Hear it, Love it, Share it

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:38:00 +0000

Many apologies for another long delay in posting; I am in the first trimester of my third pregnancy and with this pregnancy bringing a sickness I've not yet experienced, not much else matters right now except making sure the basic needs of my family are met...

I've received emails from some artists wishing to submit music for review. I am saving all those emails and will respond to them as soon as I feel well enough to follow through!

I truly wish I could devote all my time and energy to this blog - I sometimes wonder if I should have waited to start it until my kids are grown and out of the house! Seems like I never have the time I want, and I'm sure adding another child to the mix (three kids in 3 years!) won't help anything, but I want them to grow up on good music so as long as I have kids I'll keep this blog and share the music I come across.

Thanks for your patience - until I return, check out artist links and other great kids' music blog links!

- Stephanie

Jam Toast: Silly Grown-Ups, Punk Is For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:28:00 +0000

This album came to me a long time ago. I have major guilt over not reviewing it until now, but I think I needed to broaden my horizons a bit so I could fully appreciate how cool this album is.

I've mentioned before that my favorite genre of music (childrens' and adult music alike) is folk. This is definitely not folk. It's definitely not like any other kids' music I've heard. And that's what is so cool about it.

Jam Toast's debut album, "Silly Grown-Ups, Punk Is For Kids" is the creation of lifelong punk-er (okay, I made up that word) Michael McKinnon. He created this so "pint-sized punks had an album to call their own." I paraphrased, but how brilliant is that? I've seen punk bands mellow out and write lullabies, but I just love the idea of keeping true to the style of punk while making it safe for kids' (and parents') ears. You won't find any swearing in these songs, just creative adaptations of familiar happenings in a child's life. One of my favorites is "Rock! Paper! Scissors!" Also, check out "Monday Pants" - it totally makes me laugh. And "Are We There Yet" is so much more of an accurate description of what our kids actually sound like when they launch that assault in the car...

So I have to admit, when I first got this to review I was worried about what I would write because it just wasn't my style. I realize that not everyone shares my taste, and I know there are punk enthusiasts everywhere that will be ecstatic to find something right up their alley that they can share with their kids. But, now this is my style too. I mean, that's what is so great about kids' music these days - it's so varied and different. It's not just cheesy versions of Old MacDonald Had a Farm, or incredibly chirpy count-with-me songs you'd hear on Barney.

I have to give this album five stars. It shatters the mold and sets a new standard for expressing your unique style through music. I won't say the style is for everyone, but I will say that even those of us with stubborn tastes will be pleasantly surprised at the total likability of this whole CD. If you're looking to add variety to your kids' music collection, or if your child is into the punk thing and you are tired of worrying about what words they might hear...this is your answer.

Samples will be up at the Listening Station shortly, or check out his website for more info and to order.

Funny Little Fella

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:31:00 +0000

I really had no reason to until the last few years, but I wish I had been following children's music since my own childhood. Obviously "better" things like New Kids on the Block (that will give away my generation) came along and took my attention away...and then high school happened and all I liked was country music (I lived in Houston), and then when I went to college my interests turned more to bluegrass and folk. I always enjoyed going back and listening to the music of my childhood like Raffi and Joe Scruggs, but I had absolutely no idea just how cool kids' music had become until I had kids of my own and looked for it. I need to do some research and find out when the turning point was from "please don't make me listen to another nursery rhyme" to"I'd rather listen to kids' music than anything else."

Contributing no small part of that greatness is newcomer Matt Clark. Hailing from my favorite city in the world, Portland, Oregon, he mastered the idea of detailing a child's first year through music in "Funny Little Fella." In honor of his own son, Rowan, Matt wrote several songs with no intention of putting together an entire album. At some point the future tapped him on the shoulder and said, "You can't stop there," and Matt created one of the most creative baby-ographies I've heard yet. Starting from the womb and documenting the milestones all the way until his first steps, Matt puts a funny spin on all the proud and painful moments that occur in the first year of a child's life. It's done from the perspective of the baby - almost like that movie "Look Who's Talking," but without the late-80s hairstyles and unnecessary sequel.

Really though, I felt like I was looking at Rowan's first year through his own eyes & hearing his own cute thoughts. I imagine my kids thought similar things, and it's pretty funny to stop and look at life from their point of view for a bit. Aside from the humorous lyrics, the music itself is great - a good beat and great, varying melodies that don't repeat song after song.

All in all, a fantastic debut CD from artist Matt Clark, and I hope there is more. He has a day job that he doesn't plan to quit just yet, but I know things will get busier for him once this album makes its way around the circuit. I had the chance to get a lot more details from him, including the interesting process through which he got the album produced, which I'll publish over at the Listening Station with his music samples.

I have been debating on stars for this one. Five stars already? But I love the album. I love the concept. I love his voice. I love the music. I give five stars to CDs I wouldn't hesitate to buy for my own family or friends, and this one is surely on the list. My son is next to me saying, "Mommy, dance!" as we listen to the last track "Feelin' Bipedal." I guess that says it all...

Five stars it is.

Recess Monkey Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:51:00 +0000

They do seem to get a lot of attention on this blog, don't they? Maybe it's cause they are from around here...or maybe it's cause they have an excellent publicist that keeps me informed of all their goings-on...or maybe it's just cause they're that good.

I gathered some friends and all our kids on Wednesday to make the short trip up to Kent to see them finish their tour. I actually thought this was the beginning of it, but they said they'd been all over the country and Kent was their last stop. And what a stop it was...

