Sound System

Nicole Feliciano — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:34:00 GMT

Want to get your kid hooked on Radiohead early? Try this prenatal music system.

Type A parents have been putting iPod buds on mom’s belly for years. The thought is that early exposure to Mozart will make the fetus smarter and the newborn will have an early appreciation for the arts. The Ritmo ($99.99) take the concept a step further.

This is a stereo belt for pregnant women. According to the marketing materials: “Babies exposed to prenatal music and sound show superior mental abilities and coordination.” If you agree and you’re always up on the latest musical gadgets you won’t want to miss out on this chance to start in utreo Music 101. Simply hook up your iPod to the belt and start your playlist. Mom can be walking, shopping, and educating all at the same time--the belt wraps the Mom-to-be’s belly with tunes. Ritmo’s speakers control the sound level so you won’t blast baby’s eardrums.

The Nuvo group will offer the prenatal belt in January of 2009.

A Toy Piano? Nah, Go With a Cathedral Organ

SunnyChanel — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Yeah, this ain’t your everyday toy piano, this one is akin to a religious experience…being that you usually encounter one in a church. This is a mini child size cathedral organ that “features a sturdy keyboard combined with world-famous, precision-tuned Woodstock Chimes.” It comes with a songbook to teach your child a collection of simple songs. Next stop St. Patrick Cathedral. For age 4 and older. You can get one here from the Met Museum store for $60.00.