Recently I've been on the hunt for good kids' music. It all started when I was in the kids' section at Walmart where they have music snippets blaring away. Dean was going crazy for it (I couldn't tell if it was the music or the flashing number telling which piece was playing). But boy was it annoying music! A couple years ago my brother made a mixed CD for my siblings with children of songs that kids like that parents can listen to as well. I didn't have kids at that point, so I don't have the CD (I'm sure I could request it). Anyway, I've been searching out music and I've come up with some interesting finds.
So far one of my favorite artists is Elizabeth Mitchell's You are My Little Bird. I think I may just download the whole CDs rather than pick out songs here and there. It is nice and mellow. (You are My Flower doesn't seem bad either, but I don't think I want the whole CD.)
Some funny songs include Barenaked Ladie's I don't Like and Crazy ABC's on the Snack Time CD.
Although Amazon didn't have a preview of the songs, I may just buy Jazz for Kids. I love, love, love Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong so I hope I'd like their (and similar artists') kids' music.
They Might Be Giants have a lot of kids' songs (as well as songs not made for kids but are apropriate for them to listen to). Among my favorites so far are No! and Istantbul (Not Constantinople)
I'm still looking. Anyone have favorite CD's (or songs) for kids that you enjoy as well?
9 comments:
I was so excited to find some music that I liked as a kid at Britemusic.com. I like all of the "I Have a Song for You" albums, especially the animals one. The "Safety Kids vol. I" has a song that teaches kids their telephone numbers - I remember my phone number from all 6 houses I grew up in thanks to that song! (Vol II is about staying away from drugs and has some catchy songs.) And the "Show a Little Love" is good, too. A bit corny sometimes, but I still enjoy singing along.
The fun part is that you can download the songs and then print off the activity pages for free, instead of having to buy the CD and book set.
Oh, man...Britemusic. And Safety Kids. That brings back a flood of memories, Kristeee.
As for music that we like around here. For his birthday, Garrett was given a CD of Raffi songs. I grew up with Raffi and loved him. He's less annoying that a lot of kid's singers out there. I also just got my hands on the primary songbook CDs (words and music) and they're pleasant to listen to.
They Might Be Giants actually has a childrens CD called "Here Come the ABC's" that my kids use to ADORE (and still do.)
We are huge fans of The Wiggles and have all of their CD's. They may seem a little annoying at first, but my kids LOVED them and when we would play them, Jeff and I found ourselves singing louder than the kids.
Raffi is nice, but my kids never really got into him much. They would always ask for the Wiggles or their "ABC music".
I'm pretty sure we had the Safety Kids music, but looking at the song titles, I couldn't sing you one of those songs. We did have Power Tunes and I still have some of those songs run through my head. I may just have to get it.
Lindsay, I didn't grow up with Raffi, but after listening to a few I think I could be okay with him. He has a pleasant voice.
Em, glad to know the Here come the ABC's by TMBG is good. There wasn't a preview for that one on Amazon.
I love Jack Johnson, and he has a CD for both parents and kids, the soundtrack to Curious George. I think all the songs on it are great.
I like Silly Songs, but I don't know who made it. Sorry
If I happen to see Veggie Tales on T.V. the songs always crack me up. I don't have any C.D.'s though.
We went through a huge Raffi stage. I also love Laurie Berkener and Ralph's World. If you put on Nick Jr., they have music videos by those guys in between shows to give you an idea of what they sound like. It is kind of like cool music with kids' words. Even Cannon can stand them.
Thanks Amanda. Ralph's World isn't bad. Kinda makes me think of and American Beatles singing kids' songs...
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