Friday Music Dump

I continue to be amazed at how much children's music there is, and I'm finding myself more overwhelmed trying to keep up. There are several artists sitting here in my listening pile who I want to bring to your attention because they are doing some wonderful things, even though they don't quite fit my ideal of "music I can truly enjoy with my children."

First up is Kaleidoscope Songs, the work of Alan Bell (lyrics) and Alex Mitnik (music). Mitnik is also the frontman for the Kaleidoscope Band. Bell and Mitnik bring a lot to the table in terms of education and experience - Bell is an artist, teacher and therapist with years of experience serving children and families; Mitnik directs the music program for the Princeton Montessori School and is on faculty at the Princeton Center for Teacher Education.

Their two CD's, Kaleidoscope Songs 1 and 2, are packed with songs that teach and inspire self-reflection. Kaleidoscope Songs were a bit heavy-handed for me, but I know there are some of you who place I very high value on music that is educational. The lessons in these songs are very intentional and literal, and I found that I was extremely conscious of them nearly all the time we were listening. But the values Bell and Mitnik are imparting through this music are important to many parents, and that alone might make this a must-have for some of you. Learn more and hear samples here.

Next is Raffi, whose new CD Quiet Time was released in April. This collection of soothing, tranquil songs from past Raffi albums includes familiar favorites like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Rock-a-bye Baby" as well as six Raffi originals. Quiet Time is just right for naptime, if your child likes to fall asleep to music. You can find a full review of Quiet Time at Zooglobble or learn more about Raffi here.

Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing Along Symphonies, the third in the Beethoven's Wig series, was released May 2. This is classical music with fun lyrics added - highly instructive, yet wacky and relaxed. It pokes fun at the stuffiness of classical music (and as a classically trained musician, I enjoy this) while helping listeners to understand and appreciate some of the great works of Beethoven, Bach, Tchaikovsky, and others. Again, I am grateful to Stefan at Zooglobble for writing a full review of this one. Of the three artists highlighted here, Beethoven's Wig is probably the most enjoyable for me and my six-year-old. Learn more and hear samples here.

One reason I'm having such a hard time keeping up with all the great new children's music is that I've been distracted by some really amazing new grown-up music which is getting more playtime in my car. I received Under The Covers Vol. 1 for Mother's Day and have been loving it. It's Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs (from the Bangles) doing covers of old 60's tunes like "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" and "Cinnamon Girl." Love Matthew Sweet. Love Susanna Hoffs. Love covers (see post below). This is fabulous stuff. And unlike some of my other favorite music (like the new Liz Phair album, also fabulous), it seems to be fine for listening to with the kids.