Strollerderby : children's music

Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid’s Music, Part 3

editors — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Heller, who has written song for Kodak and the Jim Henson Company, promotes (you guessed it!) positivity and self-confidence on her ‘Say Hello to the Sun’ CD. Heller describes herself as a mix between Carole King and Punky Brewster; I thought she sounded more like Lizzie Maguire, but her ballad ‘Make A Wish’ proves that she can really sing.

Various, Funky Kidz Music

I don’t have kids, but I’d feel no shame in jamming to these funky, revamped covers of classics like “Yellow Submarine,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “This Little Light of Mine.” The dude that sings the standout track “If I Only Had A Brain,” sounds eerily like Michael Buble.

Captain Bogg & Salty, Emphatical Piratical

Grab your floaties, bandana, and eye patch: these upbeat nautical tracks will have your kids rocking out pirate-style in their kiddie pool. Plus, everyone will get a quick lesson in ship parts: “Poop deck, it’s the deck in the back where the captain’s at.”

Brady Rymer, Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

A little church youth group-y, but Rymer’s a genuine country crooner. He and his five-member band could easily be opening in Nashville.

Playhouse Disney, Music Play Date

For better or worse, Disney has a knack for catchy songs, the kind that stick in your head 8 hours later. Seriously. I was humming something called the “Bunnytown Hop” on the subway.

Mr. Ray: Songs for Seeds

Song for Seeds is pure easy listening. Too easy, in my opinion. I kept waiting it for the tracks to pick up but they never did. Maybe this would work for naptime?

Reviews by Andrea Zimmerman.

Earlier Today: Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid's Music, Part 1

Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid's Music, Part 2

Read more from Babble's Music and Video Issue.

Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid’s Music, Part 2

editors — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Easy

If you are a person who has always believed there should be more rap songs about dragons, mermaids, and talking grasshoppers, then this is the CD for you. 23 Skidoo’s debut album, “Easy,” deftly mixes reggae, bluegrass, and funk with classic hip hop beats, and his own daughter Saki gets the best line on the album:

23 Skidoo: Yo, Saki. You got the juice?

Saki: Man, I’ve got more rhymes than Dr. Seuss.

Peter Alsop, Uh-Oh

With sing-a-long classics like "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and the ABCs, listening to Uh-Oh may just take you back to your own childhood days. But be warned: Peter Alsop is not trying to make a crossover album for kids and parents alike. This is straight up kid’s music, so you may get tired of hearing, I don’t know, “Poop Goes the Weasel,” for the forty-second time.

Rocknocerous, Pink

At their best, these sunny tunes take tot rock to a whole new level, like on the R.E.M.- esque “Playground” and the lovely “Lucky Lindy.” However, some of their songs miss the mark by veering into all-too-familiar kid’s music territory.

Daddy A Go Go, Come On, Get Happy

If the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet got together to make an album for kids, it would probably sound a little like this one. The songs are fun, singable, and certainly appealing to children, but they all seem to hit the same overtly cheerful note. Listening to “Come On, Get Happy,” is like spending time with a deeply and persistently perky friend: best done in small doses.

Various, Putamayo Kids Presents European Playground

No worries if your kids aren’t as well-traveled as Suri or Maddox: the fifteen songs on this album represent sixteen countries and range from Scottish folk to Scandinavian pop to Belgian quasi-rap. Cheerful in a mellow way, this is one holds up to repeated listenings, and will even teach your kids such useful foreign phrases as “Stop that little kangaroo before it jumps off again!”

Abby and the Pipsqueaks, Abby and the Pipsqueaks

Abby and I clearly have a difference of opinion over whether or not sirens and train whistles -- the world’s most annoying sounds -- should be used in songs.

Reviews by Lindsay Armstrong.

Earlier Today: Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid's Music, Part 1

Read more from Babble's Music and Video Issue.

Our Childless Interns Review Your Kid’s Music, Part 1

editors — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

It’s been a while since we’ve had our interns weigh in on the ever-growing stack of children’s CDs in the Babble office. So for the Music and Video issue, we decided to revive the tradition. Here are intern Emily’s reviews; check back later today for Andrea and Lindsay’s two cents. -The Babble Editors

Jonathan Sprout, American History #3

I was excited to get a US History 101 refresher; instead, I had to study the liner notes to find out exactly which hero each song referred to—“Peanut Man,” and “Doctor” not being clues enough for me. The gender representation is well- balanced, with a lower dead-white-guy quotient than I expected. Some of the lyrics, though, may put off younger listeners who don’t yet know that polio “frightens, and cripples and kills.”

Peter Alsop,Wha’D’Ya Wanna Do?: Rainy Day Laughter with Little Kids!

Alsop begins on a whiny, nasal-y note with a song about boredom that left me, well, bored. But take heed: the album’s energy builds until you’re chanting ‘I Am a Pizza,’ your toddler rolling on the floor with laughter.

Ben Rucknick and Friends, A Frog Named Sam

Creole and Bluegrass-inspired musical interludes mix well with Ben Rudnick’s way with words and slight Dylan rasp. Thanks to Ben I have a new compliment: “It’s like a milkshake, when I see your face, I want to drink it up and take it with me.”

Recess Monkey Field Trip

The songs are repetitive to a nerve shattering point. And, while I know that the point of ‘L.I.C.E’ is to inform kids that everybody gets them, this song is disgusting (especially when the lead vocalist takes on the persona of a militant louse.)

Trout Fishing in America, My Name is Chicken Joe

Nestled into a hardcover book of lyrics and playful illustrations, ‘My Name is Chicken Joe’ is an easy-going children’s folk album that perked me right up. The title song is catchy and wise, proposing ‘What’s in a name?’ Grown-ups, don’t tune out ‘My Best Day’with the vacuum cleaner, it’s a sweet tune that will re-center you: “Think about a good time that never ends."

Reviews by Emily Frost.

Previously on Babble: Our Childless Intern Reviews Your Kid's Music

Read more from Babble's Music and Video Issue.

Howard Stern To Release CD Of Kiddie Songs

Brett Singer — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Howard Stern wants to sing to your children.

So, like, hey now.

The King of All Media has had a number one movie, two best-selling books, a top-rated television show and is the greatest radio performer of all time. But he has never had a hit record.

Before you say, "Oh come on, why would a guy with that much money care about something like that?" you should know that Stern, who is currently heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, frequently complains that even Rick Dees had a number one song with "Disco Duck:"

Howard had a song on the Private Parts soundtrack (The Great American Nightmare with Rob Zombie) but it didn't do as well as Stern's other efforts.

So to rectify the situation, Howard has decided to make a CD of music for kids. Yes. It's true. The man who made his name proclaiming his love for lesbians, strippers and his own bodily functions wants to sing to your kids.

It's not as crazy as it sounds. First of all, as 'Monsters Vs. Aliens' showed us, it doesn't really matter if kiddie entertainment is any good. Market it correctly and it will sell. Second, many of Stern's fans (myself included) are now parents. Third, despite what people think, he's a clever guy. No tracks have been announced, but I doubt he'll put out something with language that will offend anyone. If Howard does something he goes all in, so don't expect a "trick" CD that lures you into buying something inappropriate for your kids. (On-air cohorts Richard and Sal might do that, but they're not involved this time. I hope.)

Last, but certainly not least, say "baba booey" to your kids. I'll bet you anything they laugh.

Look for the CD this fall. I know I will. I mean, could it be any worse than Kidz Bop?

Source

Read more:

Gloria Allred Sits On A Booster Seat

TV Is Neither Good Nor Bad For Babies

It's Monsters Vs Aliens on DWTS

Sasha's Not-So-Green Lunches

Best Child Music Reviewer in the World

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:03:00 GMT

Every once in a while someone comes up with a pure genius idea for a blog, and it's nearly impossible to turn away. DJ B's Library Tour is exactly that -- pure genius. Every week mom Jennifer and DJ B head to the San Francisco public library to peruse the CD section before heading home to write a review -- from a 2-year-old's perspective.

Want to know what a 2-year-old really thinks of Celine Dion? Or Queen Latifah? I still have trouble figuring out whether these reviews are ironic or earnest, but maybe therein lies the genius.

On Hall and Oates: "So,in response to the stupid joke from my high school days, "Who do you like better: Hall or Oates?," Miss B's answer would have to be "neither." "

On De La Soul: "While listening she crept around the room, acting very sneaky. All of a sudden she bit my leg. After that she went behind the curtain, curled up on the floor and pretended to nap."

On Nigel Kennedy: "It's Cinderella music."

I can't wait until they get to U2. Or even better, Tiffany.

