Monday, July 30, 2007

Even More Children's Music...

There are so many new and interesting children's albums being produced these days. Another online resource for children's music reviews is http://kidsmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com/ - a blog from children's librarian, Warren Truitt, of the New York Public Library.

A few more of our favorites include:
Sing Along with Sam / Hullabaloo

This album comes from the two-man band, Hullabaloo, from San Diego. Musicians Steve and Brendan describe Hullabaloo as "farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk in a genre filled with musical Twinkies and Ding-Dongs."

From cdbaby.com: "A lot of parents raised on rock'n'roll have a hard time down-shifting to singing dinosaurs and hamsters....We're proud to be a part of a growing number of artists that have found a way to honor and entertain kids without making their parents want to jump out of a moving mini-van."

Recommended for kids and parents who enjoy music that is a country-infused blend of folk and rock.

Come and Make a Circle / Susan Salidor
If you attend storytime at the Corvallis Public Library, you've probably already been introduced to a few songs from Susan Salidor's collection. Preschool teachers will especially enjoy her albums. Included are wonderful renditions of preschool favorites (try "Shoofly"), circletime songs ("Come and Make a Circle"), and easy ways to introduce a bilingual theme into your curriculum ("Me llamo Susana"). Tap your toe and follow Susan to a fun-filled experience of music!


Sing with a Child / Program for Early Parent Support (P.E.P.S.)

Another favorite of the youth services librarians at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. This album benefits the Program for Early Parent Support, a non-profit organization based in King County, WA that supports new families. Chris Ballew, lead singer of the band the Presidents of the United States of America, teamed with other talented musicians for the creation of this album. The result is a fantastic mixture of sweet and energetic songs that are perfect for babies, toddlers and their parents and caregivers. Highly recommended!

Spin Your Web / Mary Kaye

Winner of the 2006 Publisher's Weekly Listen-Up Award, the Dr. Toy Smart Play/Smart Toy Product of Excellence, the Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence, the Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award, NAPPA Honors, and Creative Child Magazine's Product of Excellence Award. Mary Kaye plays a diverse range of country, folk, rock, and funk-inspired tunes. "Let's Get Dressed" and "Pig Party" are sure to be appreciated by kids. This is another suggested album for parents who are bored with the usual fare.


Beethoven's Wig 3 / Richard Perlmutter

"Zany lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music provide a fun foundation for classical music that will last a lifetime." - from http://www.beethovenswig.com/. A great way to introduce children to the joy of classical music and facts about many of the world's greatest composers.



Karen Mortimer is the brains and talent behind Karen & Kids, a musical group of talented children hosted by Karen. Karen & Kids offer fun classic toddler music and Christian children's music. I'm Not a Baby Anymore! is a cheerful album full of toddler and preschool favorites such as "Wheels on the Bus" and nursery rhymes. "The Lucy Song" kicks off the album with a fun anthem on moving out of babyhood and on into childhood. For more information, see the Karen & Kids website.


Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin / Michael Armstrong

A fun new offering for parents who love rock music. Rockabye Baby albums turn your favorite rock music into instrumental lullabies for your little ones at home. Lullabies you can hum along to!




For more information and a sampling of the music, visit the Rockabye Baby! website.
Whatever your taste in music, you're certain to find something in the variety of music for kids that will please both you and your children! Music is a great way to start and end each day, transition to new activities, teach concepts, and have fun!

No comments: