It’s mashup mania when the voices from that beloved television show SpongeBob SquarePants take on the task of dubbing classic films such as Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Godfather. Actually, I think the last one is an improvement.
Stolen from Laughing Squid.
Let’s face it, listening to renditions of toddlers singing off-key and loud, uber-cheerful vocalists exhorting us to all hold hands can make you simply want to scream. So in the interest of some self-preservation, I’m presenting music that won’t automatically force you to have them put their headphones on rather than endure the torture. Here is my list of some of the best CD’s for kids.
Jack Johnson and Friends Singalongs and Lullabies Lovely and melodic, I don’t see too much resistance from mom and dad when the kids ask to play this. Aaaand, Jack Johnson is tres cute.
Raffi The The Singable Songs Collection Before I was a parent, I scoffed at the idea of Raffi. Then I became one and to know him is to love him.
They Might Be Giants Here Come the ABC’s and No! Both of these albums allow parent and child to rock out! No, it isn’t Metallica, but you can maintain most of your street cred.
Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites “C is for Cookie,” “Rubber Duckie,” and “I Love Trash” among others. Don’t even try and pretend you don’t know all the words.
Boris Karloff and Mario Rossi Peter and the Wolf There are many versions of Prokofiev’s classic, but this is the the definitive one.
Steve Rashid “i will hold your tiny hand” Songs with influences from the blues, doo-wop, and jazz, these lullabies will be a hit with the whole family.
Justin Roberts Meltdown Intelligent lyrics set to great music, what more could you ask for? Not many artists tackle having to wear glasses, but Justin does. And we’re glad.
Daddy a Go Go Cool Songs For Cool Kids Another edgy, rock-inspired CD that has so much enthusiasm, it will make you think they recorded it out of their garage.
Gunnar Madsen Old Mr. Mackle Hackle It’s the lyrics that make this one stand out. Smart and funny, at least one of these songs is sure to make even parents laugh out loud.
Putamayo’s World Playground World Music CD has great song selections from twelve different countries. A nice introductory sampling for your child.
Beethoven’s Wig Singalong Symphonies This is a fabulous CD that sets some of the best known classical songs to some craaazy lyrics. There are other volumes that came along after this one, but best to start off with the first. Older kids.