I put it all together in a little video montage...you'll have to pardon my videographer skills, or lack thereof. I was also trying to keep an eye on my two little kids and some friends' little kids - so the camera gets shaky at times. I'm sure you'll still get the gist, though, of just how awesome these guys are.

It's interesting how you see some people doing something (like entertaining) and you can't imagine them not doing it. That's how it is with Recess Monkey. They are all schoolteachers, something I'm sure they also excel at, but I just cannot imagine if they had never formed this band and made all of this great music. It's just natural for them, and I hope they do it as long as possible.

Recess Monkey, LIVE IN CONCERT -

Believe me, I wish the quality was better, but it was too big to post in the best quality format. Unless someone knows something I don't about Blogger.

Follow-up: That Baby CD/DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:49:00 +0000

I posted a little while ago about That Baby CD/DVD, and I wanted to let people know that it's been in our car since then and I still love it. Even more than when I first heard it. We have the DVD in our car and I absolutely love that it's entertaining the kids without being Spongebob or Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse. There are two tracks that they especially love-- where the narrator speaks the alphabet and then where he counts to ten. My son yells out the letters and numbers along with the guy - and then asks for it again, and again, and again. My 15-month old daughter has started shouting out too, though she isn't really saying anything intelligible. She just likes to play the game her brother is playing. Also, I've transported older, school-aged kids around several times and they've enjoyed it as well.

My absolute favorite song on this CD is "Garden Song (Inch by Inch)." I literally have probably listened to that song hundreds of times in the last month of my own accord, and I am still not sick of it. At all. I also love "Sunday Sun," and my kids are big fans of "Pony Boy."

Seriously. I've changed my mind.

I have to upgrade this CD to five fabulous stars (from 4 and 3/4) because it has been so well-received in our house, has been played a billion times over and is still requested daily.

The Funkiest Mama I "Know"

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:40:00 +0000

So I'm cleaning up breakfast this morning, inhaling secondhand absurdity as my son is watching Wonder Pets. Secondhand because I'm not actually watching the cartoon, but I'm listening to Ming Ming's speech impediment and trying to figure out why a cartoon aimed at kids learning to talk would make one of the main characters speak so incorrectly. The cartoon is cute enough and my son doesn't have to be learning physics from every show he watches, but the songs the little creatures sing are even less palpable - the words don't even rhyme. Ever. Or flow with the music.

Lest you think I'm an overly-critical cynic, I just sometimes wish that rather than fill in the holes with lameness, more cartoons would follow suit of Jack's Big Music Show, where Laurie Berkner's band provides the musical entertainment and the characters are mostly in charge of the storytelling. I don't mind the occasional cartoon ditty, but the same song every single episode? Seriously? But maybe if there started to be actual music in cartoons I'd be even more inclined to let my kids veg out in front of the TV for hours on end. So I guess I'll take Ming Ming's mispronunciations for what they're worth and use the opportunity to turn off the TV and turn on some REAL music - good kids' music we can dance around to and have fun with.

Like Krista Eyler's third CD from Funky Mama, "Moo Juice."

All original, all funky, and all songs you can jam with your kids to, this CD is overflowing with exhilarating energy. My kids absolutely LOVE "Freeze Dance" - they think it's hilarious to dance then freeze, then dance then freeze...we literally played it ten times in a row the first time we heard it. And then "Potty Train" makes me laugh every time...

There's a train that's runnin', comin' to town
go potty go
gonna get on board when I feel it comin' round
go potty go

It's the most creative and enjoyable "potty song" I've ever come across! True story: My son is potty training right now and a few weeks ago he came to me and said, "Mommy, get on potty train?" So I took him to the bathroom and as he's doing his business he's singing "go potty go, go potty go..." So I guess I owe my child's potty success to Funky Mama. Disclaimer: I can't guarantee your child will learn how to use the toilet by listening to this song. My child is just a genius, apparently. Kidding. Considering he's been "almost potty-trained" for 6 months.

Anyway, I don't know too many moms who can rock the electric guitar like Krista Eyler, and you'd be remiss not to check it out. She'll get your kids giggling, rockin', and dancin' around the house -- may I suggest putting the laundry aside and joining them! She winds down the album with a few slower songs that are less energetic but no less enjoyable...perfect for restoring order to the controlled chaos you created with the jamfest from the previous tracks.

Best of all, Funky Mama throws in a few "inside jokes" for the parents..listen closely and you'll get a good laugh from the lyrics of "My Dad Rocks." Stuff your kids won't pick up on but that make you appreciate her creativity that much more.

Overall, Funky Mama's third album is a storming success - FIVE stars. It's fresh, it's fun, and for sure one you'll be glad you own.

Check out her website and her blog for new, videos, coloring pages, and more of her music! Then head over to the Listening Station for my favorite songs.

All Things Recess Monkey

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:58:00 +0000

Recess Monkey's newest CD Tabby Road is now available. This latest compilation brings nothing less than pure enjoyment to the listening ear and inspires energy in the mundane. Put it on while you're cleaning the house, play it in the car while you're running errands, or load it on the iPod while you workout - you won't get tired of it. Oh wait- and don't forget to play it for your kids!

One of my favorite things about good kids' music is that if it's worth its salt, listening to it (with or without kids) just makes you that much happier to be a parent and solidifies the desire to find ways to nurture your children's creativity and education. Adult genres can be motivating for us in themselves, just because we enjoy the music and it creates positive thoughts, but children's music has the ability to inspire kids and parents alike on many different levels. Tabby Road magnifies this concept through the creative lyrics and unbelievably enjoyable music. The Beatles-esque sound has been done many times over, even in the children's music genre, but Recess Monkey redefines what it means to incorporate a musical inspiration through completely reinventing the Beatles' musical genius to fit their own style and audience.