Free MP3! Renee and Jeremy: It's a Big World

editors — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:38:00 GMT

Renee and Jeremy are pretty lo-fi for kids' musicians -- and that's a wonderful thing. On their gentle, lovely album It's a Big World, they don't try for broad appeal by throwing in hokey country songs and unconvincing hip-hop ballads. Instead, they stick to their own sound: harmonized acoustic ballads reminiscent of Low, or perhaps a mythical Aimee Mann/Nick Drake duet. If you didn't know it was a children's album, you'd probably like it anyway. After the jump, a free download of the title track, and an animated YouTube video to share with the kids. - Gwynne Watkins

It's A Big World.mp3

Buy "It's a Big World" on Amazon.

Babble Mix Tape appears every other Friday or so. Have a favorite children's musician you'd like to see featured? Email gwynne@babble.com.

Free MP3! "Rock Penguin Hop" by Maria Sangiolo

editors — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Maria Sangiolo has one of the prettiest voices in contemporary children’s music: rich, articulate and warm. She sounds like she was born to sit on a hill during a sunset and sing folk songs. Instead, she records albums like Under the Mystic Sea, a collection of songs largely inspired by girlhood (“Giggly Girl”, “Hairbrush Blues”) and ocean life (“Mermaid Molly,” “Down by the Ocean”). After the jump, download “Rock Penguin Hop” -- and tell your kid to get her best penguin moves ready.

Rock Penguin Hop by Maria Sangiolo.mp3

Buy Under the Mystic Sea here.

Babble Mix Tape appears every other Friday.

Our Childless Intern Reviews Your Kid's Music

editors — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:01:00 GMT

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

Free MP3! from Baby Loves Jazz

editors — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:15:00 GMT

The Baby Loves Jazz Band consists of six animal musicians, including Ella Elephant and Charlie Bird. But behind those animal facades are six supremely accomplished jazz musicians, who give some swing to classic children’s songs on Baby Loves Jazz: Greatest Hits.

Don’t get us wrong – this is pure old-school kids’ music: “Wheels on the Bus”, “Old MacDonald” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” all make appearances. But with the jazz band at the helm, mixing these standards with originals and instrumental jams, the old stand-bys start to feel new. Jazz-loving parents can consider this a painless indoctrination (assuming your kids aren’t yet ready for Bitches Brew). Download the sketch/song “Hello Green” after the jump!

Baby Loves Jazz - Hello Green.mp3

Pick up Baby Loves Jazz: Greatest Hits here.

Babble Mix Tape appears every other Friday.

Free MP3! "Springtime Fantastic" by The Sippy Cups

editors — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:05:00 GMT

The Sippy Cups aren’t coy about their influences: their album cover, with the title Electric Storyland and the blacklight-ready graphics, says it all. The San Francisco-based kids' band is all about re-capturing 60s psychedelic rock, minus those un-parent-friendly drug references (“Daddy, why does the man want to be sedated?”). If your family has a thing for Sergeant Pepper, Jimi Hendrix or Syd Barrett, Sippy Cups songs like “Magic Toast” will be right up your alley. After the jump, download the catchy, trippy track “Springtime Fantastic,” which vaguely reminds us of Ben Folds Fives’ “Kate.” (In a good way.)

The Sippy Cups - Springtime Fantastic.mp3

Buy Electric Storyland here, or pick up the Sippy Cups’ brand new concert DVD here.

Babble Mix Tape appears every other Friday.

Free MP3! "Pinecone Lovely" by Gustafer Yellowgold

Gwynne Watkins — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 13:05:00 GMT

Like Ziggy Stardust for preschoolers, Gustafer Yellowgold is a quirky extraterrestrial who has landed on Earth to tell his story through rock n' roll. The creation of illustrator/singer/songwriter Morgan Taylor, Gustafer has earned quite a following for himself, thanks to live shows and DVDs that combine fanciful illustrations, psychedelic melodies and oddball tales of Gustafer's life on earth. "Have You Never Been Yellow?", Gustafer's new CD/DVD set, goes on sale tomorrow, but here's a sneak preview: a lovely, melancholy song about pinecones. Enjoy!

Pinecone Lovely by Gustafer Yellowgold.mp3

Crushing on Your Kid's Favorite Band Leader

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:06:00 GMT

I have a crush on Laurie Berkner. There. I said it. But she is one hot children's music star -- which creeps me out a little because normally when I think of children's music stars I think of Rafi or Barney or some amalgamation of middle age white men who couldn't hack in a real band.

Plus there's the fact that her music is designed to entertain my daughter, not me. I feel like the icky old man who leers at a preschool teacher or tries to pay the nanny in something other than cash.

While I don't let Emmeline watch any TV and keep the oh-dear-lord-child-just-chill-for-a-second-You-Tube viewing to a minimum, I was sick yesterday (thanks for your advice, by the way!) and at one point desperately searched for something to keep Emme from killing me.

Luckily I found something to make us both feel better. Enter Laurie Berkner -- the curly, golden locks, the zippy, upbeat attitude, the charming, intelligent lyrics and those outfits. Wow. Those outfits. She makes primary colors look good.

Emme and I watched "I'm Gonna Catch You" about 20 times in a row yesterday, and while Emme was easily bored after a good two viewings, I held out a little longer -- something about toddlers and repetition, I suppose.

Maybe it was the sleepless, cough syrup-induced haze, but pretty soon it was like she was singing directly to me, she's that good. I swear we had a moment after the 15th viewing -- when she looked into the camera and purred, "I'm Gonna Catch You."

And I answered. Out loud. "I'm right here, baby."

See? Creepy. Made only more so by the fact the song is now on my iPod.

So what do you think -- am I the only one with hidden crushes on children's stars? Or is Laurie Berkner just too awesome for words? Watch this video and let me know.

Comic Book Heroes Steal Preschool Hearts

Patti — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:26:00 GMT

I was minding my own business drinking coffee when my four and a half year old came running in, gasping for air.

"Mama, you got to come see this! Hurry fast!"

I followed her into the living room, and there on the television were four teenage boys rocking out and singing a song that was old when I was a kid. "They are so handsome", my daughter moaned, in pretty much the same way I was moaning about Depeche Mode when I was fourteen.

Folks, here are the young men who revved my baby girl's engine, the Comic Book Heroes, performing their version of "Flying Purple People Eater" from Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show. I guess I'm going to be locking my girls up a lot earlier than I thought.

Kidz Bop Hits the Road

Patti — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:38:00 GMT

Okay. First, let's make sure we have enough water and nonperishable foods, and send someone down to the bank to get some cash to keep on hand. We're going to need to cover the windows with duct tape and plywood. People, we're going to the mattresses here, because Kidz Bop is going on tour this year, and we must remain vigilant. We must protect our young.

Those of you unfamiliar with the phenomenon of Kidz Bop are either lucky, or you don't occasionally just leave Nickelodeon on during the commercials. It's an insidious marketing scheme that involves a chorus of children singing on—what is it now, twelve CD's? And then there are videos and it's all very catchy and obnoxious and even a preschool child may turn to you and say "This song is good!" and then you realize it's a bunch of nine-year-olds destroying Modest Mouse's "Float On" and you bury your head in your hands and weep. If you have kids in the actual Kidz Bop demographic of 6-11, it may be too late to save your family.

(via Idolator)

Disney More than Frozen Body; Now with More Racism!

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:28:00 GMT

Hope you didn't already book those travel plans to Disney World this summer! Because this video is an eye opener. The Media Education Foundation explores the darker side of the Disney Empire -- the all trusted, all innocent, all knowing media conglomeration.

From highly sexualized female cartoon leads that haven't changed much in appearance since the 1940s to entire movies about Africa without any black people in them to the idea that it's a woman's job to overlook a violent, brooding beast to find a true prince, the video uncovers a not-so flattering side of the happiest mega-corporation in the world.

It's definitely worth a look if you're not afraid of being locked away in the Disney Vault ....

Guitars for Girls? Rock-On Little Ones, Rock-On

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:57:00 GMT

My dad tried to get me to play guitar when I was almost a teenager, but his horrible taste in sad, drunken country music -- combined with a guitar neck that felt like a tree trunk in my hand -- left me feeling like I had better uses for my time.

If only, I sometimes wonder, I could have gotten my skinny hands around that thing, maybe I could have been good. Maybe I could have been a contender. Or at least more fun at high school parties.

So it was with great joy that I read today about a new brand of guitars made especially for young girls -- they're smaller, so kids can get their hands around them, and they're, well, prettier. The Daisy Rock Guitars come in a rainbow of colors -- and they're selling like hotcakes.

Emmeline has already shown a love for the guitar. When Teacher Monica whips out her guitar at music class, Emme pounces. I can't keep her in my arms. She wants to play.

