Listmania! CD’s for Kids that Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed
By GlindaLet’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.
February 17th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I have had a deep and abiding love for Gunnar Madsen since he was with The Bobs. They were never the same after he left.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
This list needs some Dan Zanes & Friends! It’s pretty much all good, and the guy puts on a fun show that makes it impossible to not want to head to the front of the stage and dance.
Other family favorites: Buckwheat Zydeco’s “Choo Choo Booglaoo” has awesome zydeco music for adults & kids; “Daddy O’Daddy: Rare Family Songs of Woody Guthrie”; and Jerry Garcia (and David Grisman)’s “Not for Kids Only.” Because I tried to steer away from annoying “kids” music (like, oh, and Disney soundtrack) our kids listened to and loved a lot of folk songs, The Beatles, and the “adult” They Might Be Giants music (although they do like “NO!”; I find TMBG’s “Here Come the ABCs” irritating. Okay, and my daughter went through a phase where she had to hear John Denver EVERY DAY.
February 18th, 2008 at 10:04 am
That Boris Karloff/Mario Rossi version is why I became a musician!! I heard it in Kindergarten at “naptime,” and was forever changed
I agree - it is the definitive version of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” I didn’t know it was available in CD, so YAAAYYY!!!
Gotta put in one shameless plug for my “Stardust” 2-disc CD - “Stardust” just won a national “iParenting Media Award - 2008 Best Products - Audio” - hear soundclips at http://www.StardustLullaby.com
Glinda, I think you AND the kids would like it
Now I’m off to find Prokfiev!
Cher Klosner Lane
February 18th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I love They Might be Giants. Will definitely keep this list in mind when I have rugrats.
By the way, I tried commenting on the teeny poll, and it keeps eating my comments. It’s not even saying that they’re in moderation — they just don’t show up at all. What gives??
February 19th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I have become very fond of Johnny Breggar’s Hootenany as well as Wee Hairy Beasties (don’t remember the title) and James K’s Good Morning Sun, Goodnight Moon. Both Johnny Breggar and Wee Hairy Beasties are more about the music which is just good stuff and they add lyrics that appeal to kids, rather than building the songs around the lyrics. James K is a local favorite where I live and I can’t say enough good things about him. And my son is STILL listening to John Denver and the Muppets Christmas Album. Kingston Trio appeals to the little people as well, so I am in total agreement about the folk music for kids.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I second Dan Zanes and Friends! Love it and so does the short one.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Ooo you need to take a listen to Ralph’s World. I’m also a fan of John Lithgow’s “Singin In the Bathub” (except for the Triplets song).