We in the Northwest are lucky- these guys are based in Seattle and are celebrating their CD release with a show at the ACT Theatre TOMORROW. Their CD will be available there for $5! Stock up and use them as memorable birthday or baby gifts. Unfortunately I'll be out of town for this show, but I'm planning on attending the August 6th show in Kent and will be there with bells on. I even get to interview the guys IN PERSON! I'll be posting that interview the day after the show.

Check out their website for tour dates across the country, and for info on where to buy the CD if you can't make any of the shows. And of course, go over to the Listening Station to hear a few songs.

Catch Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:44:00 +0000

Has it really almost been a month? That's shameful. I have, like, at least ten (maybe more) albums to tell you all about...but where do I start? With my favorite, or the one that's been in the holding pen the longest? (That might be embarrassing.) Can I cheat and just give you a quick list of them and then promise to follow with a full review for each one starting next week when my life calms down a bit? Okay, good. In no particular order...

Recess Monkey - Tabby Road (Release date - July 15, 2008...GET EXCITED!)

Funky Mama - Moo Juice (Release date - September 2, 2008 - This is a FUN CD.)

Gunnar Madsen - I'm Growing (Newest release - 2007)

Brainy Tunes - Dream Time (Newest release - 2008)

Dixieland Jazz for Children (Newest release - 2008)

Jam Toast - Silly Grown-Ups, Punk Is For Kids (Newest release - 2007)

Princess Katie & Racer Steve - Fast & Feisty (Newest release - 2007)

Debi Derryberry - Very Derryberry (Newest release - 2007)

Milkshake - Play! (Newest release- 2006)

The Blankies - Peace! (Newest release - 2007)

Robbi K & Friends - Music Makes Me Happy (Newest release - 2007)

Thaddeus Rex - Shakin' in Chicago (Newest release - 2008)

Phew. That's my queue. There are definitely more new albums out there (like Justin Roberts' Pop Fly, for example - but I don't have any more in my hands right now so they'll be added to the list as they come.)

Some of these listed are older than others...but I figure it's never too late to share good music and I KNOW there are parents out there just getting into the realm of great kids' music so all of this is new to them.

Anyway, so now I'm committed. I will review each and every one of those I've listed during the coming weeks. In the meantime, click on the links and do some exploring for yourselves. I've listened to every single one of these albums - not one of them sounds like another and they all have something great to offer you and your kids. I wish I had the time to review them all right here and now, but it's 1:36 a.m. and my brain is working on fumes. I just wanted to get these names out there - I say this a lot, but I know for a fact that these artists work hard, long, and countless hours away from their families so we can have quality entertainment for ours. They each deserve to have their praises sung in a post dedicated just to their music, but for now they'll have to accept my peace offering of some basic publicity...

Oh, and P.S. - I'm in the process of putting together show and concert info on each of the artists I write about. Be on the lookout for summer concert info!

P.P.S. I'll update the Listening Station soon too, I promise.

I'm going to bed.

Homegrown Music

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:24:00 +0000

So, I've been learning the guitar lately and when I'm not stumbling through chords I listen to CDs like this one to inspire me to keep trying. The CD, called "That Baby CD" has meaning to me because it has true Northwest ties. Headquartered in Mercer Island, a DVD filmed in the Seattle area, and featuring the fantastic talent of Northwest native Stephanie Schneiderman (who I heard play a few times during our years in Portland), this CD/DVD is a superb collection of acoustic covers of classics by The Beatles, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and more. Each song has been softened and infused with a little bit of adolescence, making the whole album one we can enjoy with our children.

Here's what's even cooler about the whole thing - the DVD features each song with footage of kids playing outside, getting active, and having FUN. There are some great musical DVDs out there, but I love how this one brings the concept of musically-inspired activity to life. Our children need to connect these two important aspects of life more often, and this is a great way to introduce or reinforce it, whichever the case may be with your children.

Here are my stars: (4 and 3/4)

I know I just gave the previously reviewed album five stars, but this is also a truly very nearly five-star collection of music. You cannot go wrong with classics and acoustic guitar. Ever.

Creativity/Originality: This is 3/4 of a star, only because the songs aren't original work (if that's important to you), but let me emphasize as strongly as I can that the versions of these songs are VERY creative, original, and likable, and the DVD concept they put to use is completely original as far as I'm aware.

Propriety: Full star. Not only are the songs appropriate, but they encourage movement in children. Very appropriate as far as I'm concerned!

Appeal to children: Full star. My kids were dancing around and loved following along with the kids shown on the DVD.

Appeal to parents: Are you kidding me? This is my favorite style. Even if it's not yours, you'll get attached immediately.

Total album likability: FULL, BRIGHT, GLOWING STAR. I love this CD. LOVE it. And the DVD.

I love so many of the songs, but I have to say my favorite is Garden Song (Inch by Inch). Originally performed by Peter Paul and Mary, Stephanie Schneiderman brings an indescribable beauty to this little ballad, which has such symbolism for us mothers as we get our hands dirty every day in this job we love called motherhood. Look for this song on the Listening Station!

Also, check out their website for a video sample of the DVD, and more background info on these great artists.

Have you heard?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Accolades are piling up for this next artist, and I can't find one person who doesn't absolutely love her new album. Frances England's "Family Tree" hit the ground running and nothing I say will catch up to the gigantic snowball of praise it's already received. It's amazing. It's refreshing. It's comforting. It's genuine. And it's all natural talent.