I'm thinking she may one day like one of those Daisy Guitars. I'll just make sure to let her pick her own music.

My Ears are Bleeding: Sunday School Jamz

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 01:42:00 GMT

I was minding my own business, watching "Dora the Explorer" or "Blue's Clues" or something that we TiVo for the kids when a commercial came on that made me want to renounce God. "Sunday School Jamz". That's right. Jamz with a "Z". Rockin' out for Jesus. And just like Kidz Bop, it is actual children torturing you with their song.

To add insult to injury, they have their own MySpace page, a place where you can check out hits such as "I'm in the Lord's Army", "Give Me Oil in My Lamp" and "My God is So Big". If that doesn't make you vomit you can also check out Worship Jamz MySpace Page, where they do a version of my least favorite praise song ever - "Awesome God".

I lost faith a long time ago, but even I can aprreciate the beauty of a good hymn. However, in my opinion, Sunday School Jamz is proof there is no God.

New Kids' Cartoon Invades America: Be Warned

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Damn Schnappi. You'll try to forget him. Or her. Whatever. You'll try to get his horrible, hackneyed siren song out of your head. But you won't be able to. And you'll just keep pressing repeat. Over. And over. And over again. And to top it all off, unless you were raised in a house where beer steins outnumbered plates or actually paid attention in German class, you won't have a clue what he's saying. But you'll still love him. And you won't be alone.

Schnappi, "The Little Crocodile" made popular by a German TV show, topped the music charts in Germany, in Austria, in Switzerland and the Netherlands -- in too many countries to count (seven). Now, thanks to Frederator, Schnappi has begun his invasion of America. If our kids see this wee reptile waging a Charlie vs. Lucy battle against a pesky fly or offering a spot-on impersonation of The Bangles, it's all over. They won't be singing along with the "Wonder Pets" anymore. They'll be singing along with this interloping antelope eater, and you'll be dragged on a musical journey that will make Raffi sound like The Shins.

So word to the wise, if your kids see a Schnappi video and ask what the cute little button is saying, offer a hand in comfort and give it to them straight: "He's saying he's developed a taste for humans, he lives under your bed and he's hungry."

Rock Me, Baby: Five Great (Really!) 2006 Children's Albums

Patti — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:07:00 GMT

Having a kid doesn't mean you're obligated to listen to children's music. But if you don't, you're missing out on some great stuff--people are taking children's music seriously like never before, and the results are, frankly, rockin' good.

Here in no particular order, my top five for the year. Grab them for a stocking stuffer, pop them in on the long drive to Grandma's house, put them on repeat at bedtime, send 'em to your nephews:

Dan Zanes may have overtaken Raffi as the elder statesman of children's music, and is the founding father of the modern kindierock movement despite erring strongly on the side of folk in the Guthrie/Seeger tradition. His Catch That Train is everything that our family loved from his previous releases, plus Nick Cave. The only disappointment: I really liked the board-book packaging of his earlier albums, they were great for tossing into the back seat to just. shut. them. up.

Dirty Sock Funtime Band has been called the "first real rock band for kids", but that was by Fox News and they're idiots. What DSFB actually is, is the first real jam band for kids. Or maybe ska band, since there's like, ten of them, and some of them play horns. Either way, Mr. Clown and the Day the Sun Got Wet is silly, dumb, and utterly captivating. And I pick a new favorite crush every time I see them (right now it's that guy with the fauxhawk).

You might know Elizabeth Mitchell from her collaboration with Lisa Loeb and appearances on Noggin. You might not realize that she's got several albums of soft acoustic folk, mixing old favorites with originals in her soothing lullabye style. Like her previous works, You Are My Little Bird gathers classic American and international folksongs and reworks them for a new generation.

Compilation albums frequently suck. Kid Pan Alley doesn't. A little bit of a "something for everyone" in terms of genre (heavy on the blues and twang), this is the product of collaboration between children and professional performer/songwriters working with the Kid Pan Alley project in Nashville, TN. A worthy cause, a great record.

If you have managed to escape the Laurie Berkner juggernaut, you...wait, really? How have you managed it? Laurie was all over Noggin for years and finally released We Are...the Laurie Berkner Band on CD/DVD this year. Re-recordings and fresh video of all their "hits", with enough sass that you might not mind so much when your little dinosaurs insist on marching, marching everywhere they go. Don't blame me if you find yourself flying out of town to see her in concert.