A couple of months ago as I walked quickly through a department store with my friend and her daughter, the little girl stopped dead in her tracks, spellbound. “Mom, who is that?” she asked, wide-eyed, staring at a huge plasma screen. “Well, honey,” LeeAnn answered, “that’s Michael Jackson.” It was love at first sight. Ever since, Little Nora has been listening to her new “MJ” album on repeat – in the house, the car, the bathtub, literally everywhere. LeeAnn is happy, it’s an improvement from the incessant Barney tunes Nora’s older brother loved when he was the same age.
If Barney and Elmo are driving you bananas and MJ has worked his magic, there are alternative sounds for the kids and – and more importantly – for you, as well.
They Might Be Giants – “Here Comes Science”
Available from iTunes ($9.99) and Amazon.com ($7.99)
They Might Be Giants weren’t originally a band for kids, but their sound translates well. Following the successes of “Here Come the ABCs,” and the Grammy-award winning “Here Come the 123s,” “Here Comes Science” is all about the world around us. Sure, it’s educational but it’s also fun, catchy, and taught me a thing or three about photosynthesis, circulation, and the solar system.
Various Artists – “For the Kids Three”
Available from iTunes ($9.99) and Amazon.com ($8.99)
This compilation of original songs and re-worked classics like “Wheels On The Bus” and “My Darling Clementine” wouldn’t normally stand out, but delivered by some of your favorite indie bands including Of Montreal, Great Lake Swimmers, Barenaked Ladies and Moby, it’s hard not to keep it on repeat. “The Poopsmith Song” by Over The Rhine could be a true work of genius, sending a hilarious message that “poop goes in the potty.” This song alone is reason enough to buy the album.
Putumayo Kids Presents: World Music Series
Available from Amazon.com and Putumayo.com
Putumayo Kids is a series of albums dedicated to inspiring children through world music. The album includes songs by artists like Manu Chao and Buckwheat Zydeco, which have been compiled into a celebratory and danceable kid-friendly collection. This colorful series breaks the barriers of language, and takes junior global citizens and their parents on musical journeys around the world. Have fun with the whole family hula dancing, maraca shaking and bongo drumming. Though the albums aren’t available for download, a percentage of the sales go to international charities so it’s worth the wait to get them by post.
Johnny Cash – “The Johnny Cash Children’s Album”
Available from iTunes ($9.99) and Amazon.com ($9.99)
When I think of Johnny Cash, what immediately comes to mind are his dark and brooding ballads. So I was amazed to discover Cash singing these light-hearted and witty melodies. There’s “Old Shep,” about his lifetime canine companion, a non-sensical alphabet song called “Ah Bos Cee Dah,” and a silly explanation of “Why a Fire Engine is Red.” For adult fans of Cash, this album boasts his signature style, but it’s still sweet and good-natured enough for kids. If the youngsters take to this, you might also introduce them to the humorously adapted “Folsom Daycare Blues” by Ralph’s World.
Ziggy Marley – “Family Time” and Bob Marley – “B is for Bob”
Available from Amazon.com ($7.99) from iTunes ($9.99)
The whole family will be jammin’ to these tunes by the first family of reggae. On “B is for Bob,” Ziggy Marley took a dozen of his father’s hits, and re-imagined them for kids. “Family Time,” meanwhile, is original reggae that allows you to take the children far beyond The Little Mermaid soundtrack. Here, the Marleys prove that reggae is timeless and can appeal to all ages.
Beethoven’s Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
Available from iTunes ($9.99) and Amazon.com ($9.99)
If you’re a parent who loves classical music but don’t know how to share it with your kids, Beethoven’s Wig can quickly bridge the gap. This sing-along series adds lyrics to famous classical compositions, illustrating them with witty stories that hint at the original title of the piece. One example that keeps me giggling is from Beethoven’s Fur Elise: “Here is a short Beethoven piano piece. He wrote this piece – just for Elise. It’s all about a fellow named Maurice, who came from Greece – with a valise.” You may never hear Beethoven the same way again, but your kids won’t be able to get enough of these re-mastered classics.