Frances' first album, "Fascinating Creatures" was done as a fundraiser for her son's preschool. I don't doubt they raised more than enough money, especially when that album became the winner of the 2007 Oppenheim Platinum Music Award! Can you imagine? That would be like me baking some brownies for my child's preschool fundraiser, and then all of a sudden finding myself with my own show on the Food Network. Except my show would have been canceled when they found out I made them from a box.

But Frances England is the real thing. It's impossible not to love her voice. It reminds me of Elizabeth Mitchell, one of my all-time favorites. Frances' music takes you to a simpler place in the world, where really all that matters are the children she's singing to. Our children. The reason we look for good music like this. This world is getting depressing, and "Family Tree" is the sun that warms the perfect summer day: an open meadow with green grass and beautiful flowers, lined with big trees where you set up the picnic blanket (half in the shade, and half in the sun) and watch your kids experience the joy this life is meant to be. This album is the kind you listen to on a long road trip as you look out the window and wonder what goes on in those farms you're passing along that rural interstate road. Basically, this album gives me hope. Frances England makes music that entertains children and rejuvenates parents - no small accomplishment!

I was fortunate to get to ask Frances a few questions that will help us get to know her a bit better. The full interview can be found with her music clips on the Listening Station, but here are some interesting things about Frances:

Q. What is the hardest part about being a children's musician?

Making sure the kids are truly engaged at live shows. Although I play at my son’s preschool every week, I’ve just recently started playing for larger audiences and it’s really important to me that the kids are tuned-in and engaged. A lot of my songs are kind of slow and many have (gasp!) minor chords, so for those tunes at live shows I’ve started adding a projector slideshow – slow moving photographs that are semi-synchronized with the music. It’s a nice visual component and so far the kids and parents seem to love it. And I hope that it helps the kids connect to the songs in a deeper way.

Q. If you could do a concert with any other musician in the world, alive or not, who would it be?

That’s so hard but I’m going to have to go with Woodie Guthrie.

Q. When you're not working on your music or doing motherly things, what do you like to do for YOU?

My husband makes fun of me for this, but when I get a second to myself I often head to the public library. It’s always been one of my favorite places on earth. That or a good bookstore. I’m also into making all sorts of handmade stuff, seeing live music, learning the banjo, and frequenting my neighborhood bakery (Arizmendi in San Francisco).

Q. Any favorite TV shows?

I don’t watch very much TV but I’m obsessive about the ones I like. Right now, my favorites are Friday Night Lights and Top Chef. I was also seriously addicted to Six Feet Under for a while there….

Now for the stars.

This is truly a FIVE STAR ALBUM. Maybe it's because this genre is my absolute favorite, but I truly think this album can reach across the dividing lines of preference and be an enjoyable album for every family. I don't even need to specify in each category, because it masters all five. It's original, engaging for children, incredibly enjoyable for adults, appropriate, and all-around a spectacular collection of music.

Check out the clips over at the Listening Station, and this album will be available for purchase on May 20, 2008. I could never wait that long- I'm so glad I have it!

Next stop: Potato Land

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:07:00 +0000

This next CD I'm reviewing gets full points for originality and creativity. To be a children's music artist you definitely need an imagination, and these guys (and girls?) have theirs in full swing.

Adam and the Couch Potatoes and their debut CD, "One Size Fits All," reinvent what it means to have an imagination. This is how I know: after listening to this album and feeling its energetic tone and realizing that all the songs were written to inspire movement and activity in children, obviously I wondered why the band was called "the Couch Potatoes." So I asked Adam and this was his explanation:

Being a Couch Potato means something very different to us then it does to most people (people outside of Potato Land, that is). It is an important part of the creed of our band to help re-define (to the world and beyond) what a Couch Potato ACTUALLY is. Over time, most have come to assume that 'Couch Potato' means lazy, dull, and sloppy. We all know this to be untrue. As a rock and roll band, we share a house with a very diverse assembly of Potatoes who seem fiercely determined to live a life which they describe as "exciting and engaged and healthy and enthusiastic and interested". We're confident that the more we (and they) are able to promote their philosophy and ideals, the better chance we have of re-educating the world about what Potatoes and more specifically Couch Potatoes are capable of. Each of our songs, and much of our inspiration, stems fairly directly from our interactions with these Potatoes. They have an impeccable sense of style, a sharp sense of humor, and are very talented musicians, dancers, gigglers, jugglers, jumpers, huggers and the list goes on... I know, right?! Potatoes?!?!

Now, I consider myself pretty imaginative, but it took reading this two or three times to really get a handle on what the idea is behind their music. I went from thinking they might be slightly unstable but definitely talented to thinking it was something like the movie "A Beautiful Mind" and I'd just have to accept that it was over my head. Then I decided that it just is what it is...imagination. And that it doesn't matter if I "get it" or not- it matters that it inspires children to exercise the creative capacities of their brains and run with it, even if it doesn't make sense to another soul in the universe. There is no limit to how much our children should be encouraged to imagine, in my opinion, and this CD is the perfect catalyst.

Most of the songs are upbeat and high-tempo, and some of them are so ridiculously silly that as the parent you just have to laugh. I think it's a great sign of success as a fun children's artist when the adults simply don't get it, as I mentioned above, because it means the music connects on a simpler and more childlike (but not childish) level. I think my favorite song is actually a slow one though - "Bedtime Ben" is a great little folkish ballad about winding down the day and going to bed. I plan on memorizing this one to sing to my kids as we start the bedtime routine. If it were ever available, I'd also love the guitar chords for this song (hint, hint).

So here are the stars:

Originality & Creativity: Full star! I've only heard one or two other albums that center around a completely made-up universe and it adds something to the purpose of children's music that can't be found anywhere else.

Propriety: Definitely appropriate material. I should mention that I have high standards for what's appropriate. No swearing and not even the slightest mention or reference to anything immoral, even in jest, and no violent content (no matter how "mild" or "playful") will earn an album a full star.

Appeal to children: I'd say it appeals more towards school-aged children, but there are definitely a few songs that my toddlers can get into and understand.

Appeal to parents: Half star. Though I thoroughly appreciated the creative element on this album, there were just a few songs I skipped through after listening to the whole CD once through. But again, I think kids appreciate crazy songs more than parents do. Most of the time, at least.

Total album likability: Half star again, mostly because of the reasons I stated above. Adam and the Couch Potatoes have hit the mark on coming up with a new way to reach into the minds of our children and bring out the dormant creativity, but I just didn't love every single song, and I want to preserve the meaning of the full star in this category! But as always, check it out for yourself to make up your own mind!

I'll be posting clips on the Listening Station shortly

New "Listening Station"

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:36:00 +0000

My faithful readers know that I've been struggling with posting music for a while. I don't consider myself computer illiterate by any means; in fact, I'm usually pretty good with computers. That fact has made it all the more frustrating that I've had so many problems. If I had all the time and resources in the world, I'd have one extremely awesome, streamlined site. As it is, I have two young children and a billion other responsibilities (I know, who doesn't?), so this is the next best thing for me.

With that, I'm excited to announce the arrival of a sister site, "Hear it, Love it, Share it - Listening Station!" In order to keep the content of this blog, and not have to start all over, I've created a new website that will host song clips. You will also find these songs available for demo on the artist websites, but eventually this Listening Station will be a place where you can browse all the music I've reviewed. Someday it will all be combined into that extremely awesome & streamlined site I mentioned above.

For now, you can enjoy some songs from the most recently reviewed artist, David Tobocman, and his excellent album, "I Count To Ten and other Very Helpful Songs."

Go to the Listening Station!

David Tobocman

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:36:00 +0000

I have to admit, when I saw the title of this CD, "I Count to Ten and other Very Helpful Songs," I lowered my expectations a bit. I've heard enough children's music purporting to "help" our children learn how to do the everyday things like get dressed and tie our shoes and make our beds, and usually they are nothing more than sing-song-y talking with a little tambourine or piano thrown in for good musical measure. Well, I must offer my sincere apologies to David Tobocman for making such a rash judgment, because he has blown the lid off that stereotype with this album.

His 20-year composing career seems to have led him to this moment, when the first few notes of the first song on this album catch our attention and make us want to hear more. His music degree in Jazz Studies certainly adds credibility to the style of this CD, with its catchy rhythm and wide instrumental variety. The content of each song is simple enough for a toddler to understand, if even just to pick up the key words and appreciate the more fun, musical approach to getting them to brush their teeth, as opposed to the normal (at least at our house) "come HERE and brush your teeth! Stop sucking all the toothpaste off. Here- Mommy's going to do it FOR you." Even older children can enjoy the great melodies and fun lyrics of almost all the songs on this CD, and every child will find comfort in the slow, feel-good ballads like "Home," and "To Love You."

Now here is where I award stars!

Originality/Creativity: I was torn here. The jazz element to children's music has been done many times, as well as the the idea of teaching elementary tasks through music, but David created a combination style that brings a new element of excitement to watching your children learn these concepts, because they'll learn to love music at the same time. This is more like 9/10 of a star, not half.

Propriety: Clean and age-appropriate for all young children.

Appeal to children: Definitely! My two children (ages 2 1/2 and 1) both danced along with me, and my son even kept the beat. The older one was also able to count along with the number song, and as I said above, picked up key words in other songs like, "brush," "jammies," "love," and more.

Appeal to parents: Positively easy on the ears. Some songs are even enjoyable to listen to when not catering to my children!

Total album likability: I honestly loved most songs on this CD, but there were two or three I didn't love. They were still nice songs, but just not enough for a full star. But not everyone shares my taste, so make sure to listen and decide for yourself!

To listen to clips, visit David's website. Also, here is a YouTube video for "Home," one of the best songs on the album in my opinion.

New system!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:53:00 +0000

Up until now I've only posted and reviewed music that I love and would buy for my kids. Hear it, LOVE it, Share it, right? Plus, it's always easier to write nice things about people and their music, so I stayed away from reviewing music I didn't like as much. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean that because an album isn't on here that I didn't like it - it might just mean I haven't gotten to it yet. So, after realizing the confusion that might cause, and after consulting the board of this blog (my other mom friends), I've decided to start a new reviewing system. It's a five-star system, but each star will stand for something, like so:

Originality & Creativity: Does the artist bring something new to the genre?

Propriety: Does the song contain truly appropriate material for young children?

Appeal to children: Do my kids respond when I sing or dance along to this CD with them? Or, for older children, do they like this music?

Appeal to parents: Do I want to put ear plugs in after hearing this CD just a few times?

Total album likability: Is there just one or two good songs on this CD, or is the whole album worth having?

So, if the CD possesses that quality, it will get that star. Half-stars can also be awarded, because I say so. I'll also explain why the CD did or did not get a certain star, as well as my usual ramblings about what I like (or from now on, possibly don't like) about an album.

I hope this system will help parents get a better understanding of the music I review, and feel more confident in choosing which ones to add to their collection. I also think it will help artists get a feel for what we parents really like to hear!

I have a lot of CDs waiting in the wings to be reviewed, and I'm excited to use this new system!

Moon Hug

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Remember Charity and the JAMband? And remember that fantastic single, "Juggle the Stars" that I obsessed over? Well, she's done it again. "Moon Hug" is her latest creation and does not disappoint!

It reminds me of one of our favorite books around here, "I Love You the World," which is the story of a mother bunny describing various majesties and wonders of the world, then telling her baby bunny that she loves him more than all those things. I love the imagery it creates in a child's mind; it gets them thinking about how HUGE all those things are- the mountains, the stars, a rocket ship shooting through space, things that are barely even comprehensible to children, and then to have a parent reinforce that their love is even BIGGER than all those things...

Well, even though Charity's song isn't affiliated with the book, she's brought that feeling to life with music, which is even more impactful in my book. I'm posting the lyrics, and then click here to listen to the song.

Moon Hug (words and music copyright 2008 Charity Kahn)

come here
I'll give you a moon hug
hug you all day long
and all night wide
while star kisses
rain down around us
we're catchin' 'em here in our hearts
now we're shiny inside

like the mountains climbing tall
like the ocean waves that fall
like the wind breathing through
that is how I love you

like the sun huge and hot
like the tiniest raindrop
like the buds opening new
that is how I love you

like the roots diving down
like the branches reaching 'round
like the forest standing true
that is how I love you

like the earth's gentle turning
like the stars' fiery burning
like the moon round and blue
that is how I love you

come here
love like the mountains
come here
love like the ocean
come here
love like the raindrop
come here
love like the tree roots
come here
love like the stars
come here
love like the blue moon

--------------

P.S. For those in the San Francisco area, Charity offers classes and summer camps for children, babies included! Visit her website for more info.

Magic lamp, where are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:45:00 +0000

I just lost all my music. All of it. Well, except the three songs on the Rebecca Frezza post, because I was using a different server for that. Everything else is gone.

Soooooooooooooo, while I pick my heart up off the floor and rebuild my online library from the CDs, please check out artist website links for music samples! I will do my best to restore everything as it was, but I can't promise I won't forget something. If you have a favorite that you always came back here to listen to, please feel free to email me and I'll make sure to re-post that one.

Now pardon me while I go for a run to shake it off...

UPDATE: I have created a LISTENING STATION that now houses music clips for each artist. I'm still building up the archives from past posts, but recently reviewed music can be found there!

Now I love it even more!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:50:00 +0000

This is a short video for "Seepy Sams," as found on the just-reviewed Stardust by Cher & Gene Klosner. This makes the song just that much cuter.

Stardust Lullaby

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Stardust Lullaby is siblings and musical masterminds Cher & Gene Klosner's fourth album, created to fill an instrumental void they felt in the children's music lullaby genre: a lack of real & authentic instrumentation. Too many albums used synthesized instruments, so out of the ashes of emotional music rose award-winning Stardust. The iParenting Media Awards program bestowed the great honor of "2008 Best Product- Audio" upon this album. Wait, did you read that? BEST PRODUCT- AUDIO. Out of all the possible choices-- they gave this to Stardust. That should tell you something!

My favorite aspects of this album are as follows:

1) Both Cher & Gene have AMAZING voices. Soothing, rich, and beautiful. Perfect for lullabies.

2) They've taken old favorites and rearranged them with style and class, for example, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," which is my son's favorite song to sing along with me, so I'm particularly pleased to have a new version for him to hear. Also, you can't go wrong with "Baby Mine," from the movie Dumbo. That song pierces straight through every mother's heart, and this version is no different.

3) New songs that will quickly become favorites. "Pillow Soft, Blanket Warm (Dream's Doorway)" is absolutely stunning, from the creative lyrics and storyline to Gene's gorgeous vocal. Also, "Seepy Sams" is just about the cutest song I've heard in a long, long time. I just have to share the story behind it, as found in the album booklet:

"I can't get enough of the sound of kids' laughter. I wrote this silly little song for my son, just to hear him giggle. Having no clarinet available, I would sing "nug-nul-la-nah-nah" in the tag, which always got the giggles going." - Cher

I could go on and on and on. Two full discs of original tracks and fantastic arrangements of classics from The Carpenters, John Denver, the musical genius of Johannes Brahms, and many more, this album exceeds all expectations I could ever even think to have for a lullaby CD. They even have an instrumental version of each song, as if the album weren't perfect enough! This is not a lie: every single song on this album by itself is worth the purchase of this CD.

Cher & Gene, I'm your new biggest fan, and I'm definitely not alone. I can't wait to hear the rest of your music!

Visit www.stardustlullaby.com for more information on this album, on them as artists, and more media clips. As always, a few of my favorites:

*NOTE: Once again I'm having issues with posting music. Luckily you can go to the above mentioned website and listen to clips, so I recommend listening to these especially:

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star - Disc 1

Pillow Soft, Blanket Warm (Dreams' Doorway) - Disc 1

Seepy Sams - Disc 2

For Baby (For Bobbie) - Disc 2

YAY! NEW MUSIC!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:21:00 +0000

I've been away for a while, but I'm back and I'm really excited to share this artist!

Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck- "Special Kind of Day" is their fourth album, and if their other three are anything like this one, I'm a fan for life. I'm absolutely in love with her voice, and the songs are just what I've been waiting for. There are beautiful songs you know come straight from her heart. I've made a mental note to learn the words to those so I can sing them as lullabies at night. Then there are energetic songs that can turn a bad day around with the first few notes and had my kids movin' around the house to the beat.

This kind of children's music is the reason I have this blog!

Her music is featured on PBS Kids and Noggin ("Jack's Big Music Show" - a favorite around here), and can also be heard on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio. Click on the song titles below to hear a few of my favorites, and then check out more about her at www.bigtruckmusic.com.

Come On Out

Summer Sunshine

Butterfly

The "Wonderstuff" Dreams Are Made Of

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:44:00 +0000

I give up. I've been trying to find a way to post this music on here for weeks. It's not that I can't post any music, it's literally that I cannot upload songs from specifically these "Wonderstuff" CDs to any form of web storage or server in order to post music samples on this blog. I can post some songs from my music collection, just not these and several others. I have no idea why. It's like some music-hating demon doesn't want me to gush about this album or something.

But I can't handle putting this off any longer. You all must know about Recess Monkey, a hip Seattle-based kids music group whose most recent album made its way into my all-time favorites after listening through it just once. I almost cannot bear it that I can't post any songs for you to sample, but luckily for all of us their websites have more than enough to get you hooked.

I'm not kidding! I almost want to you to stop reading and direct you to their site now just so you can hear it, but then you wouldn't have read about why it's so awesome. I guess you could go listen and then come back and read...no wait, stay. Read and then go listen. It will be better that way.

Drew, Daron, and Jack make up this talented teacher trio, and their most recent album, "Wonderstuff" is a two-disc dream for any parent, hence the title of this post. The album tells a story, with hilarious narrations interspersed in between each clever song. Just by listening to these guys sing & talk (even though they're pretending to be various characters), you can tell they have loads of fun together and really enjoy what they do, which makes their music that much more believable and fun.

You really just have to listen to understand. And normally that's where I save the day by providing a few songs for sampling, but alas, you know my dilemma. So instead, take a few minutes and visit their official website, Recess Monkey Town and a playful album-inspired website, The Wonderbees, and it won't take you more than a few songs to see what I'm talking about. And don't forget to check out their first two albums, "Welcome to Monkey Town" (2005) and "Aminal House" (2006). And no, that's not a typo.

And don't worry, I'm still feverishly trying to find a way to post music again. If it comes down to it, I'll change sites cause what's a music blog without music clips? Anyway, stay tuned.

Music-less Post

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:07:00 +0000

For some reason I feel like I can't post without having music to share. Then I remember that this is MY blog and I can do whatever I want, right? I really can't believe my last post was 20 days ago. I can't remember what I've done in those 20 days except for the last 8, which involved Thanksgiving madness and the recent illness ravaging my son's body.

I do know that there are several artists in my queue to share, as well as my needing to figure out another way to post sound bytes on here without having ugly grey bubbles everywhere, as well as the general redesign process I've been wanting to do for a while now. Hopefully there is enough archived content to keep you all still interested in this blog until I post something new, which I hope hope hope to be able to do by midweek, assuming the Evil Virus that has inhabited my child's body is gone. Oh yeah, and my infant daughter is now climbing stairs, so her newfound mobility has exponentially reduced the amount of "eyes-off" time I have to blog, email, go to the bathroom, whatever.

I know, poor me. I'm the first person in blogging history to have two kids, right? I thought so.

Stay tuned...I've got some GOOD STUFF to post about this week. REALLY good stuff, I promise. In fact, I'll cheat and put up a song as the sample song before I even have the post ready. Just so you know I'm not lying.

P.S. I'm trying to post a song, but I recently got a new Mac and I'm still learning my way around on it, so check back again for the song. Or the real post. Whichever ends up coming first.

Children's Music the Brainy Tunes Way

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:45:00 +0000

Sometimes it's hard to figure out how to describe a new artist I share, since most of the time the professional writers these guys hire for their websites say it best, and I'm tempted just to copy and paste their bios (and sometimes I do post snippets). In this case, however, I have an advantage...I've had quality personal cyber-contact with this artist, and I can personally attest to his good heart and genuine intentions. Ira Marlowe, creator of Brainy Tunes, really truly believes in creating "Smarter Songs for Smarter Kids," and does a wonderful job of it as well.

However, I am still going to borrow from the bio page of his website. Since the majority of his music career was spent writing and performing in the adult rock genre, a bit on how he got started in children's music:

In 2004, singer/songwriter Ira Marlowe was singing in a small San Francisco café when a stranger approached him. This stranger turned out to be the creative director of The Learning Company, the leading producer of educational software for kids, who hired him on the spot to write a series of songs for their upcoming Reader Rabbit release, including the Reader Rabbit Theme, which now appears with every new Reader Rabbit product.

After 20 years in the music business, Ira found writing for kids to be absolutely liberating. No longer wondering what record company execs might think, he started having fun again, knowing that the more creative and colorful he made his songs, the more kids would like them. This is what inspired him to start his own kids’ music company, Brainy Tunes.

Another thing I like about Ira is that he gives a unique look into his own life by sharing random facts about his childhood, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how the music comes to life, all on his website under the bio page. Check it out when you have some time- you'll especially want to check out his dog, Potus, who just might be the first canine President of the United States. In addition, his website has great features for kids, including funny videos and educational online games.

