[.ca] Family Tree

Family Tree ranks as singer/songwriter Tom Chapin's best overall children's release. Chapin applies a grand musical scheme, integrating horns, well-recorded large ensembles, and more, which results in a mix that will wow parents and kids alike. He prefers narrative-oriented songs, and here does a wonderful job on a father-son relationship in "Shovelling" and includes a touching lullaby-like farewell to friends on "Together Tomorrow." Unlike lots of children's music, in which a simple vibe is struck and then stuck with throughout, this collection varies with each song, often using humor to ease kids into a realm where they can grasp some kernel of truth about themselves and their parents. His take on the "Big Rock Candy Mountain" is inventive (and shrewdly avoids the liquor-guzzling references in the original), and there's a politically progressive angle to the entire recording. --Andrew Bartlett

a family favorite:
This is the first Tom Chapin CD that I've purchased and it's become a favorite of my two girls (age 2 and 4). They either start singing along or bouncing around to the music. The lyrics are intelligent and also silly. I have been a Harry Chapin fan for many years and am amazed at the talent of these two brothers. Some of the songs will have more meaning to the girls when they're older (e.g. Family Tree and Someone's Gonna Use It) and that's also a plus... highly recommed this artist and CD.

funny, clever and cool:
I remember Tom Chapin from the tv show "Make a Wish," so when I found out he'd done a number of kids' cd's, it was a no-brainer. "Family Tree" is everything I'd expect from Tom Chapin. It's great for even the youngest kids -- catchy tunes, playful lyrics, humor, fanciful stories, kooky characters -- but it's not so sugary that parents cringe. In fact, I look forward to hearing this cd along with my kids. As others have said, "In the Nick of Time" is brilliant, striking a chord with kids and parents alike. I love the environmental message of some of the songs, like "This Pretty Planet," which is achingly beautiful, and "Someone's Gonna Use It," about water conservation. Then there are the songs that are just plain fun, like "Uh Oh Accident" and "Plenty of Room." Great stuff.

SELDOM I LISTEN TO-:
TOM'S VOICE SOUNDS LIKE HE COULD DO BETTER AT ADULT MUSIC. WHEN HE SINGS CHILDREN'S MUSIC, HE SOUNDS SO OUT OF PLACE. THE LYRICS ARE WAY TO PRE-SCHOOLISH FOR ME IN MY OPINION. IN FACT I COULD HAVE FUN WITH THIS CD BY BACKING THE CAR OUT OVER IT!! USE THE CD AS A FRISBEE, OR USE IT AS A SHOTPUT!!! TOM JUST DOES NOT CUT THE MUSTARD FOR ME!!!!

Family Tree, Family Favourite:
This is the best album for children I've ever heard. Chapin's songs run the gamut of moods and situations, all from the kids' viewpoint, with sensitivity, love and abundant humour. What distinguishes these songs from those of many others is that he is never condescending or cloyingly sentimental. Another distinction is the unfailingly high standard of musicianship, from the sheer beauty of his round with Judy Collins to the fun and funky blues number about shovelling snow. My children have long since grown, but this album remains a steadfast favourite with us all, and now I'm ordering one for my three-year-old niece's birthday. Every family should have one.

Absolutely the best!:
The last viewers' comments compelled me to write because not only has my daughter loved this CD for years (she's 7 and has had it since age 4) but it's always an immediate favorite of her friends. It's guaranteed to immediately calm down a carload of kids who are getting a little overzealous - they want to hear it over and over again! Another new classic from Tom Chapin.

• Parade Came Marching
• Nick of Time
• Rounds
• Shovelling
• Long Way Home
• Big Rock Candy Mountain
• Someone's Gonna Use It
• Family Tree
• This Pretty Planet
• Plenty of Room
• Don't Make Me
• Uh Oh, Accident
• Blanketville
• Together Tomorrow