There are basically two criteria for a good children's album: 1) It makes your kid happy, and 2) You can listen to it without incurring slow brain death. While we're of the opinion that the first criteria trumps the second — anything that makes a four-year-old happy can't be totally evil, right? — we did not have a resident four-year-old to test this latest batch of new children's CDs. Instead, we handed eight albums to our music-savvy intern Caitlin McRae. Here's her un-child-biased take. Heard 'em? Leave your two cents in feedback. — Gwynne Watkins

Ellis Paul, The Dragonfly Races

Sweet, catchy, musically interesting. Some nifty social commentary as well (Million Chameleon March! Heck yeah!).

Princess Kate & Racer Steve, Fast & Feisty

Slick proto-ska-for-kids music weirdness. The echoey vocals would probably kill a parent if given long-term exposure.

Uncle Rock, Uncle Rock U

Way, way better than I expected. Nice range of tones & topics — probably really fun for kids.

Thaddeus Rex, Shakin’ in Chicago

Lots of dinosaurs and travel, and a weird, obtuse commentary on Upton Sinclair vs. Dr Seuss?

Gwendolyn & The Good Time Gang, Get Up & Dance!

Sweet merciful jesus. No.

The Harmonica Pocket, Ladybug One 

Nifty fact: it was recorded using only solar power. Includes a Hindi lullaby. Also: darkest ABC song I’ve heard so far.

Recess Monkey, Wonderstuff 

Back and forth between a narrated story and really cute, hip music; if I had kids I’d probably burn myself a copy of the just the music & listen to that.

Suzi Shelton, No Ordinary Day

There’s a song about being a Park Slope momma. So, no.

— reviews by Caitlin MacRae