Now that you know a bit about how he came to be, you'll have a greater appreciation for his music, which obviously is no small part of Brainy Tunes. He has two releases thus far, award-winning "The Teasing Bird and Other Stories" (2005) and "All the Colors" (2006), both albums full of great music and inventive lyrics to get a child's mind going in the right, curious direction. Gone are the days of the slow, grandmother-y melodies of past children's music...Ira Marlowe has created a style all his own that complements today's music trends perfectly, while keeping the content age-appropriate for our children's sponge-like brains. And, as with all the music I post, this stuff is easy on the ears for the parents! Better than that, both albums are ones I listen to for my own enjoyment. They have found their place in my iTunes playlist that serenades me each time I turn on my computer, and each time I listen I discover a song I love for a new reason.

So listen away and find your own reasons...

[Note: Since I care very much about the reputation of this blog and the music it shares, please be aware that as I mentioned, Ira Marlowe spent a major part of his career in a different genre, one not suitable for small children. He has another website that is not in any way affiliated with his children's music, and if you come across it please be aware of the distinction. Cause hey, if Nine Inch Nails can make a lullaby album, anyone can make the crossover, right?]

"Dust Off Your Dreams" in LullabyLand

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:58:00 +0000

As her website states, Paige Stroman did just that. These are the artists that I love to write about. How much more inspiring is it to listen to music that is the direct result of a dream never forgotten? With her two albums so far, Paige has given us all a reason to follow our dreams. An excerpt from her website tells her story:

After years of chasing the dream, Paige found herself gaining experience in fields of business that appeared to take her away from her dream. An opportunity to dive in again was afforded to her through a website that connected her to "the expert" who would eventually land her in the world where all of her dreams would, like Dorothy who she had played so long ago, really come true. Terry McManus, who had toured with Mister Dressup, the Canadian equivalent of Mr. Rogers, answered the question on Paige's heart.......was there anything out there for her in the world of Children's music and Lullabies?? After hearing the rough demo sent to him by Paige, Terry saw the potential. He passed the demo along to fellow professor, Jack Richardson, a big-time rock producer in the 70's...

Read the full story here, as well as pages more of interesting info on The Lullaby Lady. Paige has already seen great success with her first album, "Lullabies to Celebrate Mother and Child," even having it be invited to be part of the 2007 Academy Award Gift Bags! We can expect no less with her second album, "Christmas Lullabies to Create Memories" is the one I'm going to share here (yes, I'm actually playing Christmas music on this blog before Halloween is even over), with fabulous renditions of the best Christmas songs out there, as well as six original songs that are sure to become favorites as well. She has been blessed with such a soothingly beautiful voice and this album is an excellent way to keep the holiday spirit in your home. Light up those cinnamon & spice candles, put this in the CD player, and you can pretend that all you have to do for the month of December is hang out in front of the fire with your family and celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.

Other items of note: Paige has a podcast, "Love, Lullaby and Laughter" found on TotsPod. She also has a cool page on her website that tells the story behind various songs on her albums. Knowing the reasons why an artist writes or performs a song always makes it more personal for me, and I enjoy having a connection with the music I love to listen to. And speaking of listening, here are a few great songs from her Christmas album for you to enjoy and get hooked on, including her original work, "Christmas Lullaby." Thanks Paige, for keeping your dream alive.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR HER SONGS AT THE LISTENING STATION

A Swingin' Good Time

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:54:00 +0000

Let me put it to you straight- this album is PHENOMENAL. It is so much fun, so energetic, so entertaining, so clever, so enjoyable, so perfectly created. All this greatness comes from Genius + Love, whose debut album is a masterpiece of which they should be enormously proud.

This album, "Jazz and Swing for Kids" is a great set of classic kids' songs presented in the ideal combination of jazz and swing music, and is a match made in heaven. When have you EVER heard jazz or swing music that didn't make you want to get up and dance your brains out?? This album is no exception; my son is rockin' out as I write this, and I'll be joining him as soon as I'm done. But besides the energy you feel listening to this album, it's a great way to introduce your children to jazz and swing music at an early age without them getting lost in the complexities of adult music.

And this won't be all from Genius + Love...this is only the beginning! Danny Brooks Dalby, seasoned producer, has partnered with Wendi L. Lowery, a learning theorist from Vanderbilt University to bring us a new and incredible line of children's products. In addition to great music we can expect illustrated childrens' books, multi-lingual workbooks with musical accompaniments, and more.

I could go on and on, but I'll let the music speak for itself. Besides, my son is waiting for his dance partner!

"Jazz & Swing for Kids" is available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and Barnes and Noble.

An Inside Look

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:39:00 +0000

Ever wonder how all these creative geniuses come up with this stuff? Sometimes we take good music for granted and don't really think about the hours and hours and hours of behind-the-scenes action that goes into a song or album. It's kind of like how we used to think our grade school teachers only existed during the day to teach and then disappeared into nonexistence at night.

Well, Barney Saltzberg has answered the call of our curiosity with his new blog, Barney Saltzberg Noodlings. He writes about the creative process behind his childrens' books and music, and it's really interesting to see where an artist gets his ideas and how they come to life in his work. He also shares stories that have built his career. It's not often we get such a candid look into the life of an artist who gives so much of himself to give us books and songs to improve our own children's lives. Thanks Barney, and thanks to all of you artists that sacrifice to contribute some goodness to our society.

Also, if you're as interested in the inspiration behind the music as I am, you should also check out Eric Herman's blog where he's written several articles on the subject under his "The Idea Tree" sections. Very cool and interesting stuff!

On another Barney Saltzberg note, he has a new silly video out for his song, "Crazy Hair Day," from the album of the same name. Check it out!