Music » Compilation Children's Music

An all-star cast has joined forces to produce a wonderful CD and, if that weren't exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds will help restore music education in the U.S. public school system through the VHI Save the Music Foundation. Clever new renditions of familiar Muppets and Sesame Street tunes abound, but Semisonic's Dan Wilson, ex-Del Fuego artist Dan Zanes, Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips, and Bleu wrote songs for this album, and Tom Waits's lullaby "Bend Down the Branches," originally recorded for a short film, makes its debut on this CD. No offense, Kermit, but the frog's 1979-vintage "The Rainbow Connection" never sounded so sultry as Sarah McLachlan's version here. Another favorite is "The Hoppity Song," a rock & roll ode to Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's son Johnny. Make no mistake--this isn't one of those CDs that is more for adults than kids--songs about hygiene, the alphabet, and crying ("It's All Right to Cry" originally from Marlo Thomas's Free to Be You and Me) are truly "for the kids." That said, adults will enjoy hearing their favorite artists switch gears in this gentle (mostly, not Bleu's energetic "Snow Day!"), upbeat compilation, which combines just the right blend of familiar sing-along songs and exciting new material. The booklet doubles as a foldout coloring book, with illustrations for each song. A fun and noble effort for a fun and noble cause. --Karin Snelson

GENERAL FEATURES: Beethoven's Wig Sing Along Symphonies are zany stick-in-your-head lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music. Filled with fact and fancy about the world's most notable composers and their masterpieces, each Sing Along Symphony opens the door to "serious music" in a way that's fun. As a bonus, the orchestral performance of each classical piece is included without lyrics. Educational entertainment for all ages.

Release Date: 2002-06-04, Audio CD, New Haven

Release Date: 2000-10-03, Audio CD, Children's Group

For Our Children launched in 1990 and in many ways inspired the bounty of celebrity-philanthropy records for kids in its wake. From Bob Dylan and Sting to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the roster on this cornucopia of great kid songs--and even greater interpretations--has donated all proceeds to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Although tilted toward baby-boomer parents, the tracks have a timeless, ageless appeal. You'll be hard-pressed to find another five-star children's recording this satisfying, including the follow-up effort, For Our Children, Too. Little Richard rocks "Itsy Bitsy Spider," McCartney turns his sweet, melodic gifts toward "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and Bruce Springsteen makes a lively stew of "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips." Other noteworthy moments include Jackson Browne and Jennifer Warnes doing the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers" and Carole King reprising the Disney Dumbo love theme, "Child of Mine." But surely the crowning touch is Dylan's unforgettable version of "This Old Man," phrased and delivered as only Dylan can with his mercurial invention and powerful character. This belongs in your children's collection. --Martin Keller

Release Date: 1995-10-23, Audio CD, Margaritaville

Equating Martha Stewart with hip is enough to give any parent pause. Are "good things" on the order of ribbon-festooned lampshades what cool has come to? Yes and no. Sleepytime may not crash through the cool barrier entirely--its liner notes leap right over the music, choosing, instead to instruct how to frame hand-knit booties--but it comes admirably close. Sending preciousness scampering to the opposite side of the street on this 14-track disc are the artists: Keb' Mo', Lucinda Williams, Billy Bragg, and Alison Krauss represent, in more hushed tones than usual, what makes modern music worth listening to. The Barenaked Ladies loosen the tongues from their cheeks for "Close to You," Linda Ronstadt works out the bedtime kinks on a cover of Lennon and McCartney's "Goodnight," and Bobby McFerrin lulls listeners along unintelligibly on "Common Threads." Songs by Tuck and Patti, Jenny Bruce, and Nickel Creek swoop in softly, grab us by the mushy parental core, and encircle us with an intoxicating calm. With Sleepytime Martha Stewart proves, in a typically tasteful package streaked with uncharacteristic cool, that she hasn't lost the scent of success. --Tammy La Gorce

1999 Oppenheim Award. Based on the Avon Books release The Mozart Effect by Don Campbell, accomplished author, teacher, musician and noted authority on music and healing. Features some of Mozart's most powerful, playful and affecting compositions, selected by the author for children ages 2-16 and designed to achieve a particular effect, including enhancing the IQ. Includes "Rondo" from Eline Kleine Nachtmusik, "Allegro moderato - Violin Concerto #2", "Variations - Sinfonia, Andante - Symphony #17", "Andantino - Symphony #24", "5 Variations - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "Allegro aperto - Violin Concerto #5", "Andante - Symphony #15". Running time 50.0

Learn strategies for personal success. Kids learn math facts 0-18, the Doubles Plus One and the Two More Than strategies, all about the Fabulous Family of Fives, and more with this award-winning album. A fun, kid-friendly method of learning addition! Encourages consistent practice and determination for success in school and sports